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Friday Focus Newsletter
316th Issue - January 24, 2025
Marian Central Catholic High School
From the Desk of Mr. Mike Shukis
For those who may not know, Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States, and it typically takes place at the end of January. This is a special time for Catholic Schools across our country as we celebrate the value of a Catholic education and to honor the contributions of our educators, students, and parents. This year’s theme is “Alive in Christ,” a wonderful theme that encourages us to focus on our spiritual growth, community engagement, and service. This theme is a call for us to reflect on how our students, faculty, and the broader school community are brought to life in faith through Christ. Please join us as we focus on how Christ gives us life and strength through the sacraments, prayer, and by living out the Gospels.
Personally, I strive to be more “alive” in my faith through doing more small acts of kindness, prayer, and by supporting all those I meet. Scripture passages like John 10:10 (“I came that they might have life and have it abundantly”) or 2 Corinthians 5:17 (“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”) are wonderful daily reflections for us all to think about. For students and faculty, it’s a week to reflect on the unique aspects of being part of a Catholic educational community and to come together in faith and solidarity. This special week helps to reinforce the values of a Catholic education, including academic excellence, service, moral development, and a strong commitment to community.
Let’s be encouraged to live out our faith in meaningful ways each day as we focus on being “Alive in Christ”.
Mr. Shukis
Celebrate Catholic Schools Week With Theme Days
To celebrate Catholic Schools Week, students are invited to participate in the theme days listed below.
Monday - Wear your favorite shoes with your uniform
Tuesday - “Dress like a Teacher”
Guys: Dress Like Mr. Berger; Girls: Dress Like Ms. D’Antonio
(Prize for the best look alike)
Wednesday - Wear your favorite sunglasses with your uniform
Thursday - Dress as a Meme
Friday - Show your Catholic school pride with Marian Spirit Wear
Students who choose not to participate in the day's theme are expected to be in uniform.
Winter Dance - February 8th
This year's Winter Dance will be held on Saturday, February 8th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Marian Central. All grade levels are invited to attend.
Tickets are $10 each and will be sold the week of January 27 - 31 during lunches in the office. Students who would like to bring a guest that does not attend Marian Central must complete the form below and turn it in at the time of ticket purchase.
Free ACT Practice Test
Attention Families of Juniors:
Huntington Learning Center in Lake in the Hills is offering a FREE ACT practice test opportunity on February 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Please see the flyer below for sign up information. Sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.
Registration Fee 2025-26
It’s time to make your 2025-2026 Registration Fee payment.
The non-refundable registration fee is $325. However, if you submit payment before February 14, 2025, you receive a $75 discount making the amount due $250. Payment can be made by clicking here (a 4% fee will be applied) or by sending to the office. All returning students will register for courses online.
Incoming Freshmen will be receiving a registration packet in the mail. If you have any questions, please contact our Business Office.
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
Volunteers Needed - Home Events
Please consider volunteering at upcoming home athletic events. Volunteers are needed for the ticket booth and concessions to be able to host athletic events here at Marian Central. Click the link below to view the dates and sign up. We appreciate your consideration and whatever amount of your time you can offer.
Class Baskets - Gala
We are asking each class to donate two themed baskets for Marian Central's Gala, which is our largest fundraising event for the school and is on April 5 at the Grand Geneva. Each grade's themed baskets, needs, and sign up are listed below. Thank you for your generous support of Marian Central Catholic!
Rockin' Like a Hurricane Concert Tickets on Sale!
The Athletic Booster Club is excited to rock the night away with your headliner, Mike & Joe! Mike & Joe is a modern rock cover band widely regarded by its audiences, and peers as one of the best sounding cover bands in the nation.
With opener, Justin Wallace, a talented Johnsburg native, who is now sharing the stage with renowned artists like David Cook, winner of American Idol, and AGT’s very own Mitch Rossell, this concert is sure to be a good time.
Join us on Saturday, February 15 at The Vixen in McHenry at 7:00pm as we enjoy a night filled with music, food, energy, and good vibes – all to support a great cause. All proceeds go to the Athletic Booster Club, which helps support the needs of our athletic teams and student-athletes. Both general admission and VIP tickets are available!