Friday Focus Newsletter

As the crisp air of fall settles in, our athletic programs are buzzing with excitement! The energy surrounding our teams is palpable, especially as our boys' and girls' golf programs continue to showcase their talent and determination. Both teams have been making remarkable strides this season, racking up impressive victories and demonstrating incredible sportsmanship. It’s inspiring to see our athletes push their limits, work together, and achieve personal bests on the course.

In addition to our golf teams, our girls tennis team is making waves with an impressive record of 14-5 this season! With their eyes set on becoming back-to-back conference and sectional champions, their dedication and teamwork are truly commendable. The drive and talent displayed by these young athletes is a testament to their hard work and commitment, and we can’t wait to see how far they’ll go!

Our volleyball team is also on a roll, boasting a record of 12-9 and riding a five-game win streak! With the regional title in sight at the end of September, their momentum and determination are electrifying. The team’s unity and resilience have been evident on the court, and we’re excited to see them continue to battle as they aim for a championship. Volleyball is thriving under its new leader, coach Doug Wilbrandt.

Additionally, we’re witnessing the resurgence of our young cross country team, under the guidance of Coach William Stoll. Their dedication and growth have been remarkable this season, and it's inspiring to see the athletes developing their skills and finding their stride. With each race, they’re building confidence and pushing one another to achieve new personal bests.

Adding to this wave of enthusiasm, we’re thrilled to welcome Dawson Anderson as our new Assistant Athletic Director. Dawson brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will undoubtedly enhance our programs. His passion for athletics and commitment to fostering a positive environment for our student-athletes aligns perfectly with our mission. With his guidance, we’re excited to see our sports programs continue to thrive and grow.

As we cheer on our golfers, our girls tennis team, our volleyball squad, and all our fall sports teams, it’s clear that this season is shaping up to be one of our best yet. Let’s rally together and support our athletes as they aim for greatness! I look forward to seeing you all out and packing the stands at each home event.

Go Canes!

Coach O’Neill

Congratulations to the members of the 2024 Homecoming Court as chosen by their peers. The King and Queen have been selected and will be announced at 6:25 pm Friday night, 9/27, just prior to the Varsity Football Game.

Ladies from left to right: Adriana Wrzos, Nina Notaro, Juliette Huff, Hadley Rogge, Jillian Winkelman, Meredith Bucci

Gentlemen from left to right: Jacob Dowling, Nick Schmid, Adam Wrzos, Brady Keeshan, Brodee Vermette, Cayden Leonard

Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on

Thursday, October 24th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

AND

Friday, October 25th from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Teachers will be available for 10-minute individual conferences. Parents can schedule conferences beginning Friday October 11th at 8:00 am through Friday, October 18th at noon. Please click here for additional information.

Stock up on your Canes Gear! - On Target, our Spirit Wear provider, will be on site Thursday, October 24th during conference times.

This will be a shortened school day and buses will arrive for pickup at noon.

Testing will begin promptly at 8:00am and students should arrive in their Marian uniforms. ACT Testing for juniors will be completed at approximately 11:45am and PreACT Testing for freshmen and sophomores will be completed at approximately 11:00am. Specific testing information is provided below:

PREACT 8/9 & PREACT - freshmen will be taking the PreACT 8/9 and sophomores will be taking the PreACT. These are paper-and-pencil tests that provide valuable practice for the ACT test. They include multiple choice questions in English, reading, math and science. The score reports reveal current knowledge in each area as well as critical areas for improvement. In addition, there is a career interest inventory as part of the test that provides information about career possibilities and career suggestions.

• What students should bring to the PreACT Tests: 3 sharpened, No. 2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils), a watch for pacing (no phones), an approved calculator (ACT's calculator policy), students are allowed to bring a drink and snack for the break (if desired).
• ALL other items should be left at home, including cell phones and smartwatches.

ACT- juniors will be taking the ACT Test. Prior to testing, juniors will perform test prep activities and will register for a MyACT account during their Advisory class. The test consists of 4 sections 1. English (45 min), 2. Mathematics (60 min), 3. Reading (35 min) and 4. Science (35 min) with a break in between. Students will not be taking the optional Writing section of the exam. The scores for this exam WILL BE college-reportable for students who wish to submit their scores to any of the colleges and/or universities that they plan to apply to senior year. More information for students can be found here: ACT Information for Students.

