D120 Equity Narrative
At Mundelein High School, we believe in fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where all students have what they need to find success both now and in the future. Equity is not just a goal but a commitment to social justice that involves dismantling barriers and ensuring access to opportunities across all our systems.
Ultimately, our vision is to prepare our students to navigate the multicultural, global society with confidence and resilience. Through our commitment to equity and social justice, we strive to create a learning environment that truly reflects the richness and diversity of our community.
To support our equity and inclusion goals, we work closely with students, families, staff, and community members to create a culture of excellence. A more just and equitable society benefits everyone.
In 2020, the D120 Board of Education passed a policy reaffirming the District’s commitment to
celebrating our diversity and creating an educational environment where all students can access the support they need to thrive.
What Equity Work Has District 120 Done Thus Far?
At Mundelein High School, we work towards an equitable, just school through:
Rigorous and equitable academic experiences for students:
Through our equity initiatives, Mundelein High School strives to create a welcoming school climate that encourages students from all backgrounds to engage with one another. All ninth graders have access to earned honors credit in English, social studies, and science, allowing them to challenge themselves and engage with a rigorous curriculum. We are committed to increasing the number and diversity of students enrolling in AP, honors, and dual credit courses, and we have successfully seen growth in both areas. In the fall of 2024, MHS received the College Board Silver Honor Roll recognition for our students' achievements in AP classes and on AP exams. Additionally, our career pathway programs offer students valuable academic experiences through dual credit courses aligned with various career fields and industries, further promoting equitable opportunities for all.
Social-emotional supports:
To support mental wellness, we have established a Wellness Center that offers social-emotional support in a calm and welcoming environment. Our staff has also participated in professional development on restorative practices, which promote improved relationships and effective conflict-resolution skills. We connect our students with diverse community-based mental health resources tailored to meet their unique needs, ensuring equitable access to support for all. These initiatives contribute to a more respectful and supportive school environment, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported.
Extracurricular Offerings:
To further promote equity, we offer a variety of clubs that provide opportunities for diverse groups of students, demonstrating our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Through clubs such as Puertas, Coexist, Black Student Union, Common Ground, Asian Culture Club, Diversity Club, Best Buddies, and Girls Who Code, we celebrate the rich diversity of our student body. These organizations not only encourage students to explore and appreciate different cultures but also create a platform for collaboration, understanding, and personal growth, ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to engage and thrive within our school community.
Stakeholder Engagement:
At D120, we are dedicated to fostering equity by actively engaging our stakeholders in various initiatives that address the diverse needs of our students, staff, and families. Our Universidad de Los Padres program offers workshops for Spanish-speaking families to help them navigate the American education system. We have also forged partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide internships tailored to students' interests and backgrounds, creating relevant and meaningful opportunities that promote equity in career readiness. Our staff plays a crucial role in this equity work by participating in professional development focused on culturally responsive teaching, inclusion, microaggressions, and implicit bias, ensuring they are equipped to support all students effectively. Additionally, our staff Equity Advancement Team works collaboratively to identify areas for growth and strategically develops proposals that aim to create more equitable processes and outcomes throughout our District.