Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #8

October 3, 2025

I am deeply honored and humbled to have received the Latinx Community Leader Award this past Monday evening from Wintrust Bank. This recognition, presented at Wintrust Headquarters in Rosemont, holds special meaning to me—not only because of what it represents, but because of who it came from.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Herbert Juarez, Assistant Vice President of Wintrust Personal Banking at Mundelein Community Bank, for nominating me for this award. What makes this recognition so profoundly meaningful is that it came from a parent and community member—someone I didn't know personally who was simply a community member impacted by the good work occurring in our building! Needless to say, when Wintrust contacted me about the nomination, I was genuinely blown away.

Our core mantra—yes we CAN, all students CAN—these aren't just words on a wall. It's a promise we make to every student and family who walks through our doors. Awards like this remind me that this work matters, that our community sees and values the commitment we bring every day. Thank you!

Thank you, Wintrust Bank and Mr. Juarez, for this incredible honor and for believing in the work we do for all our students.

Go Mustangs!

Dr. Alexandria Taylor

Principal

Mundelein High School

847-949-2200

www.d120.org

ataylor@d120.org

All 9th-grade students must submit a school physical.

All 12th-grade students must submit proof of the second meningococcal vaccination.

Students without these requirements will be excluded from school on October 15. Visit our health office website for more info.

Featuring - Roberto Clemente

The youngest of seven children, Roberto Clemente grew up in a tight-knit, humble, but proud Puerto Rican family. His tragic death left behind his wife, Vera, three young sons, Roberto Jr., Luis Roberto, and Roberto Enrique — and a humanitarian reputation that lives on.

Many organizations honor Clemente’s spirit of caring. Major League Baseball gives the Roberto Clemente Award to current players who exemplify Clemente’s commitment to community and helping others. The Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities offers free college courses to thousands of economically and educationally disadvantaged people in American cities. In Puerto Rico, Clemente’s family helps support a sports complex that teaches and inspires hundreds of thousands of youth annually, and in Pittsburgh, they founded the Roberto Clemente Foundation to help disadvantaged youth.

The Roberto Clemente Award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

Text Courtesy of:

PBS - https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/roberto-clemente-his-family-and-his-legacy/, and

MLB - https://www.mlb.com/community/roberto-clemente-award

Image Courtesy of: CMG Worldwide - https://www.cmgworldwide.com/2023/11/15/roberto-clemente-the-walk-off-inside-the-park-grand-slam/

Don’t be spooked, it's almost October! October is Bullying Prevention month, and Red Ribbon week. There will be multiple activities done throughout the month in the commons during lunch periods to provide students with knowledge and resources. We will celebrate Red Ribbon week from Oct 27- 31st. There will be theme dress days and activities in the commons each day of the week. The week will end with a mental health resource fair in the commons on Halloween. Students will be able to trick or treat for candy and resources! I will send another email closer to Red Ribbon Week with promotional materials to post. There will also be weekly social emotional workshops throughout the month.

Wellness Center Newsletter

Workshop calendar- October Calendar

Hope Squad Coping Strategies of the Week for October

Character Value Slide: Resilience

• Before school, during lunch, free periods, study hall. Staff help and student (peer) tutors available.
• ARC Academic Resource Center B145-147: help with any subject. Mon.-Fri. 7:00am-3:25pm.
• Teacher office hours: contact the teacher for time/day.
• Guidance: Counselors can make arrangements for help. Check Power School for name of assigned counselor.
• Student-led AP and Honors Study Group schedule; Remind codes for each group (Text the code to 81010):

Download in English | Spanish

This week, we had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Senator Darby Hills to Mundelein High School as our Principal for a Day. Senator Hills fully immersed herself in the daily life of our school, and her genuine interest in understanding the current landscape of public education was evident throughout her visit.

Senator Hills began her day engaging in meaningful dialogue with our Principal Advisory Student Leaders, followed by an in-depth look at our school safety protocols and daily operations. She then took on what she described as one of her most challenging tasks of the day—reading the morning announcements over the intercom. With characteristic humor, she admitted this was "more nerve-wracking than arguing on the Senate floor!" Throughout the day, she visited multiple classrooms, explored our comprehensive student support services, and met with our building administrative teams and Deputy Superintendent.

Senator Hills visit underscores something we believe deeply: political education in schools is essential for preparing students to think critically, develop their own informed views, and find their voice. This principle is woven into our Profile of a Learner and reflects the core tenets we want every MHS graduate to embody.

