Trojan Times Parent Newsletter

Dear McDowell Families,

Spring is quickly approaching, and with it comes the energy of a new season, exciting student activities, and continued academic growth. As we reach the midpoint of the 3rd quarter, we encourage students to stay focused on their studies and make the most of every learning opportunity.

For our seniors, there are many exciting milestones ahead, including the senior trip to Cedar Point on May 28. Students must reserve their seat and submit payment by March 16 to secure their spot. We also celebrate academic achievement—congratulations to Katherine Pelkowski and Gridley Wright for being named National Merit Finalists!

This week, our juniors begin the scheduling process for the 2026–2027 school year. We encourage families to review course selections with their children and guide them toward classes that support their postsecondary or career pathways. Whether students choose electives in business, world languages, technical education, manufacturing, family and consumer science, or pursue Advanced Placement courses, thoughtful course selection lays the foundation for future success.

We are also excited to offer new opportunities for students to experience college-level coursework. Our College in High School (CHS) course, Psychology 100, allows eligible students to earn Penn State University credit while taking the course during the regular school day at McDowell, taught by a teacher who also serves as adjunct faculty at Penn State Behrend.

Parents are invited to learn more about our Advanced Placement program at AP Parent Night on March 5 at 6:00 PM in the McDowell Hub, where AP teachers and students will share course information and insights.

As always, we encourage families to stay engaged with school communications and support students as they navigate academics, activities, and extracurricular opportunities. We are proud of our students’ achievements and look forward to a successful and exciting spring season.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Go Trojans!

In partnership,

Sandra Means, Principal

AP Psychology students just finished studying a unit on brain function. To illustrate the effects of different brain structures on our behaviors and mental processes, students created a pseudo brain model of a notable figure. They chose seven different brain structures and shared how these structures help their person do what they do! Students chose athletes, former presidents, musicians, celebrities, and even figures like Chicken Joe or Kermit the Frog!

During a Gallery Walk, students gave positive feedback to at least two of their classmates' brains. One student commented on Tate McRae's project by writing, "I loved the decorations and artwork on the poster, and I like how the medulla was added to show the importance of her breathing in her performances." Or Barbie's project got the following feedback, "The strings and gems were very creative and the description of how she uses her parietal lobe to go flat feet was very creative and cool."

Who knew that looking at a famous figure via their brain structures could be so colorful and fun?!

~Mrs. Gibson, AP Psychology Teacher and Social Studies Department Chairperson

At the Math Club meeting on Friday, February 27th, students had a fantastic time putting their knowledge to the test by engaging in math trivia. Questions challenged members to think about historical milestones in mathematics, fascinating mathematical discoveries, and even some festive St. Patrick’s Day–themed math fun.

In addition to trivia, students explored the wide range of careers connected to mathematics and shared summaries of popular math-themed movies. The meeting wrapped up with friendly math competitions that sparked excitement and built momentum as we look ahead to celebrating Pi Day in just two weeks.

We are proud of the enthusiasm and curiosity our Math Club members continue to demonstrate—and we cannot wait to see what they calculate next!

~Mrs.Testa, Math Club Advisor and Math Department Chairperson

Recently, Assistant Principal, Mr. Izbicki, and School Counselor, Mr. Boyd, took a group of interested 11th and 12th grade students to visit several local manufacturers, including Micro-Mold, Plastikos Erie, ISM, and Eriez. These visits allowed students to see real-world applications of the skills they are learning in school and to explore the wide variety of career paths available in today’s manufacturing and industrial fields.

During each tour, industry professionals shared not only the technical aspects of their work but also the importance of essential soft skills such as showing up prepared, communicating effectively, and maintaining a positive attitude. These messages strongly reinforce the expectations we set for our students and help prepare them for life beyond high school.

We are grateful to our local partners for opening their doors to our students and for their continued support in helping young people understand the many opportunities available right here in our community.

McDowell High School is excited to introduce College in High School (CHS) as a new academic opportunity for the 2026–2027 school year. This program allows eligible students to take a college-level course during the regular school day at McDowell, taught by one of our teachers who also serves as an adjunct faculty member with Penn State Behrend, while earning credit from Penn State University.

