Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #30

April 3, 2026

Dear Mustangs,

I am so excited to share that I am officially back from maternity leave and ready to finish this school year strong alongside each of you!

These final weeks of the school year are some of the most important of the entire year. As Mustangs, we don't coast to the finish line; we sprint across it. Here's how our students can make the most of this final stretch:

🎯 Set Goals — Identify what you want to accomplish before the last bell rings. Whether it's a grade improvement, a personal milestone, or simply showing up with your best effort every day — name it and chase it.

🔥 Get Motivated —The end is in sight, and that's the reason to push harder, not slow down.

🎯 Stay Focused — Distractions are real, but so is your potential. Keep your eyes on what matters most.

💛 Be Kind (to Yourself & Others) — These weeks can feel intense. Give yourself grace, cheer on your classmates, and lean on your community.

🔴 End the Year with Pride — Finish in a way that reflects who you are as a Mustang. Walk out of these halls with your head held high.

I am so proud of everything our students, families, and staff have accomplished this year. What a joy it is to be back with all of you for this final stretch.

Let's do this — together.

Sí Se Puede,

Dr. Alexandria Taylor

Principal

Mundelein High School

847-949-2200

www.d120.org

ataylor@d120.org

Apr 3 NO SCHOOL

Apr 4 School Librarian Day

Apr 6 Assistant Principal Week

Apr 6 Prom Ticket Sales Begin

Apr 8-9 ACT and Pre-ACT Testing

Apr 10 MHS Job Expo and Networking Event

Apr 13 and 14 Erin's Law Presentation

Apr 16 Tackle Football Information Night

Apr 18 El Baile

Apr 19 Mayor's STEM Cup Challenge

Apr 20 Guest Author/Illustrator

Apr 22 Admin Assistant Professionals Day

Apr 23 MHS Building Tour

Apr 23 Universidad de Padres

Apr 23 "My Inspirational Teacher" Contest Entries Due

Apr 23-24 Mundelein All Area Art Show

Apr 23-25 MHS Musical

Apr 28 Night of Percussion

Apr 29 Transition Center Incoming Parent Night

Apr 30 Honors Band Concert

Stress is something we all face, but how we experience it can vary greatly. While there's no one-size-fits-all definition, it's most often described as a state of physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.

The MHS Wellness Center team is proud to share Mental Health Must-Haves for Mundelein Mustangs, a resource packet filled with tips and tricks to manage emotions and stress, regulate thoughts and anger, improve self-love and self-confidence, increase executive functioning, and enhance overall self-care. Be sure to also check out this month's self-care checklist and list of helpful workshops.

Here are some additional suggestions that you may find useful.

Image courtesy of: Counseling Associates of America

Hope Squad - Monthly Theme is Mindful

April Workshops

Self Care Bingo

At state, Mundelein’s The Hello Girls had six performers earn all-state recognition (which means at least four of the five prelim judges nominated them): Stella Buisson, Michelle Frane, Andy Gallup, Xavion Haynes, Miranda Michler, and Jasmine Tigley. With their nominations, Xavion and Jasmine have also become the first two performers from MHS to earn two all-state cast honors.

All in all, undoubtedly the most successful season in program history.

MHS Show Choir “Sound” and Combo “Noise” performed for Mechanics Grove students on Tuesday morning to inspire students as they prepare for their Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) testing.

Finalists will be scheduled the week of April 20th to present their speech to the selection committee. Decisions will be made by Friday, April 24th and all presenting students will be notified. If your speech is selected, you will then be given a mentor to guide you through the process of refining your speech and preparing you to speak in front of a live audience on the day of graduation.

Are you interested in Summer School? Our 2026 Summer School Information is now available online.

Click here for academic class options and summer school course guide

We will also offer an AP Boot Camp summer school course for session 1, running Monday through Thursday from June 8 to July 2, 2026. All classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Link will be available soon.

Click here for athletics class options. Summer Athletics Camp Registration will be listed under Programs and available beginning April 1st.

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

The Environmental Club is collecting used footwear in collaboration with SWALCO’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. A big red bin will be stationed outside the main office to collect any shoes you may be getting rid of. While you're doing your spring cleaning, save space in your closet and the landfills by recycling your old shoes!

