Trojan Times Parent Newsletter
Welcoming 2025 with Purpose and Possibility
Happy New Year, and welcome to 2025! As we step into this new year, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the opportunities ahead. The second half of the school year is always a pivotal time for our juniors and seniors. For our 11th graders, this is the perfect time to set goals for academic improvement, build strong study habits, and explore future pathways, whether through college research, career shadowing, or preparing for upcoming standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. For our seniors, it is a time to stay focused on completing graduation requirements, finalizing post-secondary plans, and making the most of their final high school experiences.
Here are a few ideas to start the year strong: Juniors can create a list of colleges or careers they are interested in, plan visits, or even start drafting their first resume. Seniors should review their progress toward graduation, stay organized with deadlines, and consider participating in community service or leadership activities to make a lasting impact before they graduate. Both grades can benefit from setting personal goals, practicing mindfulness, and staying proactive about their health and well-being.
As a school community, our priority remains to support every student in achieving their personal best. I encourage families to stay engaged by reviewing important dates in the school calendar, attending events, and communicating with teachers and counselors. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of success, growth, and unforgettable memories for our juniors and seniors.
Wishing you and your family a joyful and prosperous new year!
Warm regards,
Sandra Means
SAT School Day Testing at McDowell
New this year at McDowell is SAT School Day Testing! On Friday, April 25th, juniors will have the opportunity to take the SAT during the school day. Registration will be available through a Google form emailed to all juniors in January. The exam fee is $68, payable through the school store on Infinite Campus after registration.
Participation is optional, and students must register using the Google form—registration cannot be completed on SAT.org. This convenient option allows students to take the SAT in a familiar setting without the need for weekend scheduling. Be on the lookout for the registration email this month!
New Year Reminders for Seniors
Happy New Year, Seniors! As we kick off 2025, it is important to stay on top of key deadlines and events. Be sure to review the attached senior calendar for important dates, including cap and gown orders, graduation requirements, college application deadlines, and upcoming senior activities. Let’s make these final months memorable and successful—reach out to your school counselors or senior class advisors, Mrs. Maciulewicz or Mr. Bucholtz, if you need support or have questions.
January College Visits to McDowell
We are excited to announce that various college or organization representatives will be visiting McDowell this month. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about different organizations and explore their options for post-secondary programs. Students are encouraged to sign up through Naviance or see their school counselor for more details.
Participating Organizations:
UPMC Jameson at Hamot Nursing Program: Tuesday, January 14th
United States Naval Academy: Thursday, January 30th
High School Guidance Department News
WELLNESS ROOM UPDATE:
We are excited to announce that McDowell High School will be offering Healthy Relationship Groups in conjunction with NAMI and Sarah Reed. If you feel that your student would benefit from a support group, please contact your child's School Counselor.
ASVAB UPDATE:
McDowell will administer the Winter ASVAB exam on January 30, 2025 to any interested junior or senior. All juniors and seniors will receive an email the first week of January for sign-ups. Why take the ASVAB? The ASVAB is an excellent way to gain insight for career exploration, college readiness, or to enter the United States Armed Services.
Supporting Student Success: The Student Assistance Program (SAP)
As we enter the new year, our Student Assistance Program (SAP) team is here to provide vital support and guidance for students facing academic, social, or emotional challenges. SAP is designed to identify barriers to learning and offer targeted interventions through collaboration with families, teachers, and community resources. Whether your child is navigating personal obstacles, managing stress, or dealing with concerns such as mental health or substance use, our dedicated team is ready to provide confidential and supportive assistance.
We believe every student deserves the tools and support to thrive, and SAP offers a pathway to help them succeed. If you think your child could benefit from SAP services or if you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make a positive difference for every student in 2025 and beyond.
For more information about the school's SAP program, please contact Mrs. Tracy Walsh at twalsh@mtsd.org.
Seniors: Apply for Scholarships Now!
For parents of seniors, now is the time for your kids to apply for scholarships.
See below for some helpful tips for students!
● Check the financial aid websites of the colleges that you are applying to for scholarships opportunities. Some you may be automatically considered for when you apply for admission. Others, like major specific scholarships, require you to apply.
● Use a national scholarship database to help you find scholarships that you’re eligible for. You should NEVER need to pay a fee. We recommend Going Merry because the Millcreek Education Foundation’s application is through there.
● Utilize Naviance to search scholarship postings. New scholarships are added often, so make sure to check back routinely.
● Network with family and friends. Ask if they know of any workplaces or organizations that offer scholarships. Ask at your place of employment too.
● Millcreek Education Foundation offers scholarships created only for McDowell students. Visit their website for details- www.millcreekeducationfoundation.org.
● The Erie Community Foundation offers many local scholarships. Head to www.eriecommunityfoundation.org for details on eligibility and how to apply.
● College Board’s Big Future offers helpful information about paying for college, including a scholarship search tool. Visit www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org
● Ask the financial aid office of the school that you will attend if there are any more scholarships or additional monies you are eligible for. It doesn’t hurt to ask!
*If your child has questions or needs assistance with scholarship applications,
please encourage them to see Mrs. Gilroy in the guidance office.
Trojan Winter Sports Update
- Trojan boys’ and girls’ basketball teams enjoyed some time in the sun over break with a trip down to Orlando, Fla. for the KSA Pre-Holiday basketball tournament. Both teams got to play in three games, with the boys’ finishing in second place in their bracket. The girls took sixth in theirs.
- Boys’ and girls’ basketball return home this weekend. The boys’ face Fairview Friday, Jan. 3 and the girls’ host Allderdice Saturday, Jan. 4.
- After Jan. 3, the next home boys’ basketball game will be Tuesday, Jan. 7, hosting Cathedral Prep. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 4, beginning at 9:00 a.m. A sellout is expected, so please visit McDowellAthletics.com/Tickets to buy tickets for the game.
- Swimming and Diving host their first home meet of the season Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 6:00 p.m. against Erie. Come out and support the Trojans in their first home action of the season.
- Be sure to keep up with our Winter sports’ teams by visiting McDowellAthletics.com for the latest schedule updates, results and more.
Ticket Information: All McDowell home event tickets are available online through GoFan. Visit McDowellAthletics.com/Tickets to purchase tickets or season passes. For the latest schedules, results, and updates, head to McDowellAthletics.com.
Go Trojans!
Kevin Stoicovy, MTSD Athletics
Staying Focused as Semester 1 Wraps Up
The first semester is flying by, and Quarter 2 will end on January 24th. Staying on top of your classwork is essential—don’t hesitate to seek help if needed!
Don’t forget about our after-school Tutoring Sessions:
- Study Hub: Wednesdays, 2:25–3:25 p.m., in the McDowell Library.
- Chemistry Tutoring: Thursdays, 2:25–3:25 p.m., in the McDowell Library.
For additional academic support, contact Joseph Magorien, Academic Interventionist, at magorien@mtsd.org or (814) 835-5403 to explore available programs and services. Let’s finish the semester strong!
High School Early Dismissal Dates
Please mark your calendars for the remaining high school early dismissal dates for the school year.
- Wednesday, February 19
- Wednesday, March 26
- Friday, April 25
Please note, the early dismissal dates (February - April) are only for the high school grades 9 – 12 students. All other MTSD school buildings remain on their normal daily schedules.
