Trojan Times Parent Newsletter

As we step into October, it is a crucial time for our juniors and seniors to begin planning for their futures. Whether they are considering college, exploring career options, or both, now is the time to lay the groundwork for success. Below are important insights for both seniors embarking on their college application journey and seniors or juniors looking to explore career paths.

1. Preparing for College Applications & Admissions (Seniors)

For seniors, the college application process can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and timeline, it can be manageable. Here are a few key steps and resources to keep in mind as you navigate this important process:

• Stay on Top of Deadlines: Many colleges offer early decision and early action application options, with deadlines often falling in early November. Regular decision deadlines typically range from late December through January. Encourage your senior to keep a calendar of deadlines for each school they are applying to.
• Seek Guidance from the College Counseling Office: Our school’s College Connections Advisor, Mrs. Gilroy, is a valuable resource for seniors. She is available to help with everything from narrowing down school choices to reviewing applications and essays and more. Be sure to take advantage of her expertise!
• Financial Aid & Scholarships: The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on December 1st. Applying early can increase a student’s chances of receiving financial aid. Additionally, Mrs. Gilroy and our school counselors can provide information on various scholarships, including local and national opportunities. Make sure your senior starts researching these options as soon as possible.
• Essay Writing Workshops: Writing a strong personal statement can make a significant difference in college applications. Encourage your senior to attend one of the essay writing workshops hosted by Mrs. Gilroy and the counseling office during tutorial, where they will receive guidance on how to craft a compelling essay that highlights their strengths and experiences.
• College Fairs & Visits: October is a prime time for virtual and in-person college fairs. Attending these events allows students to interact with admissions representatives, ask questions, and learn more about different schools. We also have college representatives visiting McDowell weekly. Make sure your senior keeps an eye on upcoming opportunities, as these fairs and college visits can provide a deeper understanding of the options available to them.

2. The Importance of Career Exploration (Juniors & Seniors)

For both juniors and seniors, career exploration is a key step in shaping their future. Whether your student is college-bound or considering other post-high school options, gaining real-world experience can help them discover their passions and interests.

• Internships & Job Shadowing: Internships and job shadowing offer hands-on experience in potential career fields. These opportunities provide valuable insights into day-to-day work and can help students decide if a certain path is right for them. Encourage your student to seek out these experiences through local businesses, school partnerships, or personal networks. Mrs. Myers (Cmyers@mtsd.org) is our Internship Coordinator. Encourage your child to schedule an internship this year!
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering not only helps students give back to their community, but it also provides them with transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management. Many colleges and employers value community involvement, making it an excellent addition to any resume or college application.
• Career Counseling & Resources: For students still undecided about their future plans, our school counselors offer career assessments through Naviance and guidance to help them explore various industries and career paths. Whether they are interested in technology, healthcare, the arts, or trades, we can connect them with resources that align with their interests.
• Planning for the Future: Juniors especially should use this time to start thinking about their long-term goals. The earlier they begin exploring careers, the better equipped they will be to make informed decisions about college majors, vocational training programs, or entering the workforce. Mr. Boyd and Mr. Izbicki offer field trips to various trade industries. Encourage your child to attend a field trip to learn more about the trade fields.

By combining focused preparation for college applications with real-world career exploration, our students can position themselves for success, no matter which path they choose. Encourage your student to take advantage of the resources we offer, and do not hesitate to reach out to our counseling team for support along the way.

Sincerely,

Sandra Means, Principal

Attention parents! If your high school student drives to school, it is essential they purchase a parking pass. This ensures they have a designated spot on campus, helping maintain safety and organization in the school parking lot. Additionally, parking passes allow the school to monitor vehicles for security purposes. Please remind your student to secure their pass if they have not done so already, as parking without a pass could result in fines or towing.

Starting this month, the SSO team will begin ticketing cars without parking permits. The fine is $40.

You may learn more about parking passes or how to purchase a parking pass at https://mcd.mtsd.org/students/student-resources.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and organized parking environment!

Attention Parents! Please check out the Senior Information page that is on McDowell High School’s homepage of our website. There will be essential information posted all throughout the school year.

Senior calendars will be coming out soon, and your child will receive the calendar in their tutorial. There will also be one posted on the Senior Information page and the Senior Google Classroom.

Coming very soon on Infinite Campus’ School store will be the ability to order your child’s cap and gown. Every student walking at graduation will need to order one. Caps and gowns from previous years cannot be worn. The price of the cap and gown will be $45.00 through December 31st. After that, the price will go up to $55.00.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Nicole Maciulewicz, Senior Class Advisor

Nmaciulewicz@mtsd.org

Join us for Junior Parent Night on Tuesday, October 1st, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the McDowell North Gym! This informative event is designed to help parents and students navigate the key milestones of junior year. You will have the opportunity to meet with school administrators and guidance counselors, and learn about college and career readiness, important dates, internship opportunities, Keystone graduation requirements, and much more. Do not miss this chance to stay informed and help your student succeed!