The CHS course is a dual enrollment option offered on our campus, giving students access to the rigor and expectations of a college course within a familiar learning environment and schedule. Current juniors who will be seniors next year are eligible to register for this opportunity.

For the 2026–2027 school year, McDowell will offer PSYCH 100: Introduction to Psychology through Penn State. If your child is a rising senior, we encourage you to discuss this exciting option together and consider including it in their senior-year academic plan.

Please note that dual enrollment tuition and fees apply. Rising seniors should speak with their school counselor to review costs, eligibility requirements, and scheduling considerations. Counselors can also help determine whether this course is a good fit based on your child’s goals and academic readiness.

We are proud to expand our academic offerings and look forward to providing students with more opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school.

Show your Trojan pride and celebrate our Class of 2026! Families can order yard signs for their lawn or banners for graduation parties to honor our graduating seniors.

To place an order, please click https://mcdowellseniors2026.spiritsale.com

Important Details:

• Orders must be submitted by May 1st. The store will close after this date.
• Once the order period ends, it will take approximately 10 days for signs and banners to be delivered to McDowell.
• Questions? Please email Nicole Maciulewicz at nmaciulewicz@mtsd.org.

Celebrate your senior in style and help us make this milestone unforgettable!

Don’t miss out on important senior events! We encourage all parents to review the attached Senior Calendar, which highlights key dates for graduation-related activities, deadlines, and celebrations. Staying informed will help ensure your senior doesn’t miss any important milestones as we celebrate the Class of 2026.

Senior tickets for the Cedar Point trip are now on sale. The trip is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, and the cost is $160 per student.

The ticket price for the senior class trip includes charter bus transportation, park admission, and meals and drinks provided every 90 minutes throughout the day at the park.

Tickets must be purchased through the Infinite Campus School Store and will be available through March 16.

Please note that tickets are limited. Once trip capacity is reached, additional students will not be able to attend. Families are encouraged to purchase early to secure a spot.

If you have questions about the trip, please contact the senior class advisors, Mrs. Maciulewicz (nmaciulewicz@mtsd.org) or Mr. Bucholtz (bucholtz@mtsd.org).

We are proud to announce that seniors Gridley Wright and Katherine Pelkowski have been named National Merit Finalists. This prestigious recognition places them among the top high school students in the nation for their outstanding academic achievement, exceptional PSAT performance, and dedication to excellence.

Gridley and Katherine have demonstrated a strong commitment to their studies and to the McDowell community throughout their high school careers. Their hard work, perseverance, and leadership have truly set them apart.

Please join us in congratulating Gridley and Katherine on this remarkable accomplishment!

McDowell High School is proud to offer a wide range of Advanced Placement® (AP) courses, giving students the opportunity to embrace their potential by engaging in college-level coursework while still in high school.

Through AP classes, students may earn college credit by performing well on AP Exams. Beyond the possibility of college credit, AP courses provide rigorous academic experiences that strengthen study habits, sharpen critical thinking skills, and build perseverance through meaningful academic challenges alongside dedicated teachers and motivated peers.

Parents and guardians are invited to attend AP Parent Night on Thursday, March 5, from 6:00–7:00 PM in the McDowell HUB. This event is a valuable opportunity to learn more about the AP program, meet AP teachers and students, and explore how AP coursework supports college readiness and long-term academic growth.

We encourage students and families to attend and discover how AP courses can challenge learners, expand their skills, and prepare them for success beyond high school.

SAT & ACT Testing Dates

• SAT School Day Exam: April 1, 2026
• Registration is closed
• SAT Exam: March 14, 2026
• Registration deadline: February 27, 2026
• ACT Exam: April 11, 2026
• Registration deadline: March 6th, 2026

Please note that the Guidance Department offers test vouchers. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch should see their school counselor before registering to receive a code for free testing.

Attention McDowell families: Students taking the SAT on Saturday, March 14 should come prepared with the following items:

• School-issued Chromebook, fully charged
• Charging cable for the Chromebook
• Printed SAT admission ticket
• ID – either a school ID or driver’s license
• Calculator
• Snack

Students should arrive at the front doors of McDowell High School by 7:30 AM.

