MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
127th EDITION: September 20, 2019
Pilgrims on the Way of Truth
From the Desk of...
Dear Parents,
September has been an incredible month, to say the least! As many of you know, Marian Central was hit by lightning at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 9. In spite of the lightning strike, there is so much to be thankful for and there are so many people to thank.
Our athletic director, assistant athletic director, development director and a number of our coaches made some quick decisions to evacuate the building and ensure everyone’s safety at the time of the strike. Members of our maintenance staff and our outside cleaning service worked diligently to clean up the debris and the water that was left in the wake of the strike and the rainstorms that moved through the area over those next two days. Of course, a special thanks to Bishop Malloy for celebrating Mass on Monday as we reopened the school and for the support we received from our Rockford Diocesan office. Let me take this opportunity to thank the office staff and our school administrators for their continued support and dedication to Marian Central.
Also, I would like to thank our faculty and staff, parents, and students for their patience and understanding. We are grateful to our first responders for their assistance and to the media who did a wonderful job of covering the story and getting the word out to everyone. I truly appreciate the support and assistance everyone provided.
The lightning demolished the chimney, but there was also damage to a number of things within the building itself. Here is a brief list of the damages.
1. The fire safety panel – this was replaced immediately
2. Our door locking system and security cameras will need to be replaced
3. Thirty-three holes were found in the roof – three of which were significant and pierced the roof as a result, extensive roof repairs are needed
4. Some computer network equipment was damaged and will need replacement
5. There was water and electrical damage in classroom 204 and electrical repairs were completed in three other classrooms
6. A steel joist was bent in one area of the roof and will need to be repaired
7. Some electrical outlets were damaged in the Fine Arts area of the building
8. It appears that a few light fixtures in one classroom will need to be replaced
9. The chimney will need to be rebuilt
Please know that the utility companies and a building engineer have thoroughly checked the building. All damaged areas have been checked for potential asbestos exposure and no asbestos issues were found. Damaged areas have been isolated during these repairs. We will continue to update you as these repairs are completed.
Safety is always our number one priority. We are very thankful that no one was injured. Buildings can easily be repaired.
Once again thank you for your patience and understanding. Please know that I along with members of the administration, the faculty, and staff are committed to nurturing faith, imparting knowledge, and inspiring achievement.
Sincerely in Christ,
Interim Superintendent
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Although Marian Central Catholic had originally scheduled our parent/tacher conferences for Friday, Oct. 25 from 8am to 8pm, we recently realized that this may not work out, given there is a home football game that same night. In an effort to ensure that both teachers and parents have ample opportunity to meet and discuss their students' academics, we are revising the conference days and times.
Conferences will now be Thurs., Oct. 24 from 5pm to 8pm AND Fri., Oct. 25 from 8am to 2pm.
The parent portal to schedule your conferences will be open Oct. 14 - 18 from 8am to 3pm. You will be provided directions how to log in and schedule your conferences soon.
We hope that this adjustment is not too inconvenient; rather that it will be a welcomed adjustment so teachers and parents will be able to both have engaging conferences as well as enjoy the Friday night home game!
Homecoming 2019
This year, in honor of celebrating our 60th year as a school, our Homecoming Theme is
Yacht Party! We are excited to decorate our halls to reflect different US Ports!
· HOMECOMING FACTS SHEET (EVERYTHING you could need in one place, including Spirit Week Theme Days, Hall Themes, and Calendar of Events)
· GUEST DATE REQUEST FORM (if your student is bringing a non-Marian date to the dance!)
· MCCHS SEMI/FORMAL DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
HOMECOMING CELEBRATION TIMELINE:
Sept. 23th to Sept. 26th (Mon - Thurs.), LUNCH PERIODS: HC Dance tickets on sale for $10 each. If you are bringing a Non-Marian Guest to the dance, please have the DATE REQUEST FORM completed at the time of the ticket sale.
Sept. 24th (Tues.) - 10 minute homeroom: Seniors vote for Homecoming Court (announced P9)
Sept. 26th (Thurs.) - Court Photos (court invited to dress up for the day)
Sept. 30th (Mon.) – Seniors meet with Jostens in auditorium 3rd period where Seniors vote for
Homecoming King/Queen
Oct. 3rd (Thurs.) – 3:30 pm Homecoming Parade on the Woodstock Square
Oct. 3rd (Thurs.) - 7:00 pm POWDER PUFF GAME! (Personal Care Item Donation or $2 at Gate!)
