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Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #3

 Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #3
Principal's Blog2025-2026 #3

Principal's Blog #3

August 29, 2025

Message from Dr.Taylor Message from Dr.Taylor

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Dear Mustang Families,


I've been intentionally focused these past few weeks on ensuring a successful launch this school year — welcoming students back, establishing routines, diving into instructional development, and focusing on the student learning that defines who we are and what we do. However, as we begin to settle into a natural rhythm, I would like to take a moment to reveal some personal and exciting news I’ve kept private for quite some time: my family and I are overjoyed as we prepare to welcome baby number four!


The anticipation of this new arrival, plus the adjustment to our recent family growth, has stirred within me something I've never experienced before—a sudden desire to slow down and cherish this beautiful season. With this in mind, I have made the difficult decision to submit my resignation at the upcoming September BOE meeting, effective June 30, 2026. It is my hope that the advance notice will allow plenty of time for D120 to find what it deserves, a strong successor.


Serving as your principal has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Myers, Dr. Tafoya, and the D120 Board of Education for entrusting me with the privilege of leading this exceptional school community. Being the first Latina principal of MHS will forever remain one of my proudest moments. I hope it is evident that I’ve led with heart, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to you and our students. This role hasn't just been a job—it's been a calling, and your incredible trust, partnership, and friendship have made all the difference.


For the remainder of this school year, my commitment to you remains unchanged. You will continue to see me working diligently to support our students' success, advance our educational initiatives, and ensure a smooth transition for my successor.


Though saying goodbye next summer will be quite difficult, I look forward to returning to the grand opening of our new building in 2028—a project that has been central to my role. It has been a privilege to help design this new space, knowing this work will serve our students for generations to come. I can't wait to see our shared vision come to life!


With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead! ¡Sí se puede!


Sincerely,


Dr. Alexandria Taylor

Principal

Mundelein High School

847-949-2200

www.d120.org

ataylor@d120.org

A Message from Our Director of Teaching and Learning A Message from Our Director of Teaching and Learning

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We want to ensure our families are aware of our updated grading and academic integrity policies. These updates are designed to keep grading fair and consistent and to support a culture of academic success and responsibility.


Please take a moment to review the link below for details on both policies.


English version


Spanish Version

Important Dates Important Dates

Sep 1 NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

Sep 4 Principal's Student Advisory Committee (PSAC)

Sep 5 Home Football - MHS-v-Niles West

Sep 9 Homecoming Dance Guest Forms Due

Sep 10 School Picture Day

Sep 10 Grad Cap and Gown Ordering Begins

Sep 10 Senior Girls Night - Tickets on Sale Now

Sep 12 Homecoming Assembly/Parade/Football Game

Sep 13 Alumni Building Tours

Sep 13 Homecoming Dance

Sep 17 Herff Jones Rings and Jackets Night

Sep 18 Universidad de Padres

Sep 19 Late Start - Classes begin at 9:40am

Sep 23 Rosh Hashana

Sep 25 Community Cookout

Sep 30 Parent Teacher Conferences / Early Dismissal


Due to MHS building construction efforts, school days will be slightly different for the next couple of years. Our Board of Education has approved school-year calendars for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 so we may all have an opportunity to do some advanced planning.

September is... September is...

Hispanic Heritage Month

"Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Treaty of Paris that followed the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. This incorporated the people of this area into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic Americans."


Text and Image Courtesy of: The Smithsonian Institution - https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month

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Suicide Prevention Month

The Mundelein High School Wellness Center will provide multiple activities throughout the month to provide students with knowledge and resources. September 22-26th is also weight stigma awareness week. There will be activities in the commons as well as a body positivity workshop during that week.


Wellness Center September Newsletter

September Workshop Calendar

Character Value Slide: Hope

Hope Squad Coping Strategies of the Week for September

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Friday Focus Friday Focus

Friday Focus Mundelein High School August 29, 2025

Shoutouts! Shoutouts!

MHS School Profile

Our 2025-2026 MHS School Profile is now available to view.

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Tutor Time at Fremont Public Library

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

September 10th

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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Red Rage Spirit Store

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.

Click Here to Visit the Red Rage Spirit Store
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College and Career Resource Center (CCRC)

See this week's CCRC newsletter to register for upcoming events like:


  • Financial Aid Presentations
  • NCAA Workshop for Future College Athletes
  • College Planning Night for MHS Seniors


Or, visit our homepage for more information.

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MHS Student Job Board Changes

In the past, MHS relied on third-party software for employers to post part-time and full-time job opportunities. We are excited to share that we have now transitioned to the Opportunity Board through SchooLinks. Since SchooLinks is already widely used by our students, this change creates a single, convenient hub for exploring college, career, and job opportunities.


If you are an employer and would like to post student job opportunities, please click here to download our how-to instructions, or scan the QR code for more information.

Student Accident Insurance Program

Your School chose to carry medical insurance for students injured in accidents on school premises. The School has also approved a medical and dental accident insurance plan worthy of your consideration to add to coverage purchased. This coverage will extend the hours your child is covered and also may cover your child during certain activities not covered in the school purchased plan. We urge you to consider the benefits described in this brochure.

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Construction I and II tour of new facilities

Girls Flag Football

Mundelein High School is piloting Girls' Flag Football this fall season. We are running three levels - Varsity, JV, and JV2 with a combination of intramural matches and contests against other North Suburban Conference schools. The varsity team will open TONIGHT with a contest against Waukegan at 4:45 p.m., at Weiss Field. Go Mustangs!

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Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

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September 1 - NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

"The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.


By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday."


Click here to learn more.


Text courtesy of: US Department of Labor

Principal's Student Advisory Committee (PSAC)

Join us for our first meeting of the year!