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

Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth testing experience—thank you for supporting our students on test day!

Supporting the well-being of our students remains a top priority at McDowell. This March, our Student Health & Wellness Series continues with two important and timely guest speaker presentations designed to equip students with practical tools for navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Each session is a 30-minute presentation held in the Hub during tutorial. Interested students may sign up in the Hub with Mr. Reilly.

March 12 – Building Teen Resiliency

Resiliency is the ability to cope with stress, adapt to change, and recover from life’s challenges. For today’s teens, those challenges may include academic pressure, social concerns, extracurricular demands, or personal setbacks.

This presentation will focus on helping students:

• Develop healthy coping strategies
• Strengthen emotional regulation skills
• Practice positive self-talk
• Improve problem-solving abilities
• Learn when and how to seek support from trusted adults and peers

Students will gain practical strategies to manage stress, build confidence, and make healthy choices as they continue growing into adulthood. Learning how to respond to setbacks with resilience is a skill that will benefit them not only in high school, but throughout life.

March 26 – Teen Mental Health First Aid

Being a teenager today is not easy. Between school expectations, social media, friendships, family responsibilities, athletics, jobs, and future planning, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. While many students may appear fine on the outside, some are struggling internally — and often, teens hesitate to ask for help.

The Teen Mental Health First Aid presentation will help students:

• Recognize warning signs that a peer may be struggling
• Respond with empathy and understanding
• Learn how to connect someone to trusted adults or professional support
• Understand that seeking help is a sign of strength

This session empowers students to support one another and fosters a culture where mental health conversations are normalized and encouraged.

We encourage students to take advantage of these meaningful opportunities to grow, learn, and support one another. Together, we can continue building a school community where every student feels seen, supported, and valued

Attention Juniors: The SAT Prep Course (.5 credit, pass/fail) is designed to help students feel confident and prepared for the SAT.

Course Features:

• Test-taking strategies
• Math and English refreshers
• Practice tests and review sessions
• Access to additional study resources

Important Details:

• Students may take the course in the 4th quarter.
• Students enrolled must be registered for the SAT on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Interested students should contact their school counselor to register today!

Dual Enrollment: Next Steps for Interested Students

Students interested in participating in Dual Enrollment for the Fall 2026 semester should begin preparing now to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines.

To stay on track, students should:

• Confirm they have access to the Dual Enrollment Google Classroom
• Review the presentation shared during Dual Enrollment Night
• Post any general questions on the Q&A Discussion Board
• Explore the various Dual Enrollment partner websites

Important Deadline: All Dual Enrollment paperwork for the Fall 2026 semester is due by April 24, 2026.

Families are encouraged to discuss this opportunity together. Students should reach out to their school counselor with any questions or guidance in planning their academic pathway and maximizing postsecondary opportunities.

Class of 2028

• Students will schedule in Infinite Campus the week of 3/2/26- 3/6/26.
• Individual student meetings will follow the weeks of 3/23/26 - 4/2/26.

Class of 2027

• McDowell School Counselors will meet with rising seniors (current juniors) the week of 3/2/26 - 3/6/26 during tutorials to assist with the scheduling process.
• Individual student meetings will follow the weeks of 3/9/26 - 3/20/26

• Our final ASVAB-CEP Assessment of the year will be held April 30th.
• Please reach out to Mr. Boyd (boyd@mtsd.org) if you would like to have your student take the assessment in May.

After-school tutoring is underway, and we strongly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity for extra help or collaboration time. Tutoring sessions are a terrific way for students to review material, prepare for upcoming assessments, or work together on projects in a supportive environment.

Tutoring is held in the McDowell Hub from 2:25–3:25 p.m. on the following schedule:

• Tuesday: Math
• Wednesday: Chemistry / Science
• Thursday: General Tutoring, Test Make-Up, and Student Collaboration

Whether students need additional academic support, time to complete work, or a space to connect with peers, our staff is here to help every student succeed.

At McDowell, the well-being of our students is always a priority. Adolescence can be a time of growth and excitement, but it can also bring stress, emotional challenges, and moments when students need additional support. Our Student Assistance Program (SAP) is here to help connect students and families with school and community resources when concerns arise related to mental health, substance use, or other personal challenges.

