MCHS Newsletter
December, 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians:
There has been a considerable increase in the amount of vandalism in our restrooms recently, which is disrespectful to our school, costly to the district, and inconsiderate of our Custodial/ Maintenance staff’s time. In addition, administration has disciplined many students for vaping and drug use in the restrooms. Our school family is very concerned and disturbed by these behaviors.
Students who are caught vandalizing will be disciplined as appropriate and required to pay for damage and repairs. Criminal charges may also result. In addition, possession or use of tobacco and or electronic vaping devices and related paraphernalia are illegal for a minor. Students caught smoking or vaping on school grounds or in possession of these may serve detention, be referred to counseling, be suspended, and in some instances expulsion or criminal charges and fines can occur.
Please speak to your student about these issues. Stress the importance of being a good citizen and treating their school with respect and care. Encourage your student to say something when they see something by reporting incidents to administration, which will help hold students accountable for their actions. Complete anonymity will always be respected. Reports can be made in person or via email to any staff member at any time.
As parents/guardians, you may sometimes suspect your student is going down the wrong path. Whether it's a feeling that you have, changes in mood or behaviors, or a change in social circles/new friend groups - don't ignore the warning signs or parental intuition. Please communicate any concerns you have with your student's counselor, administration, the student’s advisory teacher, or another trusted teacher before your student makes poor decisions that could lead to further consequences. Reach out to someone from the school to help you with your struggle; as we all know it takes a village. Many times, school personnel will have noticed the same changes in behavior and we may be able to help or offer support.
If you have any questions or if there is something you'd like to share, please contact either of us.
Sincerely,
Richard Webb, Assistant Principal
Pete Byrne, Dean of Students
FINAL EXAMS
Final exams may consist of a written test, project, paper, presentation, etc., depending on the class. The student’s final grade for the semester will be determined by their cumulative grades throughout the course of the entire semester. Students were notified at the beginning of the semester what the Coursework and Final Exam will be weighted for each class. Some courses have a 100% Coursework, 90% Coursework/10% Final Exam, 80% Coursework/20% Final Exam, or 85% Coursework/15% Final Exam designation.
MCHS has transitioned to a three-day final exam schedule to reduce the number of exams a student may have in one day, allowing preparation and study time during the day, a make-up session for those needing it, or extended time for those with accommodations. This also assists with teachers being able to grade exams and post semester grades in IC, so counselors can review and confirm student’s semester 2 schedule, as some semester 1 courses are prerequisites to take the next course in sequence during semester 2. Students staying for the last period of the day for a make-up exam or to have a quiet place to study will be required to request lunch if needed, and transportation if eligible.
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE:
Monday, December 19th
Periods 0 - 3 & Make-ups
Zero Hour 7:00 - 7:45
Period 1 7:50 - 9:05
Period 2 9:15 - 10:30
Period 3 10:40 - 11:55 (buses at 12:05 pm for students finished for the day)
Lunch 12:05 - 1:05 (please request a lunch if needed)
Make-ups 1:15 - 2:45 (buses at 2:55 pm; please request transportation if eligible)
Tuesday, December 20th
Periods 4 - 7 & Make-ups
Period 4/5 7:50 - 9:05
Period 6 9:15 - 10:30
Period 7 10:40 - 11:55 (buses at 12:05 pm for students finished for the day)
Lunch 12:05 - 1:05 (please request a lunch if needed)
Make-ups 1:15 - 2:45 (buses at 2:55 pm; please request transportation if eligible)
Wednesday, December 21st
Period 8 & Make-ups
Period 8 7:50 - 9:05 (buses at 9:10 am for students finished for the day)
Make-ups 9:15 - 10:50 (buses at 11:00 am; please request transportation if eligible)
EXAM GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS
- Students must arrive at school in time for their first exam for the day.
- Once on campus, they must stay until they have completed their last exam.
- Students may not leave an exam until the end of the exam period. Students are not to be in the halls during exams. No hall passes will be issued.
- Students assigned to Assisted Study Hall or Resource Study Skills are required to attend class except during the 8th hour finals period.
- Students arriving after 7:50 am should enter the school by the commons at Door #18.
- There will be quiet study in the commons during the day.
- Students who need to miss an exam must fill out a prearranged absence form and get administrative approval. Students will not be allowed to take final exams earlier than 12/19. Students can make arrangements to take these during Winter Break, or will be responsible for scheduling these with their teachers the first two days of the second semester in January.
