Marian Central Friday Focus

This edition of the Friday Focus was difficult for me to zero in on a topic, so I decided to ask the students for ideas. Here is what I got; the Superbowl, the Grammys, Taylor Swift, the MUN conference our students will be attending this weekend, the Spring Musical or how awesome Girls Basketball and Wrestling are doing. Quite a bit to choose from, but I will come back to that.

There is so much we don’t know about the psychology of interest. I wish I knew why some people find cooking a fascinating subject and why others couldn’t care less. Why are some people attracted to creative endeavors and others to sports. What I can tell you is finding your passion is about discovery and then developing that passion over time. But how do we know what we like and dislike? Our interests are triggered through experiences. This process of discovery can be messy because you are not sure what will capture your attention or won’t. Further, for you to develop those interests you will need to continue to practice that interest again and again. Right now, you are in the interest stage, you are finding what you like and what you don’t, what you are willing to put time, effort, and practice into to refine your skills. I encourage you to continue to try new things, join new clubs, try out for the school play, and discover your passions. There are roughly 12 weeks of school left and if you ask any Senior, I would be willing to bet that many wish they had tried more things or had become more involved during their time here at Marian. So, does it matter if I write about the Superbowl? Or the Grammys? Or the Spring Musical? Not unless it interests you. Find what interests you, get involved, encourage others to get involved and continue to find your passions.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the Superbowl! (my prediction is 49ers in a close one)

Sincerely,

Benji Winkelman

P.S. I promised my niece I would put this in for her “Go Taylors Boyfriend!”

P.P.S., I want to wish a Happy Birthday to Peyton Keller!

Course selections for the 24-25 school year should be made by our current students between February 5 - February 23 on PlusPortals. All of the information you and your student will need to navigate the online process and to make the best course selections is available on our website at: https://www.marian.com/academics/curriculum-guide/.

Parents, it is critical that you play an active role in this process by discussing and reviewing your student's course selections. It will be helpful to have your student fill out the grade-specific Course Selection Worksheet before they select their courses online. The counselors are available for you and your students to assist in this process, as needed. Please contact Mrs. Hilton (khilton@marian.com) for current freshmen and juniors and Mr. Kruse (tkruse@marian.com) for current sophomores and seniors.

Online Course Registration Timeline:

Week of 1/29

Mrs. Hilton, Mr. Kruse and the mentors reviewed the course selection and online course registration process with current students during Advisory

2/5-2/23

Online course registration in PlusPortals

3/6

Course Selection Verification Forms mailed - if a student wishes to adjust his/her course selections after this mailing, they should bring in that form with the change indicated and signed by his/her parent

3/22:

Course Recommendation Forms due - for students who were not initially recommended for a course OR for students who did not meet the prerequisites for a course

Last day to change courses

Deadline to pay Advanced Placement (AP) course fees

It’s time to make your 2024-2025 Registration Fee payment.

The non-refundable registration fee is $300. However, if you submit payment before February 15, 2024, you receive a $75 discount making the amount due $225. 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. Please click the link below to view the tuition rates for 2024-25.

Marian Central is proud to host a Blood Drive on Friday February 23rd from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm in Landers Pavilion.

Please click here for more information.

Tuesday 2/13: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville-4th Period, University of Arizona-8th Period

Wednesday, 2/14: University of WI-LaCrosse-9th Period

It's time to dust off your boots, break out your bling!

Join us for Marian Central's premier fundraising event, where you will enjoy a western-themed night complete with dinner, drinks, live music, casino games and live & silent auctions. For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsor the event, visit marianauction.givesmart.com.

Class Auction Baskets - Donations Needed

For Marian Central's Gala we are asking you to consider supporting our event, as each class is creating two themed baskets for the silent auction.

Freshmen: Click here to view and sign up for requested items.

Sophomores: Click here to view and sign up for requested items.

Juniors: Click here to view and sign up for requested items.

Seniors: Click here to view and sign up for requested items.

Every year, Marian Central Catholic High School serves as a test center for the ACT in April. This year, the test date will be Saturday, April 13th, 2024. Also know that while we serve as a test center, we are not able to reserve seats for our Marian Central Catholic students. If you are interested in signing up for the April 13th ACT (or the February 10th, June 8th or July 13th at other locations), please register on the ACT Registration website. For the April 13th test here, be sure to use our test center code: 174990.

We will be providing a free practice ACT here at Marian Central Catholic on Wednesday, March 6th after school from 3:00pm - 7:00pm in the library. Space is limited to the first 30 students who sign up. Students can sign up the Practice ACT through the Revolution Prep website. The Revolution Prep website will have links to additional free practice tests as well as some group test prep sessions, which come with a fee.

St. Mary in Woodstock is hosting their annual Irish Fest and are looking for volunteers - students included. Those interested should click the link below and complete the sign-up form.

Please click here to volunteer.