It is exciting to think that we have successfully navigated through the first quarter of this most unique school year! I am happy to say that our teachers are teaching, our students are learning, and we are all doing this as safely as possible, given the circumstances! Although our Hybrid Red/Blue Teams have been working well to ensure the health and well being of students and staff, we pray for the day that we have everyone back in the building at once to learn, continue to build relationships, and thrive in the Marian culture. Thank you for your continued patience and support.

Speaking of the end of the first quarter, as much as there are many students whose work ethic shines and they are always on top of their work, I am also glad to see several more students submitting missing work or making up assessments and other work due to absences. This speaks volumes to the commitment our students have towards their education.

We all would agree that it is certainly a lot easier for students to stay focused on their studies when they are actually in the building. Studies show that pre-k to 12th grade students are most successful when engaging in the lessons in person and with their peers. With most of our students having to remote learn at least half of the time, though, I would like to ask you to continue encouraging your student to stay focused on the learning while remote learning. Our teachers have done a phenomenal job of balancing both in person and remote teaching at the same time and it shows in their students’ academic progress.

I know that with conferences coming up Oct. 22 & 23, we have encouraged only the parents who have specific concerns about their student’s progress and/or specific questions relating to curriculum taught to schedule conferences, as they will all be virtual. Please know, though, that our teachers and administration are continuously available for an email or phone call throughout the year. Please remember that it is always best to go to the specific teacher for questions about that class first, as they would be able to give you the most specific answers related to their content.

I am looking forward to Quarter 2 and seeing how our students continue to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Thank you for supporting our school and students!

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Proverbs 2:10

Blessings,

Ms. Novy

Please notify the school office if your student has tested for Covid-19. Once tested, your student must stay home until they receive their results. Based on the reason why the test was performed as well as the result of the test, there might be a quarantine time involved which would be determined after discussion with Ms. Novy. Please call Ms. Novy at 815-338-4220 ext. 105 with any additional questions.

Please note: We do also request a copy of any negative or positive results submitted to the office prior to returning.

We are excited to share the Class of 2021 Senior Portrait Proofs with our senior families! Here's what you will need to know to access your senior's proofs:

1. Go to www.vickylongphotography.com/marian and scroll down to the galleries.
2. Click Enter Gallery under the Class of 2021 Senior Portrait gallery.
3. Enter an email address to access the gallery.
4. Follow the instructions that will display inside the gallery! This includes how to select the student's yearbook photo as well as how to order professional prints and/or digital files.
5. Passwords are the student's four-digit birth month and day. (I.E. April 5 birthday would be 0405.) If you purchased a PrePay Credit, this will be same code you enter at checkout to receive your credit and free shipping!
6. Contact Vicky Long with any questions or difficulties with the ordering process at vlbrphotography@gmail.com or 815.307.0974.
7. Seniors who were not photographed yet or those who were informed that they need retakes will be photographed on underclassmen photo days, November 10th and 11th. A specific time will be provided as that is available.

All juniors and seniors may attend these virtual visits. Students must receive permission from their teachers to attend each visit and must sign up for all visits in SCOIR. Students learning remotely on the day(s) of any visits will be sent links to access the presentations through their Marian Central email accounts.

Week of 10/19 - 10/23

Monday, October 19: Pennsylvania State University, St. Norbert College

Tuesday, October 20: UW-Platteville, University of Kansas, Quincy University, Miami University of Ohio

Wednesday, October 21: Case Western Reserve University

Thursday, October 22: College of the Holy Cross, Herzing University

Yearbook photos for freshmen, sophomores and juniors will be taken on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 10th and 11th. Full uniform (sweater season begins Monday, November 2nd) is required for the photos. Ordering information will be shared at a later date.

Senior retakes will also take place on these days.