Mechanicsburg Area School District

📚🏀 OH, THE BOOKS WE WILL GIVE! // Shoutout to Wildcat Teacher and Basketball Coach Steven Laudenslager, who made a special, early-morning appearance on WGAL today to help kick off the fun around our Slam Dunks and Storybooks Dr. Seuss Book Challenge — and the pages are turning in the best way. He stood alongside his brother, who's leading the challenge in neighboring West Shore SD. Now it’s your turn to join the story. Bring a NEW book (that’s the rule, not a riddle 😉) to help spread some Seuss-style joy to patients at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital: 🏀 Tonight at the girls basketball game at Cedar Cliff 🏀 Tomorrow at the boys basketball game at Mechanicsburg Area High School 📌 A quick note from the Cat in the Hat: all donated books must be new. So grab a book, pack the gym, cheer loud, and help us turn baskets into bookmarks and points into pages. Because when Wildcats give back, oh, the places books can go. 💜📖

👖👟 AN ACCIDENTAL TWINNING // When you sit next to your classmate every day and somehow show up in the same style jeans and the same color and style sweater + shoes … you know it’s a friendship meant to be.

No planning. No texting. Just perfect, unintentional twinning. Wildcats, we love these moments. 💜

📸 Shoutout to MMS Math Teacher Holly Fesler for capturing this photo.

#WildcatPride

🗓️ CALENDAR REMINDERS // As a friendly reminder:

• Monday, January 19, 2026 - No School (Schools Closed)
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - Staff Only K–12 (No School for Students)

We hope you enjoy your long weekend, Wildcats!

📸 We love a little bit of friendly competition, especially when it's our annual staff/students basketball game at MASH.

🧤❄️ A SIGN OF THE SEASON // One brave glove. One cozy winter hat. Both waiting patiently on the fence.

If this looks even slightly familiar, consider it your sign to check the lost and found at your child’s school for anything that might be yours. Winter gear has a way of wandering off—and we’d love to see these items make it back home where they belong.

Pro tip: a quick label can help lost items find their way back next time. 💜

#WildcatPride

🍞📚 A LITTLE TASTE OF TOMORROW // When those bites of freshly baked, homemade bread hit just right. 😊

KinderCats in Scott Herbein’s class at Kindergarten Academy mixed, kneaded, and baked bread from scratch this morning—then happily enjoyed their tasty creation as an afternoon snack. All part of their farm unit and the perfect setup for reading The Little Red Hen together tomorrow.

#WildcatPride

🏀📚 SLAM DUNKS and STORYBOOKS // Our Wildcats are taking on the Cedar Cliff Colts in a friendly Slam Dunks and Storybooks competition — and we need your help to score big for a great cause. If you’re able, please consider donating (and sharing this post!) a NEW Dr. Seuss book. Every book collected will be donated to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

Book donations can be dropped off at the MASH main office now through January 20, 2026, or brought to the January 20 or 21, 2026, games. As a thank-you, all donors will receive a coupon for a free hot dog, redeemable at the concession stand during either of those gamedays.

To get you in the spirit, here’s a little Dr. Seuss inspired writing … 💜📖

It’s game time and story time, all rolled into one,
Oh, the books we’ll collect as the kindness will grow!

The goal is simple, the cause is grand,
To put Green Eggs and Ham in every child’s hand.

Each book you donate helps spread some cheer,
To kids at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital this year.

Drop off your new books at the MASH main office door,
Or bring them January 20 and 21 as our Wildcats hit the floor.

Let’s fill up those shelves with stories galore,
For the children who need them—let’s open the door.

#WildcatPride

🧦 HEY BRAD, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Brad Carlson, Payroll Coordinator (and Super Sleuth), knocked our socks off with his sharp instincts and attention to detail. When something didn’t seem quite right in an email he received, Brad trusted his gut, put on his detective hat, and acted quickly to keep things on track.

His vigilance and commitment to doing things the right way help protect our staff every day—and that’s something worth celebrating. Socks well earned. 💜

(P.S. Just a friendly reminder that not every email is what it claims to be—trust your instincts and think twice before clicking. Spam emails ... 🫤.)

#YouKnockedOurSocksOff #WildcatPride

🚓💙 LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY // Today (and every day!), we’re grateful for the strong partnerships we share with law enforcement across our community. Their presence in our schools goes beyond safety—it’s about connection, trust, and meaningful relationships with our students and staff.

A special thank you to Officer Mark, our District Resource Officer, whose steady presence and genuine care help our Wildcats feel supported and safe. From morning fist bumps and catch on the playground to lunchtime check-ins and hallway conversations, these moments matter.

Thank you to all of our law enforcement partners for being an important part of the Wildcat community. Today we celebrate you. Every day we appreciate you.

#ThankYOU #WildcatPride

🎉🐾 HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY, CARSON // Today we’re celebrating a very special Wildcat — our beloved facility dog, Carson. From calm cuddles and quiet comfort to smiles in the hallway, Carson has spent countless hours spreading love, reassurance, and joy to our students and staff at Mechanicsburg Middle School.

Watching our students celebrate him is the perfect reminder of the bond he’s built and the sense of belonging he brings to our Wildcat family every single day.

Here’s to 10 years of paw prints on our hearts, Carson. 💜🦴

Please help us celebrate Carson by dropping some love in the comments.

📸 Photos shared courtesy Rebecca Kuhn.

#WildcatPride

🗓️ CALENDAR REMINDER // Just a reminder for our Wildcat families that tomorrow, Friday, January 9, 2026, is a Staff-Only K–12 Day, with no school for students.

We appreciate your partnership as we use this day for professional learning and collaboration in support of our students. 🐾

🐾 WILDCAT WEDNESDAY IS BACK // There’s no better way to kick off our first week back from winter break than with a whole lot of Wildcat pride. We spotted students and staff working hard while rocking their maroon and steel and showing off their Wildcat spirit. The energy is back, the smiles are big, and our Wildcats are ready to take on 2026—together.

📸 Wildcat students and staff at Broad Street Elementary School, Kindergarten Academy, and the District Office.

#WildcatPride

🧦 HEY SETH AND COACH, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Two moments. One shared commitment to our Wildcats. We’re proud to recognize Dave Heckard, LEARN Teacher and Head Football Coach, and Seth Pehanich, Athletic Director, for the ways they show up for students — often when no one is watching.

While Coach Heckard’s teams find success on the field, his impact off the field means even more. After the final game of the season, he took time for a quiet, encouraging walk with one of the team’s backups — a powerful moment of care, character building, and connection that speaks volumes about who he is as an educator and coach.

And when the football staff accidentally left their headsets behind before an away game, Seth didn’t hesitate. He jumped in the car, drove more than an hour round trip, and arrived just in time as the final note of the anthem played, ensuring our team had what they needed to succeed.

Different roles. The same heart for students. Dave and Seth, your dedication truly Knocked Our Socks Off.

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

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

🎒 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

🧦 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

🎒 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

😎 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

🏠🍬 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