SPIRIT, WILDCAT STYLE // Our Wildcats at Shepherdstown Elementary School brought the spirit all month long — and they didn’t hold back.
From colorful socks to Dress Like a Snow Day (turning the school into a winter wonderland), plaid day, festive flair, and everything in between, these fun moments filled the halls with creativity, smiles, and Wildcat pride. 🎄❄️☕
Whether cozy, colorful, or just plain fun, one thing was clear: our Shepherdstown Wildcats know how to show up with enthusiasm and heart.
#WildcatPride
From colorful socks to Dress Like a Snow Day (turning the school into a winter wonderland), plaid day, festive flair, and everything in between, these fun moments filled the halls with creativity, smiles, and Wildcat pride. 🎄❄️☕
Whether cozy, colorful, or just plain fun, one thing was clear: our Shepherdstown Wildcats know how to show up with enthusiasm and heart.
#WildcatPride
🎒 YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS HERE // Families with a child who will be age 5 on or before September 1, 2026, are invited to register now for full-day kindergarten at Mechanicsburg Area School District. PLEASE SHARE with any MASD families who have an eligible child for kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year!
To participate in The Wildcat Expedition — our special kindergarten orientation held later this spring at Kindergarten Academy — registration must be completed by April 1, 2026. During The Wildcat Expedition, families are introduced to Kindergarten Academy while incoming Wildcats enjoy age-appropriate activities and screenings designed just for them — a meaningful first step into their school experience.
Learn more and begin the registration process 🔗 www.mbgsd.org/registration
We can’t wait to welcome our future Wildcats. 💜
#WildcatPride
To participate in The Wildcat Expedition — our special kindergarten orientation held later this spring at Kindergarten Academy — registration must be completed by April 1, 2026. During The Wildcat Expedition, families are introduced to Kindergarten Academy while incoming Wildcats enjoy age-appropriate activities and screenings designed just for them — a meaningful first step into their school experience.
Learn more and begin the registration process 🔗 www.mbgsd.org/registration
We can’t wait to welcome our future Wildcats. 💜
#WildcatPride
🧦 HEY JESSICA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Jessica Bock, librarian at Mechanicsburg Middle School, recently organized a lunchtime Book Club for students. This thoughtful program creates space for students to connect, collaborate, and grow their love of reading. She coordinated the program with support from our friends at the Wildcat Foundation, who ensured every student received a copy of the book. Connections made. Socks well earned. 💜
This is a holiday special bonus edition of You Knocked Our Socks Off, and we're excited to share yet another bonus ... We were at the first meeting of the lunchtime Book Club. Stay tuned for photos and more details about this fun program.
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
This is a holiday special bonus edition of You Knocked Our Socks Off, and we're excited to share yet another bonus ... We were at the first meeting of the lunchtime Book Club. Stay tuned for photos and more details about this fun program.
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
🎒 EVERY WILDCAT. EVERY DAY. // Routines matter after breaks! Absences often spike after breaks or long weekends as families adjust back to routines. Before the holidays end, start easing back into school schedules—reset bedtimes, plan morning routines, and pack backpacks the night before. Celebrate small wins and let your student know you’re proud of their effort to show up and stay on track. Thanks to our families and staff for keeping Wildcats learning and growing through the busy fall season. Let’s carry this momentum into the new year!
🧦 HEY JASON AND COURTNEY, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Huge shoutout to Jason Petrello and Courtney Robison for stepping up in a big way last week, all in the name of a beloved Shepherdstown Elementary School tradition. When plans for the holiday sing-along had to pivot at the last minute, Jason went home over lunch to grab his guitar so the sing-along could continue, while Courtney jumped in to lead the vocals.
Thanks to their teamwork and willingness to say “we’ve got this,” our Wildcats still enjoyed a joyful community meeting. Tradition saved. Socks well earned. 💜
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
Thanks to their teamwork and willingness to say “we’ve got this,” our Wildcats still enjoyed a joyful community meeting. Tradition saved. Socks well earned. 💜
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
😎 SPIRIT ON DISPLAY // Staff at Elmwood Academy brought the fun during the 12 Days of December spirit days — and proved that school spirit comes in many forms.
From Don’t Sweat the Holidays (comfy workout wear) to Sweater Weather (wear a fun, festive, and colorful sweater), Holiday Card Day (dress like you’re taking a holiday card photo), and everything in between, the creativity and good humor were on full display.