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September 5 - Registration for the PSAT/NMSQT Testing Due

We are currently scheduled to offer the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Mundelein High School. This exam is optional, open to Grade 11 students. Students who wish to take this exam will be required to pay a $35 fee. Free and reduced lunch arrangements will be honored for this exam. This exam is the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship.


Testing accomodations must be conformed by Friday, August 22nd.


Click here to read the parent letter.

Register HERE for the PSAT/NMSQT!


To learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT, visit www.collegeboard.org/psat. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions.

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September 5 - Home Football Game Versus Niles West

Join us for our 1st home varsity football game of the season!


Contest

Mundelein Mustangs versus Niles West


Theme

Senior Night: Football, Cheer, Dance

Red Rage Student Section: Red 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.

September 10 - School Picture Day

SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, AND SENIORS

  • School pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 7:15 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Main Gym.

  • Students will have their portraits taken during a P.E. class, study hall, free period, or lunch.
  • All Seniors should have their pictures taken on school picture day. Seniors interested in booking a Premiere VIP session should visit www.vipis.com(Opens in a new window) or email support@vipis.com.


FRESHMEN

  • Freshman School pictures were taken during Freshman Orientation.
  • If a freshman student missed taking their picture during Freshman Orientation, they may take their picture on the school-wide retake day, which is Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 10:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. in the District Meeting Room. Students should go at a time that works for their schedule. Be aware there may be a wait.


SPORTS TEAMS AND ATHLETES

Visual Image Photography (VIP) is our official school pictures and sports team photographer! Sport and team photos will be scheduled separately.


Visit vipis.com to:


  • Check photo dates
  • Sign up for alerts when photos are ready to view online
  • Order from multiple images, select from a variety of print packages and products


All photos will be posted online for you to view and order. After picture day, look for an email sent to you by “Visual Image Photography” or go to vipis.com. (A student ID number may be required.) All orders are delivered directly home.


Questions? Contact VIP customer service at vipis.com or email support@vipis.com

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September 10 - Cap and Gown Ordering Begins

September 10, 2025 | Herff Jones will be in the MHS Main Gym on picture day. Students will be measured for their gown and receive an order packet. The order process must be completed at home.


December 5, 2025 | Early Bird Discount Ends! Order your cap and gown by December 5th to receive your Early Bird Discount! Orders received after December 5th will be charged at full price!


February 28, 2026 | Last Day to Order Cap and Gown! Orders received after February 28th will incur late fees and may not arrive in time for graduation.


May 14, 2026 | Cap and Gown Pickup. Students will drop off MHS books, Chromebooks, etc., pay any fee balances and pickup their cap, gown and graduation tickets.


If you miss Herff Jones at MHS, or miss your order date, please visit them online at www.herffjonesil.com or call them directly at 815-756-4743.

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September 10 - Senior Girls Night

  • Wednesday, September 10th from 8-10:30 PM

    • Students must stay until 10:30 PM

  • $15 Admission - must be purchased on Omella by September 5th at 11:59 PM

  • $34 for scrubs + t-shirt - must be purchased by August 18th at 3:30 PM

    • A limited number of extra t-shirts and scrubs will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at Senior Girls Night

  • The permission form is embedded in the admission purchase on Omella.
    Please be sure to read all the information prior to approval.

  • If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact Mr. Schiffer (jschiffer@d120.org) for financial assistance.

September 12 - Homecoming Parade - Early Release

  • Students will be released at 12:30pm to participate in and/or enjoy the Homecoming Parade.
  • Parade begins at 3:30pm (for approximately 1 hour)

  • Parade route will begin and end at MHS Click here to view the parade map.

  • Participants will lineup at 2:30 PM in the student parking lot
  • Late bus will run at 5 PM ONLY
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September 12 - Homcoming Football Game Versus Zion-Benton

Join us for our Homecoming varsity football game!


Contest

Mundelein Mustangs versus Zion-Benton


Theme

Homecoming

Red Rage Student Section: Black 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.

September 13 - Alumni Building Tour

Welcome back Alumni! Click here to register for your tour.

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September 13 - Homecoming Dance

  • Saturday, September 13th from 7-10 PM

  • Tickets $20

    • Online Sales: August 20th - September 10th (purchase on Omella)

    • In-Person (Cash Only) Sales: September 4th, September 9th during lunches

    • Guest Forms available in the Dean's Office.

      • Due by Tuesday, September 9th *no exceptions*

    • No tickets will be sold at the door

  • Concessions will be available.

  • If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact Mr. Schiffer (jschiffer@d120.org) for financial assistance.

Athletics Athletics

Athletics events week of 9/1/2025

Athletic Department Newsletter (coming soon)

2025-26 Sports Season Start Dates

Student Resources Student Resources

College and Career Resource Center (CCRC)

Check out our new CCRC Newsletter at: https://secure.smore.com/n/kvrsad

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Peer/AP Tutors

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.

Quest

Scan the QR Code below for your weekly menu options.

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Student Support Services Student Support Services

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Literacy Center

Need homework help? Adult and student tutors are available. Stop in or reach out on Remind: Text @ peerapmhs to 81010

Click here to learn more.

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Media Center

Do you have a question, suggestion or request? Ask a librarian! Complete this Google form, and a librarian will respond to you ASAP.

Click here to learn more.

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Wellness Center

The 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.


Grief Awareness

September Newsletter

September Workshops

Hope Squad - Monthly Theme is Hope

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MHS Supports

MHS has many supports to offer students. Students can access a quick-reference guide of all supports available on this page. Available is everything from social-emotional support, to financial support. Check it out!


Click here to see all the student support areas we have to offer.

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26-26 School Profile

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25-26 Perfil de la escuela

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Go Mustangs!

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

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