Mechanicsburg Area School District

🧦 HEY RACHEL, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF! // Today we’re celebrating Art Teacher Rachel Connell for truly going above and beyond. When we came to her with a brainstorm about switching up our annual appreciation card, she didn’t miss a beat — she jumped right in, pivoted effortlessly, and, with the help of some young Wildcats, brought the new idea to life.

Thanks to her creativity and quick thinking, we now have beautiful student artwork that perfectly captures a heartfelt message of belonging for our entire Wildcat community. 💜🐾 If you haven't already seen the card, be sure to check out this morning's post.

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

about 16 hours ago, MBGSD

A man in a suit presenting a paid of branded socks to a teacher.

🤍 AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK 2025 // From us to you, we share the special message below.

We are grateful for you — your commitment, your care, and your belief in every Wildcat’s inherent worth and potential. Thank you!

🎨 Please help us also celebrate and thank Broad Street Elementary School's Jonah, Vivienne, and Rahil for the hand drawn artwork (and smiles!).

Be sure to check back later today for a special video message from Dr. Bitz.

#WildcatPride

about 21 hours ago, MBGSD

Collage of photos of students holding handdrawn signs that share a message of appreciation and belonging.

🐾 BUILDING STRONGER TEAMS — ON AND OFF THE FIELD // Our Athletic Department recently welcomed Keith Waldman of Optimal Performance Associates, who led an energizing coaching development session for our coaches and assistant coaches. From connection to communication to collaboration, the focus was all about team building — strengthening the bonds that help our Wildcats thrive.

Huge thanks to Keith for equipping our coaching staff with fresh strategies and inspiration as we continue to support our student-athletes!

📸 Special thanks to AD Seth Pehanich for capturing these team building moments in action.

#WildcatPride

2 days ago, MBGSD

A gentleman working with a coach on a team building lesson.

A gentleman working with coaches on a team building lesson.

🐾 Wildcats are staying busy, even after the final bell of the day. In partnership with Mechanicsburg Area Recreation Department, Mechanicsburg MIddle School is buzzing with energy thanks to the MAPS after-school activities program. Twice a week this fall, students and staff came together to try new things, build friendships, stay connected, and simply have fun.

From The Babysitters Club and Dungeons & Dragons to Board Games, Drawing, and Esports—there’s no shortage of laughter, creativity, and connection happening throughout the building.

MAPS will return this spring with a whole new lineup of activities exclusively for our Wildcats in grades 6–8. Stay tuned… great things will continue.

📸 Special thanks to Melissa Coffman for snapping photos of MAPS in action.

#WildcatPride

4 days ago, MBGSD

Students sitting outside on a sidewalk, where they wrote Babysitters Club in chalk.

Students participate in an afterschool art club.

Students participate in an afterschool sports club.

Students participate in an afterschool gaming club.

Students participate in an afterschool Esports club.

Students participate in an afterschool club.

🎤 Our MASH Speech & Debate Team officially opened the 2025–26 season at the Dallastown Wildcat Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 8 — and our Wildcats made us proud!

Three Public Forum debate teams hit the competition floor, including veteran Public Forum speakers Chelsea Guan, co-captain, and Ayten Eldib, who mentored novice teams Kaylee Witters & Emily Jogi and Josiah Bulus & Sajith Ayala throughout the event. Another novice competitor, Allison Shute, stepped up in Impromptu Speaking.

👏 A special shoutout to veteran member and co-captain Aiden Pinsker, who advanced to the final round of Extemporaneous Speaking and earned 6th place out of 17 competitors!

The Wildcats are already gearing up for their next tournament — the Lasalle Forum Invitational at Lasalle College High School next month.

Way to go, Speech & Debate! 🐾

4 days ago, MBGSD

A group of high school students standing in front of the school.

💛 WORLD KINDNESS DAY, PART 3 // Our Mechanicsburg Middle School Student Advisory brought smiles (and snacks!) to staff recently with a thoughtful — and delicious — surprise. 🥨 Every staff member received a soft pretzel paired with the perfect message: Don’t get twisted — this year would knot be the same without staff like you.

A little appreciation goes a long way, and our Wildcats continue to show just how powerful kindness can be. 🐾

📸 Special thanks to School Social Worker Jess Long for capturing this moment.

#WildcatPride #WorldKindnessDay

5 days ago, MBGSD

Students with a staff member who is holding a soft pretzel.

Students with a teacher who is biting on a soft pretzel.

Students with a teacher who is holding a soft pretzel

💛 WORLD KINDNESS DAY, PART 2 // Our Student Ambassadors at Broad Street Elementary School set a big challenge — and our school community rose to meet it! Together, they collected 45 pounds of coins in support of Operation Wildcat’s Project Pennies for Pies, helping ensure local families receive Thanksgiving pies in their holiday baskets. 🥧

What is Pennies for Pies? Through tomorrow, Friday, 11/14/25, coins are being collected in every MASD school main office, the District Office, the Rec Center, and several community partners (H2L, Susquehanna Federal Credit Union, Sylvan Learning Center, and West Shore Tennis Club). All donated pennies go toward purchasing pies for families in need this Thanksgiving.