INFORMATION-SEEKING — We encourage all our students to acquire and evaluate knowledge from multiple perspectives. At MHS, we fundamentally believe that critical thinking, diverse learning experiences, and respectful dialogue strengthen our students' understanding of government and democracy.

SELF-ASSURED — We actively encourage our students to speak up, stand up for their peers, and learn how to engage with opposing viewpoints respectfully and constructively. This type of discourse builds crucial skills for civic participation and professional life.

EMPATHY — We strive to foster empathy and reduce polarization by presenting complex issues as nuanced rather than binary. When MHS students encounter differing viewpoints with respect, they become better equipped to identify bias, evaluate sources, and resist misinformation. Ultimately, this experience teaches students that intelligent, ethical people can reach different conclusions—and that's not only okay, it's essential for a healthy democracy.

I am grateful to Senator Hills for her genuine desire to learn about the current needs of high school students and for demonstrating to our community the importance of bridging understanding between education and public policy. Experiences like these remind our students that their voices matter and that engaged citizenship begins right here in our halls.

I welcome the opportunity for any political leader to learn more about public high schools by being MHS Principal for a Day!

Join us this coming week for some exciting college visits! Register in SchoolLinks today!

Check out out weekly newsletter for more important event and scholarship information.

The 2025 Career Expo and Networking Event is an opportunity for our 2000+ students to learn about the exciting careers that await them after graduation, and we'd love to have you be a part of it!

We are looking for professionals from all industries! Volunteers will be asked to host a table and speak with students about your profession during the entire event. The expo is a relaxed way for students to explore career options, it's a great deal of fun, and lunch is on us!

If you're fired-up about your profession and would like to be a part of this event, fill out the linked survey. If you have questions, feel free to contact Alexander Kapotas at akapotas@d120.org or (847) 949-2200 x1092. Please note that space is limited, and no fee is required to participate.

P.S. Take a look inside our programming by following us on Instagram and viewing this student-produced segment on our 2024 Job Expo. There's an energetic vibe happening, and we'd love to have you be a part of it!

Advanced Placement Exam Registration begins October 1 for students enrolled is Semester 1 AP Courses. See the testing website for more information.

Click here to read the parent letter from 9/25/2025.

MHS is thrilled to once again be celebrating our annual College Week with a variety of events throughout the week of October 6-10 during lunch periods to help our seniors apply to college and find their future fit. Read on to learn more, and then register for all events in your SchooLinks account.

Click here to see the full schedule of events.

The National Honor Society Induction Ceremony will be held:

October 6th

7:00pm

MHS Auditorium

The mission of NHS is to recognize and foster enthusiasm for scholarship, to promote the development of strong character, to encourage positive leadership, and to cultivate responsible citizenship through service to school and community.

Book Bans Silence Stories and Limit Voices

Since 1990 the American Library Association has been tracking banned and challenged books in American libraries. Banned means the books were removed from the shelves, challenged means an attempt was made to remove the books.

In 2024, 38% of the challenged and banned materials and services happened in US school libraries.

The MHS community is invited to celebrate our freedom to read what we choose by joining the library for a Read-In on Wednesday, October 8 during all lunch periods.

Contact rplaza@d120.org with any questions.

All K-8 students are welcome to attend for homework or subject help.

7:00pm

MHS Auditorium

Free

Classes begin at 9:40am.

Buses will run one hour later than usual.

Click here for late start schedule.

Contest

Mundelein Mustangs versus Lake Zurich Bears

Theme

Senior Night: Marching Band

Red Rage Student Section: Neon

Start Time

7:30pm

Tickets

Current MHS Students with ID - Free

Child (ages 3-10)/Seniors (65+) - $3

General Admission $6

Purchase Tickets at GoFan

Gates open 60 minutes before kickoff for single varsity games. On nights when we have a lower-level game prior to varsity, gates will open 30 minutes prior to kickoff of the lower-level game and remain open through the varsity game.

Permitted Items

Permitted items that are allowed are sealed water bottles, carried rain gear, baby food, blankets, coats, and umbrellas, wheelchairs and walkers, service dogs trained to aid patrons with a disability and pre approved signs or posters.

