7th Grade Timeline
New School Houses 1874
On August 28, 1873, the Hartford Courant Published an account of how two new school houses would be built in the Washington School District for the following year. One of these schools was the Wilson Street School
Evening School For Boys and Men Jan, 1886
A school established for boys and young men began evening classes in the Wilson Street School House in January of 1886. Classes were held on Monday and Thursday evenings.
"Rock" Residents Discuss Rapid Transit. They Want a Line Built on Zion Street
Citizens of the "Over the Rock" Neighborhood met at Wilson Street School in March of 1894 to debate putting a trolley car line on Zion Street. Although the final decision was not made at the school house meeting, the tracks were laid down shortly after. Transportation by trolley was common in Hartford until the last trolley in the city was retired in 1941.
Washington School District Elections Held in 1895
A new Washington School District Committee was elected in June of 1895. This committee discussed needed improvements for the Wilson Street School House, one of which being the fixing of a leaky roof.
$5 Million Tax Created To Continue Funding Washington School District
A $5 million tax was established by the Washington School District Committee in June of 1886 to continue the funding of Washington School and the Wilson Street School. Wilson Street School had gained 40 students this year.
More Land For School
A vote was passed in July of 1900 by the Washington School District Committee to purchase Land on Laurel Street and Wilson Street to extend the Wilson Street School
The Beginning of the End of the Stone-Pits
Trinity College representatives met with Hartford city officials in February of 1902 to discuss the closing of the Rocky-Hill stone pits on Zion Street due to complaints from the explosions in the quarry. The quarry officially ceased operations in 1911. The stone-pits would be turned into two parks, Hyland Park and Rocky Ledge Park in April of 1911.
Wilson Street School's First Major Addition
A unanimous decision was made by the Washington School District Committee in July of 1902 to add a new brick addition to the Wilson Street School. The addition added two rooms, a hall, two toilets and a heater to the school. The calculated cost was $16,000. This would be among the first of many additions to the school.
Plans for the 1902 Addition
New Wilson Street School Addition Opens to Public
A concert was given by children of the Washington School District in May of 1903 to celebrate the new addition to the Wilson Street School. Wilson Street School was opened for public viewing on Friday, May 15th the same year following the new additions. People in attendance were reportedly very happy with the improvements made to the school. The program included, "songs of all lands, piano and violin solos and choruses by children from different grades."
An Official Celebration Following the Reopening of Wilson Street School after 1903 Renovations
High praise was given to Wilson Street School after its re-opening following new additions in December of 1903. The Hartford Courant reported that the Wilson Street School "is situated upon such high grounds that it affords the finest view of any school building in the city." Multiple guests spoke at the celebration, all of whom gave high praise to the physical quality of the school and the education that it gave the youths in the South end. Songs were sung and music was played by students.
Meeting at Wilson Street School To Discuss Opening Laurel Street Through Pope Park
A meeting was held at Wilson Street School on October 25, 1904 to discuss the possible expansion of Laurel Street (now Hillside Ave) through Pope Park
Rose Memorial Sunday School Celebrates First Anniversary at Wilson Street School
Rose Memorial Sunday School Celebrated its 1st Anniversary in July of 1907. Children celebrated with songs. Citizen and patron John Allen had Agreed to donate a neighboring plot of land to which a non-denominational chapel was planned to be built.
1,084 Books Circulated In the Wilson Street School Library within the year 1909.
Grand Army Men Give Comments at Hartford Schools
Patriotism was celebrated across different Hartford Schools in June of 1909. The celebration at Wilson Street School was given by Reverend E.C Fisher from the New Britain Avenue Mission. Remarks were made by Comrade Keep who shared his own personal memories of Abraham Lincoln. Children saluted the American flag and celebrated by singing patriotic songs, ending with "America"
Wilson Street School Enrollment 1909
250 Students reportedly enrolled in Wilson Street School 1909
Wilson Street School’s Baseball Team
The Wilson Street School made its first showing at the grammar school baseball league at Pope Park on April 14, 1910. They lost to Brown School with a score of 10-2
Wilson Street School Students Have Christmas Celebration
Wilson Street School Students Sang Songs and Performed of A Christmas Carol on December 23, 1910
The District is Growing Rapidly
In January of 1910, A Heated Debate Lead to the Development of a School Committee to Approve Plans for an 8 Room Addition to Wilson Street School. This Addition Was Created to Support Growing Class Sizes Due to Higher Levels of Student Enrollment in Hartford Schools
Wilson Street School Addition Plans Rejected
Plans created by Architect Whiton and McMahon for Building Additions to Wilson Street School Were Rejected by the Hartford School Building Committee in April of 1913 due to Disagreements of Cost. Revised plans were approved shortly after for the addition.
