🌍✉️ GLOBAL CONNECTIONS // Wildcats in Joshua Arvey’s class at Elmwood Academy recently teamed up with students in France for a special pen pal project. To help their new friends get to know them, students snapped photos showing who they are and where they live—then paired each picture with a caption to bring it to life.

From snapshots of our school to scenes across the community, these Wildcats are spreading the Wildcat Way across the ocean. 💌🐾

📸 Shoutout to Mr. Arvey for capturing this globe-trotting learning activity in action.

#WildcatPride
3 months ago, MBGSD
Students sitting at a desk writing on notecards
Students writing on notecards and notebooks while sitting at a desk
Photos of landmarks on a whiteboard in a classroom
A teacher helping a student write on a notecard
Student sitting at a desk writing on a notecard
Students writing on notecards while standing at a table
Student writing on a blue notecard

♪🥁 MUSIC IN THE PARK // REMINDER: The Mechanicsburg Music Alliance will host its 27th annual Music in the Park on September 27, 2025. Join us at John H Frederick Field at Memorial Park. Gates open at 5:00 PM, opening remarks/National Anthem at 5:50 PM, and the first of several high school marching bands takes the field at 6:00 PM.

Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School's Maroon Machine will perform their 2025 show, “The Butterfly Effect,” in exhibition at approximately 7:30 PM. Marching bands from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Shippensburg University will also perform for the enjoyment of all.

🎟️ For tickets: https://givebutter.com/MITP2025

📸 He did it again! Wildcat supporter and photographer Pat Grill captured these beautiful photos of our very own Maroon Machine performing at a recent football game. Thank you!

#WildcatPride

3 months ago, MBGSD
A member of the color guard wearing a colorful costume and carrying a flag.
Members of the marching band playing during a show
A color guard member performing during a show
Members of the marching band playing during a show
Members of the marching band playing during a show
Members of the marching band playing during a show
Members of the marching band playing during a show
Members of a marching band performing during a show
Members of the marching band playing during a show
Members of the marching band playing during a show
💡 Our maintenance teams play an integral role in helping to keep our schools running strong 💪 — and our seasonal employees are a big part of that success. Meet Victor, a recent Gettysburg College grad, and Derek, a hardworking MASH senior. We’re grateful for their hard work — and for every member of our maintenance crew who goes above and beyond for our Wildcat community! 🙌

📸 Shoutout to Facilities Director Erick Hoffman for the photo.

#WildcatPride
3 months ago, MBGSD
Two maintenance workers standing beside each other, hands crossed in front of them.
🤜🤛 NEWSMAKER // Special shoutout to our friends at ABC 27 News for spotlighting Mechanicsburg Middle School Principal Joel Yohn as a HOMETOWN HERO.

Every Friday, the middle school comes alive with positivity thanks to “Fist Bump Friday.” Mr. Yohn dons his signature FBF t-shirt and greets students, staff, and parents with fist bumps to start the day on an upbeat note.

What began as a simple gesture has now grown into a school-wide movement. Bus drivers, the District Resource Officer, and countless staff members have joined in, creating a culture where fist bumps and smiles ripple throughout the building. The movement’s impact is so strong that a sixth grader recently surprised Mr. Yohn with oversized “fist gloves,” a playful gift that highlights just how meaningful the tradition has become for students.

This is more than just a Friday ritual—it’s a story of how one leader’s small act of positivity has sparked a wave of connection, belonging, and joy.

Thank you, Mr. Yohn.

CHECK OUT THE NEWSCAST HERE: https://www.abc27.com/community/hometown-hero/mechanicsburg-middle-school-principal-celebrates-fridays-with-fist-bumps/

#wildcatpride #fistbumpfriday
3 months ago, MBGSD
A principal holding up oversized "fist" gloves for Fist Bump Friday.
A police officer giving fist bumps to students.
A principal giving high fives in the car line

🪄🧦 HEY, MRS. BURGER—YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // When it comes to keeping things running smoothly, Jessie is our behind-the-scenes logistics wizard — the organizer, orderer, and knower of all things CKLA. Thanks to her tireless work, our elementary team successfully launched CKLA this year.

From being spotted knee-deep in boxes of supplies (new shipments arriving daily!) to making sure every last detail was covered, Jessie’s commitment to this project truly knocked our socks off. We couldn’t have done it without her!

#WildcatPride

3 months ago, MBGSD
A man and woman stand behind and beside a pile of boxes.
🏈 Relationships that matter most often start with something simple—like a game of catch.

