MATTERS MARIAN - Marian Catholic High School

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Seniors, Rachel Kowalczyk and SammyScrementi were steppin’ out in styleat the Mothers Club Fashion Show onMarch 20 at Georgio’s Banquets.SAVE-THE-DATEG UYS & DOLLSSpring MusicalFriday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m.Saturday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.Sunday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m.Bob Gromala ’97 reading the First Readingat the Young Alumni Memorial Mass, whichtook place on January 10, 2004 in theMarian Catholic student chapel. This Masswas held to commemorate the lives ofthose young alums who have died in thepast year. Those especially rememberedwere Kevin Beukema ’97, Ryan Brothers ’98,Michele Salin ’01, Dean Perozzi ’94,Lisa Dangoia ’94, and Philip Schmitz ’99.MARIAN “EXPERTS” PLANEXCELLENCE WELL INTO THE FUTUREThis is what we are about:We plant the seeds that will one day grow,We water seeds already planted,knowing that they hold future promise....We are prophets of a future not our own.Archbishop Oscar RomeroDynamic institutions plan. The solidfoundation which has left Marian Catholicin a position of strength when many schoolsare struggling was laid through the visionand work of those who brought their giftsto Marian Catholic. The first of these plansfor the 21st Century, “The Courage toLead,” unfolded in February.With an Open Forum inviting all currentMarian Catholic parents, students, andteachers followed by intense focus group workby key leaders, the newest Long-Range Planwill plot priorities for the next five years.Sr. Dorothy Marie, Sharon and Jeff Stillmanbrainstorm ideas for the Recruitment FocusGroup at the second Long Range Planningmeeting held on March 8.The conversation centered on questions in a variety of areas of school life. A sample of thetopics and questions follow; the final focus group recommendations will be made a part ofthe 2003-2004 Annual Report.1 ALUMNI: How can MCHS alumni bonds be strengthened? How can more alums bere-engaged and/or invested in MCHS?2 FINE ARTS A. Overview: How can excellence in all the Arts be sustained? Whatresources and structures will be needed to assure access to the Arts for each student?B. Architecture and CAD: With CAD currently running cooperatively with Prairie state, shouldMCHS offer its own comprehensive program in a science-based college prep curriculum?C. Forensics: With a rapidly growing and successful forensics program, the broad-castingsegment requires more physical resources than current resources can meet. How can this beaccomplished in a way that ties it into other school priorities?3 FAITH AND LIFE: MCHS exists so that faith can be known and lived by youngpeople. How can we help reconnect students in the faith life of their local parishes? Howcan we engage more of our students in existing service opportunities in their ownneighborhoods and on a more national or international level? How can we be certain weare teaching sound doctrine? How can peer ministry serve to reconnect students to the faithwhile here at Marian Catholic?4 ATHLETICS: Existing sports have a place within the total school program to assure aquality experience for students. Which programs would best serve the needs of our students?How can MCHS attract and retain the highest caliber of coaches? What equipment andfacilities would have the most impact on the most student athletes?5 PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING: What are the best methods forgetting the word out—and what “word” should be highlighted (e.g., validated “good news,”including excellent writing skills and scores)?6 STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM: Design a school-wide program that callsevery student to leadership. What are the various types of leadership? What types of trainingshould be offered so that each student develops his/her call to lead? What impact will peerleadership have on academics and faith?7 FACULTY AND STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ongoingprofessional development that impacts the quality of instruction and provide for personaland systemic growth. How can we be sure professional opportunities both enrich the teacherand impact the quality of classroom teaching including new technology?8 FINANCIAL AID: We know that families of Catholic students who are academicallyqualified have said they are not attending Marian Catholic purely because of finances—what would it take to reach those most in need? Could aid have a good faith “pay-back”provision, especially given the current reliance on the Dominican Sisters and limitedendowments for tuition aid?8