Wilson Street School Students Sell Artwork To Raise Money For Decorations in New Addition to School
Wilson Street School Students Raised Money to Decorate a New Addition of the School in May of 1914 by Selling Artwork that they Created. The Construction Was Scheduled to be Completed in the Fall of 1914.
Wilson Street School Children Sing Patriotic Song to Veterans
Wilson Street School Students Sang Patriotic Songs to Civil War Veterans in May of 1916. The Songs Were Joyful and Appreciated by all Listeners.
Wilson Street School Pupils Have Diphtheria
16 Students of Wilson Street School Were Infected With Diphtheria in the Fall of 1917. An Epidemic of Diphtheria Occurred in Connecticut and Other Parts of the US at this time. Many People, A lot of them Children Died Because of it. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes inflammation of the throat, nose, and larynx.
Unanimous Vote For Funding Expansion Of Wilson Street School. 4 New Classrooms & Assembly Hall
A vote to expand the Wilson Street School was passed in November of 1917. This Expansion was completed in 1918.
Rapid City Growth Pushes For Expansion of Multiple Schools
Quote From Superintendent Thomas S Weaver in May of 1919 explains, "New Buildings Will Take Care of the Expansion in These Districts, at least For a Few Years" The expansion of schools was viewed as a solution to the rising student population.
Industrialization Ignites a Housing Boom in the “Over the Rocks” Neighborhood
In 1920 a housing boom occurred on land between Zion Street and Hillside Avenue to accommodate workers in local factories. Ninety homes were built in a matter of seven months, some of which were of the Elizabethan style of architecture, some of which can still be seen.
Source: https://hartford.omaxfield.com/neighborhoods/rocks.html#
Parent Meeting at Wilson Street School
A parent meeting at Wilson Street School in November of 1920 included a student play about Connecticut hero Nathan Hale, student song and violin performances, and a Tuberculosis Lecture.
Planned School Addition To Give Symmetry
Another addition to Wilson Street School was planned in March of 1921. This addition added three more rooms to the school and added the second gable tower which is still utilized in 2024.
1923 Graduating Class of the Wilson Street School
A part of the 6th school district at the time, this graduating class of Wilson Street School had their ceremony on Tuesday, June 20th, 1923.
Wilson Street School Forfeit Game in Boy's Baseball Grammar School League in Protest
On May 18, 1925. the principal of Wilson Street School, Ms. Florence Bullock, led the school's baseball team off of the field mid-game in protest. The Wilson Street School boys baseball team was losing 2-0 to Washington Street School when Bullock, who was upset with the condition of the Umpire, marched off the field with the Wilson Street baseball team following behind.
Attendance Rising = Need For More Space
On January 24, 1927, a meeting was planned to discuss another possible addition to the Wilson Street School following increased enrollment of students. Student enrollment numbers went from 506 students in 1917 to 877 students in 1926. At this time, Wilson Street School had 20 classrooms, a clinic, and a sewing room, in comparison to the 12 classrooms it had in 1917.
Conversions to Wilson School Result in Eight Additional Classrooms
Plans to add additions to the Wilson Street and Washington Street Schools were approved with a vote by citizens of the district on January 24, 1927. $200,000 was to be spent on these additions to the schools. Wilson Street School would have its auditorium on its main floor converted into 4 classrooms, a gymnasium added to the basement, and 4 classrooms added on the second floor. The district followed through with these plans with goals of achieving smaller class sizes of 30 or less students.
