Friday Focus Newsletter

From the Desk of Mrs. Kelly Hilton

Fall is such a beautiful season - leaves are changing to vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, pumpkins are carved and warm beverages are enjoyed full of chocolate and pumpkin spice! We are busy here at Marian Central in the heart of the fall semester – closing out the first quarter and looking forward to a fresh start second quarter. The school year is moving along quickly and amidst it all I want to pause and take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the tremendous commitment you make in choosing Marian for your child’s education. We know that sending your student here represents not only a financial investment, but also a deep act of faith – entrusting us with their growth, well-being, and preparation for the future.

We see and appreciate all the ways that you show up for your children – early morning drop-offs, late nights at athletic contests, homework help, tuition payments and countless moments of encouragement and support. Your partnership makes everything we do possible. It allows us to help students not only pursue academic excellence, but also develop the confidence, empathy, and sense of purpose that will carry them to a successful and fulfilled future.

Thank you for your continued trust and collaboration. We are honored to walk alongside your family in this important journey. Please do not hesitate to contact any one of us on the Counseling team for support.

Our contact information is as follows:

Mrs. Hilton, Guidance Director/School Counselor – Freshmen and Juniors, khilton@marian.com, ext. 121

Mr. Fearn, School Counselor – Sophomores and Seniors, afearn@marian.com, ext. 122

Mr. Wochner, College Counselor – all grades, swochner@marian.com, ext. 120

Mr. Taylor, Academic Resource Director – all grades, ctaylor@marian.com, ext. 209

Mrs. Kelly Hilton

Director of Guidance

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!

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 10/20: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville-3rd Period, Valparaiso University-4th Period

Tuesday 10/21: Iowa State University-College of Business Exclusively-3rd Period, Eastern Illinois University-8th Period

Friday 10/24: St. Mary's University of MN-4th Period, University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign-10th 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.

Trivia Night - St. Mary, Woodstock

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.

To Register:

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