Trojan Times Parent Newsletter

Dear McDowell Families,

As we move further into the second semester, our school community continues to stay active and engaged across academics, activities, and athletics. I would like to share several important updates and celebrations with our families.

Parent Conference Day will be held on Monday, February 23, from 8:00–11:00 a.m. and 12:15–3:15 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers, review progress, and discuss plans for continued growth. While we encourage families to email teachers ahead of time to schedule an appointment, the day is also open-door format, and parents are welcome to stop in during conference hours.

We are proud to share that several of our winter athletic teams are entering postseason competition through the PIAA playoffs. We congratulate our student athletes and coaches on their hard work and dedication, and we wish them the best as they represent our school. At the same time, preparations are already underway for the upcoming spring sports season, and we look forward to another strong turnout of student participants.

Scheduling season for underclassmen is approaching soon. We encourage students and families to carefully review the full range of courses offered at McDowell High School. Our program includes courses that support both college and career readiness, including dual enrollment options, Advanced Placement courses, and College in High School offerings. Thoughtful course selection helps ensure students are building pathways aligned with their interests and future goals.

This week, we also recognize and celebrate our School Safety Officers, Tom Sambuchino and Shawn Massey, in honor of School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. Their daily presence, relationship-building with students, and commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment are deeply appreciated. They are valued partners in our school community.

Finally, we encourage families to continue monitoring school communications and student classroom platforms for updates on senior events, testing information, and spring activities. The months ahead are busy and exciting, and we appreciate your continued partnership and support.

Thank you for being an important part of our school community.

In partnership,

Sandra Means, Principal

Our Senior Breakfast Celebration was held in the McDowell Hub on Tuesday, February 11. The event marked the 100th day of senior year and gave students a chance to relax, connect, and celebrate together.

The staff from The Nutrition Group provided a wonderful breakfast experience featuring a donut dipping station, smoothie station, fresh fruit, and breakfast sandwiches. Seniors enjoyed sharing a meal with friends and taking time to recognize this important milestone in their final year of high school.

We encourage seniors to continue checking the Senior Google Classroom regularly for updates and announcements about upcoming senior events and activities.

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.

Attention McDowell senior families: If you have not yet placed your student’s cap and gown order, please do so by February 16, 2026. Orders will not be accepted after this date. Orders can be completed through the School Store in Infinite Campus.

The cap and gown package costs $60 and includes:

• Cap
• Gown
• Stole
• Tassel

All caps and gowns will be delivered to McDowell High School and distributed to students during the first graduation practice on June 10.

Don’t wait—place your order by February 16 to ensure your senior is ready for graduation!

If you have any questions or need assistance placing the order, please contact our senior class advisor, Mrs. Maciulewicz, nmaciulewicz@mtsd.org.

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.

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).

February 15 is recognized nationally as School Resource Officer (SRO / SSO) Appreciation Day — a time to honor the sworn law enforcement officers and school safety professionals who work each day to keep our schools safe while building positive, supportive relationships with students and staff.

We are proud to recognize our School Security Officers, Tom Sambuchino and Shawn Massey, for their outstanding service and dedication to our school community. Their presence goes far beyond safety and security — they are trusted adults, mentors, and partners in education who take time to connect with students, offer guidance, and support a positive school climate.

Through daily interactions, event support, and relationship-building, our SSOs help create an environment where students feel secure, respected, and heard. We thank Officer Sambuchino and Officer Massey for their professionalism, approachability, and continued commitment to our students and staff.

The McDowell PTSA is hosting a fundraiser at Chick-fil-A on Thursday, February 19 at the West 12th Street location. This is a great way to support our school while enjoying a meal from one of your favorite local restaurants.

Important details:

• Orders must be placed using the Chick-fil-A mobile app.
• During checkout, select “Support Community Care Event” to ensure your purchase counts toward the fundraiser.
• 15% of all sales made through the app that day will benefit the McDowell PTSA.

Thank you for supporting the PTSA and helping provide resources and opportunities for our students.

Parent Conference Day will be held on Monday, February 23, from 8:00–11:00 a.m. and 12:15–3:15 p.m. This is a valuable opportunity for families to connect with teachers, review student progress, and discuss goals for the remainder of the school year.

We encourage parents and guardians to reach out to their child’s teachers in advance by email to schedule a conference appointment whenever possible. Scheduled times help ensure teachers are available and allow for more meaningful conversation.

However, this is also an open-door conference day, and parents are welcome to stop in during the designated hours to meet with teachers as schedules permit.

We look forward to partnering with you to support your student’s continued success.

