📚✨ STORYTIME MAGIC AT NORTHSIDE // Our third-grade Wildcats were in for a real page-turner of a day as we celebrated Children’s Book Week last week with a visit from local author Tracy Pawelski.
Tracy shared the inspiration behind her newest book, Life on Stony Run—a heartwarming tale set on a 1925 Central PA farm featuring Rosie, a curious 8-year-old and her lovable animal pals.
From the writing process to the power of imagination, Tracy inspired our students and reminded us all just how magical books can be.
📸 Photos shared courtesy Northside Reading Teacher Wendy Arentz.
🍪 SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SUPPORT US // Wildcats at MASH recently had the chance to give back to the very community that supports our schools. During the Operation Wildcat Yard Sale last month, students volunteered their time by organizing books and containers and running a bake sale table—all with smiles and heart.
Even better? Every delicious treat at the bake sale was made by the students themselves as part of a class project. Their efforts raised more than $600, which will go toward supporting future classroom activities.
We’re proud of our students for showing gratitude through action and for continuing this meaningful tradition of giving back. 💜
📸 Photos shared courtesy of MASH's Pat Richards.
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🦋 RELEASE DAY // Our young scientists at Broad Street have been hard at work learning all about the life cycle of a butterfly — and they recently hosted a fluttering finale. From thoughtful reflections to the magical moment of release, their butterflies took flight and so did their learning.
📸 Photos shared courtesy Broad Street teacher Carrie Strong.
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💪 PERSEVERANCE THROUGH PRINGLES // Check out these pictures of Wildcats in Christina Brandt's class at Elmwood Academy tackling a Perseverance Challenge! The mission: build a ring using only a can of Pringles. It wasn’t easy, but with a little patience and a lot of support from their classmates, our Wildcats pulled it off!
We're proud of these determined minds who put STEM into action.
📸 Photos shared courtesy Ms. Brandt.
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📣 BOARD RECOGNITION ALERT // At last night’s meeting, our Board of School Directors proudly recognized our incredible students at MASH who recently competed at the STATE level Speech and Debate Tournament! 🏆
These talented Wildcats showcased their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive communication—earning well-deserved applause for their hard work and dedication. We’re so proud of their accomplishments and the way they represented our district on the statewide stage. Way to go, team! 👏
📸 Pictured: Thomas Burns, Owen Witmer, Aiden Pinsker, Chelsea Guan, Emma Rashford, Macy Kiker, and Ayten Eldib. Photo shared courtesy Coach and MASH Teacher Leigh Ann Chow.
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Last week, Broad Street Elementary School Principal Stacy Alexander rolled through the halls with a snack cart surprise for staff in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week! 🎉🍿 A small treat to say a BIG thank you for all they do each day.
📸 Photo shared courtesy Broad Street teacher Christina Sather.
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👏 Congratulations to our M&T Bank John Travers Award nominees — Taryn Zerby and Joshua Smith!
Taryn (Tennis – 3 varsity letters) and Josh (Football, Basketball, Lacrosse, Track & Field – 11 varsity letters combined) have excelled both on the field and in the classroom, representing Mechanicsburg with pride.
🏅 Josh, who will attend Princeton University, was also selected as a finalist for this prestigious award, which honors well-rounded student-athletes for their performance, academics, and community service.
We’re proud of you both!
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🎉CHEERS TO OUR GIRLS ON THE RUN // Our Wildcats have been training hard, building confidence, and supporting one another every step of the way. We’re so proud of their determination, teamwork, and positive spirit. 🏃♀️
Way to go, Girls on the Run—YOU INSPIRE US ALL. Special shoutout to our staff and community volunteers who support this program, too. 👟
📸 Photos shared courtesy Kindergarten Academy Teacher Marisa Zimmerman.
👏 PAWS FOR APPLAUSE // For Teacher Appreciation Week, each staff member at Mechanicsburg Middle School received a one-of-a-kind word splash frame filled with adjectives their students see in them—kind, inspiring, funny, and more! A beautiful reminder of the impact that every single staff member across the district makes every day. Please show them some ❤️ in the comments.
📸 Thank you to School Social Worker Jess Long for sharing these photos.
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🩺 HAPPY NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE DAY // From caring for scraped knees to calming worried hearts, our school nurses across the district do it all with compassion and a smile. Thank you for keeping our Wildcats healthy, safe, and supported every day. Today we celebrate you, every day we appreciate you.
