McDowell High School

What a great start to the school year! Our first week has been filled with excitement, energy, and plenty of opportunities for students to reconnect with friends, meet their teachers, and settle into their routines. It has been wonderful to see our hallways and classrooms come alive again. We are looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and new opportunities for all of our students. Thank you for partnering with us as we make this a successful school year for every Trojan!

-McDowell High School Administrative Team

Mr. Scott Quivey - Principal

Mrs. Brigitta Anthony - Associate Principal

Ms. Kellee Beresik - 9th Assistant Principal

Mr. Herb Gilroy - 10th Assistant Principal

Mr. Justin Izbicki - 11th Assistant Principal

Mr. Matthew Calabrese - 12th Assistant Principal

September 7 - No School: Labor Day

October 9 - Homecoming Parade & Game

October 10 - Homecoming Dance

October 12 - No School

October 14 - Junior Testing Day, Senior Virtual Learning Day, 9-10 Regular School Day

October 14 - Picture Make Up Day 9-10

October 15 - Picture Make Up Day 11-12

October 16 - Early Dismissal 9-12

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter

At McDowell High School, we believe every student's postsecondary path is valuable. Whether a student plans to attend a four-year college, community college, technical school, enter the workforce, pursue an apprenticeship, or serve in the military, we are committed to helping each student prepare for a successful future.

As part of that commitment, every junior will participate in a district-supported college and career readiness assessment. All juniors will participate in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, which provides valuable insights into their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways, or they may opt in to take the PSAT/NMSQT, an assessment that helps prepare students for the SAT and may qualify eligible students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT exam is encouraged for students who are considering college.

The tests will be administered on October 14th. If you would like your student to take the PSAT, please complete the following FORM by 3 PM on September 11th. Please note that students who opt in to take the PSAT will be charged $18 through Infinite Campus. Students who do not opt in to take the PSAT will automatically take the ASVAB, which is provided at no cost to students.

For more information on the PSAT, please click HERE. For more information on the ASVAB, please click HERE and HERE.

• How do I submit an excuse within three days of an absence?
  • Infinite Campus
  • Email: mtsdattendance@mtsd.org
  • Send in a paper excuse

• How many absences before I need a medical excuse?
  • Per attendance Policy 204 - after a student has accumulated 15 absences, a medical excuse is needed for any absence after the 15th day absent.

Grade 12 students must have a booster dose of MCV4 (meningococcal). Many parents have already provided this proof of shot. If you have not received a phone call from the nurse your student is compliant.

Grade 11 students require a physical exam dated after 7/1/2025. This is best done at your PCP and forms are available on our district website. The form must include a "review of systems" and an updated shot record. There will be an opportunity for a free exam in December IF we receive written permission from you to do this. If you have any questions, please call the school nurse.

Click the link below for other School Health Reminders from the high schools nursing staff.

Taking care of mental and emotional well-being is an important part of student success. This Self-Care Student Planner provides students with simple activities, reflection prompts, monthly challenges, and tools for building healthy self-care habits. It also includes information on where students can reach out when they need additional support.

Click the attachment below to view and download the Self-Care Student Planner.

If your high school student drives to school, it is essential they purchase a parking pass. This ensures they have a designated spot on campus, helping maintain safety and organization in the school parking lot. Additionally, parking passes allow the school to monitor vehicles for security purposes. Passes are available to purchase on the Infinite Campus School Store.

Students who would like extra help with math are invited to attend Math Tutoring in the McDowell North Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:25–3:25 p.m. No sign-up is necessary. Students should bring something they are currently working on and must arrange for a ride home, as transportation is not provided.

Click the link below for complete Math Tutoring information and details.

Students looking for additional time to get caught up, prepare for assessments, or get organized can attend Bonus Study Hall every Wednesday from 2:25–3:25 p.m. in the McDowell North Library. Students can work on projects or homework, study for a test, take a test or retest, and develop organization and study skills. Students must arrange their own transportation home, as there is no after-school bus service.

See the attached flyer for additional information.

• You can find the latest schedules, rosters, updates, and content at mcdowellathletics.com and by following McDowell Athletics on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

• You can get tickets for McDowell home events through HomeTown ticketing. Download the HomeTown Fan app to manage your individual tickets or season passes.

• You also have the option to print your tickets to be scanned at the gate. Learn more about tickets for this season here: 2026-27 Ticket Information.

• Watch McDowell home events on Hudl Fan for free. Access the live stream menu from the Fan Zone on McDowell Athletics' home page or search McDowell High School on the Hudl Fan app

• 🏈 Varsity football's first home game marked the kickoff for the McDowell Athletic Complex (MAC) renovation project fundraising campaign. Learn more about the renovation plans for the new facility, including the new turf field named after 2013 graduate and NFL star James Conner here: MAC Project.

• You can get involved with the fundraiser by purchasing a James Conner Field t-shirt at and Erie County Country Fair or by filling up your gas tank at Country Fair using a Club CITGO loyalty ID. All proceeds from t-shirt sales and 2-cents per gallon from your loyalty program gas purchase go directly to the MAC fundraising campaign. Sign up for the Club CITGO loyalty program and directly benefit the McDowell Athletic Complex!

McDowell Boys Basketball is offering the Navy Blue Hoops Academy this fall for Erie County boys in PreK through 10th grade. The academy will focus on developing basketball skills and fundamentals through instruction, games, and contests. Sessions will be held at McDowell South High School on October 17, 24, 31, and November 7.

See the attached flyer for session times, cost, and registration information.