MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
204th EDITION: October 8, 2021
From the Desk of Ms. Debra Novy
It’s hard to believe that the calendar reads October already! Homecoming was a great success, from spirit dress competitions to pep rallies; from winning our football game Friday night to having a wonderful Homecoming dance. There is no doubt that school spirit and confidence in knowing that school has returned to as close to normal as possible is allowing our staff and students to settle into a very successful school year!
As you may be aware, quarter 1 ends Oct. 15, followed by parent-teacher conferences Oct. 21 & 22. Please keep the lines of communication open between you, your student, and his/her teachers to ensure that academic progress is maximized. Though report cards only go out at semester’s end, the quarter grades play an integral part in the overall progress your student is experiencing. If your student is struggling, please encourage your student to connect with their teacher(s) early and often.
On a non-academic note, I wanted to share how inspired I am by the various clubs and organizations that Marian students participate in, so I wanted to point out one who is trying to make a positive impact. The Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club focuses on a variety of virtues that the members decided were going to be their monthly themes this year. Because October is respect for life month, they chose “respect” as their first theme, and each week they plan to share a different challenge that reflects that theme. This week’s challenge was to help someone in need. The members of this group understand the importance of the social emotional needs of their peers, building connections, and ensuring that every student is seen, heard, and acknowledged as the unique individual that they are. There is no doubt that this club is special. As the program refers, these students are “ready to start a chain reaction of kindness” throughout the school… and our community.
There are many other student groups that strive to make a difference in our school and community. I know that all of our Marian students will take the values and compassion that are developed through their varied experiences here at school and will most certainly make a difference in the world. I am humbled that I can be a part of molding our students academically, spiritually, physically, and emotionally… thank you for sharing your amazing children with us!
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. ~ 1 Peter 4:10
Have a wonderful week!
Ms. Debra Novy
Freshmen & Seniors - Mandatory Documentation
All freshmen must have a State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Exam Form on file with the school office. All seniors must provide proof of having received the second meningococcal vaccine. These documents must be received in the office no later than Friday, October 15, 2021. If the documents are not received, your student will not be able to attend school starting on October 18th until the documentation is received. Documents can be dropped off at the office or can be emailed to Mrs. Johnson at kjohnson@marian.com.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
We encourage every parent who feels the need to speak with their student’s teachers to take advantage of this opportunity to discuss his or her educational progress; however, you should not feel obligated to schedule a conference if your student is progressing well.
All parents/guardians, students, or any other family members coming into Marian Central for Parent/Teacher Conferences October 21 & 22, 2021 will be required to wear masks while inside the building. Teachers will not be expected to conduct conferences with parents/family members that do not comply with this state requirement.
If you feel uncomfortable wearing a mask, instead of scheduling for an in-person conference through the PTC Wizard, please contact your student's teachers using their school email to arrange a mutually agreed upon time via either a phone or zoom conference to discuss your student's progress.
Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on the following dates:
Thursday, October 21st (noon dismissal for students)
5:00 - 8:00 pm
AND
Friday, October 22nd (no classes all day)
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
You can schedule your conferences during the following timeframe:
Friday, October 8th beginning at 8:00 am
through
Friday, October 15th at 3:00 pm
Please click here for additional information and directions on scheduling your conferences.
Standardized Testing for Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
PreACT & PSAT/NMSQT
Wednesday, October 13
All Freshmen and Sophomores will be taking the PreACT test, and all Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT here at Marian Central (start time 8:00 a.m.) on Wednesday, October 13. Seniors are not in attendance this day and are encouraged to use the day (or long weekend) to visit a college. This will be a shortened school day and all buses will run according to the shortened schedule. Students are required to be in uniform for testing.
Please be aware that there are several factors that can affect the end time of these tests, so we ask for your patience and understanding. For planning purposes, approximate end time for the PreACT test is 11:45 a.m. and for the PSAT/NMSQT is Noon.
We encourage all students to take these tests seriously as the results provide valuable information that can be used to prepare for college admissions tests as well as resources to aid in the career/college planning process. Test results will be distributed to and reviewed with students as soon as they're available in either December or January. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Hilton, the Guidance Director.
