Week at a Glance
Marian Central Catholic High School Faculty Newsletter
November 25, 2018
Here's to hoping that this newsletter is coming to you at the end of a restful, joyous, and family-focused Thanksgiving break. Although it is currently raining outside, I am afraid that we will be looking at an early season significant snowfall come evening. Please know that our emergency protocol allows administration the ability to communicate to everyone as early as possible if there is a school closing. Prayers are with everyone who may still be traveling home this evening. Be safe!
Last Sunday's Open House was quite successful! It seems that we had about a 15% increase in attendance of prospective families vs last year's open house. Interesting fact... there was an increase in families that brought their 7th or 6th grade student to see the school, which confirms the fact that families are making decisions where to send their high school students even earlier. A big thanks to all who participated in the event... in the classrooms, in the curricular fair, or both! This year we allowed the atmosphere to be a bit more relaxed and really act as an open house, as we eliminated the administration presentation. From those I have talked with, it was a welcomed change, as it provided a nice flow to the entire event.
Thank you to those who spent the time to fill out the short questionnaire as a follow up to our discussion on advisories and struggling students. If you did no get a chance to participate, please click here to share your perspective. All voices matter!
Hurricane Day seemed like quite a storm! Several students dressed in their Hurricane best to show how spirited they were. We do not have the preliminary figures from what was collected through this drive, but we were excited to see continued interest and support from our families and alumni... providing Marian the ability to continue our academic and spiritual programs for our students.
Our Thanksgiving Mass was wonderful... Father's message was a personal one of thanks... allowing all of us to take a reflective look at the things in our own lives that make us thankful. We are so fortunate to have, as Father shared, the Blessed Virgin Mary as our patroness to watch over us in all we do and are faced with. There is nothing random about why we are all here, together, working at Marian Central Catholic at this time. God's plan is certain to be revealed to us in His time... and we need to be willing to stop and listen. We have much to be grateful for!
It was also wonderful to hear that many students and Staffulty participated in a service project to make blankets for the needy on Wednesday. Service helps all of us to recenter ourselves and focus on what is important in life... and act of what we believe as Catholics.
~~ "The Measure of a Man's Greatness is Not the Number of Servants he has, but the Number of People He Serves." ~~ John Hagee
Looking ahead...
As I will be working from my home office for at least this coming week, I wanted to thank all who wished me well on my hip replacement surgery. Being 6 days into recovery, it has been a bit of a roller coaster, but with prayers and faith, I know that I will come back better and stronger than before! I will be monitoring my emails and taking care of things from home at least until next Friday... we will see if I progress enough to return Dec. 3rd. Thank you to the rest of the administration team a they take care of things in my absence!
We are 3 1/2 short weeks away from the end of first semester. As we plan feverishly for the end of the semester, making sure that we have taught what we intended, that students receive and understand the lessons at the highest level of rigor, that our activities and assessments are thoughtful, relevant, and intentional, that we do not forget an important element in education. This key element is, and always will be building relationships. Please enjoy this short video discussing its importance.
The Monthly Deanery Principal Meeting is this Thursday. Again, this is a time when Deanery Principals get together and work to strengthen the curricular and communication bonds between schools as we work together to service our families. If there is some event that you would like to have shared out with the elementary principals, please drop me an email by Wednesday so we can facilitate the information exchange.
Finally, this Saturday, December 1, we will be administering our annual High School Placement Test (HSPT) to any 8th graders interested in attending Marian next year. Unlike some schools, Marian uses this test solely for purposes of placing the students in their freshmen classes, and not as an admissions test. Please share with anyone you know that might be interested in having their student come to Marian. Provide them with Mr. Maloney's email address mmaloney@marian.com if they have any questions. Remember, promotion of our dear school is best done through those who live an breathe the school... Thank you.
Have a wonderful week!
2018 Open House
Catechist Certification Opportunities
Level II @ St, Joseph, Elgin, Saturday, December 1, 2018; 9am - 1:30pm
Immaculate Conception Healing Service: Join us for a night of worship, healing, and community. Come and experience the power and proximity of the God who loves each of us unconditionally.
Where? St. Mary, Sycamore
When? December 8, 2018 from 1:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Suggested Donation $10
RSVP: stmarysycamore.com
TECHNOLOGY CORNER
Please refer to the 18-19 Technology Guide for most of the information needed for log-ins, Wi-Fi, printers, saving files, and more!
2018-2019 MCCHS SMART Goal: Technology: Curriculum Integration
2018-2020 MCCHS Technology: Professional Development SMART Goal
**NEW! ICE Conference: Educational Technology Conference, Feb. 25-28, 2019 @ Schaumburg Convention Center (Early bird pricing until Nov. 30!)
Professional Development Opportunities
**NEW! NCEA Virtual Education Program
Being a member of NCEA also allows your teachers to use the new Virtual Education Program through Notre Dame of Maryland. Teachers can take up to 4 graduate courses for a yearly fee of $125. More information can be found onhttps://www.ncea.org/NCEA/Membership/Virtual_Education_Software_Course_Membership_Program.aspx
Teacher's Teacher : A wide variety of online courses are offered, designed to meet the changing needs of teachers.
Reading & Writing Seminars & Podcasts
NCEA Webinars... NEW, including...
- How to Handle Exclusionary Bullying
- Teaching Religion in a Polarized Age
- Religious Freedom in Catholic Schools
... and more!
This Week's Schedule
As you work through your plans this week, please note these events. For a more detailed list, check out our school calendar, 8to18 Athletics Calendar or Clubs/Organizations Page
>>> If you sponsor a club or organization and would like to have your events listed here, please provide Ms. Novy with your calendar.
Monday, Nov. 26, 2018
Novy Out
7:45 am ~ Daily Mass, Chapel
Lunches ~ Confessions, Chapel
12:00 pm ~ Administrative Dept. Meeting
2:30 pm ~ Confessions, Chapel
2:45 pm ~ Musical Dance and Song Practice, Auditorium
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018
Novy Out
7:45 am ~ Daily Mass, Chapel
2:30 pm ~ Confessions, Chapel
2:45 pm ~ Musical Dance and Song Practice, Auditorium
2:45 pm ~ Musical Crew Interest Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018
Novy Out
McHenry Honors Band Auditions
7:45 am ~ Daily Mass, Chapel
2:30 pm ~ Confessions, Chapel
2:30 pm ~ Key Club to Valley Hi for Christmas Decorating
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018
Novy Out
7:45 am ~ Daily Mass, Chapel
10:30 am ~ Deanery Principal Meeting, Annex
Lunches ~ Adoration, Chapel
12:00 pm ~ Facilities Meeting
2:30 pm ~ Confessions, Chapel
2:40 pm ~ Friends of Rachel, Cafeteria
2:45 pm ~ Musical Dance and Song Practice, Auditorium
Friday, Nov. 30, 2018
Novy Out
Gavel Debate Field Trip
7:30 am ~ NHS Meeting, Auditorium
7:45 am ~ Daily Mass, Chapel
2:30 pm ~ Confessions, Chapel
7:00 pm ~ Theater 2 Showcase, Auditorium
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
Gavel Debate Field Trip
Loy Out
8:15 am ~ High School Placement Test, Cafeteria
9:00 am ~ Musical Dance, Set, Building, Costume Prep, Auditorium
Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018
Loy Out
Gavel Debate Field Trip