From the Desk of Mr. Brad Williams

Today marks the second full week of the second academic quarter. I always try to take time to remind students of the importance of this time of year. The first quarter is over, and the second quarter is a fresh start. Take time to celebrate the successes and achievements of the first quarter. Reaffirm what contributed to those positive outcomes and continue to do what works. For any elements of the first quarter that were not as successful as hoped, the second quarter is an opportunity to make a change. The quarter grade is reset and working to start on a positive track is sometimes the psychological change needed to point things in the correct direction. In either case, this is a good time of year to reflect on where we are and where we want to be. I encourage everyone--parents, students, faculty, staff and administration--to take a moment in that regard.

Congratulations to our volleyball team on winning the Regional Championship last night! It has been a hard-fought season for our coaches and athletes. Their success as regional champs is a testament to the fortitude and commitment of our athletes and coaches. Next up will be the sectional semifinal on Tuesday, 11/4. Marian Central will play MCC Academy at Lycée Francais de Chicago (French International School) at 6pm. Please come out and support—Go Canes!!!

This Sunday at 1pm is the Marian Showcase. More details are in the Friday Focus below. If you know of any potential future Canes, please share the information far and wide. Looking forward to a great Sunday!

I would like to offer a final thank you to all the parents who volunteered to work football concessions for our home games this season. Friday night games are a definite showcase for our school. Having a fully staffed concession makes a good impression on our community and visitors, as well as making sure everyone can enjoy the snacks they like during the football games. We know it is a time commitment, and it means a lot to the administration. So, once more, thank you.

A last thought for this Friday Focus is to offer encouragement for everyone to seek positivity during this time of year. Days are becoming shorter, and the weather is moving fast toward winter conditions. We are also approaching the holiday season, which are of course a joy, but not without their stresses. Please make sure to take the time to find peace and positivity. Go to Mass, spend time with family and friends, avoid doom scrolling and toxicity on social media (that last one is for all of us, but certainly for our students). I think we can all use a little more peace in our lives, in particular at this time of year.

Mr. Brad Williams

Come Discover the Marian Central Catholic Community!

Meet Our Dedicated Faculty

51% hold a master’s degree or higher

Average of 15 years of teaching experience

70% serve as club sponsors and/or coaches — many in multiple roles

Make Your Path to Marian Possible
Learn about tuition assistance, affordability options, flexible payment plans, and transportation — we’ll help you find the right path to becoming part of the Marian community.

Tour Our Campus
Experience our newly renovated front entrance, the peaceful Queen of Peace Courtyard, and the state-of-the-art Bulaga Family Fitness Center.

Explore Our Academic Excellence
Marian Central Catholic offers a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum.

Earn the Seal of Biliteracy

In the 2024–2025 academic year, 121 students took 265 Advanced Placement exams

69% earned a score of 3 or higher

Discover Extracurriculars and Student Life
With 21 athletic programs, 20+ clubs, and a tradition-rich Homecoming Week, there’s something for every student to get involved and thrive.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our Open House and show you what makes Marian Central Catholic truly exceptional!

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents are invited to participate in Parent-Teacher Conferences on the dates listed below. Please do not feel obligated to schedule a conference if your student is progressing well.

Monday, November 24, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

OR

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

The portal to schedule conferences will be open starting Monday, November 10th at 8:00 am and will close on Monday, November 17th at noon. Parents can create an account at any time, however, the scheduling portion of the portal does not open until November 10th.

Please click here to create an account and schedule conferences.

There are no classes Monday, November 24th through Friday, November 28th. For additional details, please click the document below.

The 2026-2027 School Year Financial Aid Application is now OPEN!

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Complete FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment online with all necessary financial documents, including the 2024 tax return and 2024 W2s, by November 21, 2025!

https://www.marian.com/tuition-and-financial-aid/

Simple Steps to Apply for Financial Aid Online

1. Choose “Sign In” or “Create a username and password”

2. Then click on the Start Application Link

3. Select the appropriate school year (2026-2027)
4. Complete the steps as prompted (be sure to upload required 2024 tax documents
after submitting application).

All families must apply by November 21, 2025, for tuition assistance for the 2026-2027 school year.

Award letters will be sent in January 2026.

WINTER SPORTS MEETING - NOVEMBER 3

The Winter Sports Meeting will take place Monday, November 3rd at 6:30 pm in Landers Pavilion. Please plan to attend if your student will be playing a winter sport.

Also, all students playing a sport must register by clicking here. If you have any questions, please contact Cody O’Neill at coneill@marian.com. We’re looking forward to a great season!

Thank you!

COLLEGE VISITS NEXT WEEK

All juniors and seniors may attend these visits. Students must receive permission from their teachers to attend each visit and must sign up for all visits in SCOIR.

Monday 11/3: University of Maine-1st Period

Tuesday 11/4: McHenry County College-8th Period

Thursday 11/6: University of Missouri-Columbia-9th period

A message from Fr. Warren:

Jason Evert is a longtime Catholic speaker who specializes in sharing the good news God has for youth about their goodness and how to live that out in their bodies. I would recommend that any families looking for answers to tough questions should attend this event at St. Mary’s in Huntley!

To register for the St. Mary event, please click the photo above or the link below.

St. Mary Event with Jason Evert Registration

UPCOMING CALENDAR

Wednesday, November 5 - Late Start; 9:45 am start

Monday, November 24 through Friday, November 28 - No School

Monday, November 24 - Conferences from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Tuesday, November 25 - Conferences from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Wednesday, December 3 - Late Start; 9:45 am start

Wednesday, December 17 - Semester 1 exams; periods 1, 3; 10:40 am dismissal

Thursday, December 18 - Semester 1 exams; periods 4, 567, 8; 12:00 pm dismissal

Friday, December 19 - Semester 1 exams; periods 9, 10; 10:40 am dismissal

Monday, December 22 - Monday, January 5 - Christmas Break

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Monday, January 5 - Teacher inservice; No School

Tuesday, January 6 - Classes resume