Trojan Times Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we approach the end of another school year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey our seniors and juniors have embarked upon and the exciting events that await them in the final 30 days of school. These last few weeks are not only a culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also a time for celebration and preparation for the next chapter of their lives.

For our seniors, these final days are filled with a blend of emotions as they eagerly anticipate graduation while cherishing the memories they have made throughout their high school journey. It is a time for reflection on their accomplishments, friendships forged, and lessons learned both inside and outside the classroom. As parents and guardians, your support and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping their success, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to their academic and personal growth.

The countdown to graduation is officially underway, and our seniors have a packed schedule ahead of them. From the senior awards ceremony and distribution of caps and gowns to final exams and prom, there is no shortage of memorable experiences to look forward to. I encourage you to take an active role in these special moments and continue to cheer on your seniors as they cross the finish line of their high school careers.

Meanwhile, our juniors are gearing up for their own set of milestones as they prepare to step into the shoes of our graduating seniors next year. With college applications on the horizon and SAT/ACT tests or career planning looming, the final stretch of junior year presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. It is a critical time for our juniors to stay focused, motivated, and proactive in planning for their future endeavors. As parents and guardians, your guidance and support are invaluable as they navigate this pivotal period in their academic journey.

Amid all the excitement and anticipation, let's not forget to celebrate the journey itself—the late-night study sessions, the school activities and sporting events, the moments of triumph and adversity that have shaped our students into the resilient individuals they are today. As we bid farewell to one chapter and eagerly await the next, let's savor these final days together and cherish the memories we have created along the way.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated administrative team, faculty, and staff. Together, let's make these last 30 days of school a time to remember for our seniors and juniors alike.

Sincerely,

Sandra Means, M.Ed.

Principal

We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our campus thanks to the hard work and creativity of our students in the Metal Tech class! Under the guidance of their dedicated teacher, Mr. Brandon Edwards, a group of talented students including Camden Delsandro, Brandon Mergner, Connor Nageli, Jacob Baniewicz, Jayden Delavern, and Nate Snarski, poured their skills and effort into crafting a brand-new bike rack for our school. This impressive feat would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance of Mr. Tom Kirdahy, our esteemed Tech Ed teacher, whose support helped bring this project to fruition. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ben Yah from Applied Coating Solutions for generously completing the powder coating, contributing to the sleek and professional finish of the rack at no charge. It is wonderful to see such collaboration and innovation within our student body, enriching our campus community for years to come.

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.

We are thrilled to share with you the fantastic participation we had for Take Your Child to Work Day on Friday, April 26th. Over eighty children of staff members had the opportunity to experience a day in the life at McDowell, and it was a day filled with fun, learning, and memorable experiences.

Throughout the day, children had the chance to engage in a wide array of activities that showcased the diverse and dynamic environment of McDowell. From academic explorations to creative endeavors, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are just a few highlights from the day:

• Academic Adventures: Children immersed themselves in the world of science, history, and psychology with engaging activities led by our dedicated teachers. From making slime in science class to exploring historical events, our young visitors had the chance to expand their knowledge in interactive and exciting ways.
• E-Sports Extravaganza: Gaming enthusiasts had a blast participating in a Nintendo Switch bracket with McDowell's E-Sports team. It was a chance for children to highlight their gaming skills and connect with peers who share their passion for gaming.
• Creative Corner: From crafting friendship bracelets with our school counselors to unleashing their creativity at the photo booth, children had the opportunity to express themselves through various artistic outlets. These activities fostered creativity and encouraged self-expression in a supportive environment.
• Physical Fun: Physical education took on a whole new level of excitement with a glow dance party and open swim at the MIHS pool. It was a day of active play and enjoyment as children danced, swam, and engaged in physical activities that promoted health and wellness.
• Culinary Creations: The day would not be complete without delicious treats! Children had the chance to indulge in a pancake station and enjoy juice and cookies at McDowell's Blue Bean

  Café. It was a tasty way to refuel and recharge for more adventures throughout the day.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Education Profession Pathway students who led activities and provided childcare throughout the day. Their dedication and enthusiasm helped make the day a success, and we are grateful for their invaluable contributions. A special thank you to Mrs. Brandi Gross, Mrs. Michele Green, and Mrs. Mikaela Billings for organizing the event!

Take Your Child to Work Day was a wonderful opportunity for our staff members to share their passion for education with their children and for our students to display the vibrant learning community at McDowell High School. We look forward to continuing to nurture curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning in all our students.

Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this day memorable for our McDowell family.

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 we enter the month of May, the McDowell Senior High School Guidance Department is dedicated to supporting our students through various initiatives and preparations. Throughout the month of May, our counselors will be actively engaged in several essential tasks to ensure the success and well-being of our juniors and seniors:

1. Facilitating a Grief and Loss Group with The Highmark Caring Place: Recognizing the importance of mental health support, our counselors will be collaborating with The Highmark Caring Place to provide a safe space for students coping with grief and loss.
2. Administering Spring Keystone Assessments: We will be administering the Spring Keystone Assessments to ensure that our students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for academic success.
3. Administering the ASVAB: Seniors interested in exploring military career options will have the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam, allowing them to discover their strengths and interests.
4. Writing Letters of Recommendation: Our counselors will be assisting seniors in writing letters of recommendation for scholarships and summer programs, helping them to showcase their achievements and aspirations.
5. Ensuring Pathways to Graduation: It is our priority to ensure that all seniors have a clear pathway to graduation, meeting Act 158 requirements and overcoming any obstacles they may encounter along the way.
6. Finalizing Post-Graduation Plans: We will be working closely with seniors to finalize their post-graduation plans, whether it be college acceptance, vocational programs, or entering the workforce, ensuring a smooth transition into the next chapter of their lives.
7. Preparing for Graduation: With commencement approaching, our counselors will be actively involved in coordinating graduation activities and celebrations to honor the achievements of our graduating seniors.

