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WELCOME NEW FAMILIES
McDonogh welcomes new parents who may be receiving this newsletter for the first time. You will receive this email newsletter every other Tuesday throughout the school year. It is the school's primary vehicle for delivering important, up-to-date information to you. |
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
Special Dress, May 23; No School, May 27
The McDonogh community will gather around Memorial Court to observe Memorial Day with a special service on Thursday, May 23 at 9 a.m. All students are required to wear special dress for this occasion. There will be no classes on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day. |
CMP UPDATE: MAKING PROGRESS
 As you can see in the above photo, the exterior stone wall of The Naylor STEM Building is almost complete. The building remains on schedule to open with the start of school in August. The St. John Student Center is also proceeding as planned. Interior walls and ceilings are being framed. At this time, the building is expected to open in February 2014. For the next twelve weeks, construction crews will be connecting the mechanical systems of the Louis E. Lamborn Alumni Memorial Field House to the new central power plant. The work will mostly impact the basement of the Field House and not the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Athletic Center. Remember that you can view real-time images of construction on campus anytime by visiting www.mcdonogh.org/cmp/cams/. |
UPCOMING ARTS EVENTS
The following programs will be taking place on campus in the coming weeks. All are welcome. SongFest: Concert Choir Benefit Tour Concert
Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m., Horn Theatre Eighth Grade Coffee House Friday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m., Osborne Black Box Theatre Middle School Evening of Dance Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m., Horn Theatre The Stewart Senior Honors Recital Friday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m., Horn Theatre The Shakespeare Institute: The Merchant of Venice Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Horn Theatre |
CARDBOARD BOAT RACE
 The Annual Cardboard Boat Race on McDonogh's duck pond is Friday, May 24. The "Parade of Boats" from the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Athletic Center to the pond will start at 2:30 p.m. and the race will begin at 3:00 p.m. |
PICNIC BLANKET BINGO AT ROOTS
Save the Date: Tuesday, May 28
McDonogh families are invited to the Roots Farm for an afternoon of fun, food, and games on Tuesday, May 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (rain date is Wednesday, May 29). In addition to Bingo and prizes, there will be lemon sticks, hot dogs, cookies, and punch made with herbs from the farm. Don't forget to bring a blanket! Roots is located behind the tennis courts. Please RSVP by emailing Courtney Gonzalez at courtgonz@comcast.net by Friday, May 24. This event is being coordinated by the Roots Senior Project Team. |
BUS SCHEDULE FOR MAY 31
Friday, May 31, is the last day of Middle School classes (dismissal at 11:45 a.m.), the final morning of Upper School exams, and the Lower School Closing Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Morning bus service will run as usual on this day; afternoon buses will depart at 12:00 p.m. |
STEWART SENIOR HONORS RECITAL
The Stewart Senior Honors Recital, set for Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre, will showcase the talents of three members of the Class of 2013: Tommy Chabbott, Dana Dreyfuss, and Megan Margraff. The Stewart Recital was established in 1993 by Drs. James and Brenda Stewart and their daughter, Caroline Stewart Oberle '93, in recognition of McDonogh's outstanding dance, theatre, and music programs. All are welcome. |
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
McDonogh's Institute for Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies and the McDonogh Theatre Lab will perform William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Osborne Black Box Theatre. Arguably one of the most controversial plays ever written, Merchant of Venice continues to raise penetrating questions about racism, religion, and justice. The show, featuring thirteen students, is the culmination of two years of study and rehearsal. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door. Seating is limited. For more information, please contact Kevin Costa at 410-581-4796 or kcosta@mcdonogh.org. |
PRESERVE END-OF-YEAR MEMORIES
Order Closing Ceremony and Graduation DVDs
Larmar Video will be taping this year's Upper School Commencement and Lower School and Eighth Grade Closing Ceremonies. If you are interested in purchasing a DVD, complete the appropriate order form below and send it to Larmar.
Lower School Closing Ceremony Order Form
Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony Order Form
Upper School Commencement Order Form
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE MPA
Thank you to everyone who supported the MPA this year. Whether it was by donating your family fee, contributing a baked good, volunteering on a committee, or even attending an MPA meeting, all of these efforts help our students and school and are part of what makes the McDonogh family so great! We hope that you will stay involved next year by completing the online volunteer form. Your preferences from last year have been removed to allow you to enter new options for the 2013-2014 school year. Once you complete the form, your settings will remain throughout the upcoming school year and may be changed at any time. We hope you have a wonderful summer and look forward to working with you again soon! |
JOIN MCDONOGH ON FACEBOOK
 Become a friend of McDonogh's Facebook page and stay up-to-date with photos and highlights from recent activities and reminders about upcoming events. Learn more by becoming a friend! |
YOUTH FIELD HOCKEY REGISTRATION
If your daughter is interested in playing youth field hockey at McDonogh next fall, please complete the registration form by Saturday, June 15. There are teams for girls in first through eighth grades. No experience is required.
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SEE IT ON THE WEB
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LOWER SCHOOL
Math Carnival The fifth annual Lower School Math Carnival will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, May 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Kelly Center. A volunteer schedule was sent home to all parents who offered to work at game and snack booths. Students may wear tops bearing numbers, patterns, or geometric shapes. Dress code bottoms and shoes are still required. If you have any questions, contact Dori Kovens at dori@kokos.com.
