Dear McDowell Community,

As we continue to shape the educational experience for our students, I am excited to highlight an invaluable opportunity available to our 11th and 12th graders: the McDowell High School Internship Program. This program is designed to give our students a unique career-based experience that extends beyond the classroom walls and into the professional world.

In today’s competitive job market, having real-world experience is essential. Participating in an internship allows students to gain hands-on experience in a field that interests them, providing insight into potential career paths. Through job shadowing, students can explore various professions, helping them to make informed decisions about their futures. Not only does this experience enrich their education, but it also enhances their resumes and college applications, demonstrating their commitment to professional growth.

What to Expect from the Internship Program

Students enrolled in the internship program will dedicate four hours per week to job shadowing from Tuesday to Friday. Every Monday, they will return to class for instruction, reflection, and sharing their experiences with peers. This structured approach not only reinforces what they learn during their internships but also fosters a sense of community and support among students.

To ensure a smooth transition into the workforce, students are required to find their own internship placements and provide their own transportation. This responsibility encourages independence and accountability—skills that are vital in any professional setting. Moreover, students can take this elective for a maximum of two quarters, allowing them to experience different shadowing opportunities and broaden their career awareness.

Mrs. Crystal Myers serves as the internship coordinator, working closely with students to discuss their interests and career goals. She oversees each internship, providing guidance and conducting visits to meet with students and their supervisors at the job sites. If a student is interested in an internship but is uncertain how to find an appropriate placement, Mrs. Myers is available to assist. She can be contacted at cmyers@mtsd.org.

McDowell Manufacturing Academy: In-House Career Experience

In addition to external internships, we are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity within the McDowell Manufacturing Academy, led by teacher Kyle Bucholtz. He works with students to integrate all aspects of the manufacturing field, providing them with hands-on experience while contributing to local manufacturing. Students will work on creating real parts for local companies, directly adding value to our community's supply chain.

By participating in the McDowell Manufacturing Lab, students will receive tailored career education that aligns with their specific career objectives. The program emphasizes the importance of individualized schedules, ensuring that both employer and student needs are met effectively. This hands-on experience prepares students not only for the workforce but also for post-secondary education.

We believe that internships and career-based experiences are crucial for our students' development and future success. The skills and connections they build during this time will serve them well in their professional journeys. I encourage all parents to discuss these opportunities with their children and support them in exploring these valuable experiences.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Sincerely,

Sandra Means

Exciting news! The cap and gown package is now available for order through the School Store in Infinite Campus. The package, priced at $45.00, includes the cap, gown, stole, and tassel. Please ensure that you place your order by December 31st. Starting January 1st, the price will increase to $55.00.

All caps and gowns will be delivered to McDowell and distributed at the first graduation practice on June 11th. Please remember that all students participating in the graduation ceremony must order a new cap and gown, as items from previous years cannot be reused.

The Senior Calendar has been posted to the school website, but please note that it does not yet include details on Senior activities. Information about these events will be shared later through the Senior Google Classroom.

For ongoing updates and important reminders, please encourage your senior to regularly check the Senior Google Classroom.

~The Senior Class Advisors

Nicole Maciulewicz and Kyle Bucholtz

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!

To keep you informed about this year's National Honor Society (NHS) process, we have outlined important dates and details for both parents and students below.

• NHS Application Window Opens – October 14
• NHS Applications Due – October 25
• Faculty Council Decisions – October 30
• Acceptance/Rejection Letters Sent – November 1
• NHS Induction Ceremony – December 18 in the MIHS Little Theater
• Community Service Hours Due – May 9

NHS Membership Qualifications
Membership in the NHS is open to juniors and seniors who have earned a weighted GPA of 3.85 or higher.

If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out to the NHS advisor, Mrs. Kate Schrier (kschrier@mtsd.org).

Thank you for supporting your student as they strive for excellence both academically and in their community service!

If your child has ADHD, you may notice they struggle with motivation, especially when it comes to tasks like homework or chores. Understanding the unique challenges they face can help you provide better support. For more insight on this topic, check out the article below:

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-motivation-techniques-brain/

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Kim Quirk, School Psychologist (quirk@mtsd.org).

Please take a moment to review with your student the importance of charging their Chromebooks each night. Part of their preparedness expectation is they come to school with a charged Chromebook, on time and ready to learn. While we do have spares in the building to loan, we want to make sure each student has access to borrow one when needed.

If your student is in need of a new charger or is experiencing issues with their device, please fill out the Parent and Student Support Form on the Technology page of the district website which can be accessed by clicking the link below.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

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.

Seniors are permitted to attend school for breakfast (7:10 - 7:30 AM) and lunch at 11:00 AM on the virtual learning day, October 16th. A Google Form was sent to all seniors asking them to indicate if they would like breakfast and lunch that day. If your child did not respond on the Google Form, they may still come in for breakfast and/or lunch. Please email Liz Dunham, Cafeteria Manager (edunham@mtsd.org), so we are aware your child will be attending for breakfast or lunch.

Mental health symptoms are manageable, with early care and support from trusted adults. That is why it is important to recognize signs and symptoms.