Whether festive or just plain fun, these moments reflected what makes Elmwood special: connection, camaraderie, and a staff that knows how to show up with heart (and personality) every day.
📸 Special shoutout to 4th grade Teacher Maribeth Allen for passing along these fun and spirited photos.
#WildcatPride
From Don’t Sweat the Holidays (comfy workout wear) to Sweater Weather (wear a fun, festive, and colorful sweater), Holiday Card Day (dress like you’re taking a holiday card photo), and everything in between, the creativity and good humor were on full display.
Whether festive or just plain fun, these moments reflected what makes Elmwood special: connection, camaraderie, and a staff that knows how to show up with heart (and personality) every day.
📸 Special shoutout to 4th grade Teacher Maribeth Allen for passing along these fun and spirited photos.
#WildcatPride
🏠🍬 SWEET DESIGNS IN THE MAKING // Some of our Wildcats in Christina Brandt's class at Elmwood Academy recently rolled up their sleeves and got creative with gingerbread houses—and we might just have a few future architects among us. From clever details to candy-covered creativity, these designs were as impressive as they were sweet.
📸 Special thanks to Mrs. Brandt for sharing these moments with us.
#WildcatPride
📸 Special thanks to Mrs. Brandt for sharing these moments with us.
#WildcatPride
🎵 MUSIC THAT CONNECTS COMMUNITY // This holiday season, the Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School Chamber Ensemble shared the gift of music throughout our community, performing at the “Light Up the Night” celebration at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, The Woods at Cedar Run, and Messiah Lifeways.
Throughout November, students prepared 45 minutes of holiday music, bringing warmth, joy, and meaningful connections to audiences of all ages. Each performance was a reminder of how music has the power to bring people together and strengthen the bonds between our schools and the community we’re proud to serve.
We’re grateful for the opportunities that allow our Wildcats to connect, give back, and spread a little extra holiday cheer along the way.
📸 Special thanks to LaShae Willits, Director of Orchestras, for capturing these photos.
#WildcatPride
Throughout November, students prepared 45 minutes of holiday music, bringing warmth, joy, and meaningful connections to audiences of all ages. Each performance was a reminder of how music has the power to bring people together and strengthen the bonds between our schools and the community we’re proud to serve.
We’re grateful for the opportunities that allow our Wildcats to connect, give back, and spread a little extra holiday cheer along the way.
📸 Special thanks to LaShae Willits, Director of Orchestras, for capturing these photos.
#WildcatPride
🎄 HOLIDAY CHEER, DELIVERED // Kindergarten Academy School Counselor Kayce Heck and Principal Riley Baer made the rounds with their Holiday Cheer Cart, spreading sweet treats, smiles, and warm wishes to staff along the way. Sometimes the smallest visits bring the biggest joy. 💜
#WildcatPride
#WildcatPride
❄️ ENJOY WINTER BREAK // Winter break is officially here! We hope our Wildcats enjoy this time to rest, recharge, and make special memories with family and friends. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back on Monday, January 5, 2026, refreshed and ready for the next chapter of the school year.
Until then — enjoy every moment of your break.
#WildcatPride
Until then — enjoy every moment of your break.
#WildcatPride
🎁 💜 A TRADITION OF GIVING // For more than a decade, Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School Student Council has proudly sponsored a family through Operation Wildcat’s Project Legacy.
Earlier this month, Student Council members thoughtfully shopped for gifts, and last week, they gathered for their annual holiday party to carefully wrap each one before delivery. Every gift was wrapped with intention, kindness, and care.
This long-standing tradition is a beautiful reflection of who our Wildcats are — compassionate, generous, and committed to supporting one another and our community.
📸 Special thanks to Student Council Co-Advisor Sarah Williams for sharing these moments with us.
#WildcatPride
Earlier this month, Student Council members thoughtfully shopped for gifts, and last week, they gathered for their annual holiday party to carefully wrap each one before delivery. Every gift was wrapped with intention, kindness, and care.
This long-standing tradition is a beautiful reflection of who our Wildcats are — compassionate, generous, and committed to supporting one another and our community.
📸 Special thanks to Student Council Co-Advisor Sarah Williams for sharing these moments with us.
