MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
162nd EDITION: September 4, 2020
From the Desk of Ms. Debra Novy
Happy Labor Day weekend to all! I hope that this note finds you and your family doing well and looking forward to a relaxing long weekend.
Well, we have successfully completed two full weeks of in-person learning while teachers maintain a balance servicing those students who chose to remote learn for the semester as well. It was wonderful to see our students back at Marian wandering the halls and engaging with the staff and fellow classmates. It was certainly unfortunate, though, that by our third week of school we had to revert to full remote learning through September 11. Please know that we really appreciate your support and understanding as we transition back to in-person learning on September 14.
Research clearly shows that students tend to develop better interpersonal skills, better memory & learning development, and increased motivation with in-person learning. As Susanna Loeb so eloquently stated in Education Weekly 3-20-20, “It is not surprising that in-person courses are, on average, more effective. Being in person with teachers and other students creates social pressures and benefits that can help motivate students to engage.” In addition, and particularly in a Catholic school such as Marian Central, being in-person allows for more social emotional and spiritual development that will ultimately equip our students to face the challenges of today’s society more easily as they go to college and start their careers.
We can all agree that the challenges that our school faces due to Covid-19 safety measures will continue to be a series of ups and downs. Looking at the bigger picture, though, we must remember what is most important, and that is the health and safety of our students and staff. Administration is continuously assessing how we do things at Marian Central to improve both the safety and academic rigor and delivery, whether in-person or remote. Working in partner with our staff and families, I am confident that we will find a path that works.
There are no easy answers as we navigate this unknown path. That is why it is so important that we assess as we go. We understand the fears… the fear of this disease and how it may affect our students, our families, and our staff members. Please know that our goal is to preserve in-person learning as much as we can. Will it be a “normal year?” Maybe not, but we will not let that stand in our way from delivering the best education and experience for all students.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support and especially for your trust in Marian Central to do the best we can to keep everyone safe, healthy, and well-educated through this unusual school year.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Blessings,
Ms. Novy
Calendar Change - Full Day of School October 14th
The Grade 9-11 Testing (PreACT, PSAT) originally scheduled for Wednesday. October 14 has been postponed and will be held on Tuesday, January 26. It is important to note that October 14 will now be a full-attendance day for ALL students, including seniors.
Participating Parish Forms
Participating Parish Forms are now due!
If you have not turned in your form, please do so as soon as possible. Tuition statements will be sent out the end of next week and will reflect the Standard Tuition Rate if the 2020-2021 Participating Parish Form has not been submitted. Thank you.
Homeroom
Attention Freshmen and Parents,
Our first virtual mentor homeroom will be taking place next week. Each student’s mentor will be contacting them about a time and day to meet next Thursday (9/10) or Friday (9/11). The mentors want to check in and see how everyone is doing as well as continue to help you get to know the school and each other!! All freshmen will be contacted early next week about the day and time of their homeroom. Make sure you check your email and texts so you don’t miss this important information!
Please note that on Wednesday, September 9th we will follow the regular bell schedule and not the extended homeroom schedule as planned.
Attendance Reminder
Virtual Trivia & Poker Night
Gather your friends and family for a night of fun...even if they're across the country! Participants must be 21+. Registration is now open for Virtual Trivia & Poker Night: mariantrivia.givesmart.com.
The Poker tournament will be played on an app. Player limit is 50 total. Deadline for poker sign-up is approaching fast (September 9).
Each team will have their own Zoom room to discuss the trivia questions and enjoy the evening. The deadline for trivia sign-up is September 21.
Hurricane Spiritwear
On-Target Sales is launching an online Marian spirit wear store for a limited time! All spirit wear orders must be placed on their website by September 13. On-Target will distribute orders after school in early October - date TBD.
If you are in need of spirit wear for upcoming spirit dress down days, you can visit their store at 9117 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills.
If you have questions regarding spirit wear or the ordering process, contact Jim at On-Target Sales at 847-458-9360 or jim@on-targetsales.biz.
College Corner
Mark your calendars for Financial Aid Information Night. This program is taking place on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 PM. At this point, this program will be virtual, but stay tuned in case we’re able to switch it over to an in-person event. This event is geared more toward parents than students, but students are certainly welcome to attend.
Our presenter will be Susan Teerink, the Director of Student Financial Services at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Susan does a fantastic job explaining how financial aid applications calculate a family’s financial need and answers many questions about need-based financial aid for college.
Please contact Mr. Stamatakos with any questions about Financial Aid Information Night!