Spartans Present Championship Cup to Wilson Street School
The spartan basketball team, city amateur champions, voted to present their championship trophy to the Wilson Street School in April of 1928. Most of the team had graduated from that school, so they felt it was right.
Wilson Street School Wins Grammar Pennant
Wilson Street Boy's Baseball team won the pennant in the grammar league on Thursday, May 22nd, 1930 , narrowly beating the "New park nine" 7 to 6 at Pope Park.
Crowded Schools Force Placement of Classes in Closets
On June 3rd, 1930, the Hartford Courant reported that the crowded conditions of Wilson Street School were so bad, that it required a class of 20 students to be held in a cloak closet with one small window, as well as the basement.
Forced Retirement of Miss Bullock, Veteran Wilson Street School
In June of 1930, it was reported in the Hartford Courant that Miss Florence Bullock, a veteran principal of Wilson Street School was being forced to retire at the age of 70 despite her wishes and the protests of many. It is recorded that Ms. Bullock was, "Beloved by every child in her care and respected by their parents for her patient, efficient, and admirable work in educating her charges." Many felt that her forced retirement was due to her ability to receive a pension if she continued work.
Parents Call For Return of Principal Bullock With a Petition
450 signatures were gathered in a petition in July of 1930 to protest the forced retirement of former Principal Florence Bullock from Wilson Street School. Parents claim in the petition that the the educational standing of the school increased, as well as the quality of teaching due to Bullock's work. The petition also requested a raise in salary for Ms. Bullock upon her return for, "long and splendid service." The petition was sent to the head of the school committee, Mr. Greene.
Wilson Street School Students Exposed to Student Sick With Infantile Paralysis Sickness
On October 10, 1930, a child known as "the Pillion boy" attended Wilson Street School with a sickness that was known to cause infantile paralysis. Several students were sent home out of caution, and the boy was sent to an isolation house to recover, but there was no recorded spread of the sickness.
Washington School District Expenses For School Additions
It was recorded in the Hartford Courant on June 4th, 1932 that $46,512.75 was spent on the 1927 and 1929 additions of the Wilson Street School
Additions to Wilson Street School and Development of Hillside School (Moylan)
This article from the Hartford Courant published on June 4th, 1932 discusses the 1927 additions to Wilson Street School and addresses the 1928 construction of the Hillside Avenue School which would be eventually run with the Wilson Street School as one institution.
Vote Passed to Consolidate Hartford Schools
in November of 1933, a vote was passed by Hartford citizens to consolidate all Hartford schools into operate in one district instead of having schools in the city operate independently. This decision ended the city's Washington School district, as well as the Wilson Street School's extended connection to the Washington Street School.
Principal Refuses Transfer to Wilson Street School
Principal Beatrice Silverman denied a transfer from Brackett Elementary School to the Wilson Street School in March of 1936. She had threatened to resign if she was forced to do so. Thomas J. McDonough, then principal of Wilson Street School and Hillside avenue school would have transferred completely to the Hillside School if this arrangement would have went through. The article also discusses the inquiry into the ethics of then Superintendent MD Fox.
Wilson Street Proposed Construction of Fireproof Stairwells
In September of 1937, $10,000 was appropriated to enclose the stairwells of the school in a manner that was fireproof.
Proposal Bids for Alterations to Wilson Street School Requested by the City of Hartford.
In September of 1937, the Board of Contract and Supply of the city of Hartford requested bids for, "the furnishing of materials for and the construction of alterations to the Wilson Street School on Hillside Ave."
Adult Education Classes Offered
A no charge adult education class was begun in June of 1939 at the Wilson Street School at no charge to attendees. This adult education class was centered on show card writing, sign painting, glass and gold leaf lettering, and window trimming. The class was led by Morris Feiman
Hillside-Wilson School PTA Meeting
The girl's glee club entertained at the Hillside-Wilson PTA on February 18, 1940 as "Founder's Day" was observed.
Wilson Street School Assigned as a Registration Spot for Males 21 + to Sign up for Military Service
The Wilson Street School served as a headquarters for local draft boards during the second world war. Beginning in June of 1941, men who had turned 21 by October 16, 1940 were required to sign up for the selective service draft to assist the war effort. After answering questions, these men had the potential to be drafted to fight in the war.
