Friday Focus Newsletter

As we welcome winter and Christmas break, teachers and students are eagerly preparing for the end of the first semester and semester exams. The newest members of our community, the Class of 2028, may be quite nervous… not sure what to expect, but fortunately our Student Mentors met with the Freshmen last Thursday to give them some tried and true tips on studying, how to monitor their own academic progress, and the importance of self-care during these stressful times! On the other hand, our seniors are seeing that proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” as they realize that the end of this semester signals that they are halfway to graduation! Not only that, but for several seniors, these exams may be some of their last at Marian because many will most likely qualify for Senior Exam Exemptions for the second semester! (you can find and print a copy of the Senior Exam Exemption form by clicking here) This is certainly an exciting time!

A couple other reminders about grades. Please make sure that you/your student(s) check the grade portal prior to Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 am when the portal will close. This will allow students to have a clear idea of where their grades stand as they go into the exams. We close the portal during exams for teachers to freely enter exam grades and update the final semester grade for the students and this time also allows for administration to verify the accuracy of the grades. We anticipate that the portal will reopen by Friday, January 10, and then the report cards for semester 1 will be mailed after that.

The Christmas season is, by far, my favorite because we are reminded of what is most important in this world…

1 John 4:9-10 states it best…

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

So, let us, too, show our love among each other… family, friends, and even those we do not know… just as God had modeled to us.

Finally, I want to say that I have felt quite privileged to work at Marian, among the many talented and passionate educators and staff members, intelligent and insightful students, and their loving families. I want to personally wish all your families… our entire Marian Family… the most blessed Christmas and a positive, happy, and prosperous New Year.

Mrs. Debra Cunico

Show your Hurricane Pride!

On Target, Marian Central’s official spirit wear provider, will be at the school this Saturday, December 14th during the home boys’ basketball games. The JV Canes will take on Cary Grove at 10:30 am and Varsity will play at noon.

Some items will be sold at discounted prices for Christmas – don’t miss this opportunity to purchase the gift of Canes gear!

Mr. Fearn presented ACT results to the juniors on Wednesday, December 11 and Friday, December 13. These are the results from the official ACT test that all juniors took here at Marian back in October. Each student received their official score report. We encourage you to ask them to share and discuss the results with you.

Marian Central is an official site for the national ACT test on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Our Guidance department strongly encourages all juniors to register to retake the ACT on that date at Marian as soon as possible. The deadline to register for the April ACT is Friday, February 28. ACT reports that over half (56%) of the students who retest improve their composite score. We want all of our students to achieve the best score they can in order to maximize both college admission opportunities as well as earn the highest merit scholarships possible.

Marian Central English and Math teachers will be doing some work with the juniors to help them prepare for the spring ACT. If your student could benefit from 1:1 support preparing for the test or just needs some additional resources, please check out the ACT website and the Guidance website for a variety of ACT test preparation options.

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!

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. We hope that sending this out before the holidays will give families the opportunity to shop the holidays deals and also plenty of time to plan. Thank you for your generous support of Marian Central Catholic!

Freshman Class Baskets

Sophomore Class Baskets

Junior Class Baskets

Senior Class Baskets

Please save the date for the annual College Information Night. This in-person program will take place on Tuesday, January 14th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, with a meet and greet with college reps from 6:00pm - 6:30pm.

More information will be available after the first of the year. This program is also open to freshman and sophomore families.

Monday 12/16: Prescott College (AZ)-4th Period

Key Club will be hosting a food drive at all home Varsity Basketball games. Please consider donating non-perishable items for our local community. A bin will be available in the Gym Commons area.

Especially during this holiday season, any donations will be greatly appreciated to allow families to put food on the table.