What students should bring for testing:
- Two No. 2 pencils with erasers (no mechanical pencils)
- An approved calculator: PreACT, PSAT/NMSQT
- Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens) are permitted without the need for accommodations. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under the student’s desk during testing. For policies on other medications and medical devices, contact Services for Students with Disabilities.
What students should not bring for testing:
- Any devices, including smartwatches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive or play back audio, photographic, text, or video content
- Protractors, compasses, rulers
- Highlighters, colored pens, colored pencils, mechanical pencils
- Pamphlets or papers of any kind
PSAT/NMSQT Test Information (Juniors)
The PSAT/NMSQT measures the knowledge and skills students have developed in reading, writing and language, and math. The test focuses on what students have already learned in school and what they will need to succeed in college and career. It measures reasoning and critical thinking skills.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships. United States high school students enter the program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT which serves as an initial screen of over 1.5 million entrants each year.
Students will be given a student guide prior to the test that contains additional test information, test-taking advice and tips and an official practice test.
PreACT Test Information (Freshmen and Sophomores)
The PreACT provides students with a realistic ACT test experience and predicts ACT performance. The PreACT also includes a student interest inventory with results reported to the student and school. A total of 4 subject areas are assessed: English, Reading, Math, and Science. PreACT results provide you and your child with information that can help with the selection of the right high school courses, think about ways to target areas for improvement, and even begin discussions about college and career. PreACT helps identify:
- How a student is doing with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in college and beyond
- Areas where extra help or additional courses are needed
- Career possibilities that match the student’s interests.
Your son or daughter also may choose to have their information shared with colleges and scholarship agencies when they take PreACT, which can help them get discovered for college recruitment and scholarship possibilities.
For additional information, click here: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/Welcome-What-is-PreACT.pdf
Reporting Attendance
Cooler Temperatures
Food Drive Tonight
Key club will be hosting a food drive at tonight’s football game. Please bring non perishable food items to help support local food pantries. Boxes for donations will be at the entrance to the field.
Seniors - Order Your Cap & Gown
A Note from Josten's...We are privileged to assist with your families’ milestone of graduating from Marian Central Catholic this spring. On Wednesday, October 6th, seniors received information that will help them in submitting their measurements for the graduation cap and gown unit. Some families choose to add to their order by adding accessories and apparel.
Orders may be places at school on Tuesday, October 19th during lunches or online at www.jostens.com by November 2nd. The advantage of ordering at school is if you order some of the apparel items, they will be given out at school on 10/19.
Thank you for allowing Jostens to share in this event and we would be happy to answer any questions.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. DiSilvio at ldisilvio@marian.com.
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.
Thursday 10/14: Central College-3rd Period, Lake Forest College-7th Period, Florida Atlantic University-8th Period, University of Dubuque-9th Period
Friday 10/15: University of Florida-7th Period, Roosevelt University-9th Period
Lunch Menu Information
Quest Food Management is continuing to bring new menu options to Marian Central students and staff. Click the link below to learn more about nutritional information, allergen alerts and more.
Next Week's Schedule
Tuesday, October 12th - No School; Teacher Inservice
Wednesday, October 13th - Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors Testing Day; Dismissal approximately 11:45 am; Seniors no school - college visit day
MCCPALOOZA
Seniors have the day off from school on Wednesday, October 13th. McHenry County College is offering MCCPALOOZA that day. This is a great opportunity to visit campus for a fun and engaging way to learn more about MCC! See flyer for more information.
Integrative Mental Health Summit
Marian Central Alumnus (Class of 1990) and recent addition to our Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, Mark Hattas, spoke to our Community at our recent Homecoming All School Mass. Mr. Hattas is one of the co-founders of Journey's Dream, an organization that supports individuals in finding their path to optimal health.
Journey's Dream is hosting an Integrative Mental Health Summit October 8-10th. All are invited to attend this virtual event. Please click here for additional information

Show your Hurricane pride...learn the Marian Central fight song!