Congratulations to boys’ varsity basketball head coach Kevin O’Connor on setting a new program record with 233 career wins — and counting — as the Trojans’ head coach. With this milestone, Coach O’Connor surpasses the previous record held by Gus Anderson, marking a historic moment for our basketball program.

Over his 14 seasons at McDowell High School, Coach O’Connor, along with his coaching staff and student-athletes, has built an impressive record of success. Program achievements during his tenure include 7 District 10 Championships, 6 Region Titles, 8 PIAA appearances, four 20-win seasons, and 13 PIAA playoff victories. These accomplishments reflect not only competitive excellence, but also consistent leadership, preparation, and commitment to student-athlete development.

Coach O’Connor’s program consistently reflects the values of our school community. While the record reflects competitive excellence, he takes equal pride in supporting his players’ academic progress and personal growth, helping student-athletes build the work ethic, integrity, and leadership skills that serve them well beyond their playing years.

We thank Coach O’Connor for his dedication to our players and school community and congratulate him on this outstanding achievement. We wish him and the Trojans continued success in the seasons ahead.

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

Students can also earn college credit by taking AP classes and performing well on the exams. AP classes not only allow students to learn rigorous content but also help them develop strong study habits, critical thinking skills, and perseverance through the productive challenges of learning alongside peers and teachers.

The upcoming AP Meet & Greet events give students a chance to learn more about AP courses, meet AP teachers, and speak with current AP students about their experiences in the classroom:

• 11th Grade Student AP Meet & Greet – Wednesday, February 25, during Tutorial in the McDowell HUB

For parents and guardians, AP Parent Night on Thursday, March 5, from 6:00–7:00 PM in the McDowell HUB is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the AP program, meet AP teachers and students, and explore how AP courses can support college readiness and academic growth.

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

The Millcreek Education Foundation (MEF) scholarship applications are now available for students! These scholarships honor the legacy of local community members and support McDowell students as they pursue their academic and personal goals.

Some of the scholarships being offered this year include:

• Michael Palermo Memorial Scholarship
• Carli Cummings Memorial Scholarship
• Darcie Moseley Memorial Scholarship
• Ashley Kuzma Resilience Memorial Scholarship
• Kate Dingfelder Art Award
  …and many more!

Students have received an email with detailed application instructions and are encouraged to see Mrs. Gilroy with any questions.

*Click HERE for more information!

Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for scholarships that can help support your student’s future!

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.

This month, our focus is on Healthy Teen Relationships. We are offering a two-part series to cover this important topic in depth. Both sessions—February 19 and February 26—will explore what makes relationships safe, supportive, and positive. Students may sign up for each individual session.

Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and honest communication. Both people feel safe expressing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or control. Healthy relationships include mutual support, respect for boundaries, shared decision-making, and the freedom to maintain friendships and personal goals. Conflict is handled calmly and respectfully, without pressure, manipulation, or harm.

Students are encouraged to attend and learn practical strategies for creating positive, healthy relationships now and in the future.

The Wellness Series features a 30-minute guest speaker presentation held in the Hub during tutorial, and interested students should sign up in the Hub with Mr. Reilly.

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!

Gannon Dual Enrollment Meetings and Informational Nights were a success!

Student Potential Next Steps:

• Make sure that you have access to the google classroom
• Review presentation from Dual Enrollment Night
• Post any general questions you may have on the Q&A Discussion Board
• Check out the various Dual Enrollment Websites
• If you know where you are planning to go to college after high school, explore those colleges’ websites or reach out to an admissions representative to ensure that your Dual Enrollment Credits will transfer.
• Due Date for Dual Enrollment Paperwork for the 2026 Fall Semester: April 24th, 2026

Please reach out to your school counselor with any questions or for guidance on planning for dual enrollment and other academic opportunities.

Class of 2028

• McDowell School Counselors will meet with rising juniors (current sophomores) on 2/25/26 during Tutorial to discuss the scheduling process.
• 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 in May
• Please reach out to Mr. Boyd (boyd@mtsd.org) if you would like to have your student take the assessment in May.

Applications for Naval Academy Summer Seminar and Summer STEM are now active. These programs offer incredible opportunities for high school students to experience life at the U.S. Naval Academy

• Naval Academy Summer Seminar: This one-week program is designed for rising high school seniors who want to explore life at the U.S. Naval Academy. Participants will immerse themselves in the rigorous academics, athletics, and professional training that prepare the nation’s future leaders.
• Summer STEM Program: Designed for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders a chance to engage in hands-on math and science activities with USNA faculty and midshipmen.
• More information can be found at: https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/index.php

The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer rising seniors (current juniors) the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)—a rigorous five-day, overnight immersion led entirely by current West Point cadets.

SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially. Participants will experience:

• Hands-on academic workshops: Choose from 17 sessions taught by West Point faculty.
• Physical and military training: Army PT workouts, obstacle courses (indoor and outdoor), the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and more.
• Leadership and character development: Team-building exercises, the Leader Reaction Course, ethics discussions, and cadet-led activities.

Check out the SLE 2025 VIDEO to learn more about the experience.

Students can choose between three SLE sessions:

• Session 1: May 30 – June 3
• Session 2: June 5 – June 9
• Session 3: June 11 – June 15

Applications for SLE open on February 15, and selections will be made on a rolling basis starting March 15. When high school students submit this application, it also completes the first part of the West Point application process. Ideal candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, leadership within their community, and a readiness to take on physical challenges.

West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need.

Learn more here: West Point Summer Leaders Experience

Apply to SLE: SLE Application

Early applications are strongly encouraged.

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.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of healthy relationships for teens. Healthy relationships help build confidence, communication skills, and emotional well-being.

Tips for Parents:

• Start with open, judgment‑free conversations- Create space for regular, low‑pressure talks about friendships, relationships, and boundaries.

• Teach what healthy and unhealthy behaviors look like-
• Healthy: respect, trust, privacy, mutual decision‑making.
• Unhealthy: jealousy framed as “love,” constant check‑ins, isolating from friends, pressure, insults, or controlling behavior.
• Address digital dynamics- Talk about privacy, consent, and digital boundaries.

• Keep the door open for help- Make sure your teen knows they can come to you even if they have broken rules or made choices they regret.

• Build a support network- Teens often confide in others before parents, and that is okay. The goal is that they have safe people around them.

• Know when to seek professional help- If you are worried about your teen’s safety or emotional wellbeing, reaching out to a counselor, school support staff, or a local resource can provide guidance. You are not expected to handle everything alone.

• Model healthy relationships- Show respect in your own relationships and demonstrate conflict resolution that does not involve yelling, threats, or withdrawal.

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.

Erie Community Foundation scholarship applications are now open! Applying is easier than ever! For more info and to get started, remind your child to check out all the details here. For questions or help with these and other scholarships, please encourage your child to see Mrs. Gilroy.

In May 1977, Jim Conner, a McDowell High School sophomore, died at the age of 15 as the result of a motorcycle accident. Within one month of his son’s tragic death, Jim’s father, William, founded the Jim Conner Memorial Foundation and gave a McDowell senior a $2,000 scholarship. Since then, Mr. Conner has privately funded the scholarships and has awarded over $1.5 million dollars to McDowell students! Encourage your college bound senior to apply for the $10,000 scholarship here.

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

Spring sports registration is open until Monday, Feb. 23! Sign up online for baseball, softball, track and field, girls’ and boys’ lacrosse, girls’ flag football, boys’ tennis, boys’ volleyball, and unified track and field.

Congratulations to boys’ varsity basketball head coach Kevin O’Connor for setting a new program record with 233 wins (and counting!) as the Trojans’ head coach. McDowell defeated Girard 69-48 on Friday, Feb. 6 for his 233rd win—an outstanding accomplishment!

District playoff season is underway for our winter sports teams:

• Boys’ Individual Wrestling – Saturday, Feb. 14 at Meadville
• Girls’ Individual Wrestling – Saturday, Feb. 14 at Meadville
• Boys’ Basketball – D10 Final vs. Erie, Thursday, Feb. 19
• Girls’ Basketball – D10 Final vs. Warren, Wednesday, Feb. 18
• Boys’ & Girls’ Diving – D10 Meet at McDowell, Friday & Saturday, Feb. 13 & 14
• Boys’ & Girls’ Swimming – D10 Meet at Spire Institute, Friday, Feb. 27

Visit McDowellAthletics.com for the latest schedules, news, and updates from your favorite Trojans teams. The site also includes links to GoFan tickets, free Hudl livestreams, social media accounts, and more. Bookmark it today to stay connected!

~Kevin Stoicovy, McDowell Athletics

This year, join us in sending flowers to our teachers and staff members while supporting a great cause! For a $15 donation, you can send a beautiful bunch of fresh-cut daffodils or tulips to the staff member of your choice.

All proceeds support the American Cancer Society and their mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

• Order Deadline: February 17, 2026
• Delivery: Week of March 23, 2026
• Order Here: https://tinyurl.com/TFT26MTSD

See the attached flyer for more details and a QR code for quick ordering. It is a simple way to show appreciation for your McDowell staff while making a meaningful impact!

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.

February 23rd ~ Parent Conference Day / No School