From the Desk of Kaitlin Bordeaux

At Marian Central Catholic, service is more than something we ask of our students—it is part of who we are. As a Catholic school community, we are called to give of ourselves, to serve others, and to model for the next generation what it means to put our faith into action.

Our Marian community has always been strongest when we work together. It truly takes a village. Each of you has made a sacrifice and a commitment by choosing Marian Central Catholic for your child, and we are incredibly grateful that you have chosen to be part of this community. But being part of Marian is about more than simply sending your children through our doors each morning. We all have a role in making Marian the school we are today—and helping it become the school we envision for tomorrow.

Parents, faculty and staff, administrators, students, alumni and supporters—it takes each and every one of us.

As we move through this school year, I want to challenge each of us to consider: How am I being called to serve?

Maybe it is giving a few hours at an event, helping your child's team or club, sharing your talents, welcoming a new family or simply saying “yes” when a need arises. Whenever possible, bring your children alongside you. Some of the greatest lessons we can teach them happen when they see us giving our time and talents in service to others.

There is so much we want to accomplish for our students and for the future of Marian Central Catholic. We cannot do it with only a small group of people carrying the load. We need you. We need your gifts, your ideas, your time, and your willingness to step forward.

This week, I encourage you to prayerfully consider one way you can become more involved in our Marian community. When each of us gives a little, no one is asked to give everything.

Together, we can continue building the Marian Central Catholic we want for our children and for generations of Hurricanes to come.

Kaitlin Bordeaux ‘09

Director of Advancement

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program: Help Illinois Opt In

Illinois has an important opportunity to participate in the new Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which could generate significant new resources for students in public, private, and faith-based schools without reducing existing education funding. If Illinois does not opt in, donations and the educational benefits they provide may instead go to students in other participating states.

Governor Pritzker’s decision to opt in would allow Illinois families and students from all backgrounds to benefit from this voluntary, privately funded scholarship program.

STANDARDIZED TESTING FOR ALL FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 (non-attendance day for Seniors)

This will be a mandatory attendance, shortened school day. Students must wear their uniforms on test day.

Test Information:

The PreACT 8/9 will be administered to all Freshmen, and the PreACT will be administered to all Sophomores and Juniors on Tuesday, October 13. Click here for more information regarding the tests and their purpose. Tests will be paper-and-pencil (scantron) and provide valuable practice for the ACT. They include multiple choice questions in English, Math, Reading, and Science.

What students should bring on test day:

2 sharpened, No. 2 pencils with erasers (no mechanical pencils), an ACT-approved calculator (ACT's calculator policy), a drink and snack (optional) for the 15-minute break. ALL other items should be left at home, including cell phones and smartwatches.

Testing Times:

Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. PreACT 8/9 (freshmen) testing will be completed at approximately 11:00am and PreACT (sophomores & juniors) testing will be completed at approximately 11:30 a.m.

If your student will be testing with extended time based on their ISP accommodations at Marian Central, a separate email will be sent to parents regarding approximate testing end times for transportation planning purposes.

Bus transportation will be available on testing day. More information about bus pick up times at Marian Central will be in next week's Friday Focus.

Test Scores:

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 tests that provides information about future career possibilities and career suggestions based on student interests. Finally, students will receive an estimated ACT score on their score report. School Counselors will distribute and explain test scores with students as soon as they're available.

If you have any questions about testing, please contact Mrs. Kelly Hilton, Guidance Director, at khilton@marian.com or 815-338-4220, ext. 121.

Standardized Testing for the Class of 2028

PreACT – Required for Juniors

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 8:00am–11:30am (approximately)

All Marian Central juniors will take the PreACT on Tuesday, October 13, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Juniors will have a shortened school day and will be released at approximately 11:30am when testing is complete.

The PreACT is a paper-and-pencil practice ACT test covering English, Reading, Math, and Science. With the score results, students will receive a predicted ACT score, academic areas for improvement, and career suggestions based on their interests. They will also receive their test booklet and correct responses to help them prepare for the spring 2027 ACT.

Students with testing accommodations through a formal ISP will receive those same accommodations on the PreACT. No additional application or registration is required.

Learn more about the PreACT

PSAT/NMSQT – Optional for Juniors

Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 8:00am–10:45am (approximately)

Marian Central is offering juniors the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT on Thursday, October 22. The digital test includes Reading and Writing and Math sections, with a 10-minute break between sections. After testing, students will return to their regularly scheduled classes for the remainder of the school day.

The PSAT/NMSQT provides practice for the SAT, a predicted SAT score, and valuable college and career planning resources. It is also the only opportunity for academically gifted juniors to potentially qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

Learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT

Registration & Fee:

Complete the PSAT/NMSQT registration form

Senior Portraits - October 6th

SAVE THE DATE: Senior portraits will be taken at Marian on Tuesday, October 6th for all seniors. Please see the attire guidelines below for these portraits. A specific schedule will be shared with the students later. In addition to being photographed in dress clothes, each senior will be photographed in a cap and gown on senior portrait day. You will then have the option to purchase this photo.

GROUP PHOTO: The Class of 2027 will be photographed as a class! All seniors that are present on senior picture day (Tuesday, October 6th) will take part in a posed group photo. Since there will not be a retake of this photo, we are hoping all of our seniors can be present on picture day so that they are included in this special keepsake.

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

Cap & Gown Orders Due Wednesday, 9/30

Senior year is here—a season of big milestones, unforgettable memories, and plenty of “last firsts".

A Jostens representative met with our seniors today to present information on ordering caps and gowns, Graduation announcements and more items that will contribute to celebrating your child's journey. Please ask your senior for the packet that was handed out.

All seniors must order a cap and gown. There is no charge for the cap and gown as long as you place your order by the deadline. The first link below will take you directly to the page to order your cap and gown. Please feel free to look through the additional items available for purchase in the second link. Orders must be submitted by Wednesday, September 30th. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. DiSilvio at ldisilvio@marian.com.

Please click here to order your cap and gown.

Please click here to explore additional items available for purchase.

October 1st deadline for Freshman and Senior Required Medical Forms

Freshmen parents - please make sure you’ve submitted your student’s original birth certificate and Certificate of Child Health Examination form to the office. We are required by the State of Illinois to have updated forms in the office (dated between 10/1/25 and 10/1/26) by October 1, 2026 for your student to remain in school after that date.

Senior parents - The State of Illinois requires that we provide documentation of the second meningococcal vaccine for your student by October 1, 2026 for your student to remain in school after that date.

Please contact Kris Johnson (ext. 100) or email kjohnson@marian.com with any questions. Thank you.

College Visits Next Week:

All Juniors and Seniors may attend these visits which take place in the Guidance Office. Students must receive permission from their teachers to attend each visit and must sign up for all visits in SCOIR.

Monday, 9/28:

University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign-1st Period

Marian University (WI)-3rd Period

Oakland University (MI)-4th Period

Wichita State University-10th Period

Tuesday, 9/29:

University of Dayton-1st Period

Monmouth College-4th Period

Millikin University-10th Period

Wednesday 9/30:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater-1st Period

Thursday, 10/1:

Drake University-1st Period

University of Mississippi-3rd Period

Ripon College-4th Period

Milwaukee School of Engineering-8th Period

Loras College-9th period

St. Norbert College-10th Period