Catholic Charities' Nick LeBron joins McDonough Principal Marjorie Rice and Thomas McDonough's grandson in front of  deisplay honoring Thomas McDonough

On December 20, 2024, in celebration of their school's 150th anniversary, McDonough staff and students welcomed special guests and former staff to reveal a student-made historical timeline and to fill a time capsule at the Hillside Avenue school site. (Above, Nick LeBron of Catholic Charities (l.), Principals Marjorie Rice, and Edward Forand, (r.) admire an installation by Mr. Forand about his grandfather, Thomas J. McDonough) Also, it was pajama day!

Welcoming Remarks Talea Lewis, Grade 8, Student Body President Welcoming RemarksWelcoming Remarks were delivered at the Wilson Street entrance by Talea Lewis, Grade 8, Student Body President, Principal Marjorie Rice, and Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez.

History Teacher, Joshua Bouchard invited the group to move to the the timeline tour. A timeline of the school's history was created by 7th grade students, who were on-hand to present to the special guests. You can also explore the timeline here.

Timeline presentationTimeline presentationThomas J. McDonough's grandson and former McDonough student, Edward Forand admires his grandfather's likeness with the talented student artists.

Timeline presentationAbove, Thomas J. McDonough's grandson and former McDonough student, Edward Forand, Superintendent Torres-Rodriguez, and all the special guests explore the timeline as presented by the 7th grade artists and historians. A student displays her rendering of the CT State Capital Building.

Event attendees included the grandson of Thomas J, McDonough, Edward Forand and his wife, Superintendent Torres-Rodriguez, Nick Lebron, Patrick Williams and Sahar Hakim from Catholic Charities, teacher Joshua Bouchard’s parents, EDSL Monica Quinones, Chief Corinne Barney, former principals, Bethany Sullivan and Principal Carso; former assistant principals Karen  Morrison, Caitlin Bexley, and Bill Chambers; former teachers Dennis Moynihan, Patrick Flynn and son , Chris Redden, James Gorss; and from Central Office Daisy Torres, Jinelle Hooker, and Alejandro Martinez.

After the timeline tour, the crowd was ushered to auditorium for drumline and chorus performances, a recognition of the McDonough Middle School Christmas tree which represented Connecticut in Washington DC this holiday season, and a touching video tribute from past McDonough staff, by ELA Resource Teacher Amanda Lostimolo.

McDonough drumlineMcDonough students and their ornamentsThen, teacher Joshua Bouchard helped students and guests place items in the time capsule which will be stored safely during upcoming renovations. It was a heartfelt, tearful moment when McDonough grandson and former student, Ed Forand, placed memorabilia in the time capsule, while choking back tears.

McDonough time capsule

A Brief History of McDonough School

In 1841, Washington Street school began -- Washington St School was the first school in this district.

Wilson Street School, launched in 1874 as an addition to Washington Street School -- started with 4 classrooms for under $5000. This was the Behind the Rocks school, named for the rock quarries that used to be in the area.

In 1920 Thomas J. McDonough began teaching at the Washington St School.

In 1931, Thomas J. McDonough became principal of Moylan School

In 1934, the schools in Hartford were consolidated and McDonough merged with Moylan School.

In 1963, Thomas J McDonough retired as principal from the district. He passed away in 1986

In 2000, there was a dedication ceremony where the final extension of the atrium, gymnasium auditorium, cafeteria, and current main office were added

In 2011, the school became McDonough Expeditionary Learning Academy and finally, McDonough Middle School in 2016.

Congratulations to all the McDonough Bears on this significant, meaningful, and educational milestone!