We love seeing our District Resource Officer, Officer Mark, connect with our students on and off the field. These moments build trust, belonging, and smiles that last well beyond the school day. And we’re so grateful for strong partnerships with our local police departments and for the ways they support the success and safety of every Wildcat. 💙

👏 We'd love it if you would give Officer Mark a round of applause in the comments.

📸 Special thanks to Abbie Thompson, third-grade teacher at Upper Allen Elementary School, for capturing this special moment.

#WildcatPride
3 months ago, MBGSD
A police officer plays catch with a group of young students on a school playground.
🚌 SAFETY FIRST // Last week, Wildcats across the district participated in bus evacuation drills. These important exercises give students the chance to practice what to do in case of an emergency while riding the bus.

By pausing to review safety procedures together, we help ensure that every student knows how to respond quickly and calmly if the need ever arises. Safety always comes first in MASD. 💛

📸 Thanks to Nick Wilson, Supervisor of Student Affairs and Safety, for the photos of our Wildcats in action.

#WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
Students practicing how to safely exit the back of a  school bus in an emergency.
Students practicing how to safely exit the back of a  school bus in an emergency.
Students practicing how to safely exit the back of a  school bus in an emergency.
🏈 BIGS AND LITTLES // It was all about Wildcats, big and small, under the Friday night lights earlier this month. From the field to the sidelines, our future football players and cheerleaders joined their high school role models for Youth Night—and the smiles say it all.

Here’s to traditions, teamwork, and the next generation of Wildcats! 🐾

📸 Special shoutout to Wildcat supporter Pat Grill for the amazing photos!

#WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
youth football players running onto the field
Youth cheerleaders at a game
Youth cheerleaders at a game
Youth cheerleaders at a game
Youth cheerleaders at a game
youth football players running onto the field
youth football players running onto the field
Youth cheerleaders at a game
youth football players running onto the field
🏫 HONORING OUR ROOTS // As part of Upper Allen Township’s 175th anniversary celebration, MASD historian and archivist Bill Murray delivered a fascinating lecture on the One-Room Schools of Upper Allen. His talk highlights the stories, spirit, and legacy of these early schools that helped shape our community.

📹 You can watch the full lecture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NtcoCFO7kQ

#WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
Gentleman speaking in front of a crowd of seated guests
Gentleman ringing gold bell
Gentleman speaking in front of a crowd of seated guests
💛 One of the many things that makes MASD special is the way our staff stand beside their students—every step of the way. From big milestones to everyday moments, their support helps our Wildcats grow, learn, and shine. Here’s to the connections that make school feel like family. 🐾

You're welcome to drop a note of appreciation in the comments for our amazing staff!

📸 Photos of Mechanicsburg Middle School staff with our students, as shared courtesy School Social Worker Jess Long.

#WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
A teacher standing between two students in class. Lots of smiles!
A teacher standing beside a student on a bicycle during phys ed class.
💛 Instructional Assistants play a vital role in student success and build such beautiful bonds with our students and teachers. Please help us give a big round of applause and shoutout of appreciation to Carrie Strong, IA at Broad Street Elementary School, and all IAs across the district for what they do each and every day.

📸 Ms. Strong is celebrated by some of her Broad Street wildcats! Photo shared courtesy Jennifer Rogosky, third grade teacher.
4 months ago, MBGSD
Students gathering around and hugging a teacher. So many smiles!
💬 WILDCAT CHAT // Earlier this month, our little learners at Northside Elementary School kicked off their first Wildcat Chat of the school year with lessons that focused on our Wildcat Way values. This month’s focus: “C” – Communicate with Respect. 🐾 We’re excited to see our Wildcats learning, sharing, and growing together!

📸 Thanks to Administrative Assistant Cori Shaffer for capturing the lessons.
4 months ago, MBGSD
A group of students sitting on a floor while teachers lead a lesson at a white board.
A group of students sitting on a floor while teachers lead a lesson at a white board.
A group of students sitting on a floor while teachers lead a lesson at a white board.
🎨 DOT DAY SPARKED OUR CREATIVITY // Yesterday, our Wildcats across the district joined in the global celebration of Dot Day, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot. The day reminds us to be brave, try new things, and make our own mark on the world. 💪

Students and staff wore their dots proudly, filled our hallways with hand-drawn designs, and celebrated creativity alongside their art teachers—including some who brought their own special Dot-themed style to the day.