3 Named to Teaching Posts at Wilson Street School
3 New Teachers Assigned to Wilson Street School in July of 1942.
Ceremony Will Mark the Change of School Name
In the fall of 1947, a dedication was held to rename the former Hillside Avenue School for Cornelius A Moylan. The attached Hartford Courant article notes that Moylan School and Wilson Street School served as one Unit: The Moylan-Wilson Elementary school. In 1947, the first 6 grades were held in the Wilson Street school while Moylan had kindergarten, 7th, and 8th grades. This partnership between the two schools would continue up to the year 2000.
Girl, 8 Teaches Sister, 6, To Read Books
Eight year old Judith Sullivan was an avid reader in October of 1949. She taught her little sister, six year old Nancy to read. Nancy read 39 books that previous summer! Judith read 89! Both girls were students at the Wilson Street School.
Donald F Harris Hired as the first African American Teacher in Hartford’s South End
In 1952, Donald F Harris was hired by Thomas McDonough to teach at the Moylan portion of the Moylan-Wilson Elementary school. Harris was the first African American to be hired as a teacher in Hartford’s South End during a time when inequality made it hard for black people to obtain teaching positions. Harris would go on to work in Hartford for 33 more years, retiring as the principal of Bulkeley in 1985. Harris was also the first black member of the Bloomfield Board of Ed. In 1967.
3 Juveniles Nabbed in School Vandalism
On Wednesday, June 27th, 1956, kids who had broken into the Wilson Street School after hours were arrested after spraying hallways and floors using a fire extinguisher as well as breaking light bulbs.
Wilson Street School Considered for Demolition to Provide New Space for Hartford Public High School
In August of 1956, the Hartford Courant published an article that suggested that Wilson Street School was being considered for demolition to create space for a new Hartford Public High School. The relocation of the high school would have been to support a new interstate highway system.
Plans to Tear Down Wilson Street School to Relocate Hartford Public High School Placed at $7,650,000
Plans to tear down Wilson Street School, build a new Hartford Public High School, add additions to Moylan and Weaver Schools were appraised in August of 1956 to be $7,650,000. These plans were later abandoned by the city of Hartford.
Boys Who Hate Wilson Street School Confess Recent Acts of Vandalism
Boys who had vandalized the Wilson Street School in July of 1956 had struck again on December 3rd of the same year. The boys stole $40 worth of dairy products and threw them at the Wilson Street School in the evening. The boys were arrested and confessed to their crimes.
Girl Scouts Meeting
Dates published for regular meetings of local girl scout troops. The first Girl Scout troop meeting at the Wilson Street School took place in October 1st of 1958. Meetings were listed to also held at the school on the 3rd and the 8th of October also.
McDonough Resigns as Principal
Thomas McDonough retired at the end of the 1962-63 school year after serving in his position for 32 years. He began teaching in Hartford at the Washington Street School in 1920. He later became a Vice Principal of Wilson Street School before being appointed the Principal at Hillside School in 1931, which would later combine with the Wilson Street School as one institution in 1934. He served as an athletic coach at Wilson Street School, and Washington School.
School Board Votes to Rename Wilson Street School in Honor of Retiring Principal TJ McDonough
Wilson-Hillside School Parent Teacher Association voted in May of 1963 to rename the Wilson Street School in honor of retiring Principal Thomas McDonough. This name change officially went into effect in August of 1963.
Thomas McDonough Honored Before Retirement
In May of 1963, Thomas McDonough was honored by the McDonough-Moylan PTA. Letters from the White House, Governor's office, the Mayor's office, and from his daughter in Hawaii were read. Teachers, students, and community members showed their support for McDonough at this event.
School Dedication to Honor McDonough
On Monday, September 9th, 1963, The Moylan School gymnasium held a rededication ceremony for the Wilson Street School to be known from there forward as the McDonough School.
Wild Car Chase Cuts Through McDonough School Yard
In September of 1969, two youths in a stolen car were chased by police in the city. The chase ended with a shortcut through the McDonough School yard and the two suspects fleeing on foot. The two then jumped in the mucky South Park River to attempt to evade being captured. Their attempt was unsuccessful and the two were arrested shortly after being fished out of the mud by police.
