Dear Parents and Guardians,

November is a season of gratitude, and I am filled with appreciation for the many ways our students, staff, and families come together to support one another and make a positive impact in our community. At McDowell, we are not only thankful for the opportunities to learn and grow but also committed to giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.

This month, I am proud to highlight several meaningful initiatives that embody our school’s spirit of compassion and service:

• Blood Drive: On Monday, November 18th, we will host a Blood Drive in partnership with the Erie Community Blood Bank. This event will take place in the south gym, and students and staff alike have eagerly volunteered to help save lives through this vital act of generosity.
• Fall Food Drive: Our Student Council is organizing the Fall Food Drive next week, benefiting the West Millcreek Food Pantry. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at designated collection areas. This annual tradition is a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a significant difference for families in our community.
• Caring Closet: Our student leaders from the Honors College and Girls Athletic Club have been hard at work organizing our Caring Closet. This program collects and distributes clothing and essential items to students in need and local shelters. Their dedication ensures that no student goes without, and their efforts inspire us all to look out for one another.

These initiatives remind us that gratitude is more than an attitude—it is a call to action. I am so proud of the way our students and staff embrace this spirit, working together to uplift others and strengthen our community.

I encourage you to speak with your student about these events and explore ways your family can participate. Whether it is donating to the food drive, contributing gently used clothing or new clothing to the Caring Closet, or simply sharing encouraging words, every effort makes a difference.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for the many ways you support our school. Your partnership enriches our community and ensures our students have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful season of gratitude and togetherness.

Happy Thanksgiving!

With Gratitude,

Sandra Means

Instant Decision Day is an exciting chance for students to meet with admissions representatives from PennWest University and potentially receive an admission decision immediately. This event will be at McDowell on December 4th and 5th; it can simplify the college application process and offer students quick clarity about their college options.

Even if students are still exploring their plans, applying on Instant Decision Day keeps doors open and expands their choices for the future. Interested students should sign up in the McDowell High School Guidance Office to take advantage of this valuable opportunity! No application fee!

Senior Parents:

Please remember to order your child’s cap and gown through the school store tab on Infinite Campus. When placing your order, note that each height option includes three weight categories, so be sure to select the one that best fits your child’s height and weight.

The current price is $45.00, but it will increase to $55.00 on January 1st.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Nicole Maciulewicz at nmaciulewicz@mtsd.org or have your child visit room 128.

Thank you!

~The Senior Class Advisors

Nicole Maciulewicz and Kyle Bucholtz

This month, we're sharing resources on supporting students who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. Our attached article offers guidance on recognizing warning signs and opening up safe, compassionate conversations. By staying attentive and fostering an environment of trust, you can help your child feel supported and connected during difficult times.

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

WELLNESS ROOM UPDATE:

We are excited to announce the following School Support Groups:

• School Avoidance Group
• Beginning on Wednesday, 11/13/24
• Anxiety Support Group
• Beginning on Thursday, 11/14/24
• Highmark Caring Place Grief Peer Support Group
• Beginning on Monday, November 18, 2024

If you feel that your student would benefit from a support group, please contact your child's School Counselor.

JUNIOR MEETINGS

All 11th graders are currently meeting with their school counselors to discuss and review grades, credits, graduation requirements, resume building, Naviance items, and more. Please be on the lookout for a junior information packet to come home!

INSTANT DECISION DAY with PENNWEST UNIVERSITY

December 4, 2024

Students will have the opportunity to interview with the Admission representative from PennWest University where they can receive an instant admission offer. Sign-ups will be available in the McDowell High School Guidance Office.

DUAL ENROLLMENT:

Spring 2025 classes are posted!

Pleas see link below and contact your child's school counselor for further information.

https://mcd.mtsd.org/students/guidance/scheduling-resources/dual-enrollment

ASVAB:

Students who took the ASVAB on October 30th, should have received their results and completed their Career Explorer Program. If your student has not received their results, please contact Mr. Boyd in the McDowell High School Guidance Office. The next ASVAB exam will be offered on January 30, 2025!

Self-care is critical to overall wellness. Practicing self-care requires you to routinely check-in with yourself much like you would with friends and family. This can help reduce anxiety and stress. Being attuned to your needs and overall wellness enhances your ability to be present with others. Keep in mind, self-care is a deeply personal practice.

There is no one “right” way to take care of yourself. Find those activities and strategies that you enjoy the most and those that make you feel healthy and whole.

Benefits to Practicing Self-Care:

• Lower stress levels
• Better sleep
• Happier relationships
• Increased self-esteem
• Improved productivity
• Decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer
• Reduced risk of BURNOUT

For more information about the school's SAP program, please contact Mrs. Tracy Walsh (twalsh@mtsd.org).

