Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #33

April 24, 2026

Good Afternoon Mustangs!

Welcome to this week's edition of the Principal's Blog! We still have a lot going on, right on through the end of the year. Make sure you don't miss a beat. This blog contains information some of our most asked questions.

SENIORS! Make sure these items are on your to-do list:

• May 1st - Last Day to order College Yard Signs – Pick up 5/14
• May 4th - Graduation Rehearsal Video released
• May 8th-12th - Honors Medal and Tassels Available in the Principal's Office
• May 11th - Graduation seating chart released
• May 12th - Senior Honors Ceremony 7:00pm
• May 14th - Cap and Gown Pick-up Day - North Gym from 7:45am - 1:30pm
• May 17th - Graduation - Be there by 1:00pm
• Make sure we have the right pronunciation of your name.

We've had several questions about Graduation tickets. Seniors can pick up their tickets at Cap and Gown Pick-up Day on May 14th. Each student will receive 15 tickets. Tickets are required for ages 2 and up.

AP Students, if you are testing on the 14th and 15th and miss the Cap and Gown Pickup, your items will be made available to you in the Principal's Office on Thursday, May 14th after 2:00pm and Friday, May 15th, from 7:00am - 3:00pm. This courtesy is extended to AP Students testing on May 14th and 15th ONLY.

If you have additional questions, please email Mrs. Lendino at vlendino@d120.org.

Dr. Alexandria Taylor

Principal

Mundelein High School

847-949-2200

www.d120.org

ataylor@d120.org

The pace of our project is quickening as we approach the very busy summer. We have received approximately 14" of rain over the past 30 days. Inclement weather has presented significant challenges to construction crews.

Our overall project continues to be on time and remains under budget.

Updates:

• South Parking Lot (adjacent to Hawley St) - We anticipate the lot opening on April 30th. Asphalt will be laid this coming Monday/Tuesday. Striping the lot and placing parking blocks/stops will follow. Asphalt plants opened later than normal due to inclement weather. This work is weather dependent.
• Carl Sandburg Middle School softball field - We anticipate the field being playable on May 7th. This is weather dependent.

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.

Text and graphic courtesy of: https://jennhasadhd.com/2020/08/31/6-rs-of-stress-management/

Hope Squad - Monthly Theme is Mindful

April Workshops

Self Care Bingo

During last Friday’s Spring Assembly we celebrated many of the wonderful things happening in our school. We acknowledged our spring athletes and activities programs, previewed our upcoming musical and cheered during a performance by our Winter Guard team. We also played a few games, and sang our school fight song. Even near the end of the school year, our school spirit remains strong.

Below are the Tech Campus Program Students of the Year. They will be recognized at our Student Recognition Night on Thursday May 7 at 6:30PM at Grayslake North High School.

"Autumn Brown attends the Tech Camous Emergency Medical Services program, where she has consistentley demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly in high-pressure situation. She is often the first to grasp new material and willingly supports her peers by helping clarify concepts and answer questions."

Jason Walz is the Eisner and Nebula nominated writer/illustrator of the acclaimed graphic novels The Flip Side, Last Pick, Last Pick: Born to Run, Last Pick: Rise Up, A Story for Desmond, and Homesick. Jason's books are often shaped by over two decades teaching and a lifetime devoted to disability advocacy

On Sunday, May 19th, students from MHS, Carmel HS, Fremont MS, West Oak MS, and CSMS came together to compete in two challenges. Teams of 4-5 students were tasked with building a stabile structure made out of foam board, afixed with weights, that would withstand a shake table (reproducing an earthquake). An additional competition in the form of a math assessment was completed by many students as well. MHS had quite the showing, placing in each challenge!

On Monday, 4/20, Mr. Schrenk and his 3D Art classes fired up the Raku Kiln in our Central outdoor space. Students lead the exercise and passersby had the opportunity to check out the unique and fun sculptures!

MHS has once again been recognized as a "Best Community for Music Education" by the NAAM Foundation () for excellence in the following areas:

• Student demographics
• Teacher/student ratio
• Music education participation rates
• Music education and/or fine arts requirements for graduation or as required by the curriculum
• Knowledge of music education electives
• Teacher qualifications
• Standards for assessing music education
• Music facilities
• Budget

A big congratulations to our students, teachers, administration, and community for their continued support of Music Education in our schools! MHS is 1 of just 9 individual schools to earn the award in the state of Illinois!

Graduates, do people often mispronounce your name? We'd love to get it right for Graduation.

