Welcome Back!
August 1, 2023
We would like to welcome all our students back to school (freshmen on August 15th and all students on August 17th). Please remind your student to print their schedule from their student portal prior to the first day of school, but no earlier than August 14th. If your student has requested transportation, their transportation schedule will be available on the transportation tab in the parent portal on August 14th (click More and then Transportation).
Please be reminded that all incoming freshmen are required to submit two proofs of residency in order to have a completed registration. Acceptable proof of residency includes two of the following: property tax bill, driver license, recent gas, electric, cable, or credit card bill, public aid card, voter registration card, home or car insurance certificate. Please bring these items to the MCHS Student Services Office or scan and email them to Mrs. Gorter at gorterd@mchs154.org. Students who have not completed this task will not have a confirmed schedule for the start of the school year.
Class of 2026 students were required to provide proof of a dental examination performed by a licensed dentist or a dental exam waiver form by May 15, 2023. If you have not already submitted this, please provide the required documentation to our school nurse ASAP. Students who have not submitted this form will not have portal access.
NEW PLACES, NEW FACES!
We have reorganized and renamed two of our offices to better align with district and school improvement goals. Along with this reorganization, we have shifted some staff and assigned new roles and responsibilities.
The Main Office (formerly Student Services)
Angela Fink – Assistant Superintendent of Programs x1341
Dr. Fink’s new office is located in the Main Office. She will be responsible for building and grounds, curriculum, instruction, and assessments, human resources, technology, and transportation. As a proven and effective leader, we are confident in her abilities in this new role.
Jay Mullens – Principal x1312
Mr. Mullens joins our administrative team in the role of Principal. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology with a minor in History from Western Illinois University and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. Mr. Mullens has many years of administrative experience, most recently as the Principal at Byron High School in School District #226 for the past eight years.
Pete Byrne – Assistant Principal x1322
Mr. Byrne has shifted responsibilities to those of Assistant Principal. His positivity and ability to connect with students and staff has been a tremendous asset to MCHS and we trust he will continue to be a strong leader. His office will now be located in the Administrative Office.
Student Services (formerly the Guidance Office)
We have changed the name of this office to align with services and requirements designated through ISBE’s Developmental Counseling Model for Illinois Schools.
Julie Amendt – Director of Student Services and Special Education x1333
In addition to her role as Special Education Director, Ms. Amendt will expand her duties to encompass all of Student Services including oversight of counselors, psychologist, and social workers.
Sarah Joustra – Interventionist x1401
Mrs. Joustra will review data, design strategies and interventions for students, and model lessons for teachers to build student understanding, skills, and performance to bolster their academic success. Mrs. Joustra comes to us from Hampshire High School, where she was a special education teacher.
Marcus Nibungco – Math x2102
You may recognize Mr. Nibungco from his Student Teaching role in our Math Department last year. He will have his own classroom this year, teaching Principles of Algebra/Geometry, Algebra I, and Algebra II.
Brianna Ray – Science x2213
After serving MCHS as a paraprofessional last year, Mrs. Ray joins the Science Department to teach Practical Physical Science, Practical Earth Science, Practical Biology, and will Co-Teach Civics.
Sean Walker – Counselor x1353
Mr. Walker will be a counselor for the students whose last names begin with P-Z. Mr. Walker is very familiar with MCHS as he did his counseling internship with Mr. Rode. His office is located in the Student Services Office.
Claire Zierer - Social Worker x1313
We are excited to guide our students in reaching their full potential as we begin a new school year. We look forward to seeing our parents at upcoming events and activities and we look forward to working together to ensure the best future for each and every child.