MCHS Newsletter
October, 2022
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parents can have a significant positive role with the school by regularly communicating with their child’s teachers. One of the best ways to facilitate this communication is by attending Parent/Teacher Conferences. Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 27th from 1:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and will be conducted in-person at the high school. MCHS utilizes a walk-in format for the convenience of our parents/guardians during conferences. Each conference should generally last 10 minutes and students are encouraged to attend conferences with their parent/guardian. Please note that a dinner break will be provided for MCHS staff on Thursday evening from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Staff with the last name beginning with A-M will take a ½ hour dinner break from 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. and staff with the last name beginning with N-Z will take a ½ hour dinner break from 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Should any parent or guardian require special accommodations at conferences (Spanish translation, deaf or hard of hearing translation, etc.) please contact Mrs. Dawn Seemann at seemannd@mchs154.org or 815-568-6511 x1302 or Miss Jenesis Hernandez at hernandezj@mchs154.org or 815-344-5884 x1311 by no later than Tuesday, October 18th to ensure the availability of required special services. We look forward to meeting with you!
STUDENT RECOGNITION
Congratulations to Devin Moehrlin who has been named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT.
Devin Moehrlin is a senior student at MCHS. He is currently reviewing his post-secondary educational options with interest in Northern Illinois University, University of Central Missouri, and Western Kentucky University. Once Devin was enrolled in Accounting I, he found his interest in analyzing data. He plans to pursue his education in the area of business. Devin balances a rigorous academic schedule with baseball and ACES competitions. He also has a side-hustle selling baseball cards on eBay. As an avid collector, his favorite era are cards from the early 2010. Congratulations to Devin! We are #MarengoProud!
Congratulations also to our nine students, who are part of 62,000 students from across the country to earn academic honors from the College Board’s National Recognition Programs! These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs use these honors to identify students from underrepresented groups.
National Rural and Small Town Award
Class of 2023: Jessica Elquinni, Nathan Kagan, Devin Moehrlin, Omar Timoumi, and Zoe Whetham
Class of 2024: Grant Aubry, Leo Bankel, Morgan Cetera, and Emily White
National African American Recognition Award
Class of 2023: Omar TImoumi
The above students have earned this recognition by excelling on their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or on AP Exams and in their classrooms. Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town. Eligible students are invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year, and are awarded at the beginning of the next school year.
Front row: Zoe Whetham, Jessica Elquinni, Emily White, and Morgan Cetera; Back row: Grant Aubry, Leo Bankel, Nathan Kagan, Devin Moehrlin, and Omar Timoumi
SALDANA REFLECTS ON ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
This past summer, Alondra Saldana, a current 11th grader, attended the Illinois Leadership Seminar (ILS), sponsored by Marengo Woman’s Club, and is sharing her takeaways!
I plan to attend college (aiming for University of Chicago) and major in computer science to become a venture capitalist or a CRNA!
1. ILS drew me because it was an opportunity to learn something new and learn how I can become a better leader in my school and community.
2. One of a few things I learned about leadership is that you need to take action for yourself and to get out of your comfort zone to start a change. We took a test during the seminar and something I learned about myself was that I was relevant and a leader/alpha.
3. I want to bring to my school new ideas and how to act upon them, and most importantly listen to others and as a team be creative and innovate the community.
4. Attending this event will inspire you to move and start new things that you've always wanted to do but were too scared. ILS will definitely impact your way of thinking and mindset on how to become a better leader.
If any 10th grade students are interested in learning more, reach out to Ms. Schultz. Every summer this opportunity for leadership training is available to one sophomore student.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT ABSENCES AND ATTENDANCE DOCUMENTATION
If a student is expected to be absent for more than 2 days, whether COVID related or not, the administration office will email a homework request form to the student’s teachers. If the absence is for COVID or other illness and the student will be absent more than three days, this will require a Doctor’s note for the absence to be considered excused. The student and their parents/guardians will receive a copy of the completed homework request form within 24-48 hours of their first day of absence. Click here to view a sample copy. For lengthier absences it may take teachers longer to submit all their assignments. Students are also expected to check their email, Google Classrooms, and Infinite Campus student portal account so they are aware of their academic expectations when absent for lengthy periods of time. If a student is not expected to be absent for more than two days, they should be checking their Google Classrooms and assignments in their student portal, as well as emailing their teachers. Please contact your student’s teacher(s) if you have any questions regarding homework while your student is on an extended absence.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Picture retake day is 10/14/22, upper gym, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Any student who did not have their picture taken in August, or any student who needs retakes, should report to the upper gym during their lunch or advisory period.