We’re incredibly proud of our students for leading with generosity, kindness, and heart. 🐾

📸 We appreciate Administrative Assistant Tara Bradley for capturing 3rd grade Student Ambassadors Peter and Bedelia with a (heavy!) bucket of coins.

#WildcatPride #WorldKindnessDay

5 days ago, MBGSD

Two young students standing behind a bucket of coins that was donated for a fundraiser.

💛 HAPPY WORLD KINDNESS DAY, WILDCATS // Kindness comes in so many forms — a smile, a high-five, a helping hand, or simply showing up for one another. Throughout the day, we’ll be celebrating the big and small acts of kindness that make our schools feel like home.

🚓 First up: a seriously joyful moment at Elmwood Academy! Our friends at the Mechanicsburg Police Department surprised 4th and 5th graders with a drop-in kickball game yesterday — and based on the smiles all around, we’re pretty sure they had just as much fun as our Wildcats. 🐾

Stay tuned for more kindness in action across MASD, today and every day.

📸 Special thanks to Keith Shively and Dr. Dankosky for capturing this special moment of kindness, joy, and community partnerships in action.

#WildcatPride #WorldKindnessDay

5 days ago, MBGSD

A group of students on a playground with police officers after a game of kickball.

Students playing kickball on the playground with police officers.

A police officer playing kickball on a playground with a group of students.

Police officers playing kickball on a playground with a group of students.

WILDCAT STAFF SHINING BRIGHT // Join us in celebrating two incredible Wildcats! 🎉 Leigh Ann Chow, ELD teacher at MASH, and Alice Charland, elementary music teacher, were honored today as Outstanding Teachers by the Shippensburg University Superintendent Study Council. We’re so proud of their dedication and the impact they make every day. 💜🐾 #WildcatPride

5 days ago, MBGSD

Two teachers holding recognition certificates

🐾 EVERY WILDCAT. EVERY DAY. Did you know that regular attendance builds the foundation for success—academically and socially? Missing just two days a month can make it harder for students to stay on track to read by third grade and graduate with their peers. Let’s start the season strong—healthy habits, good rest, and daily attendance make all the difference.

We’re partnering with families to help every Wildcat show up strong this season. Watch for our Every Wildcat. Every Day. posts throughout the month to learn more about the importance of student attendance.

#WildcatPride

6 days ago, MBGSD

A maroon graphic with a white speech bubble that provides a "Did you know" fact about the importance of school attendance.

A maroon graphic with a white speech bubble that provides ways a family can support students with school attendance.

🩺 PAGING ALL (future) DOCTORS // Northside Elementary School first graders recently wrapped up their CKLA Human Body Unit by becoming “doctors for a day.” From performing hands-on “operations” to exploring the circulatory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, these young learners showed just how much heart (and brain power!) they’ve got! 💜

#WildcatPride

6 days ago, MBGSD

Students dressed as doctors for a classroom activity.

A student dressed as a doctor for a classroom activity.

Student dressed as a play doctor, fixing a stuffed bear.

Student dressed as a patient for part of a class unit on the human body.

Student dressed as a play doctor and playing the game operation.

🍂 Fall fun was in full swing at the recent Fall Festival hosted at the Trails & Trees Environmental Center. Wildcats from across the district enjoyed pumpkin decorating, games, and plenty of smiles as they celebrated the season together.

A big thank-you to our friends at Paulus Farm Market for providing the perfect pumpkins for our Wildcats to enjoy. 🎃

📸 Thank you to Terrin Sheeder for capturing some of our Wildcats from Upper Allen Elementary School full of smiles during the festival.

#WildcatPride

6 days ago, MBGSD

A student with a big smile, painting a small pumpkin.

A student in a wheelchair with an orange balloon.

A young student with a row of paint on a table.

🇺🇸 HONORING OUR HEROES // Wildcats at Shepherdstown Elementary School came together today for a heartfelt Veterans Day program — filled with gratitude, reflection, and pride — to thank those who have served our nation.

As part of the celebration, students shared a song, readings, and a slideshow tribute honoring all who have served in our Armed Forces. ❤️🤍💙

Thank you, veterans, for your service and sacrifice. We are forever grateful.

#WildcatPride #VeteransDay

7 days ago, MBGSD

Students in red white and blue and holding american flags.

A school prinicpal talking to a veteran in a wheelchair on Veterans Day.

A student with a veteran standing next to red white and blue balloons.

A student and veteran wearing Navy sweatshirts

🔢 THINK BINGO MEETS CONNECT FOUR — with a math twist! We recently spotted sixth graders in Holly Fesler's class at Mechanicsburg Middle School playing Super Six, a fun dividing fractions game that turns skill practice into friendly competition. Game-based learning at its best! 🐾

📸 Special shoutout to Ms. Fesler for sharing these fun photos!

