FROM THE DESK OF KELLY HILTON

There is something about the arrival of fall that brings excitement and energy while also reminding us how quickly the school year moves. The leaves begin to change, the days grow shorter, and before we know it, our students are performing a balancing act with academics, activities, friendships, family responsibilities, and the many expectations that come with being a high school student.

For some students, this season can also bring an increase in stress and anxiety. We are seeing students navigate academic pressure, uncertainty, social challenges, and the desire to meet the expectations they have for themselves and those around them. While these challenges are a normal part of growing up, students do not have to navigate them alone.

Our Counseling Department is here to walk alongside our students and families. Sometimes that means helping a student develop strategies for managing stress, working through an academic concern, navigating a difficult relationship, or simply providing a trusted adult who will listen. We also welcome the opportunity to partner with parents when concerns arise.

As we move through this busy season, please remember that reaching out for support is a sign of strength—not weakness. Our goal is to help every student feel known, supported, and equipped to handle the challenges in front of them, one step at a time.

Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Glab at 815-338-4220, extension 122 (jglab@marian.com) if your student is a freshman or junior, or myself at 815-338-4220, extension 121 (khilton@marian.com) if your student is a sophomore or senior.

Mrs. Kelly Hilton

Director of Guidance

HOMECOMING SCHEDULES UPDATE – PARADE & POWDERPUFF

Due to the impending weather on Thursday, we have made a few adjustments to our Homecoming Week schedule.

HOMECOMING PARADE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 at 3:30 PM

Our Homecoming Parade has been moved to Friday, October 2 at 3:30 PM. We hope you’ll join us in the Woodstock Square to cheer on our students, teams, clubs and Homecoming Court!

POWDERPUFF FOOTBALL – MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 at 7:00 PM

Powderpuff Football was originally scheduled for Thursday evening, but unfortunately, the weather will not allow us to safely hold the event as planned.

We know how much our junior and senior girls have been looking forward to this Homecoming tradition, and we want to do everything we can to make sure they still have the opportunity to take the field! After working around our school and athletic schedules, the best available date is Monday, October 19 at 7:00 PM.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate the weather and do our best to preserve the Homecoming traditions and experiences that are so special to our students.

The Homecoming celebration continues Friday evening at Marian Central Catholic!

6:15 PM – Homecoming King & Queen Crowning
7:00 PM – Homecoming Football Game vs. Christ the King

We can’t wait to celebrate Marian’s Homecoming with you!

FACTS & MEALTIME

From the Finance Office:

FACTS

In a couple of weeks, we will begin Q2 of the 2026-2027 school year. Please make sure to log in to FACTS and check that your account is current. Late and returned payments WILL incur a $25 fee for each missed payment. Students whose accounts are not half paid in December will not be allowed to participate in semester exams. Fees will not be waived unless there are extenuating circumstances written, submitted, and approved by the Head of School.

MEALTIME

When adding funds to your student's MealTime account, double check that the school you've selected is Marian Central Catholic HS. The system will not recognize your student if you are only using Marian Central High School. If you are still having trouble creating an account after changing the school name, feel free to reach out to the front office to confirm Student ID numbers. Thank you!

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

Pay the $20 test fee by cash/check through the Guidance Office or online by credit card (4% surcharge applies).

Registration and payment are due by Monday, October 5.

For online payment, visit Marian Central

→ Quick Links → Online Payment → Other → For What is This Payment? enter PSAT Test → Amount You Would Like to Pay enter $20.00 → Student’s Name, then complete the payment information.

ACT – Required for Juniors

Tuesday, April 20, 2027 | 8:00am –1:30pm (approximately)

All Marian Central juniors will take the ACT during the school day on Tuesday, April 20. The paper-and-pencil test will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at approximately 1:30 p.m. Students will eat lunch between test sections and return to their regularly scheduled classes when testing concludes.

The Enhanced ACT includes English, Math, and Reading sections as well as option Science, and Writing sections. We require that juniors take all sections of the ACT. Scores are typically available 2–8 weeks after testing and may be submitted to colleges and universities as part of the admissions process.

Learn more about the ACT and free test preparation resources

Testing Accommodations:

Students who receive testing accommodations through a formal ISP will be contacted by Mr. Taylor regarding the ACT accommodation application process. Applications will be submitted to ACT before winter break in December 2026.

No registration is required for the April 2027 ACT administered at Marian Central.

Questions about junior standardized testing?

Please contact Mrs. Kelly Hilton, Guidance Director, at khilton@marian.com or 815-338-4220, ext. 121.

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, 10/5:

University of Chicago-10th Period

Tuesday, 10/6:

Loyola University Chicago-3rd Period

University of Iowa-4th Period

St. Mary's University of Minnesota-8th Period

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire-9th Period

Michigan State University-10th Period

Wednesday, 10/7:

University of Notre Dame-8th Period

University of Nebraska-Lincoln-9th Period

Thursday, 10/8:

John Carroll University (OH)-10th Period