Trojan Times Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we approach the end of another school year, I want to take a moment to address an issue that is incredibly important to all of us: mental health. The month of May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we reflect on the significance of mental well-being and strive to foster environments that support the mental health of our students and community.

In the face of unprecedented challenges throughout their high school years, our students have demonstrated incredible resilience; however, as we navigate the complexities of teenage years, it is imperative that we maintain a steadfast focus on prioritizing their mental health and well-being. The teenage years are filled with transitions, pressures, and uncertainties, and now more than ever, it is crucial that we create spaces where students feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed.

As parents, you play a vital role in this process. By openly discussing mental health with your children and emphasizing the importance of self-care, you help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage a culture of openness and acceptance. Additionally, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the signs of mental distress and know how to access resources and support services when necessary.

At McDowell, we are committed to promoting mental well-being and providing our students with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Our counselors are available to support students throughout the year, whether they are struggling with academic stress, social pressures, or mental health concerns. We also offer various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting positive mental health and resilience among our student body. Our Student Assistance Program (SAP) and our Student Wellness & Resource Center are programs designed to provide comprehensive support and resources to students, ensuring they have the tools and guidance necessary to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence while prioritizing their mental health and emotional well-being.

As we look ahead to the summer break and beyond, let's continue to prioritize mental health and well-being in everything we do. Together, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment where every student feels valued, heard, and supported.

Thank you for your partnership in this important endeavor.

Sincerely,

Sandra Means

Principal

Week of May 20th: Students will receive their graduation tickets in tutorial. Each student gets 10 tickets. If more are needed, they must see Mrs. Maciulewicz (room 128) or Mr. Bucholtz (room 008). CAOLA students may come to the front window of McDowell to pick up their allotted tickets beginning week of May 20th.

June 5th: Mandatory Practice for all Seniors walking at graduation! You must attend all practices to walk at graduation!! Practice will be at McDowell High School in the North gym. Students must be in their seat and ready to begin at 9:30 AM. After practice, students will be given their caps and gowns for graduation night. Students should be done with practice by 11:30.

June 5th: Baccalaureate will be held at St. Jude’s Church 2801 West 6th Street at 7 PM. This is not mandatory to attend. If students are attending, they should wear their graduation gown to the service. Please do not wear your cap or tassel. Students planning to attend, should arrive at 6:15 PM.

June 6th: Mandatory Graduation Practice will be at the Erie Insurance arena. Students need to be in their seats by 9:15 AM. The doors will open at 9 AM. Please leave your house early enough to find parking. Please leave any items in your car. Due to security procedures, you may not bring in a bag, drink, or food. Practice should be done around 11:15 AM. Do not wear your cap and gown to practice.

June 6th: Students must report to the Erie Insurance Arena no later than 5:30 PM. Students should be in their caps, gowns, stole, and tassel. Dress attire for the girls is pants, skirt, or dress (color doesn’t matter). Dress attire for the boys is pants and a dress shirt. Families can begin entering the Insurance Arena at 5:30. There is no reserved seating. The Erie Insurance 8th street parking ramp is free to park in. The ramp will open a little after 5 PM.

*Reminder: All student fees and obligations must be paid before participating in graduation.

*Any family that would like to order flowers ahead of time and have them waiting for you can use this link: https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/mcdowellshs/​. Flowers will also be sold on site for your convenience.

As we approach the exciting culmination of the academic year with prom and graduation on the horizon, it is important to pay attention to any outstanding fees listed in Infinite Campus.

Seniors who have outstanding fees, which include any unpaid food service fees from this school year or previous years, as well as general fees accumulated throughout high school years, should pay the fees as soon as possible. These fees must be settled before the senior events of prom and graduation.

Please note that participation in prom and the graduation ceremony is contingent upon the settlement of all outstanding balances. Students who have not cleared their fees will regrettably not be permitted to purchase a prom ticket to attend prom or participate in the graduation ceremony. All fees should be paid not later than May 20th to assure participation in prom and the graduation ceremony.

To view and settle these fees, please log in to your Infinite Campus account and navigate to the "fees" tab. You can make payments conveniently online through the Infinite Campus portal. Alternatively, payments can be made in person at the Millcreek Education Center, located at 3740 West 26th Street.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and cooperation in ensuring a smooth and successful conclusion to your child's senior year.

