The McDevitt Minute

Today, Bishop McDevitt will observe six moments of silence throughout the morning to honor the events and victims of September 11th. These moments of reflection are a time for us to remember those who lost their lives, those who showed incredible bravery, and the lasting impact this day has had on our nation and the world.

As a community grounded in faith and compassion, let us use these moments to pray, reflect, and unite in hope and peace.

Friday, September 11-Orange 4 Owen Night 7pm @ Rocco Ortenzio Stadium (McD vs. State College)

Tuesday, September 15-School Mass

Wednesday, September 16-SCHOOL CLOSED

Tuesday, September 22-Contra Mundum Meeting (2:45-3:30pm in Rm 212)

Wednesday, September 23-Latin Club Meeting (2:45-3:30pm in Rm 212)

Wednesday, September 23-College & Career Fair (6pm)

Friday, September 25-School Picture Re-Takes

Undergraduate photos are available to view! To see your photos go to: CADY.com / order photos / underclassmen / school & student name / student ID number (the number begins with 2410xxxx)

Photo Retakes: September 24, 2026. Only the following groups are eligible to have photos retaken:

1. Students who were absent on original picture day (including seniors)
2. Students who purchased a photo package, but don't care for the photo. Must provide proof of purchase to Mrs. Tenny in order to register for retakes.
3. Students with an obvious problem with their photo (eye closed, out of focus, etc..)

Any student who fits one of these categories should email Mrs. Tenny at jtenny@bishopmcdevitt.org to have their name added to the picture retake list. There is no charge to have photos retaken.

Senior photos: We are working to have CADY come back to McDevitt for senior portrait retakes. These retakes will take place during school and be for the yearbook photo only (tuxedo, or black drape). Any senior who would like to have their yearbook photo taken / retaken should email Mrs. Tenny at jtenny@bishopmcdevitt.org to add their name to the senior picture retake list. There is no charge to have photos retaken.

Candid event photos: CADY photography attends various school events and athletic games throughout the year. To view photos taken by CADY, please visit: McDevitt Events

Any questions about photos can be directed to CADY Customer Service:

Phone: 678.534.5384

Email: customerservice@cady.com

Chat: CADY.com

Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-3:30 pm

All students must be seated in homeroom and ready to begin school at 7:50 am each morning. Dismissal occurs at 2:45 pm.

Click HERE to apply.

Click HERE to be directed to the Diocese page for direct instructions and links to obtain clearances.

If your student has earned a detention, he/she will receive an email on Monday with the date and time of their scheduled detention. We hold detention Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school until 3:45 pm. If a student needs to change the day due to a scheduling conflict, they may do so by emailing Mrs. Reider prior to the date of the detention and the requested reschedule (it must be within the week). Parents receive a general email letting them know their student has earned a detention.

*Detentions are earned by having 3 unexcused tardies during homeroom; OR by having a single tardy after 8:06 am; OR by having 3 single demerits (minor infractions); OR by having one larger infraction (disruption, disrespect, 2nd or subsequent cell phone violation, etc.)

• If your student is absent from school, they may not attend any extracurricular activities/events that day/evening.

• In-season athletes must be in school by 9 am in order to compete in a game/match/meet. The only exception is a pre-scheduled appointment (i.e., a dentist appt) accompanied by a note from the provider.

• Sickness: If your student is ill, please call the attendance line (717-236-0161) or email attendance@bishopmcdevitt.org* before 8 am. Please send a note explaining the reason for your absence with your student when he/she returns within 3 school days, so that it will be excused.

• Late for School: If your student is late and it is not their fault (IE power outage, flat tire, etc.), please send an email to attendance@bishopmcdevitt.org* or send in a note with your student (preferably that day, but must be received within 3 school days). The first two unexcused tardies during homeroom are warnings; every third tardy results in a detention. Unexcused tardies after first period has started (8:09 am) result in a detention each time.

• Early Dismissals: If your student needs to be dismissed early due to a doctor’s appointment, please send in a note with your student or send an email to attendance@bishopmcdevitt.org* and leave a message on the attendance line (717-236-0161) before 8 am.

• Parent-requested Absences: The school handbook permits up to 5 days of absence at the parents’ request (IE trips, college visits, etc.). Students should pick up a blue parent-requested absence form in the office, have it filled out by the parent and their teachers, and turn it in to the office the day before their scheduled absence.

• In order to be accepted as valid, all parent/guardian emails must be generated from the email address that the school has on file for the parent/guardian.

• Senior “skip” days: The school does not recognize senior skip days as authorized absences.
  

Attendance Excuse Paper

Parent Requested Absence Form

An absence is considered excused if a valid reason (illness, family emergency, appointment with a professional) is received from the parent in writing (email or physical note) within three school days of the absence.

If a student accumulates 3 or more unexcused absences, the school is required to notify the student’s public school district for possible legal action to be taken for truancy. If a student accumulates excessive absences, a meeting will be held with the school counselor and/or social worker to try to eliminate any barriers to regular attendance. At 6 unexcused absences, a Student Attendance Improvement Plan meeting will be held. The public school district of residence is required to be notified and invited to the SAIP meeting. Students who accumulate more than 10 or more unexcused absences may be put on attendance probation. Students who are chronically absent (more than 18 days per year, whether excused or unexcused) may also be put on attendance probation.