Oct. 4th (Fri.) -
· 8:55 am: All School Mass in Landers Pavilion
· 1:34 pm: PEP ASSEMBLY in Landers Pavilion
· 5:00 pm: Frosh/Soph Football Game vs Carmel
· 6:15 pm: Homecoming court & parents report to Father’s Club Pavilion
· 6:45 pm to 7:00 pm: HOMECOMING KING/QUEEN ANNOUNCED (on the field)
· 7:30 pm: Homecoming Varsity Football Game vs Carmel
· Hall of Fame Inductions during half-time of Varsity Game
Oct. 5th (Sat.) 7:00 - 10:00 pm - HOMECOMING DANCE in Landers Pavilion
Please note: we will not allow students to ENTER the dance after 8:00pm. Students are NOT allowed to bring bags/backpacks or outside food or drink to the dance. Also, Marian Central cannot “hold” students until a designated time; however, if students leave the dance, they are not allowed back in. Please make sure you know your students’ plans for the evening.
As the final Homecoming parade preparations are being made, we are in search of the following vehicles: convertible cars, pickup trucks, and flatbed trailers. Please contact Mrs. Bordeaux at kbordeaux@marian.com if you would be willing to drive your vehicle in the parade.
New and Improved Guidance Department Website
The Guidance Department is excited to roll out our "new and improved" website that contains a plethora of useful information and resources to support students in all grades and their parents. Please visit the Guidance website often as it will be updated regularly with new and exciting information
SCOIR Application Introduced to Juniors
Mr. Stamatakos is pleased to announce that we met with the Junior class on 9/19 during the extended homeroom period to introduce a new system called SCOIR which will help you and your student navigate the college selection and application process. During the meeting, students gained access to SCOIR and can now send you an email invitation so that you can link to their account. As a parent, you will be able to view their profiles, see their college list, conduct your own college searches, and suggest colleges for your student to consider. SCOIR also provides parents with financial tools so that you can get a better sense of the cost of attendance at various colleges during the selection process.
We are excited to be able to provide SCOIR to our students and families, and we feel confident that you will find it helpful and easy to use. Before you get started, please take a few moments to watch the brief videos below to help you become familiar with how to use SCOIR:
Parent Overview: https://vimeo.com/347378232
Student Overview: https://vimeo.com/327074907
Standardized Testing for Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
All Freshmen and Sophomores will be taking the PreACT test, and all Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT here at Marian Central (start time 8:05 a.m.) on October 16. This will be a shortened school day and all buses will run according to the shortened schedule. Test results will be distributed to and reviewed with students as soon as they're available in either December or January.
We encourage all students to take the test seriously as the results provide valuable information to be used to prepare for ACT and SAT tests and resources to aid in the career/college planning process. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Guidance Department. To familiarize yourself with the tests, please click on the following links:
PSAT: https://parents.collegeboard.org/college-board-programs/psat-nmsqt
PreACT: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/PreACT_WhyTake.pdf
College Corner
Financial Aid Information Night will be held on Tuesday, September 24th 2019 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. This program will provide families with an understanding of how families’ financial need is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile and how colleges use that information to award need-based financial aid. This year’s presenter will be Susan Teerink, the Associate Vice Provost for Financial Aid and Enrollment Services at Marquette University. This program is open to students and parents from all grade levels, however junior and senior families are strongly encouraged to attend.
…and now…Mr. Stamatakos’ one weird trick to “game” the college search process!
Mr. Stamatakos is starting another multi-part series for the Friday Focus! Learn more at: http://bit.ly/2lziNqq
Mr. Stamatakos’ Guide to Nursing Program Admission: http://bit.ly/2mqBn4x
Mentors Needed
Mr. White at jwhite@marian.com
Athletic Booster Club Meeting
After our adventure with nature, which delayed everything at school, the Athletic Booster Club meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 7:30 - 8:30 pm. Third time is the charm.
We are excited to get the Booster Club going with the support of Marian Central alums and parents Colleen Geils, Jeni Hopp, Nicole Burke, and Denice Taylor. We need your help to make the Marian Central Athletic Booster Club a success. Make your nominations for the Athletic Booster Club board members here by Tuesday, September 24 at noon.
Thank you,
Curtis Price
Parents Association
We need your help with Homecoming! Watch for an email to sign up to donate items needed for the dance, volunteer positions, and for upcoming events. Together, we can make Homecoming an amazing experience for the Marian community!
The next meeting is on Wednesday, September 25 at 6 pm in the Annex.
March For Life
St. Mary School Virtues in Action presents:
Grace Under Pressure
The Busier the Family, the More Graces it Needs
Friday, September 20th (TONIGHT)
7:00 pm
St. Mary Auditorium, Woodstock
Admission is Free, Donations are welcome
The demands of work, school, sports and other activities can put immense pressure on a family's faith life. Displaying "Grace Under Pressure" through many areas of his life as a priest, chaplain, coach, educator, and first responder, Father David Peck (priest and Former Wall Street Executive) will share stories and insights that will encourage any busy family to be dedicated to their Catholic faith and heritage Please click here for additional information