• What students should bring to the ACT: their Marian student ID, No. 2 pencils (sharpened with good erasers - no mechanical pencils), a permitted calculator, a non-smart watch (optional) to pace yourself (5 minutes remaining will be announced for each test section), a snack for the break (if desired) - no food or drink will be allowed in the testing room.

• What students should NOT bring to the ACT: any electronic device other than a permitted calculator (this includes a cell phone, smart watch, fitness band, media player, iPad, headphones, and camera-any device with recording, WiFi internet communication, or calculator capabilities), textbooks, dictionaries, scratch paper, notes, or other aids, highlighter pens, colored pens or pencils, or correction fluid/tape, reading material.

All testing results/scores will be distributed to and reviewed with students as soon as they're available. If you have any questions about testing, please contact Mrs. Hilton, Guidance Director, at khilton@marian.com or 815-338-4220, ext. 121.

All Seniors will have a variety of individual photos and a class group photo taken on Tuesday, October 1 by Higher Focus Photography. Seniors will be scheduled for traditional portrait poses and new this year, they will also take cap and gown photos on this day. (Caps and gowns will be provided by our photographer for use in these photos.) We will also take a class group photo at the end of the day and encourage all seniors to be present to be included in this photo! Seniors should come to school in appropriate portrait attire (outlined below). If they do not meet our attire guidelines, they will NOT be photographed and will need to schedule and pay for a private session with our photographer.

Photos will be shared with families via private online photo albums after Senior Picture Day and will include savings opportunities for orders placed within the first week. You'll receive an email from Higher Focus Photography as soon as these albums are active online. (This is typically within 10 business days of Picture Day!)

Additional Senior Picture Day info is available in the attached flyer and also online at https://higherfocusphotography.com/faqs-seniors.

ATTIRE GUIDELINES: Seniors will remain in their dress clothes for the entire day.

Senior Ladies - Appropriate attire on this day includes dress 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 - Gentlemen must wear a white shirt and tie, a sport coat or suit coat that is blue, black or grey and dress pants. No nose rings/studs, facial hair, facial piercing, and no earrings will be permitted on boys. Hair must conform to Student Handbook guidelines.

Class of 2025

If you have not submitted proof of your student’s second meningococcal shot, please do so as soon as possible. We need all documentation in the office no later than October 15, 2024, to meet requirements set by the State of Illinois.

Class of 2028

We need current State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination forms and birth certificates no later than October 15, 2024. We will also need a Proof of School Dental Examination Form no later than May 15, 2025.

Grandparents play an important part in our students' lives! Marian Central Catholic High School would like to celebrate and honor our grandparents for all they do and the role they play in the lives of their grandchildren. Enjoy a day dedicated to our grandparents on Wednesday, October 9! Grandparents Mass is at 10:30am, followed by light refreshments and a tour of the school. Please pass along this event and have grandparents RSVP here.

Can't attend Grandparents' Mass, but want to receive invitations to special events and the Hurricane Alert magazine? Grandparents, share your info here.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Bordeaux at kbordeaux@marian.com.

As we enter the fall/winter seasons, Marian Central students will enter "Sweater Season".

“Sweater Season” begins October 28, 2024, and ends as we leave for Spring Break on March 21, 2025. During this season, students are expected to wear school uniform sweaters OR red fleece quarter-zip jackets and uniform slacks. Shorts and polos are not permitted during this season.

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.

Monday 9/30:

St. Anthony College of Nursing-3rd Period

DePaul University-8th Period

Loras College-10th Period

Wednesday 10/2:

Alma College (MI)-1st Period

Thursday 10/3:

UW-LaCrosse-10th Period

Wednesday, October 2nd - Late Start; 9:45 am start time

Friday, October 4th - 8th Grade Visit Day; No Classes

Friday, October 11th - Noon Dismissal

Monday, October 14th - Columbus Day; No School

Tuesday, October 15th - Testing Day; Early Dismissal

Thursday, October 24th - Parent/Teacher Conferences; Noon Dismissal

Friday, October 25th - Parent/Teacher Conferences; No School