Mechanicsburg Area School District

🍎👨‍🍳 A CRISP FALL FAVORITE // Students in the Wildcat Café at Mechanicsburg Middle School took their skills to the next level recently — baking up some warm apple crisp from scratch. From picking fresh apples at a local orchard to peeling, prepping, and baking them to golden perfection, these Wildcats did it all.

This hands-on experience wasn’t just about making a delicious treat., it was about teamwork, responsibility, and connecting classroom learning to the real world.

📸 Special thanks to Rebecca Kuhn for capturing our Wildcats hard at work throughout this fun (and yummy!) project.

#WildcatPride

4 months ago, MBGSD

Students deliver fresh baked apple crisp to teachers.

Students learn about apples at a local orchard.

Students with apples they picked from a tree.

Students deliver fresh baked apple crisp to a staff member.

🦯 WHITE CANE DAY // Meet Emma, one of our amazing Kindergarten Wildcats who’s already showing us what confidence, independence, and perseverance look like! Each day, she navigates her new school with courage and curiosity—proving that with the right tools and a supportive community, every student can shine.

Today on White Cane Day, we celebrate independence, awareness, and inclusion for individuals who are blind or visually impaired—and the incredible students like Emma who remind us what belonging truly means. 💜

👏 We're so proud of you, Emma!

(Proudly shared with the support of our young Wildcat's Mom.)

#WhiteCaneDay #YouBelong #WildcatPride

4 months ago, MBGSD

A young blind student navigating her school with her white cane.

A young blind student learning to write.

A young blind student standing beside a teacher with her white cane.

💜 "TAKE A PICTURE OF ME AND MY FRIEND, PLEASE" // Because everything’s better with friends by your side!

📸 Flashback to last month's warmer, sunnier days—where laughter, smiles, and friendship are always in full swing on the Broad Street playground! ☀️

#WildcatPride

4 months ago, MBGSD

🍎 NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK // From fresh fruit to fan-favorite entrees (like Walking Taco day!), there’s a lot to love about lunchtime in our schools.

This week, we’re celebrating the people and programs that make it all possible — from our food service team serving up nutritious meals with a smile, to our students fueling up for a day full of learning and fun.

Here’s a peek at some of our Wildcats at Northside elementary School enjoying lunch — proving that good food and good friends make the perfect recipe.

#WildcatPride

4 months ago, MBGSD

A young student grabbing his lunch in a school cafeteria line.

A student carrying her lunch tray out of the cafeteria.

An adult putting cheese into a walking taco for a student.

A staff member serving a young student his lunch.

A young boy smiling in the school cafeteria.

A staff member helping a young student in the cafeteria.

A kind cafeteria lady helping a young student with her lunch.

A young boy enjoying his lunch at school.

🏐 DIG IT, KATIE! // Huge congratulations to senior volleyball standout Katie Waterman, who was recognized at last week’s match against State College for reaching 500 career digs! 💪 Katie not only shines on the court but also gives back as a mentor and coach for middle school volleyball players. Her young athletes celebrated their “Coach Katie” with a poster, flowers, and plenty of sweet treats — a perfect tribute to an incredible role model. Fun fact: Katie also has 500 career kills! WOW! We’re so proud of you, Katie — for your accomplishments, leadership, and Wildcat spirit! 🐾 #WildcatPride

4 months ago, MBGSD

a group of girls surrounding their coach who is holding a sign

🧦 YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Wow! In just about 20 minutes, Amanda Payne recently served breakfast to more than 150 Wildcats (because who can resist a chocolate chip muffin? 😋). But that’s not all—Amanda has also taken it upon herself to learn basic sign language so she can connect and communicate with EVERY student who comes her way at Upper Allen Elementary. 💜👏

Your heart, hustle, and dedication make a world of difference, Amanda. Thank you for spreading kindness (and muffins!) every day.

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

4 months ago, MBGSD

An adult male presenting branded socks to a female staff member.

👏 WILDCAT LEADERS IN ACTION // A huge shoutout to a group of Link Crew leaders at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School who gave an exceptional presentation to the Board of School Directors last week.

