Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #25

February 20 , 2026

Hi MHS Families!

As we continue building momentum toward the end of the school year, our Mustangs are shining at the highest levels! Congratulations to our IHSA State Qualifiers — Lexie Ede (Girls Gymnastics), Ethan Banda and Michael Vincic (Wrestling), and our Girls Bowling Team — for their incredible performances and advancement to State competition. Their dedication, perseverance, and competitive spirit represent MHS with pride. Be sure to scroll down to read more about their outstanding accomplishments.

We also celebrate our recent Mustang Pride Award recipients — Camila Argomaniz, Jimena Rodriguez, Leylanie Rivas Vargas, Mia Ryan, Soren Anderson, Alex Chapaitis, and Christian Tomaschtik — students who truly exemplify what it means to be a Mustang through character, leadership, and commitment.

A quick reminder for our seniors: February 28 is the final day to order your cap and gown. Please be sure to complete your order without delay.

We also invite parents to share thier voices by completing the 5-Essentials Survey. Your feedback provides valuable insight into our learning community and helps guide our continued growth and improvement. The survey is brief, and your input truly makes a difference — click here to participate.

Looking ahead, the excitement continues with March Madness, Explore Your Future College events, Lucky Ducks, and Theme Thursday. There is so much happening across campus — keep scrolling for all the details!

Let’s keep the momentum going, Mustangs!

Sincerely,

Dr. Alexandria Taylor

Principal

Mundelein High School

847-949-2200

www.d120.org

ataylor@d120.org

YOU are invited to complete the 5-Essentials Survey to help provide valuable information about our MHS learning community and help guide our ongoing improvement efforts. You can complete the brief survey now by clicking here.

The survey opened Feb. 3, 2026 and closes March 13, 2026.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway, bringing with them the excitement, pride, and global spirit that make the Games so special. Behind every performance you see is years of dedication, practice, setbacks, and perseverance. Olympic athletes from around the world remind us what’s possible when people push past limits, believe in themselves, and keep going — even when the path is difficult.

That same determination lives right here in our students. Every day, you challenge yourselves in classrooms, on stages, in competitions, and in your own personal goals. The Olympic spirit isn’t just about medals — it’s about growth, resilience, and striving to be better than you were yesterday.

Black athletes throughout history have helped shape that spirit in powerful ways. Trailblazers like Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Jackie Robinson, Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and LeBron James didn’t just excel in their sports — they broke barriers, inspired change, and showed future generations what courage and excellence look like. Their stories remind us that greatness comes in many forms and that your voice, your effort, and your dreams matter.

As you watch the Games, remember: the qualities that make an Olympian — commitment, courage, teamwork, and heart — are the same qualities that help you succeed every day.

"This year's Black History Month marks 100 years of national observances dedicated to observing the role of Black history in American history and honoring the achievements of Black Americans."

Text courtesy of BlackHistoryMonth.Gov

FEATURING: Robert "BULLET BOB" Hayes

"NFL Hall of Famer “Bullet” Bob Hayes won two gold medals at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. and is the first and only person ever to win an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring."

"During his four years at Florida A&M he was dubbed "Bullet Bob" for his dominance of sprints from 60 to 100 yards. Hayes lost only two of 62 finals at 100 yards or 100 meters. He was the first runner to run 100y in 9.1, and the first man to better six seconds for 60y indoors. For three straight years, Hayes won the AAU 100yd dash starting in 1962 and the NCAA 200 meters in 1964. He continued his streak from 1962-64 by winning 49 consecutive races over 100 yards or 100 meters. Hayes gained world-wide attention in 1964 by becoming the first person to run 100 yards in 9.1 seconds He also held the world record for sixty yards at 5.9 seconds earning two gold medals in the 1964 Olympics. His anchor leg in the 1964 Olympic relay, making up a four-meter deficit, has been acclaimed to be the most exciting race in Olympic history, bringing an end to a truly remarkable career."