Here are some guidelines from SWALCO:

Accepted:

• Dress Shoes, Casual Shoes, Work Shoes, Sandals, Athletic Shoes, Slippers, Hiking Boots, Crocs, Slip-ons, Boots, Cleats, and Light-up shoes
• All sizes (adult, children's, and baby)
• All brands
• Any shoes with stains or holes will be accepted

Not accepted:

• Ice Skates
• Roller Blades
• Snow Boots
• Moldy or wet shoes
• Shoes that are so badly damaged that they are in pieces or have no soles/bottoms

The red bin will be out through the end of the school day on Wednesday 4/15. It is helpful if you tie the laces together for paired laced shoes. The Environmental Club will sort and bind the remaining shoes at the end of the collection.

Thank you from the Environmental Club!

No school on tis date.

National School Librarian Day is celebrated annually on April 4th to honor the crucial role librarians play in fostering literacy, teaching research skills, and managing school library resources. This day recognizes their dedication to creating supportive learning environments and helping students find educational materials.

This week, we honor Mrs. Libert for her outstanding contributions as Associate Principal. Her leadership plays a key role in supporting our staff, promoting student achievement, and cultivating a strong and positive school culture.

PROM

May 1, 2026

6:30 PM - 11:00 PM

The Marriott Lincolnshire

TICKETS ON SALE

APRIL 6TH - APRIL 16TH

ONLINE ONLY (Omella) / $90 PER PERSON

Click here for more information.

*All students must be in good standing in order to purchase tickets.

*All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Wednesday, April 8 - All testing begins at 8:40am

• Grade 11: ACT with Writing

• Grade 9: PreACT 9 Secure for multi-day accommodated students only

• Grade 10: PreACT Secure for multi-day accommodated students only

Thursday, April 9 - All testing begins at 8:40am

• Grade 9: PreACT 9 Secure

• Grade 10: PreACT Secure

• Grade 11: ACT with Writing Day for multi-day accommodated students

If your student is eligible for testing accommodations per Section 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), submission requests to the ACT for approval will be submitted by MHS staff. If your student has been approved for accommodations in the past, those accommodations will apply to these exams. The deadline for refusing testing accommodations is April 1. Refusing testing accommodations must be done with parent/guardian signature and be submitted to the Special Education Office.

Click here to read the Parent Letter that went home.

Come recruit new talent for your business or organization!

Save your spot for this school-wide event. Space is limited, so sign up today!

This all-day, high-traffic event gives students the opportunity to apply for a wide variety of seasonal, part-time, and full-time jobs.

Non-profit and philanthropic organizations offering volunteer opportunities are also welcome to sign up.

There is no fee to participate! Participants will be provided one 6' table, 2 chairs, and access to electricity. Lunch will also be provided.

This is the first of two sign-up steps. Once you reserve your spot, you will be emailed a form to complete your registration.

Please contact Alexander Kapotas at akapotas@d120.org or (847) 949-2200 x1092 with any questions.

Mundelein High School is dedicated to supporting students’ social and emotional wellbeing. On April 13th and 14th, we will be sharing a presentation that supports the state mandate for teaching Erin’s Law (House Bill 6193), which was signed by Governor Pat Quinn in 2013. This law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades Pre-K through 12.

For more information, please review out parent letter.

Thursday, April 16th

7:30pm

MHS Cafeteria

• Meet the coaches
• Learn about the program
• Get your questions answered

Please save the date for El Baile 2026!

Saturday, April 18th

7:00 to 10:00 PM.

This year's theme is "Noche Bajo Las Estrellas."

Tickets are $5.00

• Online ticket sales through Omella from 4/6-4/17 at 11:59 PM!
• Ticket Sales during lunches 4/14-4/17
• Guest forms are available in the Deans Office and due 4/14.
• Guest tickets must be purchased online through Omella!

NO TICKETS AT THE DOOR THIS YEAR!

The first 50 students to buy their tickets will recieve free food at the dance!

On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Mundelein High School will proudly host the Eleventh Annual Mayor’s Cup STEM Competition. Many of you will remember that in 2019 we expanded the long-standing Math Challenge to include a team-based STEM Challenge—and it has since become one of our community’s most inspiring academic events. This competition highlights the vital fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, and brings together talented students from local middle and high schools.

Click here to learn more.

On April 20th, the MHS English department and Library Media Center will host a visit to our school by Author/Illustrator, Comic Creator, Jason Walz. He is know for sensitive teen portrayals that highlight the drama of being young and coming of age into a larger and often confusing world.

He will talk periods 1, 2 and 4 in the MHS Auditorium.

To celebrate educators around the 26th Senate District, I am writing to request your encouragement of your students to participate in my 2026 My Inspirational Teacher Essay Contest. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to write an essay of 250-500 words on a teacher that has had a positive impact on their life. This year’s contest theme is: How My Teacher Inspires Me.

