From the Desk of Benji Winkelman

For those who are new to Marian, my name is Benji Winkelman and one part of a dynamic duo that constitutes the Dean of Students position.

When you say “Dean” some of you may be old enough (like me) and images of Mr. Strickland from Back to the Future or Dean Wormer from Animal House come to mind. However, those two talented actors are just that, actors, that is not exactly what we do here at Marian. Our position as Dean, does have to do with discipline, but it also encompasses clubs and organizations, student health and wellbeing as well as safety. Our goal is to help provide the best possible experience for your child and guide them through the growing pains of their teenage years.

The best advice that I can give to parents is to continue to encourage your children to get involved at Marian, there is something for everyone here at our great school. Try out for sports, theater, join clubs, multiple, if possible, do service projects, perform works of charity and you will find that your son or daughter will have a much better experience during their time at Marian. There will be many lessons learned during their time with us. We hope that many of the experiences will be positive, that there will be lots of laughter, and lifelong friends will be formed. However, please don’t discount the tough moments, the hard lessons, the times when students stumble, because those experiences can be just as valuable as the good ones, even more so.

We are three full weeks into the school year, and I hope that the start of the year has been a good one thus far. Please know that we are always here to help, support, and counsel students as well as parents. I will leave you with this.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

— Joshua 1:9

Sincerely,

Benji Winkelman

P.S. Tuck your shirt in and get to class! 😉

Emergency Contact/Medical Information

One parent from each family should have received an email containing an online form requesting your student's emergency contact and medical information. For students new to Marian Central, it is very important that we receive this information. Please complete and submit the form if you have not done so already. For returning students, please review and submit the form even if there are no changes. The system will continue to send reminders until the form is submitted.

Thank you for your cooperation as we keep our files up to date.

Grandparents’ Mass – Friday, September 18

We look forward to welcoming our Marian grandparents for our annual Grandparents’ Mass on Friday, September 18 at 10:30 AM. Following Mass, grandparents are invited to enjoy refreshments and a tour of the school.

RSVP for Grandparents’ Mass

As part of this year’s invitation, Marian students personally addressed postcards to their grandparents during Advisory this week. Parents, please let the grandparents know to watch for this special invitation very soon.

We're Hiring - Director of Communications

Marian Central Catholic High School is seeking a 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 to join our Advancement team and lead the school’s communications, marketing and storytelling efforts.

We’re looking for a creative, collaborative professional who is excited to advance Marian’s mission, share our story, and showcase the people and experiences that make our school community special.

Learn more about the position and how to apply:

https://www.marian.com/employment-opportunities/

Please share with someone who would be a great addition to the Marian Central Catholic team!

October 1st deadline for Freshmen 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

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.

Tuesday 9/8:

University of Massachusetts-Boston (Virtual)-3rd Period

Marist University-9th Period

Lawrence Technological University-10th Period

Wednesday 9/9:

St. Anthony College of Nursing-4th Period

Thursday 9/10:

Iowa State University-3rd Period

University of Oklahoma-4th Period

Ball State University-8th Period

Friday 9/11:

Arizona State University-4th period

Concession Help - Junior & Senior Families

Football Concessions

There are a few slots open. Please use the link above to sign up for a shift in the concession stand. All juniors and seniors are required to take one shift as all proceeds will go towards Homecoming and Prom. Any junior or senior who works a full shift in concessions during a football game will receive a 50% discount on one prom ticket. Shifts are 60 minutes in length.

Working one shift in the concession stand is the only chance to earn this discount, unless you are on the football or dance team or the pep band. Members of those teams who want to complete service for the discount should send an email to bwilliams@marian.com or bwinkelman@marian.com.

Let's go Canes!!