MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
199th EDITION: September 3, 2021
From the Desk of Mr. Brad Williams
A full, in-person return to school for the 2021-2022 school year is an event I have been looking forward to all summer. For me, the relaxing of summer turns into idleness by August as I become excited about reconnecting with students. The first three weeks of school have been filled with discussions, interactions, relationships, and day-to-day dynamics that I looked forward to this past summer and are the reasons the role of educator is so important.
There is no replacing an in-person educational experience. The student/teacher relationship relies on it. Deep discussions about economic philosophy or debates about histography require a human element of being in a room together to hear one another speak and academically engage. While I can speak for myself and for my classroom, I hope you have had a similar experience during these first few weeks of school.
Looking forward, we are excited for our first pep assembly and first home football on Friday, September 3rd. There is a strong, positive energy in the school today which I hope translates onto all athletic fields and into the stands.
This week also included our first student council meeting of the school year where we discussed upcoming events such as spirit week and homecoming. In this regard, we are working on plans to offer a rich and rewarding high school experience for our community during this school year. There are obstacles and hurdles, as with most things, but we are actively working to develop an experience we think our students and the general community will enjoy.
An element to student council that is new for this year is that while there is an application/election process for certain positions, the general counsel is open to any student who is looking to become involved in the school. So, if anyone is interested in joining student council, please feel free to come to the next meeting!
I would like to end this note by saying once again how grateful we are to have our entire student body back in the building. While a return to school always comes with trials and tribulations, seeing full classrooms with fresh faces who are engaged in the learning experience is wonderful to be around. Speaking as an administrator, the overall atmosphere is an inspiration. Speaking as a teacher, there is no more rewarding experience than helping a student reach a meaningful understanding. In-person learning is vital to this endeavor and we are grateful to start the 2021-2022 school year with all our students.
Senior Portraits
Senior portraits will be taken at Marian on Tuesday, September 21st (ladies) and Wednesday, September 22nd (gentlemen). A specific schedule will be shared later. Please see the attire guidelines below for these portraits.
Senior Ladies:
Appropriate attire on this day includes dress pants or uniform pants and a modest blouse or sweater that covers the shoulders. Dresses/skirts are not allowed. No nose rings/studs, facial piercing, and no more than two earrings per ear will be permitted on girls. Hair must conform to Student Handbook guidelines.
Senior Gentlemen:
Appropriate attire on this day includes a white shirt and tie, a sport coat or suit coat, and dress pants or uniform pants. No nose rings/studs, facial hair, facial piercing, and no earrings will be permitted on boys. Hair must conform to Student Handbook guidelines.
College Financial Aid Information Night
Please mark Wednesday, September 22nd on your calendar for Financial Aid Q&A Night! This is an important program that 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, we’re excited to welcome back Susan Teerink, Marquette University’s Director of Student Financial Services, as our presenter.
This year’s program will be virtual. Susan will record an informational presentation that can be viewed online before Wednesday, September 22nd. The link will be sent out as soon as the presentation is recorded. Parents should view this video before deciding if they want to attend the live portion of the program on 9/22. 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 7:00 PM on 9/22. We’ll hold an “open session” on Zoom from 7:00-8:00 PM. The link for that program will also be shared shortly.
This is one program that students are not required to attend. The material is geared more toward parents that 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!
-Mr. Stamatakos-
Next Week's College Visits in Guidance
All juniors and seniors may attend these visits. Students must receive permission from their teachers to attend each visit and must sign up for all visits in SCOIR.
Tuesday 9/7: St Anthony College of Nursing-9th period
Wednesday 9/8: Ball State University-8th Period
Thursday 9/9: University of Denver-8th Period
Weight Room Availability
The weight room will be open after school for any student-athletes from 3:00-4:30pm Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays starting on Tuesday September 7th.
Photo Contest - Win T-Shirt & Pizza Party
Every week during the fall sports season, Marian families and athletes are encouraged to take as many Marian Central pictures as they can. It could be a quick snap before or after a practice, game footage or anything that shouts: School Spirit! Pictures should be sent to mccaboosters@gmail.com. Every week a winner will be chosen for Best Photo. Each winner will receive a Marian Central Athletic t-shirt and a free pizza party for all winners at the end of the fall season.
Student Admission to Home Athletic Events
All Marian Central students are admitted at no charge to all home athletic events by showing their Marian ID card. Support your Hurricanes!