McDowell High School will administer the PSAT for all juniors on October 16th. The PSAT serves as a valuable practice opportunity for the SAT and qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. This assessment will help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, guiding them in their college readiness journey. We encourage parents to support their students by ensuring they get plenty of rest the night before and arrive prepared with necessary materials, such as their Chromebook fully charged with the charging cable, a calculator, and snacks. More details about the testing schedule and logistics will be shared soon. Thank you for your support!

Dear Trojan Families,

Welcome to a new school year here at McDowell! As the 11th grade assistant principal, I am thrilled to engage with you as we embark on an exciting journey toward preparing our students for their future pursuits. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your students as the year progresses.

With 20 years of experience in the Millcreek Township School District, I am passionate about creating a supportive and engaging environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. My hope is that we can help each of our students plan the most efficient and effective path toward their future pursuits. My primary focus is on enhancing student success and well-being, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every student feels valued and empowered.

Over the past 20 years I have come to believe that open communication with parents and guardians is critical in navigating the complexities of high school. I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. I am here to support you and your student, and I look forward to collaborating with you to better prepare these amazing young adults for their futures.

I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to meeting many of you at our school events. Together, let’s make this a fantastic year for our students!

Warm regards,
Justin Izbicki, Assistant Principal

Hello,

My name is Matt Calabrese, and I joined the Millcreek Township School District in July 2023 as an assistant principal of McDowell High School. I spent the first seven years of my career as a high school teacher in the Wattsburg School District before making the move into administration in Wattsburg.

Overall, this is my eighth year as an assistant principal, and I could not be happier to be a part of Trojan Nation. I enjoy each day working with the amazing Millcreek students and look forward to seeing them walk across the stage at graduation, including my own three children.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance to your child.

Sincerely,

Matt Calabrese, Assistant Principal

Attention seniors! Due to PSAT testing for all juniors, Wednesday, October 16th will be a virtual learning day for seniors. You are expected to attend school from home by accessing your Google Classrooms for each class and completing the assigned work. Make sure to stay on top of your responsibilities and meet all deadlines. This is a great opportunity to manage your time and stay engaged in your studies while learning remotely.

As students settle into the school year, it is not uncommon for stress and anxiety to build up, especially as the workload increases and new routines take hold. In this second part of our “Back-to-School Blues” series, we focus on ways parents can help ease the pressure and support their children’s well-being. Below are a few simple but effective strategies to help reduce stress and keep your child feeling confident and supported throughout the school year:

• Show kids you are involved in their daily school activities as much as possible.
• Offer help with homework.
• Notice behavioral change patterns that may indicate anxiety or stress.
• Encourage them to connect and collaborate with other students.
• Find ways to keep them physically active.
• Praise kids for all the effort they are showing.
• Encourage them to ask for help when they need it.

These small actions can go a long way in helping kids manage the demands of school, leading to a more balanced and successful academic year.

If I can be of assistance or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Tracy Walsh

Director of SAP and Mental Health Support Services

SAP/Mental Health Counselor

Twalsh@mtsd.org

814-836-6831

Tickets for McDowell Athletics events for the 2024-25 season will be exclusively sold digitally and managed via mobile device through GoFan ticketing. All individual event tickets as well as season passes will be conveniently purchasable and accessible via mobile device and GoFan ticket app.

The GoFan ticket app is the easiest and most convenient way to purchase and manage tickets via mobile device. The app is available for free download on both the Apple Store and Google Play.

Create an account and favorite “McDowell High School” so all the events for your favorite Trojan teams can be found quickly and easily.

A reference guide for managing tickets can be found on GoFan’s ticket support website, which includes instructions on how to purchase, transfer, and redeem tickets.

Attention Junior Parents/Guardians: As part of a state mandate, all 11th-grade students are required to submit a completed physical exam to the school nurse. Physical exam forms can be found on the district website https://www.mtsd.org/who-we-are/district-offices/health-service or picked up at the nurse's office. Please ensure that both the completed physical and updated vaccine records are submitted to the nurse by December 1, 2024.

If your student’s physical is not received by this date, the school will schedule a free health exam for your child. These exams are a basic review of systems and do not include any treatments or immunizations. Students remain fully clothed during the exam. Scheduled exam dates are December 4, 6, 11, and 13.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse for assistance.

Mrs. Linda DeHart

Dehart@mtsd.org

814-835-5481

We are excited to announce that various college representatives will be visiting McDowell throughout October. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about different universities and explore their options for higher education. Students are encouraged to sign up through Naviance or see their school counselor for more details.

