District Developments
News to Know related to D75 & D120
District Developments
November 2025 Issue
Fall Trivia 🍂🌻🍁
🏈 When was the first Thanksgiving NFL football game? 🦃
Scroll to the bottom to see the answer.
Aspiring Leadership Cohort 25-26 SY
The Leadership Cohort is resuming January 2026. This cohort is designed to foster the leader within our incredible staff members. If you are looking to take the next step in your leadership journey, please consider joining our cohort. This cohort is designed to help you develop your strategic thinking, collaborative skills, and the vision for your path into leadership.
Check out this Leadership Cohort form to see more details and to apply for the cohort.
A Helping Hand Is Always Welcome
There seems to be more uncertainty in the world as of late. Most of these worries are about basic needs, like shelter, healthcare, and food. The Welcome Center, located in the newly renovated Myers Education Center just west of Mundelein High School, is a donation center dedicated to distributing essential goods to our community members in need of food, clothing, basic household goods, and whatever else is needed in a time of crisis. Here's Jamie DiCarlo, founder of the Welcome Center, to answer some questions and give some insight on how it all works.
What’s your role within the Welcome Center?
I have the honor of working with all the stakeholders that collaborate around the Welcome Center.
What inspired you to start the Welcome Center and how long has it been serving the community?
When we began the process of creating our own Transition Center, I envisioned an enlarged food pantry type space for our amazing Mundelein families. I thought it would be a great dual opportunity. First, to support families that may be experiencing food insecurities or other socio-economic constraints. Next, it would allow for Transition participants to have on-campus opportunities to run a store. (Though, with this store, all items are free. No questions asked!) Planning began in 2018 and we opened in October of 2019. We were seeing an increased need for resources in our community and felt this was an opportunity to help families in a safe and familiar space, close to home.
What’s the Welcome Center all about? What services are offered there?
The Welcome Center was created as a resource and support space for families, primarily those with students attending D75 and D120 schools. Our goal is to ensure that every family feels welcome, supported, and connected to the resources they need. We also extend our support to families from surrounding districts whenever possible.
Through the generous donations we receive, the Welcome Center provides food, clothing, and other basic necessities to families in need. It’s a place where families can find support, comfort, and a sense of community.
Who works at the Welcome Center? Who keeps the whole thing going? Are you ever looking for volunteers?
Veronica Huerta is our main point of contact—she sorts and organizes donations, keeps the Welcome Center running smoothly, and ensures the space is welcoming and well-maintained.
Absolutely! Volunteers are always appreciated and help make a big difference in keeping the Welcome Center running smoothly. If you’re interested in lending a hand, we would love to have your support.
Who can access the Welcome Center services (donated clothing, food, etc.)?
All D75 and D120 staff can make appointments in support of our families at any time by emailing Veronica Huerta, Melissa Yonkelowitz, Cassandra Lopez, Fred Kliora or Oneida Huizar. (Each of these team members plays a role as a community liaison or community/parent support specialist.)
Student Support team members at MHS can also walk a student over to shop, with advanced notice to someone listed above. (Fred Kliora can assist.)
During periods that can be difficult for some families such as holidays or economic downturns, how can the community help?
We are always looking for donations! Soon, staff will have the opportunity, (week before Thanksgiving), to sign up to sponsor a family for the holidays. The Welcome Center operates thanks to the generosity of our community and staff members who donate items. Together, we ensure that families have access to the resources they need.
Where do we donate, and what kinds of donations are needed?
A large brown bin is at the back of the Welcome Center on the MHS staff parking lot side (1500 W Hawley). This is the best spot for donations. You may also organize directly through one of the parent coordinators or community specialists mentioned earlier.
We gladly accept donations of nonperishable food items, gently used or new clothing for children and adults, shoes, winter coats, and basic household necessities. Hygiene products and school supplies are also greatly appreciated. Every donation, big or small, helps us continue supporting families in need within our community. Gift cards to places like Aldi, Jewel and Walmart are also greatly appreciated! Please see this donation list that references what we need right now.
Can you share a story that illustrates the difference the Welcome Center made in someone's life?
The Welcome Center has made a real difference in the lives of many families in our community. During the pandemic, we were able to provide essential food and clothing to families struggling with unexpected challenges. When a recent tornado caused significant damage in our area, the Welcome Center stepped in to support affected families with necessities and comfort. During our holiday drives, we have been able to provide gifts for children, helping to bring joy to families facing difficult times.
“Champions keep playing until they get it right.”
– Billie Jean King, female American tennis player
🦃 Would You Rather - Thanksgiving Edition! 🦃
Would you rather cook the entire meal or do all the dishes?
Fremont Library Resources
Fremont Public Library is offering these resources to our teachers! Check them out!
Shop Super Local
Check out our Shop Super Local site to see the offerings from our creative colleagues.
You'll notice there are D75 and D120 versions available – don't worry, the content is identical! We've simply set up domain-specific access to ensure your personal business information stays secure and isn't visible to anyone outside our districts.
**If you'd like to add your small business to this site, fill out the Shop Super Local form.
