🧦 HEY RACHEL, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF! // Today we’re celebrating Art Teacher Rachel Connell for truly going above and beyond. When we came to her with a brainstorm about switching up our annual appreciation card, she didn’t miss a beat — she jumped right in, pivoted effortlessly, and, with the help of some young Wildcats, brought the new idea to life.

Thanks to her creativity and quick thinking, we now have beautiful student artwork that perfectly captures a heartfelt message of belonging for our entire Wildcat community. 💜🐾 If you haven't already seen the card, be sure to check out this morning's post.

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

about 2 hours ago, MBGSD
A man in a suit presenting a paid of branded socks to a teacher.
🤍 AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK 2025 // From us to you, we share the special message below.

We are grateful for you — your commitment, your care, and your belief in every Wildcat’s inherent worth and potential. Thank you!

🎨 Please help us also celebrate and thank Broad Street Elementary School's Jonah, Vivienne, and Rahil for the hand drawn artwork (and smiles!).

Be sure to check back later today for a special video message from Dr. Bitz.

#WildcatPride
about 7 hours ago, MBGSD
Collage of photos of students holding handdrawn signs that share a message of appreciation and belonging.
🩺 PAGING ALL (future) DOCTORS // Northside Elementary School first graders recently wrapped up their CKLA Human Body Unit by becoming “doctors for a day.” From performing hands-on “operations” to exploring the circulatory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, these young learners showed just how much heart (and brain power!) they’ve got! 💜

#WildcatPride
5 days ago, MBGSD
Students dressed as doctors for a classroom activity.
Students dressed as doctors for a classroom activity.
Students dressed as doctors for a classroom activity.
A student dressed as a doctor for a classroom activity.
Students dressed as doctors for a classroom activity.
Students dressed as doctors for a classroom activity.
Student dressed as a play doctor, fixing a stuffed bear.
Student dressed as a patient for part of a class unit on the human body.
Students dressed as doctors for a classroom activity.
Student dressed as a play doctor and playing the game operation.
🐾 BRRR! IT'S OFFICIALLY WILDCAT BLANKET WEATHER // These Wildcats are staying warm and cozy — and you can too! If you purchased a Wildcat blanket through Mechanicsburg Area PTO (MAPTO), it’s time to pick up your order.

🕓 Pickup Times: 4–7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, and Thursday, November 13
📍 Location: Kindergarten Academy (enter through the doors facing Norway Street)

Blankets will be distributed by purchaser’s last name, so be sure you know which adult in your household placed the order.

Didn’t order yet? A few extra blankets are available for $25 each (cash or check made out to MAPTO) — grab yours before they’re gone!

📸 A warm thank-you to Northside PTO/MAPTO rep Ann Marie Bolish for capturing these cozy smiles!
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#WildcatPride
6 days ago, MBGSD
Three students cozied up with a warm and fuzzy maroon wildcat blanket.
🥞🍎 Every Wildcat deserves a great start to the day — and that begins with breakfast! Don't forget, breakfast is free for all MASD students every school day, so be sure to grab a bite before the bell rings. It’s one of the many ways we’re helping every Wildcat learn, grow, and thrive. You can also find a list of meal supports for Wildcat families on our district website. Because when we take care of one another, our whole community grows stronger. 💜 #WildcatPride
10 days ago, MBGSD
a young boy picks breakfast items
a young girl and boy pick breakfast items
a young girl picks breakfast items
young students pick breakfast items
a young student picks breakfast items
🍁 AUTUMN VIBES, WILDCAT STYLE // Our district is bursting with color (and Wildcat pride!) this fall. 💜

#WildcatPride
23 days ago, MBGSD
Colorful fall trees in front of a school.
A chair and desk overlooking a colorful fall tree.
Colorful fall trees in front of a school.
Colorful fall trees in front of a school.
Colorful fall trees in front of a school.
A building surrounded by fall foliage.
💡 TEAMWORK + LEARNING = GROWTH // Professional development days give our team time to learn, connect, and grow—so we can give our best to our Wildcats every day. 🌟 Today, our Instructional Aides came together for hands-on collaboration and shared learning.

💜 Thank you to our families for supporting this important time dedicated to staff growth and continuous improvement.

#WildcatPride
24 days ago, MBGSD
Staff members collaborating during professional development.
Staff members collaborating during professional development.
Staff members collaborating during professional development.
Staff members collaborating during professional development.
Staff members collaborating during professional development.
🧺 SHOP FOR A CAUSE // It's not too late to swing by the Operation Wildcat’s 24th Indoor Yard Sale, open until 8 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 24) and from 7:30 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 25, at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church. Find treasures big and small — books, collectibles, home décor, jewelry, toys, and more — all while helping students and families in need right here in our district. 💜

📅 Friday, Oct. 24 | 8 AM–8 PM
📅 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 7:30 AM–12 PM
📍 1050 S. York St., Mechanicsburg

Cash and credit accepted. Every purchase supports a Wildcat family! 🐾

#WildcatPride
24 days ago, MBGSD
Photo of a yard sign advertising a charity yard sale, as described in our post caption.

🚌 IT’S NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK // Every day, our amazing bus drivers safely transport our Wildcats — rain or shine, morning and afternoon, always with care. Thank you for the patience, smiles, and watchful eyes that keep our students safe.