How to order school photos/portraits from VIP
School photos/portraits from your recent picture day will be uploaded to an online gallery for parents to view and order around October 25, 2022. Please follow these easy steps to look up your student's photos:
1. Go to vipis.com
2. Type in your school (Marengo High School in Marengo, IL.)
3. Click on “School portraits”
4. Enter your student’s information
Even if you are not ordering photos, you have the option to pick your yearbook/composite photo, however, be sure to do so before it is automatically selected for you. Please contact VIP with any questions at support@vipis.com.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes outstanding high school students. All juniors and seniors who have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5/4.0 (B+) or above may apply for admission to the Marengo Community High School Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). NHS recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Servant leadership is about helping others while developing leadership skills through planning and performing acts of service for others. During the year students are required to complete 15 service hours of their choice, such as performance activities (arts), athletics, clubs, scholastic teams, and community service, with one being an NHS sponsored event.
The Marengo Community High School Chapter of the National Honor Society will induct its new members on the evening of Thursday, October 20th. We look forward to welcoming our new members this year!
HOSA BLOOD DRIVE
Please consider giving the gift of LIFE by donating at HOSA's blood drive. The blood drive is Open to the PUBLIC.
When: Wednesday, October 5th (2:00 pm-6:30 pm) This is the same day as Volley 4 A Cure
Where: MCHS Commons Area
How: CLICK HERE to sign up for a donation time
FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Meningococcal Vaccine Required
The Meningococcal vaccine is required for students entering 12th grade. The Illinois Department of Public Health is requiring that all students entering 12th grade show proof of two doses of meningococcal vaccine unless the first dose was administered after 16 years of age. In this case, only one dose is required.
October 15th, 2022 is the deadline for Freshmen and Seniors to have met vaccine requirements. Contact your healthcare provider and make your appointment today. #VaxToSchool
GUIDANCE NEWS
ILLINOIS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
Public Act 101-0180 requires that, beginning with the 2020-21 school year, the parent or guardian of each student must (1) file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or an application for state financial aid, or (2) file a waiver form with the school district indicating that the parent or guardian understands what FAFSA and application for state financial aid are and has chosen not to file an application. These same requirements also apply to any student who is at least 18 years old or legally emancipated. They are a prerequisite for a student receiving a diploma from a public high school and are in addition to any other graduation requirements. If choosing to file a waiver of this requirement, students and families must file the following form with the school district: Waiver Form
FAFSA Application Available October 1, 2022
Description: FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by conducting a “need analysis” based on financial information, such as income, assets, and other household information. The form is submitted to and processed by a federal processor contracted by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The results are electronically transmitted to the financial aid offices of the schools listed on your application. FAFSA is the application used by nearly all colleges and universities to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs.
Class of 2023:
Complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa OR fill out the Nonparticipation Form.
Apply for a FSA ID (one for the student, one for the parent) at FSA ID link.
Have the following with you. Failure to do so may result in not being able to complete the application.
1. Student’s 2021 U.S. 1040 and W-2 forms
2. Parent’s 2021U.S. 1040 and W-2 forms
3. Student’s driver’s license and social security card
4. Parent’s social security cards
5. Records of total untaxed income for 2021 (i.e. public aid, social security, Veteran's benefits, child support)
6. Student’s alien registration number, if a permanent resident
7. Records of current asset information (i.e. saving account, checking account)
8. Month and year of marriage, separation, divorce or other change in marital status
Records of net worth of investments for both parents and students
Note: Net Worth = Current Value minus Debt
FAFSA Workshops: Need help filling out your FAFSA? Participants will go line by line through the FAFSA form. MCC will host workshops at MCC for those wanting help to fill out the form. The dates are: October 18th 4-6 PM and October 26th 4-7 PM. They will also be hosting a FAFSA Workshop at MCHS October 17th 5:30-7 PM. You must sign up to attend. Email Mrs. Olson at olsonm@mchs154.org by October 13th.
PSAT 8/9 Testing for Freshman Freshmen will be taking the PSAT 8/9 on October 12th.
PSAT/NMSQT Testing for Sophomore and Juniors Junior students will be taking the SAT this year as a part of the state of Illinois assessment program. In order to provide students opportunities to familiarize themselves with the test, MCHS has scheduled practice tests for Sophomores and Juniors. On October 12th, Sophomores and Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT. This is a National test and may qualify students for scholarships. The results will be online through the students' College Board account.
