While McDonogh remains committed to celebrating together when the time is right, the school wanted to make what would have been the Class of 2020's graduation day a special event. Throughout the day, seniors came to McDonogh to pick up their diplomas. Cheered on by their teachers from a responsible distance, students received flowers and ties, heard their names called before crossing Childs Memorial Terrace, and had professional pictures taken with their families. Congratulations Class of 2020!

It is always impressive when students find creative ways to express their mastery of a subject. In Cindy Tindall's Precalc class students were tasked with creating an ABCs of Precalc book for their final project. Jack Zeiler '21 and Sarah Talbert '21 turned the book into this fun music video. Enjoy! #joyinlearning #LifeReady

A review of events in the Lower School this past year 2019-2020.
Photos and Videos by:
Dave Radford         Cindy Green
Meredith Bower     Nina Sinnott
Heather McPeters   Leslie Finkelstein

Third grade students photographed nature at McDonogh School using photographic guidelines and editing techniques learned in Media Class with instructor Cindy Green. Effects were added to create the video, Studying Nature at McDonogh School.
Third Grade Media Class

LifeReady learning is still happening at McDonogh and it is because of the efforts of McDonogh's amazing faculty.

April’s theme in the Learning for Living program continues with the topic Understanding Global Citizenship. Part two of the theme of Understanding Global Citizenship focuses on the many ways we can become great global citizens.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

Enjoy the Gentleman Songsters performing "Silhouettes."

Enjoy this beautiful rendition of the “The Dedication Hymn” created virtually by students, faculty and staff, and alumni from all over the country. Many thanks to Suzi Eldridge and Philip Olsen for leading this inspiring project and to Ryan Sevel '14 for compiling and editing the footage.

March’s theme in the Learning for Living program was Understanding Global Citizenship with a goal to expose lower school students to the world’s different cultures and raise their global awareness making them more empathetic to people from all walks of life. Part One of this unit focuses on common definitions, the role of citizens, and what global citizenship means to all of us. Part Two will be uploaded in April.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

Howdy Farm Friends! Check out this virtual tour and see what's happening on Roots Farm!

Welcome to the start of McDonogh virtual school.

Head of School Dave Farace with a welcome back message before the start of virtual school.

PK performers put on a vibrant production of "Many Colored Days" in the Klein Lyceum on Thursday, March 12. Based on the children's book "My Many Colored Days," the show weaved through the different emotions that can be felt on any given day, pairing them with evocative colors. Dressed as brightly colored animals, the students sang adaptations of popular songs like "Bluebird," "Purple Rain," "Paint It Black," and other color-related music.

Eighteen members of McDonogh’s Concert Choir participated in a master class with Robert Cantrell, one of the most sought after bass-baritones in the Baltimore-Washington area, as part of McDonogh’s Eighth Annual Vocal Residency. Students worked one-on-one with the visiting artist over two days and then joined him on stage for a concert on Sunday, March 8 in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre. In addition to solos by master class participants accompanied by Jacob Rose ‘20, Cantrell performed two individua

Students and faculty, from all three divisions, and their families gathered in Paterakis Hall on Friday, March 6, to celebrate McDonogh’s Multicultural Night. Guests enjoyed a variety of foods from all over the world, as well as traditional songs, dances, and performances that have shaped the lives of the McDonogh community.

Through dance, song, and fun-filled adventures that they scripted with the help of the eighth grade leadership team, the fourth grade brought the poetry of Nikki Giovanni to life on Thursday, March 5. Performing before a packed audience in the Klein Lyceum, the students drew inspiration from Giovanni's Allowables, Thirst, The Spider Waltz, and The Significance of Poetry. The annual collaboration between the eighth and fourth graders is a great way for our middle and lower schoolers to come toge

McDonogh Middle School's Rock Shop rock stars performed at the 15th annual Well Well Well Concert to benefit the Ugandan Water Project and the Living Classrooms: Ascend Through Music program.

February’s theme for McDonogh's Learning for Living program was Resolving Conflict with a goal to help students learn problem-solving skills, nurture kindness and consideration of others, and promote cooperation. A puppet show presented by the Director of Character and Service, Bridget Collins, and Lower School Performing Arts Teacher, Beth Rausch, highlights the steps involved in resolving a conflict.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

Third Grade students highlighted major milestones in the Civil Rights Movement through choral readings and protest songs for family, friends, faculty and students on Thursday, February 27 in the Klein Lyceum.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

Don't miss the Well Well Well Concert this Friday, February 28 from 7 - 10 P.M. in the Esther Ann Hall. Support our Middle School performers while also supporting great causes.

The McDonogh Singers recently performed a set that told the story of Dorthy's adventures in the Emerald City through songs from "The Wizard of Oz," "The Wiz," and "Wicked."

The Upper School Dance Concert "McDonogh Dances" featured 73 dancers performing in a variety of disciplines including Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Chinese, and Modern. Along with five adult and three alumni choreographers, eight students choreographed pieces for the show which took place on Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9.

January’s theme in the Lower School's Learning for Living program was "Advocating for Self and Others." Students learned that being your own advocate means that you ask for what you need while respecting the needs of others.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.
"Believe in Yourself" Chapel performance filmed by Ashleigh Cicconi

The McDonogh String Ensembles, under the direction of Catherine Frey, performed in their annual winter concert in the Tagart Memorial Chapel on January 14, 2020. There were wonderful performances by the Upper School String Ensemble and Middle School String Ensembles.
Video coverage by Elizabeth Irvine.

