🎵 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
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
Student smiling with residents of a senior living community.
Students perform in an orchestra.
Student musicians interact with a resident of a senior living community.
Student orchestra performance at a senior living community.
Student orchestra members.
Sign at a concert that says Musical Selections Performed by MASH Chamber Ensemble.
🎄 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
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
Two adults standing behind a holiday cheer cart full of snacks.
❄️ 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
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
Enjoy Your Winter Break sign in front of a school building.
🎁 💜 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
2 months ago, MBGSD
Students wrapping holiday gifts.
Students wrapping holiday gifts.
Students wrapping holiday gifts.
Students wrapping holiday gifts.
Students wrapping holiday gifts.
Students wrapping holiday gifts.

💜 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

2 months ago, MBGSD
Headshot of new school principal standing along a brick wall.
☃️ 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
2 months ago, MBGSD
Students wrapping a classmate in toilet paper for a Build A Snowman STEM challenge.
Students wrapping a classmate in toilet paper for a Build A Snowman STEM challenge.
Students wrapping a classmate in toilet paper for a Build A Snowman STEM challenge.
Students wrapping a classmate in toilet paper for a Build A Snowman STEM challenge.
Students wrapping a classmate in toilet paper for a Build A Snowman STEM challenge.
Students wrapping a classmate in toilet paper for a Build A Snowman STEM challenge.
Students wrapping a classmate in toilet paper for a Build A Snowman STEM challenge.
💜 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
2 months ago, MBGSD
Two teachers standing beside each other to celebrate a retirement.
A teacher standing in front of a table to celebrate her retirement.
A group of teachers standing together to celebrate a colleague's retirement.
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
2 months ago, MBGSD
Calendar Reminder: Schools Closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 2.
🧦 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
2 months ago, MBGSD
A teacher holding a pair of branded socks presented to her by the superintedent.

🐾🎄 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

2 months ago, MBGSD
A black dog wearing a red, snowflake bandanna and sitting in front of a holiday tree.
A black dog wearing a blue holiday coat and sitting in front of a holiday tree.
Spotted outside of Kindergarten Academy yesterday, a big and beautiful rainbow! 🌈

📸 Thanks to Melinda Gochenaur for capturing this picturesque moment.

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
A rainbow over a parking lot.

💜 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

2 months ago, MBGSD
Two young students deliver handmade gingerbread men to staff in an office.
Two felt gingerbread men handmade by young students.
🍭 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
2 months ago, MBGSD
young boy dressed as an elf holding out a candy cane
young boy dressed as an elf
💚 LOOK WHO’S BACK… // That Mr. Grinch couldn’t stay away and was up to his silly antics once again — this time at Broad Street Elementary School. With a few friends by his side, he stirred up even more smiles and laughter along the way.

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
The grinch giving a student a high five.
The Grinch directing traffic during school drop off.
Teachers dressed in holiday costumes.
The grinch pointing to a sign that says Broad Street Elementary School.
Teachers dressed in holiday costumes.
The Grinch talking to students in a classroom.
Teachers dressed in holiday costumes.
🎵 MUSIC THAT MOVED THE ROOM // MASH senior Marabeth Duggan recently delivered a stunning soprano solo during a special concert with the Central Pennsylvania Symphony, performing “Silent Night” in Dr. Leo Nester’s arrangement alongside Maestro Stephen Czarkowski on solo ’cello and the CPS string orchestra.

Equally impressive was the MASH Concert Chorale, led by Gordon Kaslusky, which joined the symphony for two pieces and then took the spotlight with three performances of their own.

From soloist to ensemble, our Wildcats represented the very best of musical excellence and collaboration.

📸 Pictured in addition to the Concert Chorale large group photo (left to right): Gordon Kaslusky, Marabeth Duggan, Maestro Stephen Czarkowski, and MASH faculty member Leigh Ann Chow, principal oboist for the symphony.

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
Musicians pose for a photo
Musicians on stage.
💬 Sometimes the most important conversations happen at the lunch table. That's why Officer Mark takes time to connect with students and build trust and relationships, helping ensure our schools remain places where students feel comfortable, supported, and part of the Wildcat community. Thank you for being part of the team, Officer Mark! #WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
a police officer talks to students at a lunch table

❄️🧢 FESTIVE KINDERCATS // From winter hats to holiday hair flair, our littlest Wildcats are spreading cheer everywhere they go today.

#WildcatPride

2 months ago, MBGSD
Collage of young students in winter hats.
Collage of young students in winter hats.
Collage of young students in winter hats.
👔 UPPER ALLEN UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT // Students and staff at Upper Allen Elementary School held a special spirit day by dressing just like Mr. McIntosh — and the smiles said it all. From matching outfits to big laughs, it was a heartfelt (and fun) way to celebrate a principal who has made a lasting impact on so many students and staff.

As Mr. McIntosh prepares to retire after a truly beautiful career in education, our Wildcats are showing their appreciation the best way they know how: together, with joy, gratitude, and a whole lot of school spirit. 🐾💜

📸 Special thanks to staff at Upper Allen for capturing these memories!

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
A group photo of staff dressed in matching shirts and ties.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
🔌🧠 FUTURE-FOCUSED WILDCATS AT WORK // MASH students recently stepped into real-world career experiences through a variety of career exploration opportunities. Some explored how physical therapists use neuromuscular electrical stimulators at Central Penn College’s Health Services career exploration event, while others successfully wired a three-way electrical switch board at a career event hosted by the Independent Electrical Contractors.

These real-world experiences are just a snapshot of the many career exploration opportunities helping our future focused Wildcats discover interests, build skills, and imagine what’s next. 💜

📸 Shoutout to Jeff Luttermoser, MASH Graduation Project Coordinator and Internships & Cooperative Education Supervisor, for capturing these moments in action.

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
A student wires a lightbulb during a career exploration event.
Students learn about neuromuscular simulators during a career exploration event.
A student wires a lightbulb during a career exploration event.
🥨 SWEET MOMENTS // Thanks to Becca Petrone and Katy Pratt and their Cooking Club, our KinderCats at Kindergarten Academy whipped up chocolate- and candy-covered pretzels — made with love for Mrs. Gochenaur in the office!

Learning, teamwork, and a whole lot of sweetness from our Little Chefs. 💜

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
Young students in a chef's hat and aprons presenting a teacher with a plate of handmade treats.