The McDevitt Minute

A lot can happen in a month...and what a great gift our good God has given me, to be chaplain here at McDevitt. Thank you to everyone--front office staff, teachers, students, the entire crew--for making this first month such a gift.

Recently, someone asked me how I liked being a priest. I looked them in the eye and said, "I hope the new car smell never goes away." And, I truly mean that. The sense of mission, purpose, accompanied with peace and joy, in a way that I never dreamed possible and, at times hard to describe, but so very real in my heart, is why I love being a priest. And, to share the joy of the gospel with the great students here is a gift.

It is fun to drive to McDevitt and be here at school. That sense of adventure and freshness, remains. Part of it, I think is the unexpected nature of what I am doing. This is a second calling for me; I had been working as an attorney for just under eight years before entering Mount St. Mary's Seminary. I loved the work and the people, but God had even better plans for my life. And, now, ordained a priest for one year and about three months, each day brings an opportunity to share the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Catholic faith. Thank you all again for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Be assured of mine for you, your families, and your friends.

In humility and with gratitude,

Fr. Stiteler

Friday, September 25 - Freshman Retreat

Thursday, October 1 - Senior Class Photo (during homeroom)

Tuesday, October 6 - Contra Mundum Men's Group Meeting (2:45-3:30 in Rm 212)

Wednesday, October 7 - Latin Club Meeting (2:45-3:30 in Rm 212)

Thursday, October 8 - SAT/PSAT/PSAT 8/9 Testing

Friday, October 9 - Virtual 1/2 Day for Students

Friday, October 9 - Crusader Experience

Monday, October 12 - School CLOSED

Wednesday, October 14 - Student Council/NHS Induction (6pm)

Bishop McDevitt High School is excited to invite 8th-grade students to this year's Crusader Experience on Friday, October 9th, from 8:00 - 11:30 a.m. This event is an opportunity for 8th graders to experience a (half) day in the life of a Crusader!

Doors will open, and check-in will start at 7:45 AM. The day will begin at 8:00 AM in Finestra Hall with a welcome and introduction to Bishop McDevitt's academic programs, activities, and athletics. After the welcome session, students will follow a schedule where they rotate between 6 mini-classes. Student Ambassadors will take the 8th-grade students on a tour of the building. We will wrap up the day and dismiss students at 11:30 AM.

Reminders

Participants attending Diocesan elementary schools are expected to be in full uniform for the Crusader Experience.

Participants are required to have their own transportation to and from Bishop McDevitt High School.

No meals will be served. Students are welcome to bring a water bottle.

Registration
Each student must be signed up individually by a parent or guardian using the Crusader Experience Sign-Up form by Wednesday, September 30th. This is not an event for parents.

Crusaders,

Your school pictures are available to view!

Click the link below to find them: Picture Day

OR

Follow these directions: Go to: CADY.com / order photos / underclassmen / school & student name / student ID number (the number begins with 2410xxxx)

To find budget-friendly packages of $9.99 and $14.99, please do the following:

1. Log into the school photography ordering page

2. Scroll past the initial premium packages displayed on the main screen.

3. Locate and click the "See More" button at the bottom of page

4. The $9.99, $14.99 packages will appear for selection.

Senior yearbook photo Retakes: October 15, 2026 beginning at 9:30 am

Photos will happen during the school day:

1. Full photo package for any senior who hasn't been photographed yet (formal yearbook pose, cap & gown pose, casual pose).

2. Formal yearbook pose (drape, tux) retakes. (yearbook pose only)

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.

CADY Customer Service:

For any problems with photos, or orders please contact CADY Customer Service:

• Cady Customer Service:
• Phone: 678.534.5384
• Email: customerservice@cady.com
• Chat: CADY.com

• Taking place in The Brobson Amphitheater during homeroom and 1st period on October 1st
• Order a 10x20 print for $20
• Send cash or check made to Bishop McDevitt HS in an envelope to Mrs. Tenny in Room 303.

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.

Many students like to get their outfit ready early, so the dress code is below. If you don't follow the dress code, you will not be allowed in and you will not receive a refund.

Dress Code

The Homecoming Dance has a casual dress code. Students may choose to dress up if they wish, and many do, but it is not required. Attire should be appropriately modest for a Catholic school dance.

LADIES:

• May wear dresses (see below), skirts/shirt (see below), or pants/shirt (see below).