Seniors are required to have a booster of MCV4, Meningococcal, and may be excluded from attending school if this is not completed. Once your student receives the vaccine, please send updated shot record to the nurse.

If you have any questions, please contact McDowell Nurse, Mrs. Linda DeHart (dehart@mtsd.org).

As we approach the much-anticipated event of the year, we wanted to provide you with some important updates regarding this year's prom festivities. Our team has been diligently working to ensure that this year's prom is not only memorable but also safe and enjoyable for all attendees. Prom is scheduled for Saturday, June 1st at the Bayfront Convention Center. Please take note of the following key information to ensure that your student has an unforgettable prom experience:

Prom Ticket Sales

• Ticket sales will be online through Infinite Campus School Store
• Ticket sales will begin May 13th and end on May 31st at 2:40 PM.
• Guest tickets will only be sold until May 28th.
• Tickets will be $26 each.

To Purchase a Ticket:

• Each McDowell junior/senior MUST purchase their OWN ticket in Infinite Campus.
• Each McDowell junior/senior may purchase one guest ticket for a McDowell 9th/10th grade student or a non-McDowell guest.
• If you purchase a guest ticket, you MUST bring the guest letter to the main office prior to May 29th. If a guest letter is not received, the guest will not be permitted to attend the dance.
• All McDowell 9th and 10th grade students DO need a guest letter signed by MIHS administration.
• You can pick up the guest letter in the main office, girls PE office, or online when you buy the guest ticket.
• ALL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS MUST BE PAID IN ORDER TO VIEW AND PURCHASE A PROM TICKET IN THE INFINITE CAMPUS SCHOOL STORE.
• Any students with discipline infractions that have not been served must plan with their grade level principal to serve the time owed prior to the prom. Students will not gain entrance to prom who have outstanding discipline even though they may have purchased a ticket.

If you have any questions, please contact the high school main office or the prom advisor, Mrs. Nicole Mroczkowski (mroczkowski@mtsd.org).

As the year winds down, encourage your child to be diligent in preparing for final exams and putting forth the extra effort to elevate all grades. This may involve connecting with teachers during Tutorial and attending Study Hubs. Study Hubs are after-school from 2:45-3:45 on May 22nd, May 29th, and June 5th. Parents, please continue to communicate with your child’s teachers and counselor as needed. If additional support and intervention is needed in your child’s academic program, please contact Mr. Magorien (Room 105) at magorien@mtsd.org. If you are in search of other enrichment and remediation opportunities for your child, the following sites listed below may be helpful and offer a free membership or free trial period. These sites are also helpful for sustaining skills over the summer break.

https://www.khanacademy.org/ For math practice

https://www.ixl.com/ For math practice

https://www.readworks.org/ For reading/comprehension practice

https://thedonut.co/daily/ For ELA practice

Attention Parents of College Bound Juniors:

If you would like your child to get a jump start on the college application process, encourage them to attend one of the College Connections Summer Sessions. See below for more details. Students can scan the QR to register.

Attention Parents of College Bound Seniors:

If you and your child have completed the 2024-25 FAFSA, your child will receive an email from PHEAA with the next steps to apply for a PA State Grant award. Click here for more information.

Reach out to Mrs. Gilroy at jgilroy@mtsd.org with any questions.

As we edge closer to the end of the school year and the beginning of summer break, here are a few house rules to consider to make the summer with your teens less stressful (and more fun).

1. If you make a mess, clean it.
2. Household chores aren’t an option.
3. Sleeping is okay…in moderation.
4. Video games and binge-watching tv is okay…in moderation.
5. Need a ride? Put it on the family schedule.
6. Going somewhere? I need to know.
7. Check-ins are necessary.
8. Get a part-time job.
9. Do something productive everyday.
10. Family time matters.
11. Curfew will be enforced.
12. Friends are welcome.
13. Don’t borrow or take anyone’s things without asking first.
14. HAVE FUN!!!!

May 27 ~ No School

May 31 ~ Last "in class" day for seniors

June 3 - 4 ~Senior Finals

June 5 ~ Senior graduation practice in North Gym at 9:30 a.m. Attendance is mandatory!

June 6 ~ Graduation practice at Erie Insurance Arena at 9:00 a.m. Attendance is mandatory!

June 6 ~ Graduation ~ students arrive at 5:30. Parents should be seated by 6:30.