Plans to Annex Moylan Building for Quirk Middle School
In this attached Hartford Courant Article from June of 1971, the Southwest Civic Association of Hartford announced its plan to utilize the Moylan School as an annex for Quirk School. The association at the time claimed that the McDonough and Moylan schools “comprise the only truly integrated school district in the city.” The goal of this plan was to further integrate diversity in all Hartford Schools. At the time, McDonough Moylan School was reported as being 50% white and 50% black. The annex plan did not pass.
McDonough School Hosts Bicentennial Event
On Saturday June 8th of 1976, McDonough School hosted a Bicentennial event to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the establishment of the United States. Student art work, displays, and skits were featured.
Rotary Club Sponsors McDonough School Field Trip to See Moscow Circus at Hartford Civic Center
In December of 1977, The South Windsor Rotary Club sponsored a class field trip for McDonough School’s first and second graders to see the Moscow Circus perform at the Hartford Civic Center. The South Windsor Rotary Club raised $183 for the outing and to supply snacks and trinkets to the children. Members of the rotary club often took time to volunteer at the school and tutor students.
Eight Hartford Youths to Attend Football Camp With NFL Player Joe Namath
In June of 1979, Eight McDonough Students were able to attend a football camp at Quinnipiac University for 2 weeks due to the efforts of their teacher, Ms. Baron, discounted tuition from the camp, and donations from the city of Hartford and the fire department. The camp offered training from quarterback Joe Namath.
Mother Nature’s Surprise
A surprise snowfall on Wednesday, October 10th, 1979 inspired students in Ms. Motola's second grade class to write a poem about the unusual weather for October. Students spent their class writing their poetry as they drew the snowfall they watched out the windows facing Hillside Avenue.
Teacher Saves Student from Choking
6th grade Teacher Joanne Johnson saved her student, Pedro Cruz from choking on candy on November 14, 1985.
McDonough School Celebrates Ethnic Diversity
In May of 1986, students at McDonough School celebrated the ethnic diversity in their school by having a parade of nations. Students wore costumes from different countries and carried the flags of the countries that they represented. Students marched from McDonough School to Moylan School.
Former Principal Thomas McDonough Dies
Thomas McDonough for whom McDonough school received its name from, died on Monday November 10th, 1986. McDonough was remembered as a man who was, "caring" and "socially responsible" "He was a man who believed in people. He knew everybody personally and he believed in everybody." "McDonough helped make a smooth racial integration of the schools" McDonough's memory was not forgotten within the community that he loved so much.
Student Created Garden Project
Marna Kaye's ESL Class had won a $600 grant in February of 1987 to build an indoor garden. Supplies from the Knox Parks Foundation also supported the McDonough Garden Project. Students grew plants for Mother's Day and also sold plants at Christmas. The class made a goal of growing an outdoor garden in the spring.
Conditions a Challenge at McDonough
Enrollment of 782 + people at McDonough School leaves classrooms extremely overcrowded in September of 1989. Portable classrooms were scheduled to be set up to help with space issues.
Increase in Population Lead to Extreme Overcrowding in Schools
Overcrowding at McDonough Elementary in May of 1992 sheds light on a much larger problem in Hartford Public Schools with overcrowding. At this point in time, McDonough School's capacity was 400 students, yet there were 800 enrolled.
New Committee Formed to Push for Construction/Renovation of Several Hartford Schools
In October of 1992, The Hartford Courant Published a Report Detailing the Cause of the "Hartford Committee for a World Class Education" Which Was Created To Advocate For State Funding To Build and Renovate Schools in the Hartford Area That Were in Need. Then Principal, Donald Carso Supported This Cause.
South Windsor Middle School Students Volunteer to Help McDonough Elementary Students With Reading
A community partnership between South Windsor Middle School students and McDonough Elementary students arose in December of 1992 when South Windsor's Timothy Edwards Middle School students travelled to McDonough to read stories they had written and to help the youngsters with their reading.
