MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
200th EDITION: September 10, 2021
From the Desk of Mr. Benji Winkelman
Good Afternoon,
I would like to begin by echoing the sentiments made by Mr. Shukis, Mrs. Novy and Mr. Williams, in the previous weeks’ Friday focuses. It has been wonderful to see all our students back in person for the start of the 2021-22 school year, something I greatly missed last year. I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Dean of Students. I will be sharing this position with Mr. Brad Williams. Together we will work with the Student Council, all the clubs/organizations and every student to create a positive school environment.
Continuing with the thought of a positive school environment, I would like to thank Mrs. Littner and her talented group of mentors for their efforts in making the Freshman class and their families feel welcome and supported. The student mentors are one of our school’s greatest strengths. The program is a great opportunity to acclimate new students to our school in a smaller, more relaxed setting before the official start of school. It is also a great initial bonding experience so that new students and their parents feel a sense of belonging and school pride.
One month into the school year and we are experiencing a full schedule of fall sports, a pep rally, an all-school Mass, the start of our clubs, organizations, and the fall theater production. As I walk through the halls, classrooms, and gyms there is a great deal of talent and energy in our freshman class, just as there was in the previous classes. As you get to know one another, build relationships, and participate in your classes, the best advice for you comes from our seniors. “This will be the fastest four years of your life, get involved in as much as you can, make it a memorable four years.”
To all our students and families, it’s great to have you back! Please continue to be responsible and safe so that we may all continue in-person learning. When we work together, modeling and living our school’s mission, the outcome will be nothing less than providing the best Catholic education for everyone.
Mr. Benji Winkelman
Virtual Back to School Night
Parking Lot Reminders
I have been working bus duty for several weeks now and I am noticing very dangerous driving habits in the parking lot and the roads leading in and out of our school. Please remind your student-drivers to slow down, yield to on-coming traffic and to students who are walking to their cars.
Also, you may not pass a bus who has their stop sign fully extended. We want to create safe driving habits now before the weather turns cold and dangerous. Finally, students should make sure that their parking pass is visible so that we can keep our parking lot safe. Parking permits can be purchased in the office. All cars must have a permit displayed.
Thank you,
Mr. Winkelman
Junior Class Students and Parents Needed!!
One of the main responsibilities of the Junior Class is working the concession stands for football and basketball games. If every student participates, they only need to work one shift, how great is that!! We need student and parent help with the concessions for the Homecoming football game. Please encourage your junior to sign up to work this event and fulfill their class obligation (and receive a lower Prom ticket price!) There are multiple shifts available that will fit any schedule. The more workers we have, the shorter those concession lines will be at Homecoming!
New Lunch Options
Monday - Chicken & Waffles
Tuesday - Cheesy Meatball Sub & Fries
Wednesday - Fried Boneless Chicken Wings
Thursday - Beef Taco Salad
Friday - Chicken Tenders & Fries
Click here to see the featured meals for the month of September.
There are three ways to add money to your student's lunch account:
- Your student can bring money to the school office prior to 8:00 am daily (no additional fees incurred). Funds dropped off after 8:00 am cannot be guaranteed to be available for that day's lunch.
- Payment can be made through Mealtime directly by clicking the link below (Mealtime charges a 5% fee). Funds are available immediately. Click here to make a lunch payment through Mealtime Online Please click here for Mealtime directions.
- Payment can be made through the Marian website by clicking the link below (a 3% credit card fee will be incurred). Funds cannot be guaranteed to be available for that day's lunch. Click here to make a lunch payment directly to Marian Central.
Changing Weather
We started out the school year in sweltering heat, humidity and without air conditioning, yet somehow we made it through. As the weather begins to cool off and our students feel chilled, students should wear either the Red or Black Fleece. They may also wear our school sweaters. Uniforms are explained in our handbook on p. 37. Sweatshirts are not part of our school uniform, please plan accordingly so that your student can remain warm if need be during their classes.
Thank you for supporting our school as we continue to develop a positive image that allows us to recognize the demands of society regarding professional dress, while making a distinction between work and recreational activities.
A Call For Volunteers
MCPA is looking for a few more parents to help with the Homecoming Committee. We will meet on Thursday, September 23 at 7:00 in the Annex to discuss details. Then we will provide refreshments and assistance at the Homecoming dance on Saturday, October 2nd. Even if you can only spare an hour to help, we'd love to have you! Let's help make this Hoco is one to remember!
Donations Needed for Homecoming 2021
Next week we will issue a link for Sign Up Genius for various donations for the Homecoming Dance. Parent donations play a very important role in providing refreshments and activities during each Homecoming. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity!
If you have any questions regarding the MCPA, please email Jackie Georgiou at georgioufamily@gmail.com or contact us through our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/mariancentralpa
Thank you for your ongoing support! Parent involvement truly makes our students' time at Marian extra memorable!
Senior Portraits
Senior portraits will be taken at Marian on Tuesday, September 21st (ladies) and Wednesday, September 22nd (gentlemen) by Vicky Long. A specific schedule will be shared later. Please see the attire guidelines below for these portraits.
Senior Ladies:
Appropriate attire on this day includes dress pants or uniform pants and a modest blouse or sweater that covers the shoulders. Dresses/skirts are not allowed. No nose rings/studs, facial piercing, and no more than two earrings per ear will be permitted on girls. Hair must conform to Student Handbook guidelines.
Senior Gentlemen:
Appropriate attire on this day includes a white shirt and tie, a sport coat or suit coat, and dress pants or uniform pants. No nose rings/studs, facial hair, facial piercing, and no earrings will be permitted on boys. Hair must conform to Student Handbook guidelines.
College Financial Aid Information Night
Please mark Wednesday, September 22nd on your calendar for Financial Aid Q&A Night! This is an important program that helps families understand how financial aid applications like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) calculate a family’s need and, more specifically, what assets count in that calculation. This year, we’re excited to welcome back Susan Teerink, Marquette University’s Director of Student Financial Services, as our presenter.
This year’s program will be virtual. Susan will record an informational presentation that can be viewed online before Wednesday, September 22nd. The link will be sent out as soon as the presentation is recorded. Parents should view this video before deciding if they want to attend the live portion of the program on 9/22. Parents with questions about anything in Susan’s presentation or any financial aid questions not covered by Susan in her presentation are welcome to join us online beginning at 7:00 PM on 9/22. We’ll hold an “open session” on Zoom from 7:00-8:00 PM. The link for that program will also be shared shortly.
This is one program that students are not required to attend. The material is geared more toward parents that students.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions about Financial Aid Information Night! We look forward to seeing many of you then!
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.
Tuesday 9/14: Purdue University-2nd Period
Wednesday 9/15: UW-Oshkosh-2nd Period, Iowa State University-3rd Period, Beloit College-7th Period
Thursday 9/16: Judson University-3rd Period, McHenry County College-7th Period
Friday 9/17: Texas Christian University-3rd Period