These student leaders shared insights about the new Link Crew mentorship program, which helps 9th graders transition into high school by pairing them with trained student mentors who offer guidance, encouragement, and a friendly face from (even before) day one. 🐾

Their poise, passion, and commitment to building a culture of belonging truly embody the Wildcat Way. Way to go, Link Crew — you’re making a difference! 💜

#WildcatPride

4 months ago, MBGSD

A group of students in teal tshirts standing with adult educators.

🎶 BIG NEWS, WILDCATS // We’re bursting with pride to share that the Mechanicsburg Middle School Select Ensemble has been invited to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) State Conference this spring.

This incredible honor places our Wildcats among the best of the best across the state. 👏

Under the direction of Mr. Patrick Murphy, this auditioned group of talented 7th- and 8th-graders rehearses twice a week before school (talk about dedication!) and shares their gift of music throughout the Mechanicsburg community. Beyond their beautiful harmonies, these students shine as leaders, role models, and ambassadors of Wildcat excellence.

Let’s hear it for our amazing Select Ensemble—your hard work, passion, and talent have truly hit all the right notes! 🎵

#WildcatPride

4 months ago, MBGSD

Group of student musicians standing around a piano.

👮‍♂️ SAFETY FIRST, WILDCATS // As the days grow shorter and fall fun ramps up, Mechanicsburg Police Department's Lt. Brian Curtis recently stopped by Elmwood Academy to share safety tips with our students. From Halloween night reminders to being alert when walking or biking after dark, his visit was a great way to help our Wildcats stay safe this season. 🍂

👏 We're so appreciative of all our local law enforcement partners for always looking out for our schools and community.

📸 Thanks to Christina Brandt for capturing our Wildcats smiling alongside Lt. Curtis.

5 months ago, MBGSD

Police officer kneeling and surrounded by smiling students.

🌮 (LET'S TACO ’BOUT) A WARNING: This food service crew may cause excessive laughter! 😂

Our MASH Food Service team isn’t just serving up great meals—they’re serving up stylish laughs, too! From “Romaine Calm and Lettuce Carrot On” to “Nacho Average Lunch Lady,” this crew keeps their t-shirts lighthearted and lunchtime fresh and fun. 🥗

We’re so grateful for the smiles (and delicious food!) they bring to our Wildcats every day. 🐾

#WildcatPride

5 months ago, MBGSD

A group of staff standing together in humourous food service tshirts.

🩺➕ MATH MEETS "OPERATIONS" // Future problem-solvers in Ms. Persun's and Mr. Bonora's 7th-grade classes took on a "medical" mission recently—using Order of Operations to “save” their celebrity patients! From calculating cures to performing math miracles (following proper order of operations, of course!), our Mechanicsburg Middle School Wildcats showed that precision and teamwork are the best medicine.

📸 Thanks to Missy Coffman for sharing these photos of learning in action.

#WildcatPride

5 months ago, MBGSD

Two teachers wearing scrubs for a medical math class project

Students use order of operations to solve math problems.

Teacher demonstrates order of operations

Students in class using math to "save" patients

Students in hallway working on a math problem

💕 Last week's Pink Out was more than a color—it was a symbol of support, strength, and community. Shoutout to Elmwood Academy's Alenna Condran and Diann Booth for going all-in on the pink and spreading positivity wherever they go!

5 months ago, MBGSD

Two ladies dressed head to toe in pink for breast cancer awareness month.

💡 SMARTS + SMILES // Wildcats in Kaitlin Bigham's class at Northside Elementary recently turned review time into game time with a roaring round of Head Bandz! Quick thinking, teamwork, and lots of laughter made learning a blast.

📸 Special shoutout to Miss Bigham for the photos.

#WildcatPride #LearningIsFun

5 months ago, MBGSD

🍧 POPSICLES + SMILES // We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day last week for a Popsicle Social. It was wonderful seeing Wildcats enjoying sweet treats, sunshine, and special moments with their families. 🐾 Here’s to connection, community, and the few remaining days of fall that still feel like summer! 🍦💛

📸 Special thanks to Kristi Brown for capturing these moments.

