Mechanicsburg Area School District

🚌 STRONGER TOGETHER // From safely transporting our Wildcats each day to tackling a little friendly competition together, our bus and van drivers recently wrapped up the year with a final driver meeting focused on teamwork, connection, and fun. 💛

Using tape, string, spaghetti noodles, marshmallows, and plenty of creativity, teams worked together to see who could build the tallest tower. While the structures may not all have stayed standing, the teamwork, laughter, and support for one another certainly did.

💬 Please consider leaving a note of appreciation in the comments for a bus/van driver who has made a positive impact on your family this school year. And thank you to our incredible transportation team for the care and dedication you show our students and schools all year long.

#WildcatPride

📚 ¡CUENTOS Y CONEXIONES! (“Stories and Connections”) // MASH Spanish IV Honors students took a walk down the hill to Broad Street Elementary today, where they shared original children’s stories with first graders. 💛

As part of their culminating project, students created culturally-based storybooks inspired by the Spanish-speaking world, covering everything from festivals and famous places to mysteries and traditions. Through expressive storytelling, illustrations, and interactive Spanish words, our high school Wildcats helped bring language and culture to life for their younger audience.

It was a fun and meaningful experience for everyone involved, and a great reminder that learning is even more powerful when it’s shared. 🌎📖

#WildcatPride

🏛️ HISTORY COMES TO LIFE // Our 8th grade Wildcats at MMS recently stepped out of the classroom and into history with a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park.

From walking the battlefield to exploring important landmarks connected to their Civil War unit, students had the opportunity to experience firsthand the places and stories they’ve been learning about in class. What an unforgettable way to bring history to life.

📸 Special thanks to Trinity Ellis for capturing these moments for us to share with you.

#WildcatPride

🧦 HEY MARIA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // A big Wildcat thank you to Maria Noss at Upper Allen Elementary School for the incredible care, organization, and heart she brings to the school’s annual Book Fair. 📚💛

From creating a smooth schedule to helping students discover books they’re excited to read, Maria works hard to make the experience meaningful for everyone. Even during one of the busiest weeks of the year, she balances it all alongside her responsibilities as an Instructional Assistant.

Her commitment to making sure every student leaves with a book and a growing love for reading makes a lasting impact on the Upper Allen community.

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

☀️ FIELD DAY FUN // Friday was filled with smiles, laughter, teamwork, and plenty of Wildcat energy at Shepherdstown Elementary School as students enjoyed an unforgettable Field Day. From friendly competition to cheering on classmates, it was a day full of fun, connection, and memories in the making. 💛

There's continued field day fun on the calendar this week for more of our Wildcats across the district. Bring on the smiles and the fun!

#WildcatPride

🧦 HEY LISA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Lisa Hoover, Reading Specialist at Kindergarten Academy, not only helps our youngest Wildcats build a love of reading, but also helps support future Wildcats and their families through Wee Wildcats, a monthly program for PreK children. 📚

Recently, Lisa had the opportunity to share the Wee Wildcats model with several other districts as they explore creating similar programs of their own. What a wonderful example of leadership, collaboration, and the impact that starts right here in our Wildcat community.

Thank you, Lisa, for not only sharing your love of reading with neighboring districts, but also for helping our youngest learners and future Wildcats feel welcomed, supported, and excited about learning from the very beginning. 🐾

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

💛 THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MEAN EVERYTHING // This is worth the read, we promise! Throughout the school year, Emma, a KinderCat who is visually impaired, often stopped by the front office while learning the layout of the building. During those visits, she formed a special bond with Administrative Assistant Melinda Gochenaur.

Emma was especially drawn to Mrs. Gochenaur’s textured, beaded lanyard, and what started as a simple connection quickly became something much more meaningful. To celebrate all Emma accomplished this year, Mrs. Gochenaur found a similar lanyard and partnered with Christina Leister and Carrie Lersch to personalize it with beads that spelled EMMA in Braille before gifting it to her.

These are the moments that define who we are and what we do. The moments that create connection, foster belonging, and remind students they are seen, valued, and loved. Thank you, Mrs. Gochenaur, Mrs. Leister, and Mrs. Lersch.

(Proudly shared with the support of our young Wildcat’s mom.) 💛

#WildcatPride

🧦 HEY DUSTIN, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Flashback to MASH spring musical season ... when a sound system issue threatened to delay one of the season’s performances just minutes before curtain, Dustin Smith, Technology Support, jumped into action.

With the help of others from the team, Dustin quickly rigged the marching band sound system to the auditorium sound board, saving the performance and helping the show go on. 🎭🎶

Thank you, Dustin, for staying calm under pressure, thinking creatively, and doing whatever it took to support our students and staff. Your quick thinking had huge impact. 💛

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

🌍💬 WORDS THAT OPEN WORLDS // Recently, our World Languages Department celebrated its annual World Languages National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, recognizing Wildcats from our French, German, and Spanish programs for their hard work, dedication, and passion for language learning.

Through their studies, these students have grown not only as language learners, but also as thoughtful and compassionate global citizens ready to connect with the world around them. Congratulations to all of our inductees on this well-earned accomplishment.

📸 Thank you to Adrianna Clinton, World Languages Department Coordinator and German Teacher, for taking these photos for us to share with you.

#WildcatPride

🍦 COMMUNITY SUPPORT IS THE SWEETEST // We’re so grateful for the incredible support our Wildcats receive from the community around us. From local businesses to families and friends, your encouragement means so much. 💛

📸 ⬇️ Dr. Bitz and staff from across the district have been spotted recently serving as celebrity scoopers at Rakestraw's. If you caught one of our Wildcats serving up smiles with a side of ice cream, share your celebrity scooper sighting photos in the comments below. 👀🍦

🎨 CREATIVITY ON DISPLAY // We’re excited to share that artwork by numerous MASH students was showcased at the 15th Annual Artistic Expressions Central Pennsylvania Student Art Show.

