What Every Freshman (and Their Parents) Needs to Know about Mundelein High School
Compiled by Kaitlyn Ellett, Krina Adnikari, Arielle Sison, Andrea Stoll, Stephanie Chin, & Brian Odino
Download a pdf copy
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Is there a supply list?
No, on the first day of class, teachers will let you know what you need to bring. Be prepared, though, bring pencils/pens and notebook on the first day.
Are kids here nice?
Most of them are. Don’t be afraid to ask anyone for directions!
Yes, for the most part, the students here are very nice. They mind their own business and usually leave you alone. It really depends on who you choose to associate with because there are always good crowds and bad crowds. Just make sure you find good friends who will stick by you and you will be fine.
Where are the bathrooms?
All over the place… by the cafeteria, band doors, front office, by the north gym, locker rooms. Most hallways have at least one bathroom for boys and one for girls.
What time does school start?
7:45 be in class. Better get to class by 7:40. Most Thursdays are late start days and you can sleep in! Class starts at 9:25 on those days.
What happens Thursdays during late starts? Can I come to school anyway?
Usually the teachers have meetings, but sometimes it’s used for make-up work. It’s usually OK to come and work on homework in the mornings. The library/media center is open. A test make-up center is open, too. Some student groups also meet during this time.
What if I get lost? This school’s a lot bigger than the one I came from.
It’s really easy to get to know the school. It will take a few days but once you walk your schedule a few times, the school really doesn’t seem that big. Always ask for directions. Most people will help you out. Teachers and office staff are always willing to help you find your way around the school.
How do I know when to eat lunch?
Go to your 3rd period class and the teacher will tell you the first day when you eat. Lunch will be at that same time each day.
Can we use the elevators?
No, unless you have special permission. They require a key. If you break your leg or sprain your ankle, you can get permission and a key from the school nurse.
Where is the school nurse?
Mrs. Chiado has her office near the Guidance/Student Support offices.
When can I see my counselor?
You can go anytime to fill out a slip to see your counselor in the Guidance/Student Support Office. Then he or she will call you from Homeroom or class.
Do I REALLY need to do summer reading?
Yes, and the books are awesome!!!
What entrances are we allowed to use?
If you walk or take the bus, you can enter through the “bus doors” by the cafeteria. If you are dropped off or walk or ride with an upper-classman who has a parking permit, you should enter through the main entrance. Make sure you have your ID on!
Do freshmen share a lot of classes with upper classmen?
For your core classes (math, English, science and social studies) it is not likely. You do have a chance of having your electives with some upper-classmen, but again, many are nice or just ignore you.
90 minutes is a long time to sit in class. Isn’t it boring to hear a teacher lecture the whole time?
Teachers don’t do the same thing for the whole 90 minutes. They may lecture, show a film, have you do activities and projects, or work on a computer, lead a discussion …lots of different things happen in the 90 minutes. Sometimes they may even give you a couple of minutes to work on your homework.
What if I have to use the bathroom during class time, will the teacher let me use the restroom?
Teachers have classroom policies and procedures. They’ll let you know them the first day of class. Don’t worry. Passing periods usually are enough time to use the restroom.
Are you allowed backpacks?
Yes, you are allowed to carry around a backpack. The security guards are allowed to check them, though,for safety reasons.
When do the buses leave after school?
For the most part, buses leave at 3:30 pm. School is out a 3:20.
Is there a dress code? What happens if I don’t follow the code?
Yes! See the student Pathfinder for all the details. The Dean’s office has some really ugly clothes you have to wear if you need to change. Better follow the code.
I don’t speak English very well. Is that OK?
We have lots of different ethnic groups at school. It’s ok to be different and that is what makes our school unique and special.
What if my parents don’t speak English very well. Is there someone at school they can talk to?
Yes, we have staff that speak Spanish and a telephone language line that can help parents and school staff communicate in any language.
Do I have to wear my gym uniform the first day of class?
No. But after that you should dress for gym every day. A big part of your grade in gym is wearing the uniform and participating in class.
Can you buy drinks from the vending machines?
The vending machines by the cafeteria are open during the school day but the ones in the hall are not open until 3:30, after school.
What is required to participate in athletics?
You will need to complete the athletic packet before the start of the sports’ season which requires you to have an updated physical on file, have paid the sports fee or have a fee waiver and signed the Athletic Code of Conduct to participate in the MHS athletic program. Once completed, you will receive a white card that must be presented to the coach. Athletic packets are available from Mrs. Risdon, the athletic secretary, in the main office.
Do you have to have a background in a sport to participate?
You can try out for any sport, no matter what your experience is. Some sport are no-cut, some are competitive. (The white card is required for try outs)
How am I supposed to stay organized?
Good advice is to use the school provided Pathfinder or another form of planner to keep track of everything. Make goals for yourself and stick to them. Set aside time for homework every day.
What are the ID requirements? What happens if I forget it at home?
You must have your ID with you AT ALL TIMES! It is mandatory. You will get in trouble if you don’t have it with you. You need your ID for checking out books in the media center and for getting your textbooks. If you lose or forget your ID at home, you can buy a temporary one when you enter the building or a new one from Security in room 125D.
Will I have a locker? How do I know where that is?
Locker numbers and lock combinations will be given out on Freshman Orientation Day. After that, any questions should be directed to Mrs. Hayek in the Security Office (125D).
What’s the best advice you can give me?
Make sure you get involved your freshman year. It’s so important to create a connection to MHS because it will make your years so much more enjoyable. And yes, freshman grades count! Do your best!