#WildcatPride

5 months ago, MBGSD

🍦 FIELD TRIP FUN // Wildcats in Jen Bitz's class at Upper Allen Elementary School recently visited the Turkey Hill Experience — and it was a sweet success! Students had a blast exploring and discovering the science (and fun!) behind most everyone’s favorite frozen treat.

📸 Special thanks to Mrs. Bitz for capturing the smiles throughout the day.

#WildcatPride

5 months ago, MBGSD

Students standing in a pretend ice cream container.

Student standing next to an oversized cow display.

👑 HOMECOMING ROYALTY // Please help us celebrate our 2025 Homecoming King and Queen, Noah Apple and Madi Dollman, crowned during Friday evening's Homecoming festivities. 🏈

#WildcatPride

5 months ago, MBGSD

Homecoming king and queen crowned during halftime of the football game.

🐾 THANK YOU, COACHES // Today is National Coaches Day, and we’re giving a big #WildcatShoutout to every coach across Wildcat Nation — on the field, in the gym, on the court, in our classrooms (we’ve got amazing instructional coaches, too!), and everywhere in between.

You motivate, mentor, and model what it means to give your best every day. From game plans to lesson plans, you help our Wildcats grow stronger, smarter, and more confident. Today we celebrate you. Every day, we appreciate you.

📸 Photo of Dave Heckard, Wildcat Football Head Coach, courtesy Pat Grill.

#WildcatPride

5 months ago, MBGSD

Football coach providing instruction to his team.

🧦🎉 HEY MR. ARVEY, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Shoutout to Josh Arvey for keeping safety top of mind! When he noticed something out of the ordinary outside his classroom window at Elmwood Academy, he did exactly what we encourage everyone to do—he quickly checked in with the office. It turned out to be nothing at all, but his quick thinking was the perfect example of “See Something, Say Something.” Thank you, Josh, for always looking out for our Wildcats and helping keep our schools safe. You Knocked Our Socks Off!

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

5 months ago, MBGSD

Two men standing beside each other holding a pair of branded socks

🎶 THE LIFE OF A WILDCAT // Taylor Swift’s new album release made today’s PD extra fun! 💜✨

Dr. Bitz brought the Wildcat energy with some Taylor trivia, and winners scored custom Wildcat friendship bracelets, Swiftie-inspired style. 🐾🎤 Plus, it was also fun to see so many staff repping their “Life of a …” shirts throughout the day! 👕🐾

Just another way we mix learning, laughter, and belonging into our Wildcat days.

#WildcatPride

5 months ago, MBGSD

Staff showing off their wildcat inspired friendship bracelets

Group of teachers wearing Life of a Reading Specialist shirts

A staff showing off her wildcat inspired taylor swift bracelet.

Group of staff wearing their "Life of a ..." shirts.

Teacher stands in front of screen that says Life of a teacher.

Superintendent speaks in front of a group of teachers.

💙 CELEBRATING OUR OLYMPIANS // Today our Wildcat athletes shined bright at Special Olympics! With determination, teamwork, and big smiles, they gave their all — showing us the true spirit of sportsmanship and Wildcat Pride. 🐾🏅

A huge thank you to the buddies who cheered, encouraged, and stood side-by-side with our athletes every step of the way. Together, you created memories full of joy, friendship, and celebration.

We couldn’t be prouder of our Wildcats — you inspire us all! 💛

Visit our official Facebook page for a full photo album from this beautiful day - www.facebook.com/MASDwildcats

#WildcatPride

5 months ago, MBGSD

A special olympian competing in the long jump. He's mid air.

Special olympians and their buddies walk in the opening ceremonies.

A student smiling with a little student in a wheelchair during special olympics.

Group of student celebrating special olympians.

A young special olympian walking hand in hand with his big buddy.

Young special olympians standing with a college mascot dressed like a red devil.