Friday Focus Newsletter
343rd Issue - October 24, 2025
Marian Central Catholic High School
From the Desk of Mrs. Debra Cunico
It is exciting to think that we have already successfully navigated through the first quarter of this school year! I am happy to say that our teachers are teaching, our students are learning, and we are all doing this with a happy, faithful spirit!
As of Monday, Oct. 20, all Quarter 1 grades have been submitted, and the student/parent portals are reopened so you can see your child’s Quarter 1 grade. There are a couple of things to remember when reviewing the grades…
1) The only grade that shows on a report card and transcripts is the semester grade. A semester grade is calculated as follows: 40% for each of the two quarter grades in that semester and 20% for the semester exam.
2) Report cards are printed out and mailed at semester only.
3) If your child receives an “I” on the quarter grade, it means that they have some assignment(s) that is outstanding due to absence/illness that needs to be completed before the grade can be finalized.
4) If your child has failed any course for the quarter, it is important that the student meet with the teacher and determines a plan for success. It does not mean that there is no hope, and they have failed the semester. It just means that they need to identify what caused the poor grade and make plans to improve, change a habit, or get additional help.
We all would agree that it is certainly a lot easier for students to be successful in their classes when they are engaged, taking notes, doing (and submitting) their work on a timely basis, and developing good study habits. Besides students reaching out to their teachers for assistance, our Counseling and Academic Resource Departments are a great place to find additional help. I would strongly encourage any student who is struggling to seek help early and often!
As you may have noticed, we have changed the time of year at which we hold our annual Parent/Teacher Conferences. Instead of the conferences being in October, we moved them to Thanksgiving week, Mon., Nov. 24 from 5 to 8 pm and Tues., Nov. 25 from 8 am to 1 pm. Of course, we encourage parents who have specific concerns about their student’s progress and/or specific questions relating to curriculum taught to schedule conferences, but it is also encouraged for ANY student, regardless of their level of success, as there is always room to grow and improve! More information on signing up for conferences will be coming soon.
Please also know that our teachers and administration are always available for an email or phone call throughout the year… not just during conference time.
I am looking forward to Quarter 2 and seeing how our students continue to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Thank you for supporting our school and students!
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Proverbs 2:10
Blessings,
Mrs. Cunico
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!
Cafeteria Account Reminders
Student ID - All students must show their Student ID to purchase food/beverage in the cafeteria. Students who cannot locate their ID should stop in the office and purchase a new one for $5.
Funds Available - All students should make sure there is money available on their cafeteria account prior to getting in the cafeteria line. The cafeteria staff cannot sell food on credit. Payments can be made online or by dropping off cash/checks in the office.
Senior Portraits
Senior Portraits and Cap & Gown Photos are Online! 📸
Senior families should have received an email from Higher Focus Photography this week with a link to their Senior's photos.
Order by October 26 to take advantage of special savings - including FREE Shipping to the school!
Seniors should also select a yearbook portrait image - no cap and gown photos for this! This image will be also be included on the graduation class composite that will be available for families to view and order in the Spring. Please select the yearbook portrait no later than 11/16 by following the prompts after login.
If you didn’t receive the email or need help accessing your photos, please contact: 📧service@higherfocusphotography.com Be sure to include your senior's name and mention Marian Central too!
Fall Play - The Curious Savage
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 10/27: Marquette University-1st Period, Morrison Tech-8th Period, University of Kansas-9th Period
Tuesday 10/28: Arizona State University-4th Period, Northern Michigan University-8th Period, Penn State University-9th Period
Sweater Season Begins November 3rd
Sweater/Fleece Season will begin on Monday, November 3rd. If your student is in need of sweaters, you can either order through Uniform Outlet, Inc by clicking here (group code 60098) or let us know and we can check our supply of previously-worn donated sweaters.
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.
Yearbook Photos - November 4th
All freshmen, sophomores and juniors will take yearbook photos on Tuesday, November 4th during the school day. Full uniform (sweater season) is required for the photos. Ordering information will be coming soon.
Seniors who missed Senior Portrait Day will also be photographed on November 4th. See Mrs. DiSilvio for your appointment time.
To register for the St. John Bunco Night, please click the photo above or the link below.
To register for the St. Margaret Mary Trivia Night, please click the photo above or the link below.
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.
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 - 8:00 pm (details coming soon)
Tuesday, November 25 - Conferences from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm (details coming soon)
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
Tuesday, January 6 - Classes resume