MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
164th EDITION: September 18, 2020
From the Desk of Mr. Benji Winkelman
It was a very welcome sight to have students back to school this week. While we will continue to adjust to our new RED and BLUE teams and the many logistical issues they may present, I would like to thank the parents for their patience, support, and flexibility. I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Dean of Students. I will be sharing this position with Mr. Brad Williams and Father Twenty. Together we will work with the Student Council, all of the clubs/organizations and every student to create a positive school environment.
As stated in last week's Friday Focus, both Mr. Williams and myself will be wearing two hats as administrators and teachers. My field is in Physical Education. Athletics is a passion of mine. As a player and then a coach, I have been blessed with many opportunities to participate in different sports, and those sports have taught me many lessons throughout my life. I am grateful for all of those opportunities, and that is what I want to express to you today. One of my favorite quotes is from Albert Einstein and it goes like this, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” We are all aware of the difficulties that surround us each and every day, but I challenge you to change your perception of those difficulties and see them with a different perspective, as an opportunity - an opportunity to look beyond all of the negativity and find the light, find the good, and make the most of each and every day.
I graciously accepted this position as Dean of Students during a very chaotic time, and why? Because it is a terrific opportunity for me to help lead and teach our students to see that they have been given a great opportunity - the opportunity to attend Marian Central Catholic High School.
Make it a great day on purpose!
Benji Winkelman
Student Entrance to School
Spirit Wear - Order by Tonight
Virtual Trivia Night - Last Call to Purchase Tickets
Trivia Night
Saturday, September 26th
Deadline to purchase tickets: Monday, September 21st at 5:00 pm.
Purchase tickets at mariantrivia.givesmart.com.
Trivia teams can have up to 8 players. Each team will have their own Zoom room. The winning team will receive a Wine Tasting in your Home for up to 12 people! All participants will be entered to win a Marian spirit wear basket.
College Financial Aid Information Night - September 22nd
This is a gentle reminder that Financial Aid Information Night is Tuesday! This is an important program in that it helps families understand how financial aid applications like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) calculate a family’s need and, more specifically, what assets count in that calculation. This year, our program will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd from 6:30-7:30 PM. We’re excited to welcome back Susan Teerink, Marquette University’s Director of Student Financial Services, as our presenter.
With our program being virtual this year on account of COVID-19, it’ll work a bit differently than it has in the past. Typically, Susan has given her presentation while taking questions about financial aid. This year…
- Susan’s presentation is available to view online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gLqJ2yRV5o. Parents should view this video before deciding if they want to attend the live portion of the program on 9/22.
- Susan’s slides (without narration) can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/2GLByBL
- Parents with questions about anything in Susan’s presentation or any financial aid questions not covered by Susan in her presentation are welcome to join us online beginning at 6:30 PM on 9/22. We’ll hold an “open session” on GoToMeeting from 6:30-7:30 PM that can be accessed using this information: Financial Aid Info Night Q&A with Susan Teerink; Tue, Sep 22, 2020 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (CDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/513298357
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Access Code: 513-298-357
Join from a video-conferencing room or system.
Dial in or type: 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink.goto.com
Meeting ID: 513 298 357
Or dial directly: 513298357@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##513298357
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/513298357
This is one program that students are not required to attend. The material is geared more toward parents than students. While understanding the costs associated with college and how financial aid works are important for students to understand, they should have those conversations separately with me; I have ways of explaining both to students in a format that’s more age-appropriate. As always, please let me know if you have any questions about Financial Aid Information Night! I look forward to seeing many of you then!
Jim Stamatakos
College Counselor
Senior Portraits
Senior portraits will be rescheduled to Tuesday and Wednesday, September 29th and 30th. A detailed schedule will be provided at a later date.
- Tuesday, September 29th: Seniors who attend in-person on blue days
- Tuesday, September, 29th (after school): Seniors who attend classes remotely full time
- Wednesday, September 30th: Seniors who attend in-person on red days
Please click here for ordering information and attire guidelines.
Meningitis Vaccination - Seniors
Birth Certificates & Immunizations - Freshmen
FRESHMEN: Birth Certificates and State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination forms are due no later than October 15, 2020. Per the State of Illinois, these documents must be on file in our office for freshmen to be able to attend classes after that date.
Chapel Schedule
Adoration: Daily during lunch periods
Confession: Daily at 2:40 pm
Mass: Daily at 3:00 pm
Next Week's Schedule
Monday, September 21st - Blue
Tuesday, September 22nd - Red
Wednesday, September 23rd - Blue
Thursday, September 24th - Red
Friday, September 25th - Blue - Noon Dismissal for all students