• Dresses may be long (no cut-outs, no see-through areas in the midriff).

• Dresses may be cocktail length (no midriffs, no cut-outs, no see-through areas in the midriff): This means the dress should go at or below the knee. We have made concessions to permit dresses to encroach 3 inches above the knee. Unfortunately, this is where some of our young ladies attempt to cross the limits of our concessions. Therefore, if a young lady chooses to wear a shorter dress than at or below the knee, it should not be shorter than 3" above the knee.

• Skirt and shirt may be worn (no midriffs, no cut-outs, no see-through areas in the midriff, skirt not more than 3” above the knee).

• Pants and shirts may be worn (no midriffs, no cut-outs, no see-through areas in the midriff).

• No cleavage should be visible.

• No shorts are permitted. *Pants that have rips/holes: skin should not be visible above the knee.

• Shoes must be worn.

To determine any questionable dress above knee length, female staff at the dance will be checking dress length with an index card. Dresses that do not touch the top of the knee and the index card (IE are more than 3" above the knee) do not meet the dress code for the dance and should not be worn. Students who choose to ignore this policy will not be admitted to the dance. It is advisable, if students are unwilling to be checked with the index card or find this to be an inappropriate resolution, they purchase a dress that does not require the scrutiny of the measurement (Dresses at the knee or below the knee that will not require checking).

GENTLEMEN:

• Pants (no ripped jeans or pants with holes unless skin is not visible, IE patches are in place).

• Shirt (no muscle or sleeveless shirts).

• Shoes must be worn.

If you have any questions about whether your clothing is appropriate, please see Mrs. Reider prior to the event. We would love not to have to turn anyone away at the door this year. Thank you!

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.)

Attendance Excuse Paper

Parent Requested Absence Form

Bishop McDevitt Attendance Policy 2026-2027

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.

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.

Something amazing awaits...Kairos XXII. If you are a Junior or Senior, an amazing opportunity to go on this Fall's Kairos retreat is open to you. The world can be distracting to the truth, beauty, and goodness of the presence of God. This is a time to discover God's presence in your own life, spend time with friends and make new ones. The retreat will be at St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center in Elverson, PA. It is from Wednesday, October 28 to Saturday, October 31. If you are interested or have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask Fr. Stiteler or Mrs. Thomas for a registration form.

Save the dates for our Spring Musical, Curtains, that we will proudly present on April 9, 10, and 11, 2027! Cast members and families: As we prepare for our upcoming season, please review the following important dates and add them to your calendars! If you have any questions, or if you are a student and would like to join the Google Classroom for more information, please email Mr. Reed (creed@bishopmcdevitt.org) or Mrs. Bader (sbader@bishopmcdevitt.org)

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. Rebecca Slavinsky (rslavinsky@bishopmcdevitt.org)

School Social Worker

Mrs. Gina Crawford (gcrawford@bishopmcdevitt.org)

College & Career Advisor

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

During the week of September 21, students will have the opportunity on Monday to stop by our Suicide Prevention Month table to learn more about recognizing warning signs, supporting a friend, and finding help when they need it.

Parents and caregivers play an important role, too. Because you know your child best, you may be in a position to notice changes in their behavior, mood, or relationships that could be signs they are struggling. If you have concerns about your child or someone you care about, don't hesitate to reach out for support.

Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and receive free, confidential support 24/7.

To learn more about suicide prevention and how you can support a young person, click here.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the College & Career Fair on Wednesday night! We would really appreciate it if you could take a moment to complete our feedback survey. Your input helps us improve and continue making this event even more meaningful for our students and families!

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 sign the FERPA waiver and link your Common App and Naviance accounts. You received an email from Mrs. Crawford with instructions on how to do these things. Please complete these things ASAP. Email gcrawford@bishopmcdevitt.org with questions or to reset your Naviance password.

Upcoming Career Exploration & College Events

Together with EF Tours, Ms. Schaeffer is offering the opportunity to travel to Greece in the Summer of 2027.

On Friday 9/25, Bishop McDevitt is hosting a football game vs. Cumberland Valley to honor Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters who were killed in the line of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of Pennsylvania. Kickoff will be at 7:00 pm.

The evening will include a concert outside Rocco Ortenzio Stadium by national country music recording artist Jimmy Charles.

There will be plenty of other surprises as well!

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