MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
223rd ISSUE: March 11, 2022
From the Desk of Mr. Brad Williams
The time after Christmas and before Easter is typically where the energy and atmosphere of a school understandably diminish. Daylight is scarce, weather remains cold, and inspiring morale can be a challenge. Adding to this, the end of the third academic quarter creates stress and labor among both students and faculty.
It’s important during these times to celebrate positives and look forward to future events.
As a co-Dean of Students, I celebrate a successful 7th and 8th grade activity night this past Saturday, March 5th. The well-planned event went smooth, a good time was had by all and our current Marian students did a wonderful job ensuring our visitors had fun and a positive experience at Marian Central.
As a Social Science teacher, I continue to observe increased engagement in the classroom. Compared to earlier in the year, students are more inquisitive, disciplined and engaged in the learning process. Grades are important and I respect the commitment of our students to academic success in that regard. I also appreciate the increased intrinsic motivation I see among students recently. This has improved throughout the year but, in my assessment, really surged the past three weeks. It is a joy to see the look of determination on our students' faces as they continue to progress throughout the school year.
Looking ahead, we have an all-school retreat this coming Monday and Tuesday, a 6th grade visit day on March 18th, a spring Musical Performance on March 18th, 19th and 20th, followed by Spring Break at the end of March and finally Prom on April 29th. A lot to look forward to!
With celebrations and anticipations, I’d like to close with a general comment on how my experiences with navigating challenging stretches of time: Find what brings peace. Prayer, family, reading, sports—whatever centers and calms you. I am currently reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, and am reminded of this quote:
“To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?”
Mr. Brad Williams
McHenry County Partnership for College and Career Success Programs (PCCS)
Each school year a handful of our Marian students participate in McHenry County College Partnership for College and Career Success (PCCS) programs during the school day. These programs give our students a chance to start working on a professional certificate or associate degree while still in high school. The programs available to Marian Central students are as follows:
Early Childhood Education Program - Spring Semester, open to Juniors and Seniors
Fire Science Technician, Emergency Medical Technician and Criminal Justice - one semester (either spring or fall), open to Juniors and Seniors
Nurse Assistant Program - one semester (either spring or fall), open to Juniors and Seniors
Our Guidance Director, Mrs. Hilton, received communication from MCC on 3/8 that these programs are filling up quickly for the 2022-2023 school year and that, in fact, some already have waiting lists.
For more in-depth information about these programs, please see pages 6-7 and 46-47 in the Marian Central Curriculum Guide and visit the MCC website at https://www.mchenry.edu/pccs/. Any Junior or Senior interested in participating in any of these programs next year should see their guidance counselor ASAP to register.
Partnership for College and Career Success Programs - McHenry County College
Partnership for College and Career Success is a series of high school and community college classes leading to an associate degree. Learn about these dual enrollment programs.
All School Retreat - March 14th and 15th
Attire
Students are welcome to dress in comfortable, appropriate attire. Uniforms are not required.
Lunch
Lunch will be provided at no cost to all students and staff. Please note that the cafeteria will be serving only the items listed below on the retreat days. Students will not be able to purchase additional items during lunches. However, the cafeteria will be open from 7:30 am to 8:00 am for breakfast as usual. Students are welcome to bring lunch from home if they prefer.
Monday, March 14th - Cheeseburger, chips, water
Tuesday, March 15th - Cheese pizza, chips, water
We are looking forward to this year's retreat. Thank you!
Summer Camp Registration is now OPEN
The Commons Has a New Look!
Next Week's College Visits
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.
Wednesday 3/16: University of Louisville-7th Period
Thursday 3/17: Ripon College-1st Period, St. Anthony College of Nursing-2nd Period, University of St. Thomas (MN)-3rd Period
Class Rings
For parents who are interested in additional information, our Jostens representative will be at Marian on Thursday evening, March 24th from 5:00 - 6:30 pm to answer any questions you have. No appointment is necessary. If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please contact Mrs. DiSilvio at ldisilvio@marian.com.
Seniors - Baby Pictures Needed
Auction Event - April 9th
Our 60th Diamond Anniversary event is just around the corner! If you have not had a chance to register for the event, please register as soon as possible.
Event registration deadline: Wednesday, March 16th.
Purchase your tickets here: marianauction.givesmart.com