Bishop McDevitt uses a company called Nutrition Management for school lunches. If your student wants to purchase food, they can bring cash, check (made out to Nutrition Management-put Student lunch # on the memo line), or you can add money to their lunch portal. There is a fee to add money with a credit/debit card through the portal. There is no fee for cash or check. In order to access the portal, you may create an account here: Lunch Payment Portal

It will ask you for the following:

• School Zip Code: 17111
• Student's Lunch ID: Go to your Parent Portal in Redikar; select MORE/select SCHOOL/DEMOGRAPHICS. The last field is the Lunch ID. The first three digits are 241.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR STUDENTS:

Bishop McDevitt has always had a "bell-to-bell" ban on the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day. So, this will not materially alter our local policy. The additional restrictive nature of this new diocesan-wide policy will change our policy most materially, whereby students will not be permitted to have cell phones on their person during the school day.

While students will be able to bring cell phones to school, they will have to place them in their lockers or a secure location for the duration of the school day so they are "inaccessible". Inaccessible means that they will not be able to carry the cell phone openly in their hands, maintain the cell phone in pockets, use the cell phone for any purposes during the day, in classes, in the lunchroom, hallways, etc. (unless authorized by a school administrator). At this time, we will permit cell phones to be stored in a personal carry bag (i.e., small purse or school-approved messenger bag). Should students demonstrate to administration the need to be more restrictive, we will update the policy as necessary.

The following limited exceptions may be permitted at the discretion of the president, principal, or designee:

• Medical or Student Support Needs: Students with documented medical conditions or support plans (e.g., Instructional Support Plan, Medical Support Plan) requiring device access may be granted written exemptions.

• Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency, school administrators may authorize temporary use of cell phones under staff supervision.

• Administrative Discretion: The president and principal or designee may, at their discretion, allow temporary and limited cell phone use, as particular circumstances may require.

• Cell Phone: Any personal mobile device capable of voice communication, text messaging, internet access, photography, or video recording.

• Personal Electronic Device: Includes, but is not limited to, smartwatches, tablets, gaming devices, earbuds, or any device capable of digital communication or media use.

• School Day: The period beginning upon a student's arrival on campus and ending at dismissal, including transitions, lunch periods, and study halls. Bishop McDevitt considers the bell-to-bell time frame to encompass 7:50 am (beginning of homeroom period) through 2:45 pm (end of 9th period).

CLICK FOR DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG POLICY

• All visitors must enter through the Front Entrance and push the Intercom button to announce themselves and purpose for being there. Do not follow behind someone else (student, etc.).

• If you are dropping off your student’s belongings (water bottle, gym clothes, etc.) please put it on the table out in the vestibule with your student’s name on a sticky note. Intercom the Main Office to let them know that it is there. Staff will come and collect it from the table.

• If you wish to speak to a faculty and staff member in person, you need to make an appointment.

• If you have an appointment, bring a government, issued photo ID in order to sign-in. EVERYONE will need to sign-in through our computer system. You will be required to wear the visitor badge that prints out.

The Vincent J. Lochetto Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Vincent’s parents Fred & Lori after he passed away in September 2018. Through this scholarship Vincent’s parents would like to assist a family in sending their child to Bishop McDevitt High School. They are very grateful for the education, friendships, and memories that Vincent had there. Sports always played an enormous role in Vincent’s life. In grade school he played baseball, basketball, football and ran track. At McDevitt he played football. That passion continued through college where he played for four years as a Delaware Valley Aggie. Bishop McDevitt High School will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Apply Now (Create a new account) (TFEC)

Deadline: October 15, 2026

1 Award / $2,000

Criteria

1. Students should be attending Bishop McDevitt High School
2. Involvement in extracurricular activities and/or sports
3. Financial need- as indicted by application through STS at Bishop McDevitt
4. Essay
5. Supplemental documents. This may include a resume, letter(s) of recommendation, transcript, FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR), or other scholarship-specific documents. Specific requirements are noted in the application.

​ Essay

Write an essay describing all, or in part, the following:

1. How attending Bishop McDevitt has benefitted them
2. Passions & interests they found while attending Bishop McDevitt High School
3. Describe what “team” and being a selfless team player means to you in relation to one of your extracurricular activities and/or sport

Renewability

This is a one-time only award.

See Mrs. Gina Crawford with questions.

Ms. Emily Holland (eholland@bishopmcdevitt.org)

Freshman ('30)

Mrs. Kelly Brookhart (kbrookhart@bishopmcdevitt.org)

Sophomores ('29): A - Ma

Juniors ('28): A - Ma

Seniors ('27): A - K

Mrs. Kelly Stipe (kstipe@bishopmcdevitt.org)

Sophomores ('29): Mc - Z

Juniors ('28): Mc-Z

Seniors ('27): L - Z

Mrs. Gina Crawford (gcrawford@bishopmcdevitt.org)

College & Career Advisor

September 23, 2026:

College & Career Fair, 6-7:30 pm @ Bishop McDevitt High School

College & Career Fair Website

Student Registration will start after Labor Day.

