Friday Focus Newsletter
344th Issue - October 31, 2025
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
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.
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!
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MEETING - NOVEMBER 6
.
All Parents Invited
ATHLETIC BOOSTER COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, November 6th
7:00 pm
Pub 47 - Huntley
Relaxed Evening - Connect with Coaches/Booster Members
We'd love to see you there!
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
SENIOR GROUP PHOTO - NOVEMBER 4TH
The Class of 2026 will be photographed as a class. The group photo is rescheduled to Tuesday, November 4th during Advisory at 8:50 am. Seniors will get another opportunity to dress up! Please wear your dress clothes for this fun keepsake.
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
________________________________________________________________
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
________________________________________________________________
Monday, January 5 - Teacher inservice; No School
Tuesday, January 6 - Classes resume