Participating Colleges:

• University at Buffalo
• University of Akron
• Gannon University
• Mercyhurst University
• Alfred University
• Walsh University
• Saint Mary's College
• Washington and Lee University
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Indiana University
• Duquesne University
• PennWest Edinboro
• University of Toledo
• Xavier University
• Jamestown Community College
• The Catholic University of America
• Point Park University

Encourage your student to take advantage of these visits to ask questions and gather information about their future college plans!

If your child is taking the SAT on Saturday, October 5th, please make sure they bring their student Chromebook fully charged as well as their charging cable. They will also need to have their admission ticket printed out, an ID, a pencil or pen, and a snack.

Please arrive by 7:30 AM. If your child has any questions, please see Mrs. Maciulewicz in room 128.

We are excited to inform you that McDowell High School will be hosting SAT School Day testing on March 26, 2025. This initiative provides an opportunity for all students in 11th grade to take the SAT during the school day, allowing them to experience this important assessment in a familiar environment without the added pressure of a weekend test. The SAT is a valuable tool for college admissions and can also provide insights into students' academic strengths and areas for growth.

Further details regarding testing locations and logistics will be communicated as the date approaches. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students succeed!

The Millcreek School District website can be an asset for Academic Support. Visit https://mcd.mtsd.org/parents/academic-support for general resources such as study tips, parent, strategies, and helpful links to help provide support for your child at home. Utilize these additional links below to get off to a great start. Be sure to check back often as new additions are added to the site throughout the school year.

Crash course: Great notes

Science of study skills (3 tips)

Crash course: Planning and organizing

If you feel that your child needs additional assistance in completing the school year, contact Joseph Magorien, Academic Interventionist, to see what programs or services may be available. Mr. Magorien can be reached at magorien@mtsd.org or by calling the school at (814) 835-5403. The Academic Intervention classroom is in room 105.

Touring college campuses is an important part of the college search process. With busy student and parent schedules, this can often prove to be a hardship for many families. Did you know that Mrs. Gilroy takes students to tour several college campuses during the school day? Upcoming tours include Penn State Behrend, Kent State University, Slippery Rock University, PennWest Edinboro, and Mercyhurst University. Please encourage your student to check their email routinely and listen to announcements for more information.

If you are planning to take your child on a campus visit, click here for a helpful College Visit Checklist. If your child will miss school, make sure to fill out this form and email it to attendance before the visit.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Jenn Gilroy, jgilroy@mtsd.org or 814-835-5418

• The Trojan football team won a spectacular football game 38-35 over Ohio powerhouse Villa Angela-St. Joesph’s last Friday, Sept. 27 during homecoming weekend. They will head across town for a big showdown against Cathedral Prep this Friday, Oct. 4, at Veteran’s Stadium. Tickets can be purchased during business hours at the McDowell athletic office starting Wednesday, Oct. 2 or at Cathedral Prep between now and Friday’s game.
• The varsity girls’ soccer team has looked strong up to the halfway point in the season! They will play at home Tuesday, Oct. 1st vs Harbor Creek, so come out and support your Trojans.
• Varsity boys’ soccer has been playing great up to the halfway mark in their season. After nine-straight road games, the Trojans began their seven-game home stretch with a win over General McLane Sept. 30.
• Cross Country has been stellar in 2024 with both teams coming off great races at the national-renown Adidas Challenge in Cary, N.C. Sept. 21 McQuaid Invitational in Rochester, N.Y. Sept. 28. They are also undefeated in region races this season.
• The boys’ golf team qualified for team district’s this year and will tee it up Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Meadville Country Club for the D10 championship.
• Congratulations to the girls’ golf team on its 2024 District 10 championship! They were the low 3A team on Monday, Sept. 30’s tournament held at Meadville Country Club.
• Halfway through the season, the girls’ volleyball team still has four more home matches before postseason play begins. See you on Tuesday, Oct. 8 for the next home match.
• The girls’ tennis team is quickly approaching the D10 championships in early October. Stop by for the last home match Oct. 1 for senior night and cheer on the Trojans.
• Boys’ and girls’ water polo host Cathedral Prep next Tuesday, Oct. 1 and then host a weekend tournament Oct. 11-12 at the MIHS Pool.

Junior Parent Night ~ October 1st

In-service / No School ~ October 14th

PSAT Test (11th grade) ~ October 16th (*Virtual learning day for seniors!)

Early Dismissal Grades 9 - 12 ~ October 23rd

ASVAB Test ~ October 30th

Please mark your calendars for the remaining high school early dismissal dates for the school year.

• Wednesday, October 23
• Wednesday, December 4
• Wednesday, February 19
• Wednesday, March 26
• Friday, April 25

Please note, the early dismissal dates are only for the high school grades 9 – 12 students. All other MTSD school buildings remain on their normal daily schedules.