PARTICIPANTS: All participants will receive a certificate of recognition from State Senator Darby Hills’ legislative office.

FINALISTS: Finalists from grades 6-12 and excerpts from their essays will be featured on SenatorDarbyHills.com. Finalists and their nominated teachers will also be invited to a reception at Senator Hills’ district office in Lake Zurich on Monday, May 4 from 5:30PM-6:30PM to receive their awards. Additionally, the winning essays will be displayed in the Springfield Capitol building to showcase your student’s talent.

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS: Two grand prize winners (one winner from grades 6-8 and one winner from grades 9-12) will each be awarded a $100 Amazon gift card to be used for educational supplies. (Governmental funds are not used for prizes. Amazon gift cards are donated).

Students must submit their essays no later than Thursday, April 23rd to be eligible.

Please send all entries to thankateacher@sgop.ilga.gov.

More information to come.

Mean Girls The Musical

By Tina Fey
Directed by Maddie Martorana

Teenage Cady Heron was educated in Africa by her scientist parents. When her family moves to the suburbs of Illinois, Cady finally gets to experience public school and gets a quick primer on the cruel, tacit laws of popularity that divide her fellow students into tightly knit cliques. She unwittingly finds herself in the good graces of an elite group of cool students dubbed "the Plastics," but Cady soon realizes how her shallow group of new friends earned this nickname.

Thursday, April 23, 7:30 PM
Friday, April 24, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 25, 2 PM and 7:30 PM @ Mundelein HS

Click here to Purchase Tickets

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 April 23th at 4:30pm. Click here to register.

La sesión de abril del Colegio de Padres se llevará a cabo el 23 de abril en la cafetería de la escuela, de 18:00 a 20:00 h. Para más información, comuníquese con Fred Kliora al 847-949-2200, ext. 1410.

MHS Auditorium

7:00pm

More information coming soon.

More information coming soon.

MHS Theatre

7:00pm

More information coming soon.

Athletics events week of 4/6/2026

2025-26 Sports Season Start Dates

Submitted by Coach Willis

Our season is now in full swing with our first dual match against Palatine on Tuesday ending in wins for both JV and Varsity teams and wins against Round Lake on Wednesday. The boys at all levels continue to bring energy and determination, building on their experiences from the week before. With each match, they're growing stronger, sharpening their skills, and really starting to gel as a team. This is shaping up to be an exciting season for Mustang volleyball.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for our next games—Tuesday, April 7 at our home opener and Wednesday, April 8 at home against Zion-Benton. These are crucial matchups, and we’re ready to continue building momentum.

As always, we appreciate the unwavering support from our fans! Whether you’ve been with us since day one or are just joining us this season, we love seeing the stands filled with Mustang pride. We’re confident this team has what it takes to make the season one to remember. Go Mustangs!

Submitted by Coach Rutz

The Boys' Track Team concluded the indoor season with the Illinois Indoor Championships in Chicago. This meet is by invitation only for the top performers in the State. We had three individuals and one relay participate. Senior Elijah Mendoza and sophomore Aidan Sweet competed in the 3200m run. Elijah ran 9:32, just off his PR. Aidan ran 9:49, a new PR for him in that event. Izic Miller ran in the 800m, and was the anchor leg in our 4 x 800m relay. Izic, along with Andrew Weaver, Erick Cordova, and Nathan McCreight took 2nd in a spectacular performance. Their time of 7:53.62 was an indoor school record by 11 seconds, and only 1.7 seconds off the outdoor record. Additionally, it was the 3rd fastest time in the State and 29th in the nation indoors, as well as 6 seconds better than the outdoor State qualifying mark. Congratulations to our runners on their accomplishment. Next up- outdoor season starts up with a meet at Schaumburg on Saturday, April 11th.

Submitted by Coach DeVito

The MHS Girls Lacrosse team took home their first win on Tuesday against the McHenry Warriors! The game concluded with a final score of 24-0. From the opening draw, the Mustangs set the tone on both ends of the field. This win marks an exciting start to the season and with momentum on their side, the Mustangs look to carry this energy into their upcoming games. Come out and support!

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

Seniors! Check out the new edition of the CCRC Newsletter!

Class of 2027: Start planning for college NOW by reading the Junior Edition of the CCRC Newsletter!

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.

• 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):

Scan the QR Code below for your weekly menu options.

For those times when you need a little extra support.

For some additional reading, view our:

• Principal's Blog Archive
• District Developments Newsletter
• The Mustang Newspaper
• The Messenger Newsletter

Website: www.d120.org

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

Phone: 847-949-2200