Friday Focus Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I would like to inform you that a few weeks ago I was feeling sick at school and went home. Things did not seem to improve at home, and I decided to go to the ER. In the ER they quickly found that I had a very large blood clot in the veins surrounding my stomach, and that the clot was severely preventing blood flow. Due to the location of the clot, the surgeons would only operate as a final option. That left dissolving the clot with medication as the only option. After a ten-day stay in the hospital, the clot finally started showing signs of dissolving and I was sent home. Currently, I am resting comfortably and have a schedule full of doctors’ appointments and tests in the next few weeks. The doctors have stated that it will take a few months to fully recover and for the clot to fully dissolve.

I am planning to return to Marian the first of January, with a slight possibility of returning sooner depending on how fast my new friend can reduce in size. I would ask that everyone continue to utilize our communication chain found in the Student Handbook. If there is a question regarding academics in any way, please contact the teacher. If you need additional assistance, please contact Mrs. Cunico. If there is a question regarding students or discipline, please contact one of the Deans. All athletic questions should be addressed to Coach O’Neill, and all Spiritual matters should go to Fr. Warren. If you are unsure where or who to talk with, please contact the school office and they will be more than happy to send you to the correct individual.

Mike Shukis

Head of School

Seniors and their parents are invited to attend our Financial Aid Night on Monday, October 6 at 7:15 PM in the Auditorium.

A representative from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will be present to share important information about the FAFSA, One Click Admission, and other financial aid resources available to your student.

This is a valuable opportunity to learn more about the financial aid process and get your questions answered as your student prepares for life after high school.

We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please connect with Mr. Wochner (swochner@marian.com) in Guidance.

Fall Team Photo Gallery Closes Soon!

Don't miss your Fall team and individual photos from Higher Focus Photography! Senior athletes can also order banner replica prints or choose a custom background for these milestone images. Look for emails from Higher Focus with details or reach out to them at servicehigherfocusphotography.gotphoto.com if you need help with an access code!

Football & Volleyball Action Photos are Online too!

Looking for sports action photos? Check them out at www.higherfocusphotography.gotphoto.com with access code: MCHURRICANES25

STANDARDIZED TESTING FOR ALL FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 (non-attendance day for Seniors)

This will be a shortened school day, and buses will arrive for pickup at noon.

Testing will begin promptly at 8:00am and students should arrive in their Marian uniforms. All PreACT standard time (no accommodations) testing will be completed at approximately10:45am.

Specific testing information is provided below:

PREACT 8/9 & PREACT - freshmen will be taking the PreACT 8/9. Sophomores and Juniors will be taking the PreACT. These are paper-and-pencil tests that provide valuable practice for the ACT test. They include multiple choice questions in English, Reading, Math and Science. 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 test that provides information about future career possibilities and career suggestions based on student interests. Finally, students will receive an estimated PreACT score (PreACT 8/9) and ACT score (PreACT 8/9 & PreACT).

What students should bring on test day: 3 sharpened, No. 2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils), an approved calculator (ACT's calculator policy), a drink and snack for the break (optional). ALL other items should be left at home, including cell phones and smartwatches.

Scores/testing results will be distributed to and reviewed with students as soon as they're available. If you have any questions about testing, please contact Mrs. Hilton, Guidance Director, at khilton@marian.com or 815-338-4220, ext. 121.

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 10/6: Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design-8th period

Tuesday 10/7: Quincy University-3rd Period, Illinois Wesleyan University-4th Period, DePauw University-8th Period, University of Dayton-9th Period, UW-Oshkosh-10th Period

Wednesday 10/8: Augustana College-3rd Period, University of Oklahoma-10th Period,

Thursday 10/9: Grand Canyon University-1st Period, Illinois State University-3rd Period, St. Mary's College of Notre Dame-4th Period, Butler University-8th Period, John Carroll University-9th period, St. Norbert College-10th Period

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!

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.

St. Mary Catholic School would like to personally invite you to our 6th annual 'Trivia Night!' This lively event will take place on Oct 25th in the school gymnasium. We are 29 days away, so you still have time to gather a group of friends and register to join the fun!

To Register:

MOSAIC Trivia Night | BetterWorld
Paying by cash or check? Use the discount code: CHECK PAYMENT at checkout!

This (kid-free!) night of friendly competition, fun table themes, and fellowship has been a great reason to get together with friends for a good cause! We absolutely LOVE when our St. Mary Parish and Alumni Families join us for this evening back in the gym.

All proceeds from 'Trivia Night' will support MOSAIC services at St. Mary School, so we can continue the school's mission to create an inclusive education for our students. These services include academic intervention, speech therapy, behavior support and more!

We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this email directly. Event details are included in the registration link and attached flyer!

Wednesday, October 8 - Late Start; 9:45 am start

Friday, October 10 - Grades 9,10,11 testing day; early release. Seniors no school

Monday, October 13 - Columbus Day; No School; Office Closed

Tuesday, October 14 - Teacher Inservice; No School; Office Closed

Monday, November 3 - Sweater Season Begins

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

Monday, November 24 - 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)