News | Mechanics Grove

D75 SPOTLIGHT: Ashley Oropeza

Jun 04, 2026

For music teacher Ashley Oropeza, the music room is about much more than learning songs. It’s a place where students are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, and explore the many cultures and experiences that make up the Mechanics Grove community. “My favorite thing about working with students at MG is how much joy can be found in the music room,” Oropeza said. “Music class allows students to be a little bit silly, which leads to a lot of laughter throughout the day.”

MG celebrates elite Legacy award

May 19, 2026

The rest of the world is starting to realize what Mundelein parents already know: Mechanics Grove Elementary School has an amazing leadership program that is rarely matched. Mechanics Grove was presented with the coveted Legacy award among FranklinCovey’s Leader In Me Schools, an elite level only reached by 34 other schools worldwide. Since 2011,

MHS School Board approves hiring of new assistant superintendent

Mar 11, 2026

The Mundelein District 120 School Board on March 10 approved hiring Dr. Art Vallicelli as the new Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, effective July 1. Vallicelli, currently the principal of Woodstock High School, will provide district-level leadership in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning for grades 6-12.

Author Reynolds energizes assemblies at Washington and MG

Mar 04, 2026

The elementary students were asked to sit still — crisscross-applesauce style — during the assembly. But who could stay still when children’s author Aaron Reynolds began speaking to them? The Chicago-based, bestselling author of more than 50 books like “Creepy Carrots,” “Chicks and Salsa,” and “Nerdy Birdy,” generated a palpable energy during his visits to both Washington Early Learning Center and Mechanics Grove Elementary School on March 2.

Special Ed Alliance honors Mundelein schools administrator

Mar 03, 2026

Jamie DiCarlo, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for Mundelein School Districts 75 and 120, received a regional leadership award on February 26 for her work in special education. The Special Education Leadership Award was presented by the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) during the group’s Winter Conference in Champaign.

D75 Board earns second governance recognition honor

Sep 29, 2025

The Illinois Association of School Boards is once again honoring the District 75 School Board for its effective governance behaviors. The Board was one of 42 Illinois school districts honored with the School Board Governance Recognition. It recognizes the Board’s effective governance behaviors and its commitment toward obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively govern the district.

D75 Board adjusts school calendar to match high school changes

Aug 27, 2025

Mundelein elementary and middle school students will begin school after Labor Day in the next two school years to match calendar changes at Mundelein High School. The District 75 School Board approved the changes Tuesday night. The Mundelein High School District 120 School Board adjusted its calendar on August 12 in an effort to allow for construction at the high school to proceed as effectively as possible.

Mundelein's shared services model helps save on administrative costs

Jun 23, 2025

The shared services model used by Mundelein School Districts 75 and 120 has proven beneficial in many ways. It provides continuity and collaboration among staff from both districts, efficiencies in materials, supplies and skilled labor, and cost savings in administrative compensation.

Hispanic Nursing Association provides service to D75 Latino families

Slipping on a child-size hospital gown and wrapping a small toy stethoscope around his neck, the boy inspected his new look. He also wore a clipped-on medical ID card complete with his name and picture. Suddenly, the elementary student looked like a medical professional. It was all part of a special program bringing District 75 Latino families together for a series of four educational events in April hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN).

D75 puts focus on math; chooses Eureka Squared

Jun 17, 2025

Beginning in the fall, students at Washington and Mechanics Grove will begin using a new math resource, the culmination of a two-year process that is expected to improve math growth throughout the school district. Just like with District 75’s previous focus on literacy, which began five years ago, the keys to improving the math program include professional development of the teaching staff and having all K-5 staff coming together to improve student learning.