McDowell High School

Welcome back to a new school year at McDowell High School! We hope our students and families had a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. We are excited to welcome everyone back and begin another great year together.

This school year marks an exciting new chapter for McDowell as we come together as one unified high school. The unification of our schools creates new opportunities for students and staff to build connections, strengthen our school community, and create a shared identity as McDowell Trojans.

A new school year also brings new opportunities to learn, grow, build relationships, and make memories. Our goal is to provide a positive and supportive school environment where students are challenged to do their best, encouraged to try new things, and prepared for success both in high school and beyond.

We are grateful for the continued support of our families and community, and we appreciate the dedication of our teachers and staff who work each day to make McDowell a great place for students. We look forward to partnering with you throughout the year and celebrating all that our students will accomplish.

Welcome back, Trojans! We are excited for a great year ahead!

-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

We invite all students and families to join us for Open House and Freshman Orientation on Wednesday, August 26, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet teachers and administrators, tour the buildings, and get ready for a successful school year. Please have access to your schedule to help you find your classes.

Freshmen: School-issued Chromebooks will be available for pickup during Open House at McDowell North.

Juniors: A Junior Parent Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the South Main Gym.

🍧☕ The Roaming Bean and Kona Ice will also be in the bus lot throughout the evening, available for families to purchase drinks and treats.

August 31 - First Day of School

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

• 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.

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 will be available soon to purchase on the Infinite Campus School Store.

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.

• Join us for our first home events for varsity Fall sports teams listed below:

• Boys Soccer - Sept 2 vs. Warren

• Girls Soccer - Sept. 3 vs. Fairview

• Football - Sept. 4 vs. Chardon (James Conner Night)

• Cross Country - Sept. 5 McDowell Invitational at Browns Farm

• Girls Tennis - Sept. 8 vs. Fairview

• Girls Volleyball- Sept. 10 vs. Cathedral Prep

• Marching Band - Sept. 19 McDowell Band Invitational

• Water Polo - Oct. 6 vs. North Allegheny

• Some Fall sports teams are already underway, namely our girls and boys golf teams. Both squads are off to great starts this season with the girls winning the Warren Cable Hollow Invitational August 20th and the boys team placing second in their Mega Match the same day at Green Meadows GC.

• For James Conner Night on our Sept. 4 varsity football home opener, fans can purchase a limited edition James Conner Field t-shirt at Erie Country Fair locations for $15 each. Proceeds benefit the new McDowell Athletic Complex fundraising campaign!