As always, we remain committed to providing guidance, support, and resources to help our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our guidance department.

Please continue to encourage your child to take advantage of after-school “Study Hub” sessions offered on Wednesdays. Students can come prepared with multiple-subject study materials or complete a test make-up under the supervision and assistance of Ms. Gibson. The following dates are available: May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, and June 5.

Sessions are primarily held in the McDowell Library from 2:45-3:45. Due to AP Testing on May 8 and May 15, sessions will be held in an alternative room. Walk-ins are welcome, but it is helpful if you RSVP with Mr. Magorien (room 105) or Ms. Gibson (room 111).

If you feel that your child needs additional assistance with Academic Intervention, please 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.

Hello from the Athletic Department ~

• The 37th Annual Joe Sanford McDowell Track & Field Invitational was held at Gus Anderson Field Friday, April 26, and the Trojans performed exceptionally well. There were 24 schools in the competition and the McDowell boys’ team finished in first place while the girls’ team placed third.

• McDowell will host Spring Signing Day Wednesday, May 15, in Paul Goll Memorial Gymnasium during tutorial period at 10:45 a.m. Several Trojan student-athletes will sign their national letters of intent to attend college and compete at the next level.

• The first Spring sports team in its postseason is the boys’ tennis team starting its singles championships Saturday, May 4th. Please visit McDowellAthletics.com for the latest schedule updates, rosters, results and more from all your favorite Trojans teams.

~Submitted by Kevin Stoicovy, Athletic Department

Senior Parents,

Due to the high demand, the Senior On-Line School Store is back open until May 6th. Items purchased during this window will be delivered to school around May 20th. You purchase items using the following link: https://mcdowellseniors2024.spiritsale.com/.

Tickets for graduation will be given out during tutorial the week of May 20th. Each senior will receive 10 tickets. For students in the cyber CAOLA program, you will be able to pick your tickets up at the front window of McDowell. Mr. MacArthur will send out an email letting CAOLA students know when they can get them. If a student needs more tickets, they can see Mrs. Maciulewicz in room 128.

Any family member who would like to order flowers for graduation can do so through the link below. If you order online, the flowers will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Erie Insurance Arena. There will also be additional flowers available to purchase on the night of graduation. Here is the link if you would like to order ahead of time. https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/mcdowellshs/​.

If you have any questions about graduation, please email Nicole Maciulewicz (nmaciulewicz@mtsd.org).

Mrs. Gilroy has been meeting with each college bound senior to ensure that they have completed the FAFSA and understand their financial aid award letters. Please see below for the checklist that is provided to the students at these meetings. It can serve as a useful tool as you support your child through the coming weeks. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions- jgilroy@mtsd.org

4th Quarter College Bound Tasks

• FAFSA
• PA State Grant Application (Watch for email form GRANTUS or PHEAA)
• Finish scholarship applications.
• Review financial aid award letters.
• Choose the college you will attend and pay deposit.
• Pay housing deposit and choose roommate/room.
• Register for new student orientation.
• Schedule math assessment if required by college.
• Secure additional student loans, if needed
• Send AP scores to college through College Board
• Request your final transcript in Naviance.
• Regularly check your email and/or college portal!

· If students need assistance with anything, they should see Mrs. Gilroy.

Although this is a milestone, a combination of both positive and negative emotions can turn this happy time into one filled with stress. Why is there such anxiety around this time? It is important for parents to recognize and understand what these feelings are and help them through the transition.

Fearing the unknown: It is natural to be afraid of what lies ahead. The fact that they are entering uncharted territory brings up many fears.

Leaving family and friends: You may be hearing “I can’t wait to get out of this house and be on my own.” But when the time comes, they know they will be leaving the support of their family and comfort of friends.

Wondering if they will succeed: It is only natural for them to be concerned about failing. This is a huge step in their life, and they want you to be proud of them.

Preparing for adulthood: Leaving the comforts of home and knowing you have taken care of their food, clothing, and shelter needs can cause stress. It can be very scary for them to be responsible to manage this on their own.

So as graduation approaches, listen to their concerns, wipe the tears, celebrate their achievements, and help them look to the future. It is going to be an exciting time for both you and them.

If your student is experiencing anxiety or stress, please contact Mrs. Tracy Walsh, SAP Coordinator (Twalsh@mtsd.org).

Congratulations to Parth Parikh and Sumeyra Turgunbaeva who competed at last weekend's USAD National competition in Pittsburgh! Parth finished second in the nation in math, and Sumeyra finished third in the nation in art. They both had an amazing competition, and we are so immensely proud of them and their accomplishments. Also, Maggie Waller competed in the online national competition, but those results are not yet available. We cannot wait to hear how Maggie did! We would also like to thank all of those who helped support the team this year!

Daniel Andrzejczak

McDowell USAD Coach

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.