📸 Elmwood Academy celebrated their school nurses in a "SWEET" way. Photos shared courtesy Jill Bretz.
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♻️ TRASH TO TREASURE // Wildcats at Elmwood Academy recently took a Community-Based Instruction trip to the York County Resource Recovery Center, where they learned what really happens after the trash truck pulls away.
From waste to watts, we discovered how garbage is turned into electricity, and how we can all do our part to help reduce pollution. 💡
📸 Check out a few snapshots, shared courtesy Anne Yohn, of our Wildcats in action, learning how small changes can make a big impact!
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👏CAUSE FOR APPLAUSE // Please help us celebrate Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School seniors Madeline Bitz (left) and Madison Fissel (right), who were recently recognized by the Cumberland County Chapter of Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees as educational scholarship winners.
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WACKY HAIR WEDNESDAY //
Heads were turning and styles were swirling at Northside Elementary School yesterday as students and staff showed their spirit for Wacky Hair Wednesday. From colorful buns to noodle-defying ponytails, our Wildcats rocked some seriously wild ‘dos.
📸 Photos courtesy Cori Shaffer, Northside’s Administrative Assistant to the Principal.
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🚌🛑 PLEASE SHARE THI S SCHOOL BUS SAFETY REMINDER // As previously shared, starting May 5, all Mechanicsburg Area School District school buses will be equipped with stop arm cameras to help enforce school bus safety laws. Drivers who illegally pass a stopped bus with flashing red lights may receive a violation by mail. This program is in partnership with BusPatrol and our local police departments.
Know the law. Keep our Wildcats safe.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.mbgsd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=838760&type=d&pREC_ID=2665518
✨PROM MAGIC // Last week, our Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School Wildcats danced the night away at a prom to remember. From stylish suits to sparkling gowns, it was a night full of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories. 💃🕺
📸 Check out some of the magical moments from throughout the evening.
✨ Second-grade Wildcats had a glittery good time during their recent monthly classroom meeting with Dr. Lisa Mandia, School Counselor at Broad Street Elementary School. They talked about ways to work through everyday challenges, practiced a fun breathing technique called “bubble breath,” and made glitter wands to help them stay focused.
📸 Photos courtesy Abigail Souder, second grade teacher at Broad Street.
🐥 The best days are even brighter when you get to visit with baby chicks. Just ask some of our Wildcats at Shepherdstown Elementary School, who recently stopped by third grade to spend some time with a few feathered friends. Peep peep hooray for moments like these!
📸 Photos of smiling Wildcats courtesy Shep’s Courtney Robison.
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Our seventh grade health classes at Mechanicsburg Middle School recently learned important lessons about drug safety and community awareness. 🚔
Thank you to our local police partners for visiting and leading these important conversations. This is a valuable opportunity for students to hear firsthand from experts and trusted community members about the dangers of drugs and their impact on individuals, families, and the greater community. We’re grateful for their partnership and support!
📸 Photo shared courtesy Dr. Katie Hanford, MMS Health and PE Teacher.
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🎉 SENIORS IN FOCUS // Please join us in congratulating Nadia Hunter, a MASH senior and student intern at Chartwell Law. Nadia was recently selected unanimously as the recipient of the Empower Scholarship during PenWell Law’s annual Young Women in Law program.
This fall, Nadia will attend Drexel University to major in economics. 🐉
Special thanks to Jeff Luttermoser and our incredible MASH Career Services team for making FUTURE FOCUSED, hands-on experiences like this possible for our Wildcats!
PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF THE CLASS OF 2025: If you would like your soon-to-be Wildcat grad to potentially be featured in a future “Seniors in Focus” post, please send a photo of your student along with their future plans to PR@mbgsd.org. We will randomly select seniors to be featured throughout the month of May.
📸 Nadia, second from left in second row, with program attendees.
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🌍✈️ WORLD TRAVELERS // Our Wildcats at MASH traveled the world on Wednesday—without ever leaving the Wildcat Activity Center.
Student Council hosted the 3rd Annual Cultural Heritage Day, where our Wildcats picked up passports and explored incredible displays created by their peers, celebrating cultures and traditions from around the globe.
📸 Photos shared courtesy of Elyas Myers and Sarah Williams.
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