📸 Special thanks to art teacher Rachel Connell and staff across the district for sharing many of these great photos.

#WildcatPride #DotDay
4 months ago, MBGSD
Student showing off homemade dot-themed shirt
Two students and a teacher showing off matching black and white polka dot pants
Young student wearing red and white polka dot minnie mouse inspired outfit
Student wearing dot day tshirt
Friends showing off dot themed clothes
Student wearing dot day tshirt
Friends on the playground wearing dot themed clothes
Staff showing off polka dot shirts.
Student in art class designing dot themed artwork
Students at a table designing dots in art class.
💻 HAPPY IT PROFESSIONALS DAY // Today we’re shining a spotlight on our amazing Technology Team—keeping systems running, networks secure, and classrooms connected. From quick fixes to behind-the-scenes planning, you make teaching and learning possible every day. Today we celebrate you. Every day we appreciate you. 🙌

📸 Technology Support Coordinator Paul Noss repairing a staff laptop at Elmwood Academy.

#WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
A technician sits at a desk to repair a laptop.
💛 KINDNESS ALWAYS // First graders in Kelsey Sharpe's class at Upper Allen Elementary School have been busy spreading kindness! After reading All Are Welcome, they worked together to create a beautiful collaborative poster. Their message of belonging is simple but powerful. 🐾

📸 Special thanks to Ms. Sharpe for the photo of her kind and caring Wildcats.
4 months ago, MBGSD
Students sitting on the floor in front of a poster they designed that says All Are Welcome.
📚 As part of their Classic Tales unit, third graders at Northside Elementary School loved every twist and turn of The Wind in the Willows. With plenty of laughter on Toad’s adventures—and teachers sporting matching “Mr. Toad’s Taxi Service” shirts—this storytime feels like one unforgettable ride. 🚕

Thanks to our staff for always going above and beyond to bring learning to life for our Wildcats!

📸 Special shoutout to K-3 Literacy Coach Rebecca Morris for the photo.
4 months ago, MBGSD
Four teachers standing together and wearing Mr. Toad's Taxi Service shirts
💡 MAKING THINKING VISIBLE // Wildcats in Maeve Kauffman's second grade class at Upper Allen Elementary dove into a Vocabulary Carousel during a pausing point activity—and it was so fun to see! 📝 Students reviewed key domain words while showing and sharing their learning in ways that were meaningful to them. The engagement was off the charts. We're so proud of these young learners for making their voices—and their thinking—shine!

📸 Special shoutout to Mrs. Kauffman for capturing learning in action.

#WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
Students laying on the floor to write on large pieces of chart paper.
Students writing on large pieces of chart paper.
Students holding large chart paper full of their writings
Students laying on the floor to write on large pieces of chart paper.
Students laying on the floor to write on large pieces of chart paper.
Students laying on the floor to write on large pieces of chart paper.
♪🥁 MUSIC IN THE PARK // The Mechanicsburg Music Alliance will host its 27th annual Music in the Park on September 27, 2025. Join us at John H Frederick Field at Memorial Park. Gates open at 5:00 PM, opening remarks/National Anthem at 5:50 PM, and the first of several high school marching band takes the field at 6:00 PM.

Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School's Maroon Machine will perform their 2025 show, “The Butterfly Effect,” in exhibition at approximately 7:30 PM. Marching bands from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Shippensburg University will also perform for the enjoyment of all.

🎟️ For tickets: https://givebutter.com/MITP2025

📸 Flashback to picture of our Maroon Machine in action during a football game last year.

#WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
A high school marching band performing during a football game.
A high school marching band performing during a football game.
A high school marching band performing during a football game.
A high school marching band performing during a football game.
A high school marching band performing during a football game.
A high school marching band performing during a football game.
🌇Breathtaking sky over Kindergarten Academy this evening. 📸 Shared courtesy Jen Statler. If you snapped a photo, feel free to share in the comments. #WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
sunset over a school
🎤 Nathaniel, a Wildcat at Elmwood Academy, showcased his leadership and communication skills on the morning announcements yesterday… and he’s not stopping there!

🍋 This afternoon, you can find him running a lemonade stand from 12–3 p.m. at the Upper Allen JoJo’s parking lot—all to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Way to use your voice and your heart to make a difference, Wildcat! 💛

📸 Thank you to Assistant Principal Keith Shively for capturing our Wildcat in action.

#WildcatPride
4 months ago, MBGSD
A school principal hold a microphone while a young student reads the morning announcements.