MCCHS Friday Focus

How does one make sure their children will “be ok”?

“Parenthood”, a movie starring Steve Martin, asks the question. Dr. Ted Worner reflects that Martin’s character (Gil) tries so desperately to control life so that he can cushion the blows for his kids and make life a bit easier. He wants them to be well adjusted adults. Gil had a bad relationship with his dad, and he wants to do better for his kids.

At one point the grandmother character shares a story with Gil.

Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, grandpa took me on a roller coaster.

Gil: Oh?

Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!

Gil (rolling his eyes): What a great story.

Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn’t like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.

Life is messy. There are ups…and there are downs. We really don’t have complete control at any time. When we hit our downs, we try to control, and we see how little control we have.

At Marian Central Catholic, we believe what the Catholic Church teaches on family life. It is the foundation of society, the most basic unit of community, and therefore parents must be supported in their role as the primary educators of their children. Doubly so when it comes to their faith lives and pursuit of truth.

With Fr. John Mcfadden (Class of 2013) and Fr. Connor Orabutt (2015) visiting us for Homecoming, I’m reminded that this place can be a conduit of God’s grace and change lives, even when things are messy. No doubt their parents had highs and lows too, nor could they have guessed that their student would one day be a priest serving the children of others!

We promise to help you, as parents, prepare your children for a good life. There is a Truth who will help us arrive at that goal. So, have your ticket ready and get on the rollercoaster. That’s how to get the most out of the ride.

Rev. Charles Warren
Spiritual Director

STANDARDIZED TESTING FOR FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 (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. PSAT/NMSQT Testing for juniors will be completed at approximately 10:30am and PreACT Testing for freshmen and sophomores will be completed at approximately 11:45am. 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.

PSAT/NMSQT - juniors will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT. This is a digital test that students will take on their laptops. Juniors MUST bring their laptops (fully charged) and charging cords to testing as the test will be taken on an app called Bluebook that has been uploaded to all junior's laptops. Prior to testing, juniors will perform test prep activities and will participate in a test preview to familiarize them with the Bluebook testing app. The test consists of 2, 1-hour sections, 1) Reading and Writing, and 2) Math with a break in between. It measures the knowledge and skills that students are learning in high school and that matter most for college and career readiness. More information for students can be found here: The PSAT/NMSQT – SAT Suite | College Board.

• What students should bring to the PSAT/NMSQT: fully charged laptop & charger, a pencil or pen, an approved calculator, students are allowed to bring a snack for the break (if desired)
• ALL other items should be left at home, including cell phones and smartwatches.

Testing results 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.

A representative from Jostens presented information to our seniors regarding ordering caps and gowns. All seniors will receive a cap, gown and basic tassel at no cost.

Each senior must submit their height and weight through the Jostens site linked below to order a cap and gown no later than Tuesday, October 3rd. Caps and gowns will be delivered to the school and distributed in May. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. DiSilvio at ldisilvio@marian.com.

Click here to place your order.

Cap and gown orders received after October 3rd will incur a shipping fee.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission will present changes to FAFSA application and process.

Wednesday, September 27th
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Marian Central Auditorium

Saturday, September 30th

11:00am - 3:00pm

at McCormick Place in Chicago

AND

Sunday, October 1st

3:00pm - 6:00pm

at Baird Center in Milwaukee, WI

Tuesday, October 3rd

6:00pm - 8:00pm

at Elgin Community College

AND

Thursday, October 5th

5:30pm - 7:30pm

at McHenry County College

Juniors and Seniors may attend these visits. Students must sign up for all visits in SCOIR and obtain permission from their teacher.

Monday 9/25: St. Mary's College (Indiana)-3rd Period

Tuesday 9/26: Oklahoma State University-3rd Period, St. Ambrose University-4th Period, University of Iowa-8th Period, Illinois State University-9th Period, Iowa State University-10th Period

Wednesday 9/27: DePauw University-8th Period, UW-Oshkosh-9th Period

Thursday 9/28: UW-Whitewater-1st Period, Drake University-3rd Period, Marian University (Indiana)-4th Period, Northern Michigan University-9th Period

Friday 9/29: Marquette University-3rd Period, Rockhurst University-10th Period

SCHEDULE COMING SOON!

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.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. DiSilvio at ldisilvio@marian.com or 815-338-4220, x107

The Marian Central Athletic Booster Club is arranging a one-of-a-kind historical fundraiser that includes all our deanery schools united under one roof! On November 2nd at 6:30pm, Marian Central will host the famous Harlem Wizards basketball performance team! This exciting, super-fun, high-energy, slam-dunking family entertainment event will have us all on our feet to support our own teachers as they face the Wizards, a professional team of athletes and entertainers. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at https://harlemwizards.givesmart.com.