Use this QR code to fill out the Name Pronunciation by May 8th to help our presenters get it right..

The parking permit application opened on Wednesday, April 15 at 8:00 a.m. and will close on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:59 p.m. Students may apply at any time during this three-week window.

Please note that late applications cannot be accepted.

Students who are selected to receive a parking permit will be notified via email by the end of the school day on Friday, May 8. The permit fee must be paid by Friday, August 21 at 10:00 a.m. or the permit will be forfeited.

Permit Options and Cost

• Full-Year Permit: $250 (non-refundable)
• Single Semester Permit: $145 (non-refundable)

Students who plan to drive to school for the entire year are encouraged to apply for a full-year permit, as there will not be another opportunity to apply during the school year.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for a permit, students must:

• Be a junior or senior during the 2026–2027 school year (sophomores will not be considered)
• Be in good academic standing
• Maintain consistent attendance
• Have no out-of-school suspensions
• Have minimal or no parking violations
• Have access to a vehicle
• Hold a valid driver’s license*
• Provide proof of registration and insurance

*Students who expect to receive their driver’s license after the application deadline may still apply. If selected, their permit will be held until they obtain their license.

Selection Process

Students will be selected utilizing criteria decided by the building administration. Criteria may include but is not limited to items such as:

1. Student academic history
2. Student attendance history: all parent call-outs must be entered prior to application
3. Student behavior history

Important Reminder

A valid parking permit is required to park on campus. Vehicles without permits, or those parked improperly, are subject to ticketing and towing.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a fair and organized parking system for all students.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

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.

It’s time again for our annual MHS Mulch Fundraiser! The dates will be Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, from 8am-4pm (weather permitting). We will be working out of the MHS Transition Center parking lot this year. We offer Dark Brown, Red, and Black... Unfortunately, Natural is not an option for us this year.

Bags are $4 each (No Bulk Mulch). If you normally purchase bulk mulch by the yard, about 18 of our bags is the equivalent to 1 cu/yd. Now for the best part, we can deliver and spread it for you! Why do you want to get your car and hands dirty? If you normally have landscapers spread mulch for you, we can still help.

Delivering bags allows us to do the same job as them, but cleaner, faster, and 90% of the time cheaper than they can. Reach out, and we can work out the details. Our flier is linked here for more information.

To place an order, please fill out this form.

If you’re not sure yet or decide to purchase bags last minute, we should still have what you need available at the school. Stop by anytime between 8am-4pm, during that weekend.

If it's not too much trouble, I would love for you to help us get the word out. Please share the Google Form link and our flier on all of your social media platforms, as well as with your neighbors, family, and friends. Please reach out if you have any questions. Thank you for your support.

MHS Auditorium

7:00pm

(Flyer was designed by MHS student Maddie Reuter)

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the D120 Transition Center will host an orientation night where you will meet staff and learn more about the next step and expectations in your educational journey.

This evening is very important for you to attend.

The evening will be held at the D120 Transition Center.

• Location: 1500 Hawley st

• Time: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Stanford AI and Emerging Technology Program

Inspirit AI pairs grades 6–12 students with Stanford and MIT researchers to build original AI projects such as cybersecurity threat detection, and intelligent traffic flow optimization. Students publish their research in academic journals and compete at competitions like Regeneron ISEF. Applications close April 30.

MHS Auditorium

7:00pm

Check out our Class of 2026 Future Decisions Instagram page!

Prom

May 1st

6:30pm - 11:00pm

Marriott Lincolnshire

Ten Marriott Drive

Lincolnshire, Illinois, USA, 60069

Click here for our early release schedule.

National School Lunch Hero Day gives us the perfect opportunity to recognize and thank the incredible members of our food service team who nourish our students each and every day. From early mornings to the last lunch period, they serve far more than meals—they offer kindness, consistency, and care that helps fuel both learning and well-being. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt in every classroom. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, positivity, and the important role they play in making our school a welcoming place for all.

A-May-Zing Mundelein is a day set aside to help our neighbors who need assistance with light outdoor yard maintenance and area clean-up projects.

It is a time when we all have a chance to give back to our community.

The event will kick off at the Mundelein Police Department with registration from 8:00 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. Volunteers should plan on working through late morning or early afternoon. We will have coolers with drinks (water, Gatorade) and light snacks available.

Download the flyer for more information - English | Spanish

The 2025 AP Exams will be administered over two weeks in May: May 4–8 and May 11–15. AP coordinators will notify students when and where to report for the exams.

