Parents’ Association Survival Guide

Transitioning to a new school is hard enough, let alone figuring out how to adjust to new schedules, people, and traditions. Below are FAQs for McQuaid Jesuit. This list can also be found on the Parents’ Association section of the website.

Plenty of helpful information ranging from schedules of annual school events to volunteer opportunities at all levels, from organizing to baking.

  • Academics
  • Attendance
    • High School: Carolyn Hanna, Administrative Assistant for the Dean of Students, 585-256-6114; channa@mcquaid.org
    • Middle School: Mary Wagner, Administrative Assistant for the Middle School, 585-256-6177; mwagner@mcquaid.org
  • Athletics
  • BASH
    • Heather Whiting, Director of Special Events and Parent Relations, 585-256-6151; hwhiting@mcquaid.org
  • Bus Transportation
    • Carolyn Hanna, Administrative Assistant for the Dean of Students, 585-256-6114; channa@mcquaid.org
  • Campus Ministry and Service Hours
  • Financial aid
  • GOLD Card
  • Parents’ Association
  • Schoology
  • Son’s schedule

AMDG: ad maiorem Dei gloriam – for the Greater Glory of God, the Jesuit motto

BASH: Building A Scholastic Heritage. The annual school fundraiser which raises money to for financial aid, and to offset McQuaid’s annual operating budget. More than 300 student, parent, and faculty/staff volunteers, along with parent co-chairs make this event possible.

Blue sheets: A notice from the Middle School office documenting a missing homework assignment. When a student receives three blue sheets, the parents/guardians are then notified.

The Dungeon: The area in the stadium bleachers where the Simba Society is located.

Flex: Free period every day. Students use this time to study, meet with teachers for extra help, take a make-up exam, etc.

JUG: “Justice Under God.” This is the McQuaid version of detention. Its real meaning in Latin is “jugem,” meaning burden.

Mothers for Others: McQuaid moms who take part in various community service projects throughout the year. Look at the Service Committee on the PA website for more information.

Simba Cheer: A long standing tradition at McQuaid Jesuit. This cheer is performed at pep rallies, games, assemblies, etc. Fun to watch; just don’t stand too close.

Simba Society: McQuaid Jesuit Cheering Squad. They also plan pep rallies and student tailgates.

Z day: The Friday before Memorial Day weekend. There are activities such as the Faculty vs. Senior basketball/hockey competitions, field day games, and a picnic. Early dismissal.

McQuaid Jesuit Student Dress Code

Philosophy

All clothing must be clean, well kept, properly fitted and properly worn. Technical fulfillment of the dress code with a sloppy appearance is unacceptable. Determination of “sloppy” appearance is reserved to the dean. Students out of the building during the school day will maintain dress code for any school-affiliated event, unless given permission for alternate dress by the dean or teacher supervising the activity.

Shirts

Shirts should be collared, buttoned, sleeved (short or long). Small logos no larger than the size of a fist are acceptable. The shirts should be fully tucked in at the waist, and all but the top button should be fastened.

Pants

Plain colored dress pants, casual wear pants (e.g., Dockers). Pants should be accompanied by a dress-style belt or suspenders.

Shoes

Traditional dress shoes, or medium-dress shoes such as Bass, Dexter, Rockport, etc. (Note: Not all styles of these brands are acceptable. Students should check with the Dean of Students or Dean of the Middle School as appropriate.) Sneakers are not to worn outside of PE class.

Hairstyles

Hairstyles should be well groomed and evenly trimmed. Determination of appropriate hair length and style is reserved to the dean; in general, hair should not extend beyond the collar.  All students are to be clean-shaven each day they attend school. Students who do not comply with direction from the dean concerning hair length, style, and facial hair are subject to suspension from school until they comply with acceptable standards. They will also receive five days of JUG.

Extreme fashions in clothing or hairstyles are unacceptable. The dean will determine what constitutes “extreme.” If there are questions concerning the dress code or appropriateness of a hairstyle, students should consult the dean before acting.

Hats

Hats are not to be worn in the building. Students who do not adhere to this rule may receive JUG and have their hats confiscated and held by the dean. In addition, students are not to wear or to carry their outerwear coats in the building during the course of the normal school day.

Jewelry

Earrings of any kind are not to be worn at any time during a school day or any time when a student is representing McQuaid Jesuit in an official or approved activity. Students who arrive at school with earrings that cannot easily be removed are subject to suspension from school until they comply with acceptable standards. They will also receive five days of Jug.

Pocket chains, fabric key holders, and wallet chains are inappropriate dress wear and are not to be worn.

Students with dress code violations or a sloppy appearance are subject to JUG. Students who are given JUG should report to the dean’s office immediately to obtain a dress code pass.  Serious and/or repeated violations of the dress code will result in a parent-administrator conference and possible probation for the student.

If a student has a tattoo, it must be fully covered during the school day and during any time the student is representing the school in either an official or unofficial capacity. A student with a tattoo visible during any of the above mentioned times may be sent home and subject to suspension and further disciplinary consequences.

Middle school students are required to have five hours/year. High school students are required to have at least 100 hours of service upon graduation. Freshmen have ten hours/year satisfying the theme of “Care of God’s Creation. Sophomores have 20 hours/year satisfying the theme of “The life and dignity of the Human Person. Juniors have 20 hours/year satisfying the theme of  “Option for the Poor. All seniors are required to complete an individual “Capstone Project” that must be at least 25 hours of service in total with a focus on serving the marginalized or under served populations. See the Mission & Ministry webpage for more information and opportunities.

Middle school retreats are in the fall during one school day. Ninth graders are required to participate in a one day class retreat; 10th graders may participate in a three day, two night Emmaus Retreat and 11th graders may participate in a four day, three night Kairos Retreat. See the Mission & Ministry page for more information and dates.

Students who are not Catholic are still required to attend the school’s Masses and prayer services. They are encouraged to participate as much as they are comfortable (i.e. praying, singing, etc).

Funds may be deposited in person (cash or debit/card) at the Gold Card kiosk outside the cafeteria entrance. The Gold Card may be used to purchase meals in the cafeteria, snacks in the vending machine, and merchandise and books at the bookstore.

  • Pickup for buses/cars – where and when – there is a directory in the Middle School Office.  The Dean of Students’ office in the high school will also have this information.
  • When should I call the public school bus garage to see if they will be running?
    • If a public school is closed, the buses will NOT provide transportation to McQuaid. Also if McQuaid has a half day, your district may not provide service until 3 p.m. You should always contact your local transportation department for specific dates and details.