Blazers Needed for Upcoming Events
Third Grade Trip: Monday, May 20 Third and Fourth Grade Chapel: Tuesday, May 21 Memorial Day Service, Thursday: May 23
Move-Up Day
Move-Up Day is Friday, May 24. Students in kindergarten through third grade will "move up" to the next grade for a visit with teachers and a look at next year's classrooms. Even though students do not have 2013-2014 class assignments yet, it is a fun opportunity to meet teachers face-to-face and consider the exciting possibilities for the coming year!
Kindergarten Donuts for Dads This special morning event takes place on Friday, May 24.
Mrs. Hood's class (8:45 a.m.); Mrs. Richter's class (9:00 a.m.); Mrs. Schmidt's class (9:15 a.m.)
AfterCare Reminder The last day for AfterCare is Friday, May 24.
Artwork Pick-Up Please plan to stop by the Lower School this week to pick up your child's art portfolio and artwork from the Imagination Celebration. The portfolio can be found in your child's homeroom. Unclaimed artwork will be sent home in backpacks the week of May 20, but be aware that this method of delivery can be risky for fragile pieces!
Second Grade Class Plays Nancy Lewis Class Performances in the Kelly Center on Thursday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. (Dinner Theatre).
Sharon Howell and Bridget Karwacki Class Performances in the Kelly Center at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday, May 21, 22, and 23. There will be an additional performance at 2:00 p.m. on May 22. Free Dress for Box Tops Success Lower schoolers will be rewarded with a free dress day on Wednesday, May 22, for bringing in 8,000 Box Tops for Education! The money received will benefit the Lower School.
Play Day, May 28 Play Day, one of the favorite days of the year, is Tuesday, May 28. This morning of games and relays takes place in John McDonogh Stadium, or in the R-L Center if it rains. Each homeroom has been assigned one of four team colors to wear (orange, black, white, or grey). Children should wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat. There will be a special assembly in the afternoon which will include third grade videos. Last Day of Classes The last full day of classes for Lower School students will be Thursday, May 30. There will be a rehearsal for Closing Ceremony before dismissal.
Fourth Grade Breakfast, May 31 Prior to the Closing Ceremony on Friday, May 31, fourth graders are invited to a special breakfast in the Brass Eagle at 8:45 a.m. They will receive their Lower School pins at this time. Closing Ceremony Details You are cordially invited to join the faculty and students of the Lower School for the Closing Ceremony on Friday, May 31 at 10 a.m. on Childs Memorial Terrace. The ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of every student in kindergarten through fourth grade. Students should wear special dress for this occasion. Fourth graders will be presented with certificates honoring their completion of Lower School, and a reception for fourth graders and their families will follow the ceremony at the John McDonogh Monument. Please enter campus on Lamborn Road (formerly Woods Road). Parking attendants will be directing traffic. Please let them know if you need a handicapped spot. Golf carts will also be on hand to transport guests to Childs Memorial Terrace if necessary. In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place in the R-L Center. The school year ends at the close of the ceremony at approximately 11:00 a.m. Morning bus service will run as usual on this day; afternoon buses will leave at 12:00 p.m. for Lower School and Middle School students who do not leave with their parents after the ceremony. Happenings in the Lower School
Check the Lower School Homepage under "Parents and Students" at mcdonogh.org regularly for the latest community news, photos, and information on upcoming events. |
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Oratory Finals
The finals of the seventh and eighth grade oratory competition will take place on Friday, May 17 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre.
Talent Show
The eighth grade Leadership Group will sponsor the annual Middle School Talent Show on Friday, May 17 at 1:35 p.m. Students in fifth through eighth grades will enjoy 18 diverse acts.
Coffee House: Hamlet and a Cabaret
The eighth grade OnStage Class will perform a 30-minute version of Hamlet, followed by a Broadway Cabaret in the Black Box Theatre, May 17 at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Suzanne Eldridge at seldridge@mcdonogh.org.
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
On Friday, May 17, the MPA will host the Middle School teachers for an end-of-year luncheon. If you would like to donate food or drinks or volunteer for the event, please complete the luncheon volunteer form. If you have any questions, please contact Dana Blair at dana.blair@cristal.com.
Faculty Free Friday Volunteers Needed This Week
The MPA is looking for parents to chaperone the students during the teacher appreciation lunch this Friday, May 17. While the teachers are enjoying their end-of-year luncheon, the students will picnic behind the Middle School. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Randi Hyatt at rhyatt@kollmanlaw.com.
Middle School Evening of Dance
Come see our talented Middle School dancers on Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre. All are welcome.
Special Dress on May 24
Middle School students must wear special dress on Friday, May 24, for the Spring Recognition Assembly that will take place at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre.