MTSD offers Qustodio for all district devices, which offers parents the ability to restrict their student's district device outside of school hours. Qustodio has provided a guide for parents and a FAQ link to their website with helpful tips on how to implement various parental controls. Check out these resources below.

We are excited to announce that various college representatives will be visiting McDowell throughout November. 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:

• Cleveland State University
• Chatham University
• St. Bonaventure University
• Lycoming College
• The University of Alabama

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

If your child would like to take the SAT on Saturday, December 7th, they must register on SAT.org by November 22, 2024.

If you have any questions, please email Nicole Maciulewicz at nmaciulewicz@mtsd.org or have your child go to room 128.

Attention parents: We are one-half of the way through the first semester. Please help in encouraging our students to self-advocate and seek out supports in areas of need. The Academic Interventionist is here to help. Located in Room 105, the Academic Interventionist works with students in need of supports such as tutoring opportunities, test/work make-up, and overall academic plans. Teachers utilize a referral process to connect students with intervention services. Please visit https://mcd.mtsd.org/parents/academic-support for additional information regarding study tips, parent guides, and tutoring calendars.

The following three tips are recommended for parents to help set up students for success when transitioning to new courses.

*Establish a routine with dedicated time set aside for homework, studying, and preparation for the next school day with high, yet reasonable expectations.

*Parent Involvement through regular communication with teachers and staff.

*Spend additional time conversing with each other and eating meals together to strengthen connections and release stressors.

Utilizing these prevention techniques will allow your child to experience the benefits during the new quarter. If you have any questions on Academic Intervention at McDowell High School, then please reach out to Joseph Magorien at magorien@mtsd.org

Attention Senior Parents:

ARE YOU READY?

Organize everything required for the FAFSA today!

To apply, you will need:

• The student’s Social Security number
• The student’s alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)
• Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned in 2023—you may even be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the Federal Aid Direct Data Exchange Tool
• Records of child support payments, including the total amount received for the last complete calendar year (if applicable)
• Bank statements, 529 plans, and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
• A Federal Student Aid Account (FSA ID) to sign electronically *Both the student and parent will need this.

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

The Student Council is excited to host the Fall Food Drive from November 18th through November 22nd to benefit the West Millcreek Food Pantry. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school to come together and support families in need during the holiday season.

Students will collect non-perishable food items at the doors each morning, and they encourage classroom donations as well. To make giving even more rewarding, students who donate two items will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a gift card drawing at the end of the week!

Let’s show our community spirit by filling the collection bins and making a difference for those in need. Thank you for your generosity and support!

The McDowell PTSA is thrilled to announce our upcoming fall fundraiser! Join us for a night of live music featuring The Geek Army at the Sunflower Club on Saturday, November 30th, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Admission is free, and this event is open to the public—adults only!

Enjoy an evening filled with music, a basket raffle, 50/50, and more! This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers, staff, and parents to relax, connect, and support our PTSA in a fun and lively setting. We hope to see you there for a fantastic night out, all while contributing to the programs and activities supported by the McDowell PTSA.

• Congratulations to the following senior student-athletes for signing their National Letter of Intent on Fall Signing Day (November 13) to participate in collegiate athletics: Lukas Bentsen – Soccer, West Chester University; Gabby DeLuca – Softball, Mercyhurst University; Kira McCorkle – Acrobatics & Tumbling, Gannon University; and Abriella Whatmore – Soccer, Edinboro University.
• Fall sports season has officially wrapped up for the Trojans. Congratulations to the following programs who won District 10 titles:
• Football
• Boys’ Soccer
• Girls’ Soccer
• Girls’ Volleyball
• Girls’ Cross Country
• Girls’ Golf
• The boys’ soccer team made its deepest run in postseason action since 2015 where they made it to the PIAA First Round before dropping a heartbreaker in a shootout to Plum. Congratulations on a special season for the Trojans!
• Senior Kamden Kramer became McDowell’s first-ever three-time medalist at the PIAA state cross country championship after his 15th-place finish in the title race. Congratulations, Kamden!
• Best of luck to the following Winter sports as they begin their 2024-25 season Friday, November 15:
• Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball
• Girls’ Bowling
• Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming & Diving
• Boys’ Wrestling & Girls’ Wrestling (Inaugural Season for girls’ program)
• Unified Bocce
• Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor Track & Field.

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

Go Trojans!
McDowell High School Athletic Department

• November 27th ~ Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Holiday
• November 28th - 29th ~ Thanksgiving Holiday ~ No School

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

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

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