"After a remarkable Olympic performance, Hayes was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, where his speed revolutionized the game forcing other teams in the NFL to change their defenses just to cover him. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl on Jan. 16, 1972, which made Bob Hayes the only person in the world to have won an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl Ring. "

Click here to read more.

Sources: Bob Hayes Invitational Track and Field Meet and The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Image: The Jaxon Magazine

Hope Squad - Monthly Theme is INCLUSIVITY

February Workshops

Self Care Bingo

Our construction project is expanding outside the classroom addition area. We have started enabling projects to prepare for the very busy summer ahead. The images below are of work happening this week.

Our precast concrete panel mock-ups were brought to MHS and reviewed by the architects on Monday. The circles embedded in the concrete are the graphic images we will see.

The fencing is currently being installed around our Phase 2 construction area.

Read the Construction and Athletics Update for more information.

Please join us in celebrating our State Qualifiers.

Girls Gymnastics - IHSA State Qualifier

Lexie Ede has qualified for the IHSA Girls Gymnastics State Finals at Palatine High School beginning Friday afternoon, continuing her strong postseason success as she previously qualified for the State Finals in her freshman and junior seasons.

Wrestling - IHSA State Qualifiers

Ethan Banda and Michael Vincic qualified for the IHSA Boys Wrestling State Finals beginning Thursday morning at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. Michael battled back from the consolation bracket after a loss to finish in 4th place for the 165 lb weight class. Ethan went undefeated over the weekend and therefore was the SECTIONAL CHAMPION for the 157 lb weight class.

Girls Bowling Team – IHSA State Qualifier

Our Girls Bowling team placed 3rd at the Hoffman Estates Sectional this past Saturday with a team score of 5010 over six games, earning one of the top four qualifying spots and advancing to the IHSA State Finals in Rockford, Illinois.

See more information about our state qualifiers by clicking here.

Congratulations to our Mustang Pride Award recipients. These students exemplify what it means to be a Mustang.

Those receiving awards were Camila Argomaniz, Jimena Rodriguez (not pictured), Leylanie Rivas Vargas, Mia Ryan, Soren Anderson, Alex Chapaitis (not pictured), and Christian Tomaschtik.

Click here to see the full scrapbook.

Here is your to-do list for February!

Seniors & Parents!
It’s time to order your Official Graduation Announcements. Announcements feature the official graduation ceremony text and are personalized with the student’s name.

Don't forget that Cap and Gown orders are due by February 28th. Orders after February 28th will incur a late charge and may not be delivered in time for Graduation.

Order online at HerffJonesIL.com

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

Click here to see the:

• Calendar
• Course Guide
• Driver Education Info
• Registration Link

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.

summer school course guide

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

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time for March Madness! This year, MHS will be jumping into the excitement by participating in the 🎵 international Locura de Marzo music competition 🎵 run by Señor Ashby. We’re thrilled to bring this high-energy, global tournament experience to our students and get MHS on the map as part of the worldwide fun starting in just a few days!

We wanted to share a little background information in case this is new to you:

Throughout the competition students will listen to songs, vote on their favorites, and watch them advance through a bracket over several weeks. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to build cultural exposure and bring some extra energy into February & March

If you’d like a clearer picture of how the tournament works, Señor Ashby has a great overview on his website here 👉 https://www.senorashby.com/how-it-works-2021.html

(This walks through the general setup, flow of the tournament, and classroom implementation.)

To get everyone in the spirit, here’s a short YouTube promo video that explains the idea, sets the vibe, and gives you a preview of all the songs that will be in this year's competition!

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr7SNSVvr6U

Here you will find the link to the weekly updates slides to use for your classes.

At the start of each week you will hear from either Juan or Parker about the songs that are advancing in the competition and other fun things going on in the Locura de Marzo world.

This competition will take place beginning Friday, February 20th, and go all the way through March 16th, right before our break!