Report Details Need For School Improvements
A report released from the Connecticut Education Association in April of 1993 detailed how many schools face problems that prevent students from achieving their best learning, specifically with technology deficits. Don Carso mentions in this article how McDonough School could only supply computers to 30% of its students. The school was also in need of serious renovations at this point in time.
United Technologies Provides $15,000 Grant To McDonough School
A grant from United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in May of 1993 provided $15,000 to McDonough School. McDonough and UTC were a part of a study buddy program in which inner-city students received an opportunity to travel and explore within the UTC while receiving extra academic help. When an executive of the UTC who valued the study buddy program with McDonough had died, the company had bought the "Glen T. Packard Science Lab" which also supplied equipment and experiments to students.
Delays in Renovations to Moylan & McDonough Schools Frustrate Parents
Parents of Moylan and McDonough School students were frustrated by the repeated delays in the start of renovations at Moylan and McDonough Schools. Construction at Moylan was slated to begin in September of 1993, but was pushed back to January of 1994 due to the difficulties that the city of Hartford had hiring a construction manager.
McDonough Students Volunteer at Trinity Health Center
Gordon Gross' 5th grade class volunteered three times a month in 1994 at the Trinity Health center neighboring the school. Students would visit with elderly residents to provide them company and to build build relationships that are both mutual and healthy.
McDonough Students Use Holcomb Farm in Granby As An Outdoor Classroom
McDonough School partnered with the Granby students and the Holcomb Farm in Granby to create an outdoor classroom in April of 1996. Students at McDonough used the space to learn about environmental science and geography while working with and learning from students in Granby schools.
Breakthrough Charter School Officially Established in McDonough Elementary School
Breakthrough Charter School was founded by Norma Newman-Johnson, Lorraine Kellog, and Carole Gale in McDonough Elementary School in August of 1998. Breakthrough had its beginning as Project Breakthrough, "A K-6, School Within A School", at Moylan Elementary School in 1991. The proposal for its founding and financial support from Cigna Insurance Co., for teacher training, materials and data collection, was written and implemented by Newman-Johnson. Breakthrough became a magnet school in 2002.
McDonough Reopens after Renovations
McDonough Elementary School was the topic on local television show "Brad's Beat" on November 22, 24, December 6, and 8th of the year 2000. The re-opening of the school in September was discussed, as well as past memories that teachers and former staff and students had.
School Officials Transfer Acting Principal
Questions arose in January of 2000 after Superintendent Anthony Amato had abruptly transferred the then acting Principal Lorene Lugo from the McDonough school to another position in the district.
Parents Students and Teachers Protest The Dismissal of Acting Principal of McDonough School.
The abrupt firing of acting Principal Lorene Lugo was protested by teachers, students and parents on Thursday, January 6th, 2000. Principal Lugo was released from her position for uncertain reasons at the time. It was believed to be a possibility that the changed occurred because of tensions that existed between Lugo and overseers of the Breakthrough Magnet School which was housed in McDonough at the time.
McDonough Schools Rededication Celebrated
McDonough School's new renovations were celebrated in June of 2000 with warm memories from former staff and students, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and tours of the school's new auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, administrative offices, and playground.
A Crossing Guard Lends a Helping Hand as well as an Open Heart and Ear
Joanne Fauteux was a loyal crossing guard on the corner of Wilson Street and Hillside Avenue for 11 years in 2002 when this attached Hartford Courant article was written. Fauteux was well loved by all in the community and had watched countless children grow up, as she saw it, often too fast. She was known as the crossing guard with the big smile
Panel Discussion on Scheff Case Settlement Includes McDonough Principal
A panel discussion on the Scheff V. O'neil settlement at the Connecticut State Capitol involved McDonough Principal Grosse in March of 2003. The Scheff V. O'neil case had noted the segregation that was occurring in inter-city schools, and aimed to push for equitable education in lower-income neighborhoods.
Farmington Students Return To McDonough To Offer Tutoring Assistance
Farmington High School students returned to McDonough for the second year in January of 2007 to offer reading assistance to students. Farmington students came to McDonough on Monday afternoons to assist students with the hopes that they would improve their scores on the Connecticut Mastery Test.