• Persistent feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety, or worry.
• Avoiding social interactions or things they loved doing before.
• Falling behind in school
• Signs of self-harm
• Talking about suicide or harming others

Not every teen experiences the same symptoms. But dramatic changes in behavior are usually worth discussing. The first step is keeping the lines of communication open and maintaining that connection so that teens feel open to the support. Talk often and honestly. It is important to be available to talk with your teen on a regular basis setting aside "no phone" time, especially at the dinner table or before bed. Show that you are interested in talking, even if your teen does not always want to. Be flexible — if they feel comfortable and are ready to talk, they will come to you.

Do not pressure them. Let them know that you love them, you are there to support them, and you are not there to judge.

If you have any questions or if I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me, Tracy Walsh (Twalsh@mtsd.org).

As we move through the fall semester, we have several important updates and opportunities to share with you. Please take note of the following key events and resources for your students.

PSAT Exam for Juniors: Wednesday, October 16, 2024

On Wednesday, October 16, all 11th-grade students will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT exam. This is a valuable opportunity for students to prepare for college entrance exams and qualify for National Merit Scholarships.

A PSAT/NMSQT Student Study Guide was sent home on September 17, 2024. We encourage students to review this guide to help them prepare.

Important Reminder:

• Please ensure your student arrives at school on time.
• They should bring their fully charged Chromebook for the exam.

Senior Student Meetings – October 2024

Throughout the month of October, all seniors will be meeting one-on-one with their School Counselor. These meetings are crucial for reviewing:

• Graduation requirements
• Career Pathways
• Post-secondary options (including college, technical schools, and employment)
• Naviance tasks to complete
• Important senior year information and dates

Encourage your senior to be prepared for these meetings and bring any questions or concerns they may have about their future plans.

ASVAB Career Exploration Program: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

On October 30, McDowell High School will offer the ASVAB Career Exploration Exam for interested juniors and seniors. The ASVAB is a comprehensive test that helps students explore potential career paths in both the civilian workforce and the military.

If your student is interested in participating, they can sign up through their School Counselor. The ASVAB provides valuable insights into strengths and potential career interests. To learn more, visit asvabprogram.com.

Highmark Caring Place Grief Awareness Groups

We are pleased to partner with the Highmark Caring Place to offer Grief Awareness Groups during tutorial periods. These groups provide support to students who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

If you feel that your child could benefit from participating in these groups, please contact their School Counselor. Parent permission forms are required.

As always, we are here to support your student throughout their high school journey. If you have any questions about these events or need additional assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to the Guidance Department.

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!

We are excited to inform you that McDowell High School will be hosting SAT School Day testing on Friday, April 25, 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!

We have passed the middle of the first quarter. The Academic Interventionist collaborates closely with teachers, counselors, and administration to monitor and identify students who may be at-risk of falling behind in their current courses. This may involve the development of Academic Plans and strategies geared toward improving performance in a variety of areas such as homework completion and test-taking strategies.

Another service of Academic Intervention includes the monitoring of credit recovery, specifically cyber-based courses. These courses are collaboratively designed with our Guidance Counselors to place our students on track for meeting the MTSD graduation requirements.

Additional information regarding academic supports for parents and students, as well as tutoring opportunities can be found on the Academic Intervention web page: https://mcd.mtsd.org/parents/academic-support . Contact Joseph Magorien at magorien@mtsd.org or extension 5446 regarding any questions or concerns with your students.

Many colleges have an Early Action application deadline of November 1st. For schools like Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, and many other selective colleges, seniors should aim to have their materials submitted by then. Not only will submitting early lead to less stress later in the year, but it will also increase their chances of getting in! For more information about the types of college application deadlines, click here.

Upcoming events for college bound students:

· Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) Workshop- October 17th *Open to seniors

· College Essay Workshop with Allegheny College- October 21st *Open to seniors

· Kent State University Campus Visit- October 30th *Open to juniors and seniors with 2.7 GPA or higher

For more information and college related help, please encourage your child to either stop in to see Mrs. Gilroy in the guidance office or email her at jgilroy@mtsd.org

Winter sports season is just around the corner! Here are the latest updates from the McDowell High School Athletic Department:

Winter Sports Registration Opens Soon

• Registration for winter sports will open on Monday, October 21st, with the first official practice date set for Friday, November 15th.
• Please visit the McDowell registration page to review all the necessary steps to complete your student’s registration. Winter sports offerings include:
• Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball
• Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming and Diving
• Girls’ Bowling
• Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor Track and Field
• Wrestling
• Unified Bocce
• Note: Ice Hockey is a club sport with separate registration. For hockey details, please contact Coach Alex Luddy at alex.luddy@gmail.com.

Congratulations to Girls' Golf Team

• Big congratulations to our girls’ golf team for winning the PIAA Subregional and advancing to the state tournament for the seventh-straight year! They will compete in the 3A PIAA State Championship on Wednesday, October 23rd, at the Penn State Golf Courses. Best of luck, girls!

Football Team on a Winning Streak

• Our varsity football team has been on fire, with four straight wins heading into the October 11th home game vs. Austintown Fitch. Recent victories include a thrilling homecoming win over Villa Angela – St. Joe’s and a rivalry victory over Cathedral Prep!
• After the Oct. 11th game, the Trojans have one final home game on Friday, October 25th, against St. Francis. Come out and support the team!

Fall Sports Postseason Action

• As we wrap up the fall season, postseason play is just around the corner for many of our teams. Best of luck to all our athletes as they prepare for playoff action!

Stay up to date with schedules, results, and the latest news from all your favorite Trojans teams by visiting McDowellAthletics.com.

Go Trojans!
McDowell High School Athletic Department

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.