Friday Focus Newsletter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we begin this new academic year, I extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you. Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning to continue their journey, we are honored to partner with you in nurturing their growth—academically, spiritually, and personally.

At Marian Central, we believe that education is not only about preparing students for college and careers, but also about forming young men and women of character, compassion, and faith. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and guided by Catholic tradition, our mission is to cultivate a community where students are challenged to excel, inspired to serve, and encouraged to live out the Gospel in their daily lives.

This year, our theme is “Rooted in Mission, Guided in Grace.” It reflects our purpose and guiding principles rooted in the values and teachings of the Catholic faith added with Grace (one of our school's pillars), the understanding that we have all received this very special gift or blessing given to us freely by a loving God. We will continue to emphasize academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service to others—objectives that define our school and shape our students into leaders of integrity.

A few important notes as we begin:

🏫Back-to-School Activities and Events: Please see below for key dates.

📚Faculty Updates: New staff members beginning at Marian –

• Ms. Sonia Badash – Mathematics
• Mr. Lafeyette Bell – PE, Head Basketball Coach, & Assistant Athletic Director
• Mrs. Tavena Mejdouli – Art
• Mr. Joseph Stone – Science
• Mrs. Julie Woodin – Theology
• Ms. Lauren Hubbuch – Technology Coordinator/Athletic Assistant

🙏 Faith Life: Mass, retreats, and service opportunities will be central to our students’ experience.

🫱🏼‍🫲🏼 Parent Partnership: Your involvement is vital. We invite you to join us for upcoming parent meetings and volunteer opportunities.

Let us move forward together with hope and confidence, trusting in God’s Grace to guide us. I look forward to seeing you on campus and working alongside you to support your child’s success.

May this school year be filled with blessings, growth, and joy.

In Christ,

Mike Shukis

Head of School

Marian Central Catholic High School

Seniors and their parents are invited, and strongly encouraged, to attend College Application Night on Tuesday, August 19th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Auditorium.

We are excited to welcome Julie Nelson, Regional Recruitment Director from Xavier University, who brings nearly 30 years of experience in college admissions. Ms. Nelson will share valuable insights on how to effectively navigate the college application process, including:

• Organizing your college search
• Making the most of campus visits
• Finding the right college fit
• Writing standout essays
• Understanding the Common Application
• And so more!

In addition, we’ll cover important Marian Central-specific information such as senior meetings, transcript requests, letters of recommendation, and other key details to help guide your college planning process.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Wochner in Guidance (swochner@marian.com). We look forward to seeing you there!

The deadline to change any courses is Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Please have your student stop by the Guidance Office and speak with their school counselor (Freshman and Juniors: Mrs. Hilton, Sophomores & Seniors: Mr. Fearn) if a change is desired. All course changes require a $30 course change fee. Thank you!

Higher Focus Photography will be at Marian Central for Fall team pictures and senior banner photos for all teams except football and tennis on Friday, August 22nd.

All coaches and athletes will be photographed for use in team and individual photos on these dates. Senior athletes will also be photographed for their senior banners! Please check with your coach for your team's scheduled time. Note that there are no paper order forms required for these photos! Images will be shared in private online albums approximately 10 business days after the last scheduled Fall Picture Day at Marian. You'll receive an email from Higher Focus Photography as soon as they are available.

Please see below for additional information. If you have any additional questions about the Picture Day process, please email service@higherfocusphotography.com.

Get ready to cheer on our MCC Hurricanes on Friday, Aug 22nd for an exciting showcase of our incredible fall sports lineup. From football to volleyball, cross country to soccer, and so much more. Come see our talented student-athletes and our dedicated coaches in action and discover the spirit of Marian Central athletics. Whether you are a student, parent, or community member, this is the perfect chance to rally behind our Hurricanes and kick off this unforgettable season with pride.

Want to know how you can get involved and help with Marian Central’s athletics? Use these QR codes to access our Athletic Booster Committee website and the Track it Forward site to help with our volunteer positions throughout the school year and the joy of competitively tracking the hours you have contributed!!

First Athletic Booster Meeting
Wednesday, August 27th at 5:30 pm - Marian Central Cafeteria

Come for the meeting and stay for Back to School Night!

All parents are invited to attend our annual Back to School Night

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Starting in the Auditorium

Meet Teachers - Learn about expectations - Visit Classrooms

Click below for additional information.

Junior and Senior Students and Parents:

This football season, we need everyone’s help to make our school events a success! Each junior and senior student is required to work one shift in the concession stand at a home football game. All proceeds from these shifts go directly toward funding school dances and special events throughout the year. As a thank-you, any student who completes their shift will receive half off the price of their prom ticket. Your support not only helps keep our traditions alive but also makes them even more memorable!

Please click here to sign up for a shift in the concession stand.

All students on the football, dance and cheerleading teams will need to coordinate an alternative volunteer opportunity with Mr. Winkelman or Mr. Williams if they wish to receive a discounted prom ticket.

Students who completed volunteer hours over the summer are asked to submit the Outside Service Volunteer Form. This form is available in the Guidance Office and on our website. All summer volunteer hours should be reported to Mrs. Diamond in Guidance by Friday, September 5th.

Student grades can be viewed through your Plus Portal Account. Each parent and each student are assigned an account for access. Parents and students new to the school should have received a link to set up an account. The Portal is found by going to our website, clicking on "Quick Links" and then "View Grades" or clicking the link below.

At certain times during the school year, the portal is "closed" so that teachers are able to enter grades. If you are having difficulty setting up your student's account, please contact Mrs. DiSilvio at ldisilvio@marian.com

Click here to view grades through the Plus Portal

Yearbooks from the 2024-25 school year have arrived. Yearbooks can be picked up in the office during office hours.

Please note that yearbooks will only be given to those that ordered and paid for one. If you would like someone other than yourself or your student to pick up the yearbook, please notify the office in advance. Yearbooks cannot be given to a friend without notifying the office.

SAVE THE DATE: Senior portraits will be taken at Marian on Tuesday, September 30th during the school day.

All seniors will be photographed individually in both dress clothes and a cap and gown, and all members of the class will pose for a group photo together at the end of the day.

Attire guidelines and a detailed schedule will be shared later.