9 COLLEGE COUNSELING: What current college counseling initiatives andmodels should be strengthened or adjusted to help all of our students find an appropriate“fit”? How do we have our students think more creatively and “stretch” their collegechoices? How can college counseling work more effectively with parents?10 FACILITIES: Chart a cycle of preventative maintenance for the next 10 to 15years. How can we best project for future capital needs?11 CAFETERIA/KITCHEN/FOOD SERVICE: Examine the options with regardto the (currently dated) kitchen and cafeteria. Should the cafeteria and kitchen beremodeled, gutted and newly built, or simply maintained? What are other options for foodservices (e.g., franchises) and use of the space?12 RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS: To assure continued quality candidatesfor Marian Catholic, should MCHS consider more extended service to areas for whichsurveys reveal a wish for Catholic secondary education but not the necessary financialbacking? Are current recruitment and admission policies supporting our efforts to recruitand admit the most qualified candidates?13 DISTANCE LEARNING/DUAL CREDIT PROGRAMS: Should the use ofselected distance satellite learning be expanded to provide curriculum opportunities ininterest areas (i.e., Japanese) not now offered? If we agree to use distance learning beyondour immediate geographic area, how can we best meet the needs of students and retainMCHS’ integrity with regard to scholarship and faith? How could dual credit programswith colleges accomplish the same goals as distance learning and what would be the impacton our huge nineteen course A.P. Program?John Irwin, Sr. Janice Greenwood and Margie Pelino, members of the Long Range PlanningFoundation Committee, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a foundation.14 INTEGRAL LEARNING: Learning experiences that will make MCHSoutstanding in the cross-curricular areas of math, science and writing are key to continuedexcellence. What direction should curriculum take to ensure a future-centered integrallearning program that captures top scholars and enriches the lives of all MCHS students?15 SECURITY: Examine current efforts being made for the safety of our students, staffand property. What steps can/should be taken with regard to policies, equipment andpersonnel relative to security?16 FOUNDATION: Study the implications of establishing a separate foundation forthe investment and distribution of restricted monies. What are the advantages/disadvantagesof establishing a foundation? At what point and in what format would a foundation bebeneficial to MCHS for its restricted investments?17 SUMMER PROGRAMS: Summer programs hold tremendous potential forenrichment, recruitment and involvement. How can we make quality summer programsavailable to both MCHS students and junior high students? What types of programs arepossibilities? What kinds of funding and staffing are available?18 TECHNOLOGY: What impact would an integrated system using portal technologyhave on security, finance, curriculum and administrative procedures and student learning?What are the nature and advantages of this type of system for teachers, students, parentsand what is the cost?FORENSICS continued from page 1Another aspect of the MCHS Program andequally enriching is the competition in theIllinois Public School Invitational. Many timesthis year, coaches from well known, powerfulforensic schools have mentioned that MarianCatholic High School is on the map in thisregard. The public school competitions areequally fun and rewarding. Sweeney said,“I like to refer to them as ‘the monsters.’Quite frankly, a few of our students weren’tsure at first that they wanted to compete insuch a huge program. But we did, and theresults were amazing. In three toughtournaments, Marian Catholic did very well!At the Thornwood Tournament, MarianCatholic placed eleventh in the final round andreceived a third place. At the Stagg ChargerTournament, we placed first; we co-hosted atournament and placed at the top. Few MarianCatholic students are hesitant—they wantmore. They recognize that great competition isavailable to well-practiced students. And, ofcourse, we benefited immensely. Suddenly, ourPublic Address Program emerged in a powerfulway. We mastered Radio Speaking (MichellePritchett), Oratory (Louis Packard), SpecialOccasion Speaking (Elaine Wilson)–and ourabove-named crew form the Catholic Leaguegave us a unique position of strength.”Sweeney believes MCHS is in the early stagesof this program—students are benefiting fromdifferent perspectives and applying their newfoundknowledge, challenging their creativity,and learning incredible research skills.A strong Forensic/Speech Program supportsand complements Marian Catholic’s mission.In describing the power of forensics withMarian Catholic High School, Sweeney notes,“Forensic competition is about audileintelligence—we can hear the thoughts ofothers and ourselves brought into a masterylevel. The neatest aspect is the growth:students learn about one of the pillars of theDominican Order through challenging andrewarding experiences. Some students learnthat the funniest comedy selection can bringthe same dignity as a very seriouscommentary. All the speech events arethoughtfulness, grace, and the voices of theHoly Spirit. In the long run, these are interiorgifts that lead to responsible behaviors, selfconfidence,and very fond team memories.”The challenge of competition in both leaguesmaximizes opportunities for students andcarries high the Marian Catholic banner ofstudent achievement.9
Page 1 and 2: MARIANMattersA NEWSLETTER FOR MARIA
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Page 13 and 14: ALUMNI NOTESSoren Michael Rozovics,
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MATTERS MARIAN - Marian Catholic High School

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