Feel free to begin listening to the playlists for the songs in this year’s competition.

"La música es para el alma lo que las palabras son para la mente." – Modest Músorgski

"Music is to the soul what words are to the mind." – Modest Mussorgsky

Spring college visits. Register in SchooLinks to attend.

🎉🦆 Attention students! Get ready to test your luck with… LUCKY DUCKS! 🦆🎉

That’s right: On Thursday, February 19th and Tuesday, February 24th, our ducky pond is swimming in prizes, and YOU have a chance to win!

Here’s how it works: Pick a duck from the pond, check the color on the bottom, and boom: You win the prize that matches that color! It’s that easy. No quizzes. No homework. Just ducks - and everyone wins!

💵 It’s only $1 for 1 duck or $5 for 6 ducks, because let’s be honest… one duck is never enough. And what can you win? We’re talking:

• 🥨 Chips
• 🍬 Candy
• 🦆 Mini Duckies
• 🦆 Novelty Rubber Ducks
• 🎁 Gift cards - Jimano's, Chipotle, Target, and more!
• 🎟️ Gift certificates - Culver's, McDonald's, Lakeside, and more!
• 🥤 Vouchers to the soda pop shop

…and more awesome surprises!

So bring your dollar bills (or pay via Omella), bring your friends to the Commons during all lunch periods, and get ready to make a splash with Lucky Ducks!

🦆 On February 19th and February 24th, don’t duck out on your chance to win! 🦆

Empowering students to lead positive change at MHS by shaping our shared culture and climate. Join us to help strengthen relationships, promote respect, and build an inclusive school community.

February 25

Periods 6-7

Scan the QR Code below to RSVP

Junior Student Leadership invites students and staff to participate in advocating for peace and social justice awareness by wearing tie-dye, flowers, white, or peace symbols on Thursday, February 26th!

Participating gets students a raffle ticket to enter to win a gift card to a local restaurant AND MHS swag.

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 February 26 at 4:30pm. Click here to register.

Save the Date - More information to come.

Who: Families that have young adults/teens interested in learning to drive who may require additional support.Familias con jóvenes adultos o adolescentes interesados en aprender a conducir y que puedan requerir apoyo adicional.

When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026/ Miercoles 4 de marzo 6:30pm-7:30pm. Miercoles 4 de marzo

Where/ Donde: Google meets

Google Meet joining info / Información para unirse a Google Meet

Video call link: / Enlace de Videollamada https://meet.google.com/tot-ccjz-nms

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 321-473-7169‬ PIN: ‪791 400 334‬#

Save the Date - More information to come.

Save the Date - More information to come.

Classes begin at 9:40am.

Buses will run one hour later than usual.

Click here for late start schedule.

The Mundelein Invitational Jazz Festival offers an opportunity for high school and middle school jazz bands and/or combos to experience CLINICAL and COMPETITIVE aspects in equal measure.

Have a great week! See you March 30th

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.

Athletics events week of 2/23/2026

2025-26 Sports Season Start Dates

Submitted by Coach Teague

The Mundelein Varsity Cheer Team took the mat at the IHSA State Finals in Bloomington, Illinois, and the results spoke volumes about their dedication, resilience, and heart.

After months of early mornings, long practices, and unwavering commitment, the girls went out and left everything on the mat. Competing in the 3A division, Mundelein Varsity proudly placed 12th in the state out of 25 teams—a tremendous accomplishment at the highest level of competition.

This finish is a true reflection of the team’s work ethic and determination throughout the season. Every athlete bought into the process, pushed through challenges, and showed what it means to compete with passion and purpose. Their hunger to improve and their drive to succeed were on full display all weekend long.

We could not be more proud of this team. Their effort this season has laid a strong foundation for the future, and there is no doubt that this experience will only fuel their growth in the seasons to come. The standard has been set, and Mundelein Varsity Cheer is just getting started.

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

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.

• 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