Friday Focus Newsletter
303rd Issue - October 4, 2024
From the Desk of Mrs. Kaitlin Bordeaux
As we were going through Homecoming week last week, I couldn’t help but think back on my time at Marian Central Catholic High School as a student. From themed dress up days, to the parade to the dances, they hold such fond memories for me with my classmates. I have been reflecting on the village that it takes to put on festivities like Homecoming. As a student, I remember all these Homecoming festivities just happening – not realizing all the work the parents and school did to bring them to life. To the administration, faculty and staff and to the dedicated parents who helped with parade float decorations, theme days, and dance preparation for the classes, we are so grateful for your involvement and investment to make Homecoming week so memorable for our students, alumni and Marian family.
As the Advancement Director and an alumna of Marian Central Catholic, I want to emphasize the vital role that your involvement and investment play in the success of our school and, more importantly, in the development of our students.
The strength of Marian Central Catholic lies in the active participation of our families. Your engagement—through volunteering, attending events, or supporting our fundraising efforts —enhances the educational experience for all our students. Each hour you dedicate and every dollar you contribute helps create a nurturing environment where our students can grow academically, spiritually, and socially.
Moreover, your investment sends a powerful message to your children about the importance of giving back and being part of a larger mission. They witness firsthand the impact of dedication and commitment, values that will guide them throughout their lives.
I encourage you to prayerfully explore the many ways to get involved. Whether it’s volunteering for school events, or supporting our fundraising efforts, your participation makes a real difference.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our Marian Central Catholic community. Your involvement truly makes a difference. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our community that has shaped so many lives, including my own.
Kaitlin Bordeaux
Director of Advancement and Admissions
Parent/Teacher Conferences
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 and instructions for creating an account.
Please click below for direct access to the scheduling portal:
https://app.ptcwizard.com/ptc1630420085/login
Stock up on your Canes Gear! - On Target, our Spirit Wear provider, will be on site Thursday, October 24th during conference times.
Empowering God's Children
Bishop Malloy has approved the Virtus Teaching Safety - Empowering God's Children program for the 2024-25 school year. We will be presenting this training during Theology classes during the week of October 16-18. This program offers a comprehensive approach to keeping our children safe. Lessons are taught at an age appropriate level and repeat over a 3-year cycle.
Please click here for an overview of the program and the Parent Guide. If you decide that you would rather have this discussion on your own with your student, please complete the opt out form and submit this to your student's Theology teacher by Wednesday, October 16th. Your student will then be removed from the classroom during this lesson.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to protect our children. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Warren at frwarren@marian.com.
STANDARDIZED TESTING FOR ALL FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 (non-attendance day for Seniors)
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.
Information for Examinees - Testing Solutions
Plan your future. Prepare for college and career. Let ACT help you achieve success.
- 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.
Two Left Feet?
Did your student bring home two right shoes from the Homecoming Dance? Does one of these shoes look familiar?
Please check your closets and if you have the matching set to the shoes in the picture, please bring the one that is not yours to the office and we can provide you with your other shoe.
Medical Documentation Deadlines Drawing Near
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 Mass at Marian Central; October 9th
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.
Sweater Season Begins October 28th
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.
Yearbook Photos - Tuesday, October 29th
Yearbook photos for freshmen, sophomores and juniors will be taken on Tuesday, october 29th during the school day. Uniforms are worn for these photos (sweater season). Ordering information is coming soon!
Seniors who missed Senior Portrait Day - please plan to take your picture on the 29th. Mrs. DiSilvio will let you know what time.
College Visits Next Week
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 10/7:
Bradley University-1st Period
Drake University-3rd Period
Marquette University-10th Period
Tuesday 10/8:
University of Denver-1st Period
Indiana University-Bloomington-4th Period
Eastern Illinois University-8th Period
University of Memphis-10th Period
Wednesday 10/9:
Western Illinois University-8th Period
UW-Oshkosh-9th Period
Vanderbilt University-10th Period
Thursday 10/10:
Quincy University-1st Period
Butler University-3rd Period
McHenry County College-4th Period
Colorado State University-Fort Collins-8th Period
University of Nebraska-Lincoln-9th Period
University of Iowa-10th Period
September/October Calendar
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