From the Desk of Mr. Mike Shukis
This is commonly referred to as the most stressful time of year for schools. This is why I would like to bring up how good mental health is essential for our students. Good mental health practices can have a significant impact on student academic performance, in their relationships, and their overall well-being. Here are some key elements that can contribute to good mental health for Marian Central’s students.
1. Self-Care and Stress Management
- Exercise: It is commonly known that physical activity helps reduce stress, improves mood, and boosts energy.
- Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for mental health. High school students should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet supports brain function and emotional well-being. Avoid skipping meals or overindulging in junk food (not always easy for a high school student).
2. Building Healthy Relationships
- Social Support: Having a supportive network of friends, family, or a trusted adult is vital.
- Communication Skills: Learning to communicate openly about feelings and needs can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce stress.
- Boundaries and Respect: Teaching students to set healthy boundaries in relationships and respect others’ boundaries can foster positive social interactions.
3. Managing Academic Pressure
- Time Management: Encouraging effective time management skills can help students balance academics, extracurricular activities, and social life.
- Realistic Expectations: Remind students that it’s okay not to be perfect. Encouraging them to set realistic academic goals can reduce unnecessary pressure.
- Seeking help: If a student is struggling with schoolwork, it’s important they know how to ask for help from teachers and counselors.
4. Building Resilience
- Developing Coping Skills: Life can be challenging, but teaching students to manage setbacks in healthy ways can help them become more resilient.
- Positive Thinking: Encourage students to focus on their strengths and practice gratitude, which can improve their overall outlook on life.
5. Recognizing Mental Health Struggles
- Recognizing Warning Signs: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can sometimes manifest in physical or behavioral symptoms. If a student exhibits signs of emotional distress, it’s important to address it early.
- Seeking Professional Help: Encourage students to reach out to school counselors or other professionals if they feel overwhelmed.
6. Promoting Digital Well-Being
- Limiting Social Media Use: Encourage students to use social media mindfully and avoid overexposure to negative or unrealistic content. Setting limits on screen time can reduce anxiety or feelings of inadequacy.
- Digital Detox: Taking breaks from screens can help students relax and recharge mentally.
By focusing on these strategies, our students can develop good mental health habits that will serve them well throughout their lives. It’s essential for students to feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to prioritize their mental health just as much as their academic success.
Mike Shukis
Superintendent
Super Raffle Ticket Sales - Earned Days Off
Congratulations to our amazing students for selling over 300 Super Raffle tickets and earning those well-deserved days off! Your hard work and dedication truly make a difference in continuing to move our school forward!
Reminder, Freshmen & Sophomores have no school on May 2, and Juniors & Seniors have no school on April 25 (Prom)!
Class of 2025 Yard Signs - Orders Due May 2nd
Class of 2025 - Show your pride! Purchase your yard sign by clicking the link below. Orders are due Friday, May 2nd.
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
As we look to wrap up the academic year, I would like to make the final call for service hours. Please report any and all service hours to Mrs. Diamond in the Guidance Office no later than Friday, April 11th. Whether these were completed through a club or sports team here at Marian, or outside in the community, please be sure to submit your information to Mrs. Diamond. For hours completed outside of Marian, please complete the Outside Service Verification Form signed off by someone from where you did the community service.
We will honor those students who have completed 25 hours or more this year with the St. Teresa of Calcutta Community Service Award, as well as those Seniors who have completed 50 hours or more over the last two years with the St. Vincent DePaul Community Service Award. These awards will be presented at the 4th quarter Academic Breakfast on Tuesday, May 6th.
Any service hours submitted after Friday, April 11th will continue to be counted for the St. Vincent DePaul Community Service Award, which recognizes service hours during your time here at Marian Central Catholic (75 hours for current juniors and 100 hours for current sophomores, freshmen, and moving forward).
Please do not hesitate to come into, or contact, the Guidance Office with any questions. Mrs. Diamond or I would be more than happy to answer them.
Shawn Wochner
Annual Uniform Drive/Book Sale
Attention Marian families, the National Honor Society is hosting our annual uniform drive and book sale this June and all donations are greatly appreciated. Seniors, who may not ever wear their uniforms or use their high school books again, we especially ask that you recycle your Marian attire so that incoming families can benefit from your generosity. Collections are open starting now in the Marian main office. Thank you for your generosity in supporting our Marian family.
If you have any questions, please contact the office. The official date for the drive will be coming soon! Thank you for your donations.
Summer Camps 2025 - UPDATED
We are excited to be offering summer camps again this year for both grade school and high school students!
This updated flyer includes details for Cheer, Dance and Fencing Camps.
Click on the document below to view the listing of camps. We hope to see you there!
Exam Exemptions
Seniors
Seniors who would like to be exempt from Semester 2 exams, the process starts now. Please review the form below to make sure you understand what you will need to accomplish regarding academics, discipline and attendance over the next 2 quarters in order to be exempt from your second semester exams. Senior Exam Exemption Form 2024-25
AP Classes
All students (grades 9-12) who are enrolled in, paid the fee for, and eventually take the College Board test for any AP class have the option to be exempt from taking their end of semester 2 final exam for that class. Students qualify by earning at least an 87% in the class by May 17 AND have taken the AP College Board test. Please use the form below to submit your request to the main office no later than end of day Monday, May 16. AP Exam Exemption Form 2024-25
Class of 2028 (Current Freshmen) – Dental Exam Forms Due
Just a reminder we need a completed Proof of School Dental Examination Form for your Freshman student. These need to be turned into our office no later than May 15, 2025. The dentist visit must occur between November 15, 2023 and May 15, 2025. These forms are a requirement of the State of Illinois.
Please contact Kris Johnson at kjohnson@marian.com with any questions.
Mentor Applications
Are you a current sophomore or junior? Are you interested in being a Marian Central Mentor next year?
If you are, the Google Classroom with the application is now open! Simply join the classroom with the code xbgbryz. All applications must be submitted there no later than 3pm on Friday, April 11th. Any student, including current mentors, who wants to be a mentor next year must submit an application.
See Mrs. Littner in Room 125 or email her at llittner@marian.com if you have questions.
Sophomores - Order Your Class Ring