- Students who have had extended absences prior to any finals, may make arrangements to take finals over Winter Break upon teacher approval, in order to make up missed work during their absence and better prepare for the exam.
- Buses for eligible students will run as stated in the exam schedule above; eligible students staying for extra time must request transportation in advance.
- Students are required to be in attendance during the period an exam is scheduled. Students that are not approved to miss an exam will receive a failing mark on the exam.
- Students out of school suspended will be assigned a make-up time and date through the Administration Office.
VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATION 2022
On Friday, November 11th, area schools, community members, dignitaries, and over 100 veterans representing all branches of the military joined together in the MCHS gymnasium for the 15th Annual Veterans Day Program. The Marengo American Legion Post #192 Color Guard opened the program with the presentation of colors, while the branch flags were carried across the gym by senior leaders Omar Timoumi, Addie Johnson, Gianna Almeida, Patrick Signore, Michaela Almeida, and Amanda Trotz, who were accompanied by the MCHS band. The veterans in attendance were given recognition as their names were called during a roll call by branch and rank, and area school choirs and the high school band performed various patriotic songs.
This year’s keynote speaker was Command Sergeant Major (CSM) John J. Kanaly, a 1998 graduate of Marengo Community High School. He was born in Marengo and experienced guidance from all his coaches, teachers, and individuals in his life that helped raise him through little league, soccer, football, and his academics. CSM Kanalay joined the military following high school graduation and attended Combat Engineer One Station Unit Training in Bravo Company, 169th Engineer Battalion in Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. In addition to receiving a Bachelor of Science and Liberal Arts from Excelsior University, Command Sergeant Major Kanaly is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy, Master Resiliency Course, Basic Instructor Course, Combatives Level 1 & 2, Engineer ALC & SLC, Air Assault School, and Drill Sergeant School. His assignments and leadership positions over the years are numerous as evidenced by the many awards and badges of honor he earned. He shared with everyone a message of the importance of leadership, empowerment, and making a difference for others.
Senior leader Richmond Fredrickson shared information with our guests on our local community organization ‘Gazebo Valor Quilts,’ the group who has made over 1800 quilts for our local veterans after they return home from their deployments since 2011, when the group was founded. Applications for veteran quilts were distributed to community members who have not yet received theirs, and the local chapter made fabric stars for our guests of honor to wear at this year’s program. Special thanks to community member Judy Manke, who taught Mrs. Wille’s Clothing and Textiles students how to make the fabric stars given to our Veterans at the program.
A moment of silence followed these speakers, after which trumpeters Grace Durkin and Ava Kanaly played Taps. The program ended with the choirs from all Marengo area schools singing God Bless America. After the program, veterans and their families were invited to a reception that consisted of desserts prepared by MCHS foods classes and the MCHS Kitchen Staff.
FIT FOR LIFE PRACTICES YOGA... AND ENJOYS AN OUTDOOR WORKOUT IN NOVEMBER!!
ROADSIDE CLEANUP
On Friday, NHS spent a couple hours cleaning up US Route 20. They started at McDonalds and worked their way out to almost Johnson Rd cleaning up the ditches. Great job NHS!
NHS TRICK OR TREATS FOR CANNED GOODS
NHS were out and about doing Trick or Treating for Canned Goods for MORE Center this Halloween.
OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
The PRIDE committee of Marengo Community High School recognized nineteen students selected by the faculty as “October Students of the Month.” They were nominated for many reasons, including positive attitude, hard work, taking a leadership role, and willingness to go the extra mile. These students are: (left to right) Back row: Jesse Gibbs (junior), Karter Velasquez (junior), Eva Turner (freshman), Grant Aubry (junior), Manny Rivas (sophomore), Edgar Banuelos (senior), & Andrew Tabor (junior). Middle row: Eddie Solis (senior), Ryker Markus (junior), Amanda Trotz (senior), Jill Ortega (sophomore), Caleb Cox (freshman), Jericho Tynis (senior) & Daniel Rodriguez (sophomore). Front row: Amirah Timoumi (sophomore), Ally Raether (sophomore), Nikole Czepcainsky (sophomore) & Nancy Saldana (sophomore). Not pictured is: Olivia Walter (freshman). These students were treated to a pizza lunch provided by Joe’s Place restaurant.
