MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
170th EDITION: October 30, 2020
From the Desk of Mr. Benji Winkelman
Whether we are ready for it or not, fall is in the air and although things may be functioning a bit differently, it is a great sight to have our students here at school. I am happy to report on some exciting things that have been happening here at Marian.
First, I am pleased to announce that we have elected a new Student Council! The new format will allow all students to participate in many different activities that the Student Council will oversee. The Student Council Board will consist of 5 members and will be under the guidance of Mr. Stamatakos. The president (Brian Hopp) will oversee the Policies and Practices Committee. This will gather input from the students and work with the administrative team to create school policies and programs. The 1st Vice President (Lauren McNulty) will oversee community relations which includes annual Christmas Drive, Lenten Project, and visiting our Catholic feeder schools. The 2nd Vice President (Grace Kramer) will oversee the School Spirit Committee whose responsibilities include Homecoming, prom, pep rallies, and spirit weeks. The Secretary (Courtney Sensabaugh) will oversee Communications which includes morning and afternoon announcements, creating and maintaining social media accounts and promoting school events through social media. The Treasurer (Kat Strode) will gather data, information, and track expenditures. Things change every day. Sometimes change happens out of necessity and the structure of our student council is something that needed to evolve to create opportunities for all of our students. I would like to wish good luck to Mr. Stamatakos and our new Student Council!
I would also like to congratulate the 12 Junior and 11 Senior students that were inducted into the National Honor Society last Wednesday October 21st. Marian Central’s chapter of the National Honor Society is founded upon the principles of scholastic achievement, outstanding character, leadership, and service to the community. Members are expected to uphold Christian values, serving as leaders among their peers and the community at large. As students, members of the National Honor Society strive to continue their intellectual growth and use their knowledge to enlighten the lives of others. Most importantly, members are dedicated to aiding and working to improve the community wherever there is a need. Induction into the NHS is one of the highest honors in our school, and it was inspiring to listen to students’ service, academic achievements, and faith in God. I would like to thank Dr. Pinnau and the current members for their time, hard work, and dedication in making that ceremony an elegant and distinguished affair for those students and their families.
In closing, thank you to all the teachers for their tireless work, and to all the families that support not only their own students, but Marian Central Catholic High School. I am so proud of our students and staff and thankful to be part of this school community.
I leave you with this quote to help us navigate these unusual times.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Mr. Benji Winkelman
Dean of Students/PE Teacher
Why is Washing My Face Mask So Important?
The face mask itself can become contaminated. Since it touches your nose and mouth, it is possible any viral particles on the mask could get into your respiratory system and infect you. You are always touching it with your hands, taking it on and off, and setting it down in different places that might be contaminated with the virus. Wash your face mask every day for the same reason you regularly wash your other clothes. Otherwise, it will get contaminated with anything in the environment, like bacteria, viruses, and if you’re not regularly washing it, it could itself contaminate other things you leave it with every time you take it off.
Why Are Students Required to Wear Their IDs?
Student identification cards must always be worn on school-issued lanyards. Student IDs are part of the school's dress code daily and allow staff members to better identify students throughout the school, especially due to everyone being required to wear a face covering/mask. All students received a Marian lanyard at the beginning of the school year. Replacement lanyards and IDs are available for purchase in the office for $5 each.
Parking Lot Safety
School buses drop off and pick up in front of the Theater Entrance. Please refrain from parking in this area.
PACE buses are picking up and dropping off near Door #1. These buses will move past the parent pickup line and stop at the concrete area furthest east of Door #1.
Car drop off/pick up is typically at Door #1. When picking up your student, it is important to pull up to just in front of the concrete area in front of Door #1.
While in the pick up line, please do not block the "jock lot" exits (parking lot west of the building) so that students can still exit that lot.
After picking up your student, please pull up to the turn-around midway between Door #1 and the Theater doors and turn left. But please do NOT pass the school buses that are loading students (with their stop sign out). This is illegal.
If your car is parked in a parking spot while you are waiting to pick up your student, it is advisable to park far enough west of the turn around so that it can be utilized safely.
Please remind your student drivers that driving and parking in the Marian Central Catholic parking lot is a privilege and can be revoked if students do not adhere to the expectations, including:
The Marian parking tag must always be hanging from the rear-view mirror.
Cars must be parked correctly in a single parking space.
Speeding will not be tolerated.
Cars must stop at ALL stop signs.
Leave promptly after getting to your car (no hanging out in cars in the parking lot).
Thank you for assisting us as we continue to ensure our school and those who visit are safe!
Tuition Reminder
Support Your Cross Country Hurricanes
This Saturday, two Marian seniors will be running in the 2A Sectional Cross Country Meet at Lakes High School beginning at approximately 11:00 am. Click the link below to watch live! Good luck, Hurricanes!
Sweater Season - Starts Monday
Just in time for the chilly weather. Per the student handbook:
“Sweater Season begins November 2, 2020 and ends as we leave for Spring Break on March 26, 2021. During this season, students are expected to wear school uniform sweaters OR red fleece quarter-zip jackets and uniform slacks. Shorts and polos are not permitted during this season."
Class of 2021 - Cap and Gown Orders
Seniors and Parents - it's time to order caps and gowns! Please watch the video below provided by our Jostens representative, Mr. Crandall, and follow the instructions provided.
Jostens Ordering Instructions Video
Important Notes:
- Order dates: October 30th through November 13th. All orders must be placed by Friday, November 13th
- Students will receive an ordering kit containing additional details. In-person students received their kits in English class. Remote student packets were mailed to the home.
- All students MUST order a cap and gown. Please click here to enter your height and weight
- All students receive a cap, gown and basic tassel as part of the graduation fee that was paid at registration time. There is no money due unless you are ordering items in addition to the cap, gown and basic tassel.
- Jostens is also offering various optional items for sale such as additional tassels, announcements, clothing, jewelry, photo cards and more! www.jostens.com
If you have questions, please contact the Marian Central office at 815-338-4220 or email Mrs. DiSilvio at ldisilvio@marian.com
Winter Sports
Interested in playing sports this winter? Registration must be completed no later than Friday, November 6th. https://mariancc.8to18.com/. This winter season, Marian Central will offer the sports listed below.
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Fencing
Chess
Competitive Cheerleading
Competitive Dance
Once registration is complete, you will have access to the Zoom Winter Athletic meeting on Tuesday, November 10th. In this meeting you will hear from the Athletic Department, winter coaches and Marian Central's Athletic Boosters.
Interested in Chess?
Super Raffle
WIN FREE TUITION OR $7,500 IN CASH!
The class that sells the most tickets will be given the DAY OFF from school on Wednesday, November 25. Below are the standings as of today:
Seniors - 17
Sophomores - 16
Juniors - 12
Freshmen - 7
Next Week's College Visits
All juniors and seniors may attend these virtual visits. Students must receive permission from their teachers to attend each visit and must sign up for all visits in SCOIR. Students learning remotely on the day(s) of any visits will be sent links to access the presentations through their Marian Central email accounts.
Week of 11/2 - 11/6
Monday, Nov. 2: Kent State University
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Western Michigan University
Wednesday, Nov. 4: Lewis University, Ancilla College
Thursday, Nov. 5: University of New Orleans
Friday, Nov. 6: University of Valley Forge
Fall Sports Photo Orders Due Sunday
Yearbook Photos
Senior retakes will also take place on these days.
Chapel Schedule
Adoration: Daily during lunch periods
Confession: Daily at 2:40 pm
Mass: Daily at 3:00 pm