Upcoming Field Trips
Fifth Grade Trip to Cascade Lake: May 28
Sixth Grade Trip to Padonia Park Club: May 28
Seventh Grade Overnight to Gettysburg: May 30
Eighth Grade Trip to Hershey Park: May 30
Last Day of School Schedule
Middle School students will be dismissed for summer vacation at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, May 31, so that parents attending the Lower School Closing Ceremony can also take Middle School siblings at the conclusion of the program. If you will not be on campus to pick up your child, buses will depart from school at 12:00 p.m. Bus service will operate normally in the morning. Lunch will not be served, but a mid-morning snack will be provided.
Closing Ceremony
The Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony will take place on Monday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. on Childs Memorial Terrace.
Gently Used Uniform Sale
The Middle School will hold a gently used uniform sale in August. Dates and time will be emailed prior to the event. Please consider donating items that your child has outgrown (blazers, polos, oxford shirts, pants, skirts, belts, McD ties and fleeces, gym clothes, sweats, etc.) Donations are accepted year-round in the Middle School Office.
Happenings in the Middle School
Check the Middle School Homepage under "Parents and Students" at www.mcdonogh.org for the latest community news, photos, and information on upcoming events. In addition, you can always access the current issue and back issues of Parent News under "My Message Center" on your personal page.
MPA Meeting The May Middle School MPA meeting has been cancelled. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and talents throughout the year. If you would like to be a part of the MPA, please complete your online volunteer form. |
UPPER SCHOOL
Last Day for Late Buses
Thursday, May 16 is the last day that late buses will operate this school year.
Junior College Check-In
The Junior College Check-In is Monday, May 20 at 7 p.m. All members of the junior class and at least one parent are expected to attend.
Special Schedule for Friday, May 24
Upper School students will follow a special schedule and are permitted to wear casual dress for Cardboard Boat Race day. All students are invited to attend the regatta on McDonogh's duck pond. The "Parade of Boats" will begin at 2:30 p.m. near the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Athletic Center. The race will start at 3:00 p.m.
Yearbook Ads
Parents who ordered a senior ad and have not yet received a proof will receive one by the end of May. Please contact Beth Rheingold at brheingold@mcdonogh.org if you have any questions.
Summer School Texts and Summer Reading
On Tuesday, May 21, the Follett Virtual Bookstore will open for families to purchase texts for summer courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Latin) and summer reading. This new Follett Bookstore replaces last year's MBS Bookstore. Families may purchase materials from Follett or through other vendors (e.g. Amazon, Half.com, etc.) of their choice using ISBN numbers from the Follett Bookstore to ensure the purchase of correct materials. See the Bookstore Flyer for details. If you have any questions, contact Jersey Frederick at Jfrederick@mcdonogh.org.
Summer Reading Lists
English Department Head Cynthia Cox will be sending an email with the complete summer reading list by the end of May. This year for the first time the required summer reading books will be listed on McDonogh's online bookstore, Follett. The list will also be accessible on the school's website.
Textbook Buyback Dates
Representatives from Follett will be available to buy back textbooks on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Kiplinger Library. Students will receive a check for their books. If you have any question, contact Jersey Frederick at jfrederick@mcdonogh.org.
Spring Exams
Students received a complete schedule via email.
Tuesday, May 28
All Math: 8:45 a.m.
All English: 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 29
All History: 8:45 a.m.
Thursday, May 30
All Science: 8:45 a.m.
Friday, May 31
All Language: 8:45 a.m.
Athletic Awards Night
All Upper School families are invited to the Athletic Awards Night on Monday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre.
Important Dates for Seniors
Commencement Rehearsal and Picnic Lunch
Monday, June 3, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Childs Memorial Terrace
Prom
Tuesday, June 4, 8:00 p.m to 12:00 a.m., M&T Bank Stadium, followed by the after-prom party at Dave and Buster's at Arundel Mills Mall.
Baccalaureate Service
Friday, June 7 at 9:15 a.m., Ceres M. Horn Theatre (Seniors must report to Tagart Chapel by 8:45 a.m.)
Commencement
Friday, June 7, 10:00 a.m., Childs Memorial Terrace
Commencement Announcement for Underclassmen
Juniors, while not required to attend commencement, are strongly encouraged to be there on the morning of Friday, June 7. It is a lovely tradition for juniors to celebrate with the senior class, and it is an opportunity for them to anticipate their own graduation a year from now. We ask the junior class to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Kings Dominion Trip for Freshmen and Sophomores
The end-of-year class trip to Kings Dominion for ninth and tenth graders is Wednesday, June 5. The cost is $60. Students must return the permission slip to Mr. Gardner by Wednesday, May 22.
After-Prom News
Along with donations from families and friends, the MPA After-Prom Committee is still working to create a safe and fun evening for students after the prom. Contributions are still being accepted. If you would like to donate prizes, please contact Nancy Ebel at nsebel61@gmail.com. If you have questions about the event or would like to volunteer, please contact After Prom Chair Jeanette Rockefeller at jandprock@aol.com.
Spring Break Italia Trip
Plans are underway for a spring break 2014 trip to Italy. For more information, view the trip flyer and application.
MPA Meeting Cancelled
The May Upper School MPA meeting has been cancelled. Thank you to everyone who volunteered throughout the year! We are looking for volunteers for the 2013-14 school year. If you would like to be a part of the MPA, please complete your online volunteer form.
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