#WildcatPride

7 days ago, MBGSD

$Three students playing a game in math to help learn fractions.$

$Two students playing a game in math to help learn fractions.$

$Three students playing a game in math to help learn fractions.$

🐾 BRRR! IT'S OFFICIALLY WILDCAT BLANKET WEATHER // These Wildcats are staying warm and cozy — and you can too! If you purchased a Wildcat blanket through Mechanicsburg Area PTO (MAPTO), it’s time to pick up your order.

🕓 Pickup Times: 4–7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, and Thursday, November 13
📍 Location: Kindergarten Academy (enter through the doors facing Norway Street)

Blankets will be distributed by purchaser’s last name, so be sure you know which adult in your household placed the order.

Didn’t order yet? A few extra blankets are available for $25 each (cash or check made out to MAPTO) — grab yours before they’re gone!

📸 A warm thank-you to Northside PTO/MAPTO rep Ann Marie Bolish for capturing these cozy smiles!
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#WildcatPride

7 days ago, MBGSD

Three students cozied up with a warm and fuzzy maroon wildcat blanket.

🌍 INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS // It was an incredible day of international connections at MASD! Today, we had the distinct honor of welcoming four visiting educators from St. Teilo’s Church in Wales High School — all the way from Cardiff, Wales, UK. 🇬🇧

Our guests spent the day connecting with staff, sharing ideas, and learning about the incredible work happening across our schools. It was a wonderful exchange of perspectives, ideas, challenges, successes, and shared aspirations — and a celebration of the universal language of education. 📚

Special thanks to our friends at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit for coordinating this opportunity.

#WildcatPride

7 days ago, MBGSD

A group of educators posing for a photo.

🧦 HEY GORDON, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Today we’re celebrating Gordon Kaslusky, who generously shared his time, talents, and passion during a recent Unity Rally in downtown Mechanicsburg. 🎶 Mr. Kaslusky led the community in singing “There Is More Love Somewhere,” creating a beautiful moment of togetherness that reminded us of the power of love, connection, and belonging.

Thank you, Gordon, for lifting hearts and helping bring our community together in harmony. 💜🐾

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

8 days ago, MBGSD

Two men shaking hands while holding a pair of branded socks and standing in front of a whiteboard that says "There is More Love ..."

🎥 Big shoutout to Mike Garland — the talent behind our GoMechanicsburg live streams! 🎙️ Penn Manor High School was so impressed by his incredible broadcasts showcasing Wildcat athletics and our student-athletes that they asked him to stick around following our game earlier today to livestream their field hockey matchup, too — talk about recognition well earned! 👏 Mike and his crew continue to set the standard, helping schools across the region share their moments with families and fans everywhere. That’s #WildcatPride in action! 🐾 📸 Thanks to Ryan Hartman for capturing this moment to share with us!

9 days ago, MBGSD

two men in a broadcast booth recording a sporting event

💙❤️ HEROES IN OUR HALLS // In what has become a beloved tradition, Mechanicsburg Middle School welcomed veterans to the school yesterday for a special Heroes in Our Halls celebration.

The morning was filled with music, student speeches, and heartfelt moments as veterans were honored for their service and sacrifice. The event concluded with a powerful walk through the hallways—Wildcats lining the corridors, waving flags, clapping, and cheering to show their appreciation. 🇺🇸

We are deeply grateful to all who have served and to our MMS students and staff for making this meaningful tribute so special.

📸 Be sure to check out our Facebook page for an album of photos from the event.

#WildcatPride #HeroesInOurHalls

10 days ago, MBGSD

Veterans and families walking through hallways lined with students holding American flags.

A group photo of veterans and their family members.

A student sitting with a family member who is a veteran.

Students waving flags in appreciation for Veterans.

A man in a suit speaking before a crowd of veterans.

Three teachers who are also veterans standing with an American flag.

Students with hand over heart, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Students with flags, ready to wave at veterans

💜 YOUNG WILDCATS, BIG HEARTS // Ahead of tonight’s PIAA District 3 5A playoff game at Bishop McDevitt, our 5th graders at Elmwood Academy created baskets filled with heartfelt messages and treats for every football player and coach. One note, written from 5th grader Paul to senior Alex Lombardi, said it best: “Use grit, even when things get tough…" and make sure to "be the change you want to see in the world.”

Moments like these remind us what it means to be part of the Wildcat family—lifting each other up, leading with kindness, and showing pride in every season.

🏑🏈 Best of luck to our Football team tonight and to our Field Hockey team tomorrow as they also continue their postseason run against Villa Maria at Exeter Township High School. 💜

Go, Cats!

📸 Thanks to Keith Shively for capturing this special moment.

#WildcatPride

11 days ago, MBGSD

A football player holding a handwritten message from a young student.