MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
185th EDITION: March 5, 2021
From the Desk of Rev. Jared Twenty
A few days ago I received a call from a good priest buddy of mine who I studied with in seminary. His bishop had recently informed him that he will be getting a new assignment in the fall as a high school chaplain, and so he reached out to me to get the inside scoop.
I told him that ministry as a high school chaplain is a fantastic experience and truly meaningful work. The joys and challenges are unique compared to the usual parish assignments that most diocesan priests have. The schedule is different. The activities are different. The people you minister to are different. However, as a priest the “job” remains the same – in all circumstances to be a spiritual father. If you focus on that, the rest take will care of itself.
I told him that someone recommended a book to me when I started here three years ago that really shaped the way I approach this role. The Art of Forming Young Disciples by Everett Fritz takes a critical look at the effectiveness of youth ministry programs and concludes that the number one thing that today’s young people need (and in fact want) is good mentors. They don’t need us to be relevant, cool, or TikTok savvy (not that any of those things are bad). They need grown-ups. They need adults who care about them and prove it by showing up and showing interest.
Time and time again, I’ve experienced the truth of this insight. Teenagers can be hard to get through to. They can be very good at holding their cards close to the chest. You can sometimes wonder if you’re making a difference at all. But every now and then they slip up and let their guard down. When they do, you realize that all you had to do was care about them and be there for them. If you focus on that, the rest will take care of itself.
To all of our moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, counselors and coaches, faculty and staff, everyone who is there for our Marian Central students – thank you! You are doing so much more than you know. If you feel exhausted, frustrated, or inadequate, simply ask yourself: “Do I love them? Am I there for them?” If you focus on that, the rest will take care of itself.
Additional March Calendar Changes
Once again, we are forced to make another calendar change. The Health Department has recently changed our vaccination date for our faculty and staff. Our shots were originally scheduled for the 12th of March and are now scheduled for Thursday the 11th. With the possibilities of side effects that may take place for a day or two after we receive the vaccinations, we have made the decision that Thursday, March 11th will be a full day of asynchronous remote learning and Friday the 12th will be a day of non-attendance. I know how much we all are looking forward to the return of a “normal” school year so we can leave all this craziness behind us. I pray daily for that day to come as soon as possible. Please see updated March calendar below.
For the students scheduled to participate in the on-site or on-line practice ACT on March 12th, Mr. Stamatakos will email each of you directly to confirm the details for the day.
Mr. Mike Shukis
Superintendent
Covid Testing - MCDH
Hybrid/Remote Learning Survey
We value your input! If you haven't already done so, please provide your input by completing the survey below by the end of the day today. Thank you!
Parents/Guardian Survey - Hybrid Learning Environment Perspectives
First Virtual Car Race is Monday, March 8th - Win Prizes Weekly!
Marian Central is hosting a series of VIRTUAL CAR RACES for a chance to win amazing prizes every week! Our first race is Monday, March 8th at 3:00 pm. For updates on prizes, races, and winners, join "Hurricanes, start your engines" Facebook group here. To view items and buy chances, click here. We still have chances available to win great prizes. Let’s get them closed this weekend so they can be included in Monday’s race! For questions or more information, please email Lori Hirsch at Lhirsch@marian.com. See you at the finish line!
Yearbook Picture Orders
To Freshmen, Sophomore, & Junior Families
All school picture make-ups and retakes are now uploaded into your family's private photo album! The order deadline has been extended to Monday, March 8. Please note that orders placed after this date will incur a $10 late-processing fee. Additionally, any touch-up work performed on late orders will NOT be reflected in the yearbook photo.
If you place an order by 3/8, we will automatically use the image you ordered as the yearbook photo. If you haven't ordered by 3/8 and have more than one image, we will select the yearbook image for you. :)
Here's how to view and order your school photos:
· Go to www.vickylongphotography.com/marian
· Scroll to the galleries and find the School Picture option.
· Click Enter Gallery.
· Type your email address to enter the gallery.
· Read the instructions that display after you've entered the gallery. (Please scroll to read all of the instructions!) This will include information you'll need to access your student's private album, order digital files and/or professional prints, add White Glove Touch-Up services, and use your Pre-Pay Credit!
Please contact Vicky or Kellie if you have any questions or difficulties with this process at vlbrphotography@gmail.com or 815.353.1577.
Dental Examination Documentation - Freshmen
Attention Freshmen and Sophomores...check out this awesome leadership opportunity!
Leadership Greater McHenry County is offering a youth community leadership program to area high school students as an opportunity to enhance community awareness and knowledge, and to develop leadership skills. This is intended to empower and motivate students to become involved and committed to their community. Only 16 students, one from each high school in the county, will be selected for this year's leadership class.
To apply for this program, students must:
- Be a sophomore or junior entering the school year 2021-2022
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
- Is or has been involved in an extracurricular activity or community service
- Commit to an evening orientation session and two-day weekend retreat in August 2021, three school days (these would be excused absences), and four Saturdays.
- Commit to collaborating with other students from area high schools to meet monthly and complete a community project
- Be willing to meet and report to a business or person sponsoring you for the program
Any interested students should stop in Marian's guidance office or email Mrs. Diamond at jdiamond@marian.com for further information and application instructions.
Next Week's College Visits
Tuesday, 3/9: UW-Milwaukee-9th Period
Wednesday, 3/10: Bradley University-3rd Period