Artistic Expressions showcases outstanding student artwork from secondary schools across Central Pennsylvania, bringing together young artists with a passion for creativity, collaboration, and the fine arts. We're proud to have submitted artwork from the following students: Vada C. (grade 11), Sarah W. (grade 11), Nora S. (grade 10), Lillian H. (grade 9), Kayleah S. (grade 12), Anna G. (grade 11), Corban S. (grade 11), Micah O.(grade 11), and 2 pieces for Cora R. (grade 12).

With 75 pieces submitted to this year’s exhibition, we’re thrilled to see so many of our Wildcats recognized for their talent, hard work, and artistic vision: 💛

Judges Top 10:
👏 Micah O. - Megalichthys Mullisoni  (Copic Marker)
👏 Kayleah S. - Wildcats Revenge (Digital Photography)

Carlisle Arts Learning Center - One Free Summer Class:
👏 Cora R. - Black and White Self-Portrait - Mechanicsburg 

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Gold Scholarships valued at $10,000:
👏 Micah O. - 'Megalichtys Mullisoni’ (Copic Marker)
👏 Vada C. - ‘Entertainment’ (Canvas, Gouache, Polyfil)
👏 Corban S. - 'The Kings of the Jungle’ (Copic Marker)

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Silver Scholarships valued at $4,000:
👏 Sarah W. - ‘Whimsy Coral Reef’ (Canvas, Acrylic Paint, Polyfil, Beads)
👏 Anna G. - ‘Lucy and the Lion’ (Copic Marker)

#WildcatPride

🎶 MAKING MUSIC + MEMORIES // Congratulations to Mechanicsburg Middle School’s Select Ensemble, directed by Patrick Murphy, which was selected to perform at and recently took the stage during the 2026 PMEA State Conference.

What a special opportunity for these Wildcats to represent MMS while doing what they love alongside student musicians from across Pennsylvania. We’re so proud of the hard work, passion, and heart they brought to the stage. 💛

📸 Thank you to Dr. Bowman, Assistant Superintendent, for sharing these moments in photos for us.

#WildcatPride

🐣 HATCHING HAPPINESS // There’s always plenty of excitement in our third-grade classrooms when eggs begin to hatch and baby chicks arrive. As our Wildcats bring embryology to life through this hands-on experience, these tiny new friends have sparked curiosity, wonder, and lots of smiles along the way. 💛

📸 Featuring third graders at Northside and Broad Street celebrating their newest classroom visitors, along with first-grade friends at Shep who were excited to stop by and join in the fun.

#WildcatPride

🎨✋ STRONGER TOGETHER // MASH students recently came together to celebrate the many cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and traditions that make our school community so special.

As part of the annual Cultural Heritage Day celebration, students collaborated on a colorful handprint mural that will proudly brighten the halls of MASH for years to come. More than just artwork, the mural serves as a lasting reminder of connection, belonging, and the value of learning from one another. 💛

We love seeing our Wildcats celebrate what makes each person unique while coming together as one community.

#WildcatPride

🧦 HEY ASHLEY, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Ashley Ibaugh, Instructional Assistant at Northside Elementary School, has stepped up in such a meaningful way to support our Wildcats. 💛

When additional support was needed across multiple classrooms, Ashley jumped in with a positive, can-do attitude and a heart fully focused on students. She has gone above and beyond to help ensure students continue receiving the academic and social support they need to be successful each day.

Ashley brings flexibility, teamwork, and compassion to everything she does, and we are so grateful for the difference she makes for students and colleagues alike. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff members like Ashley supporting our Wildcat community each day.

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

🚓 THANK YOU, MPD // We always appreciate the opportunity to welcome our friends from the Mechanicsburg Police Department into our schools. Thank you for recently visiting Elmwood Academy and taking time to connect with our students. We’re grateful for the positive relationships you help build with our Wildcats each day. 💛

📸 Thank you to Christina Bull for capturing this moment for us to share with you.

#WildcatPride

🏐 1,000 ASSISTS // A huge congratulations to MASH junior setter Ryan Foose, who was recognized during the Wildcats’ recent match against Cedar Cliff for reaching an incredible milestone: 1,000 career assists.

What an accomplishment and a testament to Ryan’s hard work and dedication to the game. Congratulations, Ryan! 💪

📸 Special thanks to Kayce Heck for sharing this photo.

#WildcatPride

🎨 NOW ON DISPLAY // Student-created artwork is now a permanent part of the library at Elmwood Academy, turning the space into an even brighter and more inspiring place to learn and explore. 💛

The selected pieces were enlarged and mounted on the walls for students, staff, and visitors to enjoy for years to come.

👏 Congratulations to Grace, Logan, Lucy, Poppy, Stella, and Cora on this special recognition and for sharing your creativity with the Elmwood community.

#WildcatPride

💛 The smiles. The friendship. The sweet moment. #WildcatPride

🧦 HEY AUDREY, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Audrey Kovach, Sign Language Interpreter at Upper Allen Elementary, helps create meaningful connections for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students each and every day.

Recently, Audrey began teaching a “sign of the day” to a student who was eager to better communicate with and connect to a friend. It’s a simple gesture with a powerful impact, helping foster friendship, inclusion, and understanding among peers.

Through moments like these, Audrey is helping build a more welcoming school community for all. Thank you, Audrey, for the care, compassion, and connection you bring to our Wildcats every day. 💛

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff