MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
202nd EDITION: September 24, 2021
From the Desk of Rev. Charles Warren
Homecoming is almost here!
I’ve been blown away by the sheer energy, enthusiasm, and welcome that I’ve received from our students here at Marian Central!
As a focal point for the year, we lean on the influence of a young Italian man who was raised by an influential family. His name, Pier Giorgio Frassati. When you look at the variety and joy of his life, it's something I’d want for our students as well. He enjoyed a plethora of athletic pursuits, the outdoors, many forms of arts, friendship, and service to others. This was a man who could fill the room at a party, or in prayer be as collected as a monk. The authenticity of his personality drew many people to him.
During one of his mountain climbing excursions with friends, one took a photo of him. He later scribbled on it “verso l’alto”. It translates “to the heights”. Being deeply convicted in his relationship with Christ, this phrase well sums up his life. He died at just 24 years old, but the massive turnout at his funeral, especially from the poor, indicated the impact he had on people of all different backgrounds. He isn’t a full blown saint yet, but well on his way.
Last year was hard, certainly for schools. This year looks to be a year of opportunity. We want Marian to go “To the Heights, Together!”. I’ve seen that in teams showing up to each other’s senior nights and going crazy in the stands. I’ve seen that in how our faculty have communicated and sacrificed for one another. I’ve seen that in the devotedness of our parents to be supportively present to their children at every possible opportunity. I’m so glad we are back in school together now. I want that togetherness to grow so that we can have great trust in one another no matter what mountain we face.
So much work has been done by our students: artists taking up many projects around the school, musicians rehearsing constantly for masses and shows, athletes practicing discipline and service to others. This Homecoming can be a fantastic opportunity to remind ourselves of the ideals and excellence that is the mission of our school and pursue it with the same vigor our students have. At Marian Central, we will go “To the Heights, Together!”
Fr. Warren
First Quarter Grades
The end of Quarter 1, October 15, 2021, is approaching fast. Please note that though there is no official mid-semester exam, the grade in the gradebooks by end of day Friday, Oct. 15 will become the students' official quarter 1 grade, which weighs 40% of a student's total semester grade. (Quarter 1 = 40%, Quarter 2 = 40% , and the semester 1 exam = 20% of the semester 1 grade)
Please also be aware that only semester grades are used to calculate a student's GPA.
Teachers will typically reach out to any student and their parents at least 1-2 weeks prior to the end of the quarter if the student has a D or F in their class. If your student is struggling in any classes, encourage your student to reach out to their teacher early enough to see how to improve their grade and/or to acquire additional assistance in understanding the material. Additionally, Marian's National Honor Society (NHS) provides one-to-one student tutoring in a variety of subjects. If interested, the student should stop by the Guidance office to fill out a request form.
Finally, both students and parents have access to see a student's grades in detail on their portal account. When you log in, you can see all the current grades by course, each individual subject grade for every assignment or assessment, and which assignments the student might be missing. Students and parents have separate logins to the portal. If you need help accessing the portal, feel free to email Mrs. DiSilvio who will assist you with proper login credentials.
We at Marian know that there are times when even the best students may struggle, but we pride ourselves in working as a team to provide the necessary supports to ensure that all students succeed. We are confident that keeping the lines of communication open when it comes to student progress will keep our students on a positive track! Thank you for continuing to support our efforts.
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.
Monday 9/27: St. Mary's College of Notre Dame-7th Period
Tuesday 9/28: Northern Michigan University-2nd Period, Quincy University-7th Period, Creighton University-9th Period
Wednesday 9/29: University of Massachusetts (Amherst)-9th Period
Thursday 9/30: Fontbonne University-2nd Period, Michigan Technological University-7th Period, University of Nebraska-Lincoln-9th Period
Friday 10/1: Seton Hall University-1st Period
FAFSA Student Loan Webinar - Virtual
This webinar outlines the general financial aid process and provides insight on how financial aid works, how to apply for it, student eligibility, and how it can be used to help pay for college. It introduces the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, along with summarizing state and federal aid programs among other topics. Click here for RSVP information.
From Vicky Long Photography...
Fall Sports (Team & Individual Pictures) - Don't forget to place your orders by Thursday, 9/30 for the best pricing. Rates for these photo prints, digital files, and specialty items will increase on October 1. If you purchased a PrePay Credit, enter your athlete's four-digit birthday (month and day) in the PROMO CODE field during checkout to apply your credit and shipping discount.
Senior Portraits - Thank you for two fun days with the Class of 2022! We are excited to share these photos with you and will have them available to view and purchase soon. Look for an email next week with additional details!
HOMECOMING 2021
Homecoming Week Festivities
Monday, September 27th - All School Mass; Distinguished Alumni Presentation; 9:30 am
Theme: Marian Spirit Wear
Tuesday, September 28th - Spirit Wear sales during lunches - (cash, check, credit card)
Theme: Tacky Tourist
Wednesday, September 29th - Seniors vote for Homecoming King & Queen during homeroom
Theme: Old or Young (JR/SR: Elder; FR/SO: Babies)
Thursday, September 30th - Parade; 3:30 pm, Powder Puff Game; 7:00 pm
Theme: Decades (Fresh:90's; Soph: 50's; Jr: 80's; Sr: 70's)
Friday, October 1st - King and Queen crowned prior to the Varsity football game.
Theme: Duo/Twin
Saturday, October 2nd - Homecoming Dance; 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm (outdoors)