Seniors participating in AP Tests on May 14 and 15 may return MHS property and pickup their cap, gown and graduation tickets in the Principal’s Office on May 14 from 2:00pm-4:00pm, or May 15 from 7:00am-3:00pm.

Staff Appreciation Week is just around the corner, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible individuals who make Mundelein High School such a special place. From our teachers and support staff to our office team, custodians, and food service heroes, so many people work behind the scenes each day to support our students and keep things running smoothly. Throughout the week, we’ll be recognizing their hard work and dedication with a few fun, “sun-sational” surprises. We invite our students and families to join us in sharing a kind note, a smile, or a simple thank you—those small gestures go a long way in showing our appreciation for all they do.

If you would like to get involved, please reach out to our awesome team of Parent Ambassadors at parentambassadorsofmhs@gmail.com.

Join us for An Evening of Jazz on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the MHS Gymnasium. The event features the MHS Jazz Ensemble and MHS Jazz Orchestra. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free. Join us for refreshments and our live and silent auctions.

Mundelein High School students dedicate themselves to academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities throughout their four years. Through these “find your and” experiences, they begin to discover who they are and shape the direction of their future. This ceremony is a special opportunity to

recognize and celebrate our highest achievers as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.

May 12, 2026 | Senior Honors Ceremony. ALL SENIORS and their parents/guardians are invited to attend the annual Senior Honors Ceremony on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 pm in the MHS Auditorium.

Students receiving recognition (either individually or as part of an honored group) will be notified by email. A reception with light refreshments will follow in the cafeteria.

Cap and Gown Pickup will take place from 7:45am until 1:30pm in the North Gym. Please enter from the Junior parking lot. This is mandatory for all seniors.

*December grads that plan to walk in May should also attend.

Return MHS Property - Chromebooks, textbooks, library books, media equipment, athletic uniforms, locks, and elevator keys.

Make Final Payments - Students with outstanding fee balances on their school accounts should make final payment to the MHS Bookstore / Payment Center.

Pick Up - Cap, gown and graduation tickets. Each student will receive 15

tickets for graduation.

Pick Up - College yard sign (if you purchased one), and a snack to go AP Testing Students | Students participating in AP Tests on May 14 and 15 may drop off and pick up in the Principal’s Office on May 14 from 2:00pm-4:00pm, or May 15 from 7:00am-3:00pm.

Miss the Pickup? | Cap and gown orders will be available at the NOW Arena

on the day of graduation for students who miss these windows of opportunity.

Location | NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL.

Student Arrival Time | 1:00pm

General Seating Begins | 1:00pm

Ceremony Time | 2:00 - 4:00pm

Tickets | Each graduate will receive 15 tickets for guest seating. Tickets can be picked up with cap and gown on May 14th

Live-Stream | Graduation will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend

in person. The link will be posted on the MHS website.

Allowable Items | Students should only bring items that can fit into pockets.

NO BAGS OR PURSES. Students will not be allowed to carry those items into

graduation, or return to the building to collect their items after graduation.

MHS is not responsible for collecting, storing, or returning student items.

Transportation | Students may drive themselves, drive with a family member, or take advantage of free bus transportation provided by MHS. Bus transportation will leave from MHS Main Entrance at 1:00pm and return to MHS around 6:00pm.

Athletics events week of 4/27/2026

2025-26 Sports Season Start Dates

Submitted by Coach Willis

This past weekend, Varsity went 2-1 in the second annual MHS Quad losing to Huntley in three sets but defeating Waukegan and North Chicago in two sets each. This brings Varsity to an 8-3 record overall. JV went 2-2 at the Barrington Invitational, while the Frosh/Soph team took 1st place at the Libertyville Invitational defeating Grant, Libertyville, Waukegan, Lake Forest, and Evanston. Congratulations to all our athletes!

Looking ahead, the Frosh/Soph will host a Quad at home on Saturday, April 25, while Varsity heads to the Grayslake Central Invitational. Then, we travel to Grayslake North on Monday, and Warren on Wednesday. JV and Frosh/Soph games start at 5:00pm and the Varsity and Freshmen games follow at 6:00pm. Please come out and support your Mustangs!

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

Mundelein High School District 120 may take photographs/slides, film, video and/or audio tape recordings of our students during classroom instructions, assessment, or other school-related activities that will be produced and used for educational purposes. This media may be used on a school-related website or school-related social media accounts and/or included in a school district or educational foundation related publication. District 120 may also release students’ names/photos to the local media for honor rolls, athletic events, plays, concerts, or community projects (Relay for Life, etc.)