AFS FIELDTRIP
The AFS Club visited the Holiday Folk Fair International in West Allis, Wisconsin on Saturday, November 19, 2022. They explored music, food, dance, and artwork of people living in southeastern Wisconsin. Special thanks to our bus driver Mrs. Barnes and guest chaperones Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Meyers, Mr. Surman, and Mrs. Tuohey.
GUIDANCE NEWS
College bound student athletes:
College bound student athletes must register with NCAA as soon as possible, preferably sophomore year. Students interested in NAIA college athletics register as soon as possible as well. The information can also be found on the MCHS Guidance website under College Athletic Eligibility.
Course Selection 2023-2024:
The curriculum guide is available on our school website.
Class of 2024 and 2025 -Turned in course selection sheets in November.
Class of 2026 -Will start the process on November 29th.
Class of 2027 - (Current eighth grade students) will receive registration packets at Freshman Orientation Night on February 8th. Course selection sheets will be collected at their respective schools the following week.
PSAT scores: Freshman, Sophomore & Junior students - your PSAT test scores will be released in early December. Be sure to watch your school email! Here is a great resource to better understand your score LINK. Here is a resource on how to create your College Board account LINK. Scores are only going to be released online, no paper scores will be mailed to schools or students.
Seniors: Illinois State Graduation Requirement: Public Act 101-0180 requires that the parent or guardian of each student must (1) file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or an application for state financial aid, or (2) file a waiver form with the school district indicating that the parent or guardian understands what FAFSA and application for state financial aid are and has chosen not to file an application. These same requirements also apply to any student who is at least 18 years old or legally emancipated, as it is a prerequisite for a student receiving a diploma from a public high school and are in addition to any other graduation requirements. If choosing to file a waiver of this requirement, students and families must file the following form with the school district: Waiver Form
Scholarships: Check the scholarship listing in Xello. New scholarships are posted regularly.
Juniors: Please join the Class of 2024 remind group. You will get important reminders from counselors on SAT testing, college visits and fairs, trade schools, scholarships, and soon graduation information. You can click the link above or text @marengo24 to the number 81010. ALL Juniors should join.
Semester 2 schedules - students remember that a schedule change may only be made within the first 5 days of a semester. There are rules on what may be changed too - if you have a question, reach out to your counselor.
ATHLETIC NEWS
You will find ALL updated sports schedules and rosters on the 8 to 18 website: www.il.8to18.com/marengo.
Dwain Nance, Athletic Director, can be reached at (815) 568 - 6511 ext. 1612 or nanced@mchs154.org. Lisa Ackley, Athletic Office Administrative Assistant, can be reached at (815) 568 - 6511 ext. 1602 or ackleyl@mchs154.org.
Below are home dates for December winter events:
- December 2nd: Girls Bowling Home Match
- December 3rd & 5th: Marengo Freshmen Boys Basketball Tournament
- December 5th: Boys Bowling Home Match
- December 6th: Girls Basketball Home Games
- December 7th: Boys and Girls Bowling Home Match
- December 8th: Girls Basketball Home Games
- December 9th: Boys Basketball Home Games
- December 10th: Boys Basketball Home Games
- December 12th: Boys & Girls Bowling Home Match/Boys & Girls Basketball Home Game
- December 13th: Wrestling Home Match
- December 15th: Girls Basketball Home Games
- December 19th: Girls & Boys Bowling Home Match
- December 22nd, 23rd, 27th & 28th: 72nd EC Nichols Basketball Tournament
Parents… We are looking for parents to join the booster club. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the MCHS commons. This group has been able to support all the sports programs at MCHS. The next meeting is December 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the MCHS Commons.
Thank you to the booster club for sponsoring our winter sports “Meet the Teams” Night held on November 11th. The booster club is a vital part of the athletic program. We are very grateful for their contributions and all the hard work they put forth. We would like to thank them for the meal for our student-athletes. And thank you to Cafe 20 and John Hayes for catering the meal. Cafe 20 is a huge supporter of MCHS and MCHS Athletics.
SIGNING DAY!
On Wednesday, November 9th, Maddy Christopher and Reese Samuelson signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at NCAA Division I schools. Maddy will play softball at Morehead State University, and Reese will compete in gymnastics at Western Michigan University. Congratulations and best wishes to both these student athletes!