If you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school counselor or a member of our SAP team. Early communication and support can make a meaningful difference.

If your child needs immediate assistance, please consider the following confidential resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Crisis Services: (814) 456-2014 – A trained counselor will always answer.
• Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text message.
• 988 Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect with caring counselors who are available to listen and provide support. Whether someone is facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, substance use concerns, or simply needs someone to talk to, help is available.

Please know that seeking help is a sign of strength. We are committed to partnering with families to ensure every student feels supported, safe, and valued.

If you have concerns about your child or would like SAP services for your child, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Tracy Walsh, SAP Supervisor, twalsh@mtsd.org or a school counselor or administrator.

Parents of college-bound seniors are encouraged to attend upcoming PHEAA webinars to learn more about the financial aid process and strategies for understanding and comparing financial aid offers.

You can register using the QR codes below or visit https://www.pheaa.org/tools-resources/financial-aid-webinar for more information and to sign up.

Many scholarships have March deadlines. Please encourage your child to submit their applications today!

Some excellent scholarship offerings can be found through Millcreek Education Foundation (due March 16th). These scholarships are exclusively for McDowell students! All seniors have been emailed instructions on how to apply.

Other scholarship resources include Naviance (students should look under Scholarship Search), and Erie Community Foundation.

*If your child needs help, please encourage them to see Mrs. Gilroy.

Shop our 24/7 Sideline Store featuring a wide selection of customizable McDowell gear for fans of all ages! The store offers numerous designs, personalization options, and sport-specific apparel—perfect for athletes, families, and supporters.

To browse items by sport, simply click “Shop by Design” and select your sport to view all available gear. This is a wonderful resource to share with your athlete, fellow parents, and booster organizations.

Thank you for supporting and proudly representing Trojan Nation!

Shop your Trojans Sideline Store

It has been an exciting stretch for Trojan Athletics! Over the weekend of February 27–March 1, several of our winter teams competed in postseason competition. Congratulations to our student-athletes in Swim & Dive, Girls’ Basketball, Girls’ Bowling, and Boys’ and Girls’ Wrestling for representing McDowell with pride, determination, and sportsmanship.

For the latest results and information on when these teams will compete next, please visit McDowellAthletics.com.

As we celebrate our winter athletes, we are also excited to officially kick off the spring sports season beginning Monday, March 2. Best of luck to all of our student-athletes competing in:

• Baseball
• Softball
• Boys’ Lacrosse
• Girls’ Lacrosse
• Girls’ Flag Football
• Track & Field
• Unified Track & Field
• Boys’ Tennis
• Boys’ Volleyball

We look forward to another outstanding season filled with teamwork, growth, and Trojan pride.

Be sure to visit McDowellAthletics.com for the latest schedules, news, and updates from your favorite Trojan teams. The site also includes links to GoFan tickets, free Hudl livestreams, team social media accounts, and additional resources under the “Resources” tab.

GO TROJANS!

~Kevin Stoicovy, McDowell Athletics

The McDowell PTSA is excited to announce their 6th Annual Trivia Night! This is a fun opportunity to support McDowell students and staff while enjoying an evening of friendly competition and community.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
• Location: Stephany's Catering, Erie, PA
• Team Size: Up to 4 people (gather 3 friends and join a team!)
• Cost: $50 per team
• Format: General knowledge trivia with multiple choice and true/false questions

What to Expect:

• Prizes for the top 3 teams
• 50/50 raffle & basket raffles
• Tipboards, instant games, and more
• BYOB food and drinks (grab dinner on your way!)
• A fun, relaxed atmosphere
• Supporting McDowell students and staff

Limited to 20 teams – register soon before we sell out!
Register Your Team Here

No trivia experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm, team spirit, and a sense of fun! All proceeds benefit the PTSA of McDowell High School and MIHS, making it a night to have fun and give back to our school community.

March 4 - Early Dismissal (Grades 9 - 12 only; All other MTSD schools are on their regular schedules.)

March 31 - End of Quarter 3

April 2 - No School (In-service Day)

April 3 - 12 Spring Break