MCCHS Friday Focus
264th Issue - April 14, 2023
From the Desk of Mike Shukis
An Agent for Change
The ability to lead a school through change has always been an integral part of a school administrator’s role. This has never been more critical or more complex than it is now as Catholic schools strive to recover and reinvent themselves after a once-in-a-century global pandemic. These last few years have stressed and stretched not only Marian Central, but all public and private schools in unprecedented ways. All schools are raising questions about familiar routines, students who have been left behind in learning and teachers that have become frustrated in their work. This can be a lot for school leaders, especially given that change has historically been slow and sometimes painful in education.
There is no question that there is important work ahead not only for Marian but all schools. To do this work effectively, I believe we must embrace the moment and not shy away from the need for thoughtful and determined action. There is a famous quote in education that states, “The world around us has evolved, and education is not exempt from needing to evolve as well”. The pandemic has left education in a period of transition. Denying this is not only useless; it also risks wasting an opportunity that is ready for positive innovation. This is simply not the time for education to settle into comfortable routines or to hear from leadership, “this is the way we have always done it”. This is the time for those of us in education to see all the challenges as opportunities. It is a much better practice to recast difficult problems as opportunities for personal and organizational growth. It is now more important than ever before to find the bright spots in our school.
From the administration at Marian, our faculty/staff, our students, families, and alumni, we all must identify and build on the good things that are already happening. This will create a better and more joyful experience for everyone.
Mike Shukis
Superintendent
2023-24 Calendar
Summer Camps
Sophomore Class Rings
Class of 2023 - Baby Pictures Needed
Illinois Regional College Fair - Wed, April 19th
College Fair at Huntley High School
Next Wednesday, April 19th, Huntley High School will host an Illinois Regional College Fair. Over 100 colleges and universities from around the Midwest and United States will be on hand to share information about their respective institutions. The fair will be held from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in their East Gym. A list of colleges and universities attending can be found on this link.
One thing that will help students connect with the admission representatives would be to complete a StriveScan profile. Many of the admission representatives will ask students for a QR code to scan in order to send out more information. This StriveScan profile is in lieu of handwriting your information on contact cards. Completing the StriveScan profile will not only save time so you can visit with more reps, but it will also ensure that colleges get accurate and complete information from our students. The profile takes only 5 minutes to complete, and the student’s information will only be sent to schools that scan your QR code.
Please reach out to Mr. Wochner, College Counselor, with any questions. His email address is: swochner@marian.com
College Visits for Next Week
Wednesday 4/19: UW-Whitewater-3rd Period, Valparaiso University-9th Period
April/May Calendar
Friday, April 28 - Prom - Noon Dismissal for Grades 9, 10, 11; No School for Grade 12
Friday, May 19 - Honors Day for Seniors; No School for Grades 9, 10, 11
Monday, May 22, Tuesday, May 23, Wednesday, May 24 - Exams