October 8, 2026:

• Optional SAT at McD for Class of 2027 (Seniors will register through the Counseling Department in September)
• PSAT for Class of 2028 (Juniors)
• PSAT8/9 for Class of 2030 (Freshman)
• Class of 2029 (Sophomores) will test in the Spring.

Interested in taking the SAT at McDevitt on Thursday, October 8, 2026? Please fill out this google form: SAT Registration Form

Any questions, please contact Kelly Brookhart at kbrookhart@bishopmcdevitt.org

Welcome to your last year of high school Class of 2027! The Counseling Department is here to support you through your senior year and as you plan for what comes next. Now is the time to familiarize yourself with our college application tools: Naviance and Common App. These websites will help streamline the application process for you. Common App (commonapp.org) is where you will create an account to submit college applications. Naviance is the portal you log into with your McD email address (student.naviance.com/bmcdevitths). In Naviance, you will list the colleges you are applying to and you will request your teacher recommendations here as well.

The counselors will begin meeting individually with students starting on August 31. Please come prepared with any questions you may have about the application process and we will go over them.

Are you planning to apply to college this fall? If so, you must have 1-2 letters of recommendation to accompany your application. You received an email from Mrs. Crawford explaining how to formally request Letters of Recommendation in Naviance. Please complete these requests ASAP. Email gcrawford@bishopmcdevitt.org with questions or to reset your Naviance password.

Visiting a college campus is an important part of the college search process, giving students and families the opportunity to experience the campus community, explore facilities, and get a better sense of whether a school feels like the right fit. Click the link below to explore a list of upcoming college open houses in our area and find opportunities to visit campuses in person.

Link for Fall College Open House Events

Together with EF Tours, Ms. Schaeffer is offering the opportunity to travel to Greece in the Summer of 2027. If interested, please RSVP at the following link: https://rsvp.eftours.com/gxzwup4

Please join the Crusader Football team at the Orange 4 Owen Night on September 11. Show your support of Owen's Foundation by wearing orange to the game! Kickoff is at 7 pm at the Rocco Ortenzio Stadium. To learn more about Owen's Foundation, please visit: http://orange4owen.org/home.html

Any student who is thinking about playing a sport in college is strongly encouraged to set up a meeting with our NCAA Coordinator, Jeff Weachter. Please reach out via email: jweachter@bishopmcdevitt.org

Coach Weachter will ensure that the student is taking classes that are approved by the NCAA.

Guide for the NCAA College Bound Student Athlete

Division I Academic Standards

Division II Academic Standards

Please visit our website for the Athletic Calendar. It is automatically tied in with ArbiterSports so that updates/changes/cancellations will be updated on our calendar as soon as it happens!

You will also find links to the following:

• ArbiterSports
• Hudl (if you can't make a game)
• Athletic social media pages!

Join us in the parking lot in front of Rocco Ortenzio Stadium beginning at 4:30 pm before every home football game. We hope to see you there!

Check out the flyer for more information about the Legacy Golf Classic

• Monday, October 5, 2026
• Colonial Country Club
• Check-In @ 11:00 am

Donors can purchase a light pole banner to be displayed on campus. Banners are a great way to honor family, friends or advertise business. They can reach out to the Advancement office at advancement@bishopmcdevitt.org or call 717 - 236 - 7973 ex. 2133 for details.

$100 for a chance to win $15,000!!!

Bishop McDevitt is introducing our Gold Rush Raffle, a ticket worth $100 that gives participants the chance to win a multitude of prizes, the largest being $15,000. There are only 1,000 tickets available, and 25 lucky winners will win prizes. Tickets can be purchased in person in the main office, or online beginning on Monday, August 24th at 12:00 Noon. Fundraising profits go to the McDevitt Annual Fund. There is no limit on how many tickets one can purchase, but please keep in mind that once 1,000 tickets are sold we are SOLD OUT!!

The drawing will take place on Monday, November 2nd at Noon. Prizes listed are based on 1,000 sold tickets. If less than 1,000 tickets are sold, prize amounts will be adjusted to equal 30% of revenue. If you have any questions, please contact Winston Horshaw at (717) 236-7973 ext. 2133. For online purchasing please go to the following link: https://stsgive.com/meAp.

Good Luck to all who participate!!

Stay tuned! The Bishop McDevitt Annual Fund Campaign will be coming out in September.

Messenger Bags

Only the school-approved Messenger Bag can be used to travel throughout the building. Customized

McD Messenger Bags can be ordered online: https://store.modernimprintllc.com/bishop_mcdevitt/shop/product-detail/1034888

Bags can be shipped to the school at no charge (option at checkout). There are a limited supply of Messenger Bags in the school store. Please contact Austin Lescanec or Winston Horshaw if you would like to purchase one.

Check out our Spirit Wear Store!! Click the link below!

New McDevitt Spirit Wear Store