See the moment that 44 McDonogh students officially became "Freezin' Eagles" by taking the Polar Bear Plunge to support the Special Olympics.

The Lower School's “Celebrate Peace and Love” performance on Friday, December 20 for prekindergarten, kindergarten, prefirst, and first grades was a celebration of the magic of the season with songs, movement, storytelling and instrumental music. The performances were directed by Lower School Performing Arts teachers Beth Rausch and Ashleigh Cicconi.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

The Lower School’s “Celebrate Peace and Love” performance on Friday, December 20 for second, third, and fourth grades was a celebration of the magic of the season with songs, movement, storytelling and instrumental music. The performances were directed by Lower School Performing Arts teachers Beth Rausch and Ashleigh Cicconi.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

Guest speaker Alyson Schafer discusses bullying.

The McDonogh Upper School Choral Ensembles, under the direction of Philip Olsen, Head of Choral Music, performed in their annual winter concert in the Tagart Memorial Chapel on December 15. The audience was treated to outstanding performances by The Concert Choir, The Foxleigh Hill Singers, The Women of Note and The Gentleman Songsters.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

Enjoy the sights and sounds from the 2019 McDonogh Holiday Assembly.

The McDonogh Middle School Concert Bands, under the direction of Elizabeth Irvine, performed their winter concert in the Horn Theatre on Tuesday December 12, 2019. They performed a rousing selection of music from theme songs like Jurassic Park and The Greatest Show, to holiday tunes like Dreidel Adventure and You're a Mean One Mister Grinch.
Video coverage by Don New.

The McDonogh Upper School Jazz Band and Concert Band treated their audience to a spectacular winter concert in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre on December 10. Both bands are under the direction of Don New, Director of Upper School Instrumental Music.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

In late November, McDonogh's Middle School students took to the stage to compete for the coveted "McDonogh Idol" title. This biannual fundraiser for the McDonogh's Singers, directed by Suzi Eldridge, was a fantastic night of great music, amazing performances, and sharing in the joy of music.

McDonogh's Lower School was happy to welcome grandparents and grandfriends on Tuesday, November 26 for Grandparents Day. Enjoy the sights and sounds from this wonderful event.

With Thanksgiving only days away, Head of School Dave Farace '87 wanted to put Henry's mind at ease.

McDonogh’s Learning for Living program emphasizes themes that are rooted in giving students the social and emotional skills to do the greatest amount of good. November’s theme was “Expressing Gratitude,” with a goal to help students learn about ways to express thankfulness and appreciation.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

At the annual Lower School Hope and Courage Chapel, held Friday, November 9, third grade students reflected on hope and courage and presented hand-tied blankets to the Red Devils, an organization that provides support to breast cancer patients.

Listen to guest speaker Mike Gimbel's talk titled "Street Drug Update: From Vaping to Opiates."

Catch the sights and sounds from Spirit Day 2019!

On Thursday, October 31, Lower School students donned creative costumes and celebrated Halloween with an annual Lower School Halloween Assembly that featured characters from The Wizard of Oz. Following the assembly the students joyfully paraded around the campus green.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

McDonogh’s Learning for Living program emphasizes themes that are rooted in giving students the social and emotional skills to do the greatest amount of good. October’s theme was “Embracing Diversity,” with a goal to help students identify and take pride in their individuality within the community.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

Hey Alumni! Now is your chance to help us BEAT GILMAN! Give to the Game On Alumni Giving Challenge before Sunday, November 3rd. The school with the best alumni participation wins! Visit www.mcdonogh.org/gameon to make your gift or pledge.

There are at least 75 reasons to give during the 75 by 75 Parent Challenge. Here are just a few! Make your gift or pledge to the McDonogh Fund today online or via venmo. Each gift or pledge up to $75,000 will be matched by four generous families, making this a great time to give. Thanks for your support!

The third grade conducted their annual shoeshine event on October 2 and 3.

Students in the Lower School practice mindfulness, September's theme in the Learning for Living program. This video illustrates ways students can be mindful and highlights mindfulness activities in the classroom.

For the second straight year Ashton Hung '20 and Jacob Rose '20 delighted the Upper School with a dueling piano routine. During an assembly on Monday, September 23, the pair of talented musicians performed a comedic run through a series of classic and contemporary hits.

Mrs. Cicconi's class, comprised of Mrs. Bitz's second grade and Mrs. Stanziale's first grade classes, sing "The Dot Song" as a part of the Lower's School celebration of International Dot Day.

Ever wonder what it is like to go down the slide at Aquapalooza? Watch the sights and sounds and find out!

Lower School students express their hopes and dreams for the new school year.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.

School can be all fun and games, especially when it promotes teamwork and community. On Friday, August 30 the seventh grade celebrated their annual Advisory Bonding Day during which they got to know each other better and learned to work as a team. Throughout the day, they transversed obstacles on the ropes course, designed and built contraptions meant to survive an egg drop, picked and sorted potatoes at Roots Farm, played games centered around the ideas of diversity and inclusion, and took a ni

Students and faculty gathered on Childs Memorial Terrace for Convocation on Wednesday, August 28. During the opening procession, prefirst and first grade students were escorted down the hill by the senior class. Headmaster Dave Farace '87 broke with tradition at the conclusion of the ceremony, asking longtime faculty members Bob Mahon and Jon Aaron'72 to ring the school bell to begin the new school year.
Video coverage by Cindy Green.