🚨 Safety reminder: When a bus has its stop arm out and red lights flashing, all traffic must stop — in both directions. Through our enforcement program that equips each school bus with stop-arm cameras, law enforcement issued 131 citations in May and September to drivers who illegally passed stopped MASD buses.

Let’s all do our part to keep Wildcats safe. ❤️ Slow down, stay alert, and always stop on red!

📸: A student-made “World’s Best Bus Driver” sign — proudly displayed on the dashboard of one of our school buses.

#WildcatPride

27 days ago, MBGSD
A "World's Best Bus Driver" sign proudly displayed on the dashboard of a school bus.
🍎 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
about 1 month 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.
A student enjoying her homemade lunch.
💡 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
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
Students play HeadBandz.
Students play HeadBandz.
Students play HeadBandz.
Students play HeadBandz.
Students play HeadBandz.
Students play HeadBandz.
Students play HeadBandz.
Students play HeadBandz.
Students play HeadBandz.
💙 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
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
A special olympian competing in the long jump. He's mid air.
A special olympian and her big buddy.
Special Olympics parade of athletes.
Special olympians and their buddies walk in the opening ceremonies.
A student smiling with a little student in a wheelchair during special olympics.
A special olymian and his big buddy.
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.
A special olympian and her big buddy.
🧹 NATIONAL CUSTODIAL WORKERS RECOGNITION DAY // Today we celebrate ALL of our amazing custodians and buildings & grounds crews across MASD! 💙 From classrooms to cafeterias, playgrounds to hallways, you keep our schools safe, clean, and welcoming every single day — and we are so grateful. Today we celebrate you. Every day we appreciate you.

📸 Northside Elementary School sends a shoutout to their very own Mr. Kevin, Ms. Jennifer, and Ms. Lacey. Northside staff tell us that Mr. Kevin is quick to jump in to help with everything from water spills to playground clean-ups, always making sure the job is done right. Ms. Jennifer brings smiles and joy by decorating spaces like the faculty room — even surprising staff with a special touch for Custodian Day. And together with Ms. Lacey, this trio ensures Northside shines for students and staff alike. 🐾

#WildcatPride
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
Man standing in front of a sign with paper towels. He's being funny.
Toilet paper and paper towels with a thank you note.
Paper towels on a table.
📚 READING SUPERSTARS // All summer long, Wildcats at Northside Elementary School powered up to the challenge with 15 minutes of reading a day 📖 — and their reward? A glow-tacular Reading Party! 💡 With finger flashlights in hand, these bookworms proved reading really does make you shine.

Who needs a nightlight when you’ve got Wildcats who shine this bright?

📸 Shoutout to Reading Teacher Wendy Arentz for capturing this glowing celebration.

#WildcatPride
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
Students reading with glow in the dark finger lights
Students reading with glow in the dark finger lights
Students on the floor reading with glow in the dark finger lights
Students on the floor reading with glow in the dark finger lights
Student laying on the floor reading with glow in the dark finger lights
Student wearing glow in the dark hat and necklace
Student wearing glow in the dark hat and necklace
Student wearing glow in the dark hat and necklace
Group of students wearing glow in the dark hats and necklaces
Student wearing glow in the dark hat and necklace
💬 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.
2 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.
📚 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.
2 months ago, MBGSD
Four teachers standing together and wearing Mr. Toad's Taxi Service shirts
🎨 DOT DAY PREP // Inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, our Wildcats at Northside Elementary School are filling art class with courage, creativity, and lots of dots! The story encourages young artists to “make their mark,” and that’s exactly what our Wildcats are doing. Later this month, we’ll celebrate Dot Day together and unveil their final creations.

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
Students drawing dots in art class
🐾 GET COZY, STAY WILDCAT PROUD // Our Mechanicsburg Area PTO is excited to launch a custom Wildcats blanket fundraiser! Perfect for chilly game nights, movie marathons, or showing off your Wildcat pride at home. Please share with all of your Wildcat friends!

✨ Limited quantity – don’t miss out! Order by Friday, September 12, 2025.
📦 Benefits the PTOs at KA, Upper Allen, Broad Street, Shep, Northside, and Elmwood Academy - directly supporting our students.

Wrap yourself in comfort AND Wildcat spirit today! Order here: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OHVpC1VoPquj4L5uLfRsVJYRi?domain=mydesigns.teamthrows.com/

#WildcatPride
3 months ago, MBGSD
Graphic advertising wildcat blanket fundraisers

🐾 The classrooms are ready, the hallways are shining, the smiles are BIG, and our staff (including our favorite four-legged friends 🐶) can’t wait to welcome YOU back tomorrow. We will see you in the morning, Wildcats—it’s going to be an incredible year!

📸 Photos of staff at Elmwood Academy and Northside Elementary School.

#WildcatPride

3 months ago, MBGSD
Two teachers smiling, standing outside of a classroom.
A black dog sitting in front of a maroon backdrop
Two male educators standing in front of a maroon Wildcats banner
🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL 2025 // The countdown is over—our Wildcats are coming back! 🐾💛 We can’t wait to see those first-day smiles on Tuesday and Wednesday (and every day after that!).

📅 First Day for Grades 4–12: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
📅 Staggered Start for K–3: Tuesday & Wednesday, August 19–20, 2025

Get ready, Wildcats… it’s going to be an amazing year! 🎉

#WildcatPride
3 months ago, MBGSD
Back to School Graphic