McDonough's Walking School Bus
Sylvia Garcia operates the walking school bus in December of 2009. Volunteering to walk with a dozen neighborhood children to and from school gave herself and other neighborhood parents a piece of mind.
Mr. Gentile’s 7th Grade Social Studies Class
In 2010, first year teacher Chris Gentile taught with students in a U shaped formation because he did not believe in turning his back on his students.
School Ceiling Fix To Cost $80,000
A ceiling in McDonough Expeditionary Learning School Collapsed in June of 2013 onto a student and teaching intern, both of whom received minor injuries. The district responded to the incident by replacing four classroom ceilings in the school at a cost of $80,000. The incident also led to the development of a committee in the district to investigate the condition of school buildings.
McDonough Middle School’s Newcomer Center Opens
McDonough Middle School’s newcomer center was established by Tesol Teacher William Conroy, Tesol Instructional Coach Marjorie Rice, and Tesol Teacher Zoraida Soler in 2016. The Newcomer Center was established to teach English to students arriving from other countries. The program has successfully taught English skills to countless students since its inception.
Music From Our Hearts
On Friday, November 18th, 2016 the McDonough Newcomer Center hosted an event entitled, “Music From Our Hearts!” Students sang songs and performed dances to celebrate 523 years of Puerto-Rican culture, language, and music.
McDonough Students Dance for Puerto Rico Relief
In October of 2017, McDonough Middle School Students raised funds for the victims of Hurricane Maria by having a danceathon. The event was held to raise awareness of the student created go-fund me page. The students surpassed their $3,000 goal with a $3,500 total that was donated to the cause of supporting those displaced by the hurricane.
McDonough Middle School Offers Academic and Family Support to Students
Students from many different cultures over the years have attended McDonough Middle School. 2018 saw the arrival of many students and their families from Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria. Elizabeth Mojica, McDonough's School and Families Support Services Provider was an advocate for parents and invited them to regular meetings to tell them how the school can help them and to get them involved in school activities. Bilingual teacher Zoraida Soler is also shown assisting multilingual learners.
An Attendance Culture
McDonough Middle School's efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism in March of 2021 included fun activities such as fear factor and ice bucket challenges. "Nothing unifies a school more than building an attendance culture" said Principal Marjorie Rice. Absenteeism dropped to 44% at this time, 4% lower than it was in the previous January. Vice Principal Billy Conroy Costumes up for the "McDonough Escape Room" with Family Engagement Specialist Michelle Martinez and three sixth graders.
More Pandemic Fallout: The Chronically Absent Student!
An article released in the New York times in April of 2022 highlighted the damaging effects that COVID-19 had on student attendance in schools. The pandemic had disrupted years of effort to push that figure down, said Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, the superintendent of Hartford Public Schools. “We look at the barriers,” said Marjorie Rice, the principal of McDonough Middle School. “What we can remove, we remove.”
Chronic absences double nationwide since COVID-19 pandemic
High student absenteeism rates stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the staff at McDonough Middle School to host fun engagement activities to encourage students to come to school. CBS News came to the school and released a story on June 22nd, 2002 about the dance parties and other fun activities that were created for students who came to school consistently. Students Yeitlene, Ashley, and Ivanelise on the right were interviewed.
McDonough Spelling Bee For Newcomer Students!
David Acosta created an annual spelling bee competition to engage his newcome students to improve and practice their spelling skills. The first spelling bee was on April 19th, 2023. The photo on the right is Mr. Acosta presenting announcing the winners of the championship round at the second annual spelling bee on April 18th, 2024
McDonough Boys Basketball Team Earns Championship Title!
The McDonough Bears Boys Basketball team won the Hartford Public Schools championship game at the Springfield Basketball Hall of fame on February 15th, 2024
McDonough Students Create Ornaments For Connecticut Christmas Tree in D.C.
McDonough Middle School students present their hand created ornaments that would be sent to Washington D.C. These would be put on the Connecticut Christmas tree in the National Christmas Tree display of 2024. 7th grader Johanna Bravo pictured 6th from the right in the front row had the honor of having her ornament picked as the Connecticut ornament of 2024!
CT tree pictured in middle