#WildcatPride
💜 WELCOME TO OUR WILDCAT FAMILY // We are excited to welcome Mrs. Elysia Ehrich, who officially joined our team yesterday as Principal of Upper Allen Elementary School. Mrs. Ehrich brings a strong background in education, having served as a learning support teacher and most recently as an assistant principal at Spring Grove High School. Her experience, care for students, and commitment to learning will fit wonderfully within our school community.
Mrs. Ehrich will spend a few days working side by side with Mr. John McIntosh as he prepares for his well-deserved retirement after 38 years in education — a meaningful transition rooted in mentorship, gratitude, and pride.
Please join us in giving Mrs. Ehrich a warm Wildcat welcome as she begins this new chapter with Upper Allen. 💜
#WildcatPride
☃️ DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN? // Our 8th-grade Pathfinders at MMS took on a chilly STEM challenge ... and warmed things up with creativity. Using just a yardstick of tape, one roll of toilet paper, and a bit of construction paper, students engineered some snow-tastic snowmen.
Problem-solving, teamwork, and a whole lot of imagination on display. ❄️🤍
#WildcatPride
Problem-solving, teamwork, and a whole lot of imagination on display. ❄️🤍
#WildcatPride
💜 WITH GRATITUDE & BEST WISHES // Staff at Elmwood Academy recently celebrated Beth Hanus as she begins a well-earned retirement after 39.5 years of dedicated service to our district.
As a learning support teacher at Elmwood, Ms. Hanus made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students through her patience, expertise, and unwavering care. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom and will be felt for years to come.
We are grateful for the commitment, compassion, and heart she brought to our Wildcat community every single day. Please join us in thanking her for nearly four decades of service and wishing her happiness, health, and joy in this next chapter. 💜
#WildcatPride
As a learning support teacher at Elmwood, Ms. Hanus made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students through her patience, expertise, and unwavering care. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom and will be felt for years to come.
We are grateful for the commitment, compassion, and heart she brought to our Wildcat community every single day. Please join us in thanking her for nearly four decades of service and wishing her happiness, health, and joy in this next chapter. 💜
#WildcatPride
CALENDAR REMINDER // As a reminder, there will be no school from Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. Offices will also be closed during this time.
We hope you have a restful and wonderful winter break, and we look forward to welcoming all of our Wildcats back on Monday, January 5, 2026.
📸 Wildcats at Shepherdstown Elementary School proudly wear their festive flair.
#WildcatPride
We hope you have a restful and wonderful winter break, and we look forward to welcoming all of our Wildcats back on Monday, January 5, 2026.
📸 Wildcats at Shepherdstown Elementary School proudly wear their festive flair.
#WildcatPride
🧦 HEY DR. LANTZY, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Dr. Sheri Lantzy, 5th grade teacher at Elmwood Academy, sparked a heartfelt act of kindness that brought our Wildcat community together. Inspired by her care and creativity, her students created encouragement bags for our football players—sharing pride, positivity, and support in the most meaningful way (if you missed this story, scroll through our posts to learn more.) 💜
Moments like these remind us that small ideas can make a big impact. Dr. Lantzy, your influence truly knocked our socks off.
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
Moments like these remind us that small ideas can make a big impact. Dr. Lantzy, your influence truly knocked our socks off.
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
🐾🎄 Our four-legged friends didn’t want to miss out on the fun, so they proudly showed off their festive flair, too.
We’re so proud of our facility dog program and the comfort, connection, and love these pups bring to our Wildcat family throughout the year.
📸 Special thanks to Josh and Christina Bull and Kaitlin Bigham for capturing these sweet moments.
#WildcatPride
Spotted outside of Kindergarten Academy yesterday, a big and beautiful rainbow! 🌈
📸 Thanks to Melinda Gochenaur for capturing this picturesque moment.
#WildcatPride
📸 Thanks to Melinda Gochenaur for capturing this picturesque moment.
#WildcatPride
💜 A SWEET SURPRISE // Special thanks to our KinderCats, Sam and Cyrus, for delivering handmade gingerbread friends and spreading lots of smiles to staff at the District Office yesterday. We love these moments that help us stay connected to our Wildcats.
#WildcatPride
🍭 ON A VERY IMPORTANT MISSION // Disguised as an elf and powered by kindness, Emerson, a KinderCat from Kindergarten Academy, traveled to Upper Allen this morning to hand out snacks and spread a little holiday cheer. Proof that even our littlest Wildcats have the biggest hearts.💜 Shoutout to the PTO at Upper Allen for coordinating Operation Snacks for our amazing staff! #WildcatPride