Disallowed Items

Mundelein High School is reminding our parents/guardians and students that we have a list of items that we do not allow into the stadium on game days. Disallowed items that are not allowed in the stadium are backpacks, large purses, beach bags, outside coolers, outside food or drink, noise makers, balls, inflatable toys, laser pointers, paint, baby powder, streamers, alcoholic beverages, tobacco of any kind including e-cigarettes, drones (except for MHS School Issued Drones), pets. If someone has these items they will be confiscated at the entry gates. All bags are subject to search.

Can't make it in person? Watch Live!

NO SCHOOL - Federal Holiday

This unique event invites all incoming 8th grade Choir students from Fremont, Carl Sandburg, and West Oak, to participate with the choir students from MHS. Workshops and rehearsals occur from after school into the evening and culminate in a large performance in the auditorium. Students get to spend time with upper classmen over dinner while they get unique perspectives on what it means to be in Choir at MHS.

Join us at 7 p.m., in the MHS Auditorium for the 8th Grade Rockstar Concert featuring the Class of 2030. Free Admission!

All 9th-grade students must submit a school physical.

All 12th-grade students must submit proof of the second meningococcal vaccination.

Students without these requirements will be excluded from school on October 15. Visit our health office website for more info.

The 2025 Career Expo and Networking Event is an opportunity for our 2000+ students to learn about the exciting careers that await them after graduation, and we'd love to have you be a part of it!

Take a look at this student-produced segment from our 2024 Job Expo.

Contest

Mundelein Mustangs versus Waukegan Bulldogs

Theme

Community Night

Red Rage Student Section: White Out

Start Time

7:30pm

Tickets

Current MHS Students with ID - Free

Child (ages 3-10)/Seniors (65+) - $3

General Admission $6

Purchase Tickets at GoFan

Gates open 60 minutes before kickoff for single varsity games. On nights when we have a lower-level game prior to varsity, gates will open 30 minutes prior to kickoff of the lower-level game and remain open through the varsity game.

Permitted Items

Permitted items that are allowed are sealed water bottles, carried rain gear, baby food, blankets, coats, and umbrellas, wheelchairs and walkers, service dogs trained to aid patrons with a disability and pre approved signs or posters.

Disallowed Items

Mundelein High School is reminding our parents/guardians and students that we have a list of items that we do not allow into the stadium on game days. Disallowed items that are not allowed in the stadium are backpacks, large purses, beach bags, outside coolers, outside food or drink, noise makers, balls, inflatable toys, laser pointers, paint, baby powder, streamers, alcoholic beverages, tobacco of any kind including e-cigarettes, drones (except for MHS School Issued Drones), pets. If someone has these items they will be confiscated at the entry gates. All bags are subject to search.

Can't make it in person? Watch Live!

We are proud to host visitors to learn more about our programming and facilities. In order to minimize the impact on the educational environment, we have chosen to host visitors on select days throughout the school year.

Therefore, to secure a visitation time, please select from the following options so we are able to provide the necessary information and personnel during your visit.

Our next tour is on October 23rd at 4:30pm. Click here to register.

Save the date. More information coming soon.

This is a free event. Kids will explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities—each one a fun stop on our “Ghost Trip.” From eerie experiments to creepy crafts, every station is filled with thrills, chills, and discoveries.

Costumes welcome • Treats included • Fun guaranteed!

Athletics events week of 10/6/2025

Athletic Department Newsletter (coming soon)

2025-26 Sports Season Start Dates

Did you know? You can stay on top of all the MHS athletic schedule changes and reminders for your favorite activities!

With Notify Me!, you can set yourself up to receive automatic text and email notifications. Simply log in to choose the teams and activities you want to track, and we'll send you updates directly to your phone or inbox.

It's easy to use and you can log back in anytime to modify your settings. Don't miss a game or important update again!

Https://as3.rschooltoday.com/public/notify/genie/632/school/632

MHS Students! Check out the Red Rage Spirit Store to get ready for our Friday Night Lights.

The store will be open until the end of the season! Every shirt closes after a certain amount of time, so make sure to purchase your shirts before the time runs out.

Head to our Instagram page for more info.

Submitted by Coach Falinski

Boys’ Soccer spent Tuesday celebrating their Seniors! Players walked out with their Parents/Guardians and shared messages of appreciation and gratitude. Varsity Soccer also brought home their 1st win of the season

Submitted by Coach Rutz

The Palatine Invitational is one of the best invitationals in the state. I firmly believe that if you can finish among the top 10 teams in any division, you're getting it done.

I was really thrilled with the performance of our freshmen. The 2 we had in the freshman race executed their race plan perfectly, running side by side until the last 500 meters. Tristan Horcher and Matthew Finley set a great example for the rest of the team Saturday.

The other freshman racing Saturday helped our sophomore squad take 5th out of 25 teams in the tough, tough field. They were led by Erick Cordova, Aidan Sweet, and Advik Sharma, medalists all. The 3 took 9th, 12th and 16th out of over 280 runners, and remained in contact for the entire race. Freshman Nicholas Moberg was our 4th runner, taking 71st, with sophomore Jake Williams taking 85th to close out the scoring. Both Jake and Advik ran PRs.

The varsity squad managed to take 20th out of 32 teams. The last 3 years we managed to finish no higher than 27th, and you have to go back to 2019 to find a higher finish than Saturday. The squad was led again by Elijah Mendoza, who took 55th out of 223 runners. Izic Miller and Nathan McCreight were next in, taking 82nd and 84th. Again, this pair ran closer enough to touch for the entire race. Andrew Weaver took 125th, with Mason McMurray taking 157th to close out the scoring. Nathan's time was his PR as well.

I also want to mention James Glaskin-Clay, who took 85th out of 325 runners in the JV race in his best race of the season. Good job, Mustangs!

A great performance last night at our only home meet of the season, which also served as our Senior Night. We beat Z-B 15-49 and Warren 15-50, and our times rank among the best we've ever run at home. This performance would have to be considered our 2nd best ever, behind only the 2018 State-Qualifying team. Despite not being a fast course, we had several of our runners have PRs. This leaves our conference record at 6-1, behind only top 5 State-ranked LZ.

Afterwards we had the chance to celebrate our seniors. I can't thank our seniors and their parents enough for all their contributions to our program. I love you all.....

Next up- split squad on Saturday, as our top 7 travel to Peoria to run in the Peoria Central Invitational on the State Meet course, while the rest of the team competes in the Antioch Invitational. More info coming on those tomorrow. And now, introducing our Peoria Varsity squad- Elijah Mendoza, Izic Miller, Nathan McCreight, Aidan Sweet, Andrew Weaver, Erick Cordiva, and Advik Sharma.

Congratulations all........

Submitted by Coach Winter

On senior night Mundelein beat Waukegan 7-0 to improve to 3-2 in NSC conference, senior Kat Zhuzhelska and freshman Paige Scaramella won 6-1,6-3 at #2 doubles, at #3 doubles Senior Nahomy Benitez and junior Abi Gora won 6-0,6-0.

And at #4 doubles senior Kaili Hernandez and junior Natali Lee won 6-1, 6-1.

The Mustangs beat Antioch 7-1 in non conference match to improve to 8-7 overall on season. At #1 doubles Alina Ahmed(11) and Ashley Williams(10) won 6-3,7-6 at 3 doubles Aubrey Anderson (9) and Nahomy Benitez won 6-2,6-1 while 4 doubles of Tina Adinku(9) and Renata Turska(11) won 6-2,6-1, at 5 doubles Pri Sahu(9) and Natalie Lee (11) won 8-2 At #1 singles Briana Mondragon(11) won 6-3,6-2 and at #2 singles Valerie Gazaeva(11) won 10-6 at #3 singles Annelia Sosa won 8-0.

Submitted by Coach Teipel

Our Girls Basketball Online Store is live! Once your order is placed, it will ship within 2-3 days directly to your house.

Click the link to see the store and order https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/hPdT8QekJh

Check out our weekly CCRC Newsletter at: https://app.smore.com/n/8r5pk

Peer/AP Tutors has updated the link to the Advanced Placement web page where students can access videos that detail nearly two dozen AP courses offered at MHS. We are grateful to senior Sophie Hammer who taped and edited every video, and the cast of seniors and juniors who provided insights behind selecting advanced placement courses.

The link can be found on the Literacy Center and Peer/AP Tutors website.

MHS students will provide tutoring (English and Spanish) at Fremont Library several times this semester. All K-8 students are welcome for homework or subject help.

Fremont Public Library

1170 Midlothian Rd

Mundelein, IL

6:00pm - 7:00pm

October 8th

November 12th

December 10th

For more information, please contact:

Fremont Public Library: (847) 566-8702

Mundelein High School: hbabowice@d120.org

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Website: www.d120.org

Location: 1359 West Hawley Street, Mundelein, IL, USA

Phone: 847-949-2200