College Visits at MCHS
Each year college representatives come to our high school to talk with junior and senior students about admission requirements, majors offered, scholarships, and campus life. Please visit our “guidance calendar” by clicking here to see what colleges are scheduled.
Class of 2026
Counselors will be meeting with all freshmen students individually to discuss the transition to high school. Meetings will begin in October.
ATHLETIC NEWS
We are nearing the end of fall sports and time sure does fly by. Here are the dates when postseason begins for each sport:
Boys & Girls Golf → September 28th & 29th
Tennis → October 14th
Boys & Girls Cross Country → October 22nd
Football → Playoff Pairings (October 22nd) & First Round Games (October 28th)
Soccer → October 11th
Volleyball → October 24th
*** All postseason information, brackets, results and dates can be found on www.ihsa.org.
Our teams also compete in KRC tournaments. Boys Golf competed on September 21st and the Girls Golf competed on September 22nd at Blackstone Golf Course. The soccer team competes in the KRC tournament from September 26th to October 3rd. Tennis will be traveling to Woodstock for the KRC tournament on October 7th. The cross country teams host the KRC meet on October 15th at Indian Oaks Park.
Here are some highlighted dates for FALL events:
October 4th: Soccer under the Lights
October 5th: Volley for the Cure
October 7th: KRC Tennis Tournament @ Woodstock
October 7th: Home Football Game with City of Marengo Fireworks afterwards
October 15th: KRC Cross Country Meet at Indian Oaks Park
Winter Sports Information
Winter Sports will officially be starting soon. Registration on 8to18 will open around October 5th. The Winter Sports Parent Night will be Monday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. After an approximate 20-minute presentation with the Athletic Director, parents and players will meet with their respective coach. The starting dates for each winter sport are:
Competitive Cheerleading → October 24th
Boys Bowling → October 24th
Girls Basketball →October 31st
Wrestling → November 7th
Boys Basketball →November 7th
Girls Bowling → November 14th
Key winter sports information - All Athletes Must:
1) be registered on 8to18: www.marengo.8to18.com
2) have a current physical on file with the school
For questions regarding winter sports, you can contact each head coach.
Competitive Cheerleading: Coach Joyce (joycek@mchs154.org)
Boys Bowling: Coach Riedl (riedls@mchs154.org)
Girls Basketball: Coach Hanson (hansone@mchs154.org)
Wrestling: Coach Keefer (keefert@mchs154.org)
Boys Basketball: Coach Webb (webba@mchs154.org)
Girls Bowling: Coach Czlapinski (czlapinskip@mchs154.org)
The most up to date schedules can be found on the 8 to 18 website: www.il.8to18.com/marengo.
Dwain Nance, Athletic Director, can be reached at (815) 568 - 6511 ext. 1612 or nanced@mchs154.org. Lisa Ackley, Athletic Office Administrative Assistant, can be reached at (815) 568 - 6511 ext. 1602 or ackleyl@mchs154.org.
GIRLS GOLF WINS KRC CHAMPIONSHIP!
Congratulations to the Girls Golf team on their KRC Championship! The girls won the KRC tournament as well. This is the first KRC Championship in school history for the Girls Golf Program. Great job ladies and Coach Olson.
THE XC TEAM CONTINUES TO SEE MANY PRS AS THEY APPROACH THE CONFERENCE AND REGIONAL MEETS!
VOLLEY FOR A CURE
The 12th annual Volley For The Cure game and auction will be held on Wednesday, October 5th at Marengo Community High School. Doors will open at 4:30 pm, with freshman and JV volleyball games beginning at 5:00 pm, followed by the Varsity game. This will also be Senior Night honoring seven players. There will be raffle ticket items as well as silent auction items. Raffle tickets will be available for sale the night of the game along with Volley For The Cure t-shirts. T-shirts will be $20.00. The auction of items/baskets will begin after the end of the Varsity match in the commons. If you wish to make a personal donation or get together with a group of friends or coworkers to donate, please contact the high school 815-568-6511 or send your donation to the Athletic Office or Student Services by Monday, October 3, 2022. Thank you in advance for your donations and participation to help make this evening a success! Last year's total was $6,500. Let's try and beat this amount! All the proceeds will benefit local families. Some of the items being auctioned are pictured below.
In addition, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) will be hosting a blood drive through Versiti, also in the commons of the high school. Please come out and support these events to benefit others.
MARENGO PARK DISTRICT OFFERINGS
Click the following link to view the many Fall Park District Activities!