🍎👨‍🍳 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 days ago, MBGSD
Students deliver fresh baked apple crisp to teachers.
Students learn about apples at a local orchard.
Students make apple crisp.
Students make apple crisp.
Students peel apples
Students peel apples
Students with apples they picked from a tree.
Students pick apples from a tree.
Students deliver fresh baked apple crisp to a staff member.
Students with fresh baked apple crisp.

🎶 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

8 days ago, MBGSD
Group of student musicians standing around a piano.
Group of singers standing on risers.
🩺➕ 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
10 days ago, MBGSD
Two teachers wearing scrubs for a medical math class project
Students use order of operations to solve math problems.
Students use order of operations to solve math problems.
Student solves math problem
Teacher demonstrates order of operations
Teacher demonstrates order of operations
Students solving a math problem.
Students in class using math to "save" patients
Students in class solving math problems
Students in hallway working on a math problem
🐾 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
13 days ago, MBGSD
Football coach providing instruction to his team.
💙 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
17 days 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.
❄️ SCIENCE IN ACTION // Our 8th-grade scientists in Abby Thornton’s class at Mechanicsburg Middle School got hands-on with some cool experiments — literally! Using dry ice, students explored states of matter and chemical reactions in action. The excitement (and fog!) filled the room as curiosity came to life.

Way to go, Wildcats — keep asking questions and discovering the world around you! 🐾

📸 Shoutout to Melissa Coffman for capturing these hands-on learning experiences.

#WildcatPride
17 days ago, MBGSD
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
Students using dry ice in a middle school science lab.
🏃‍♀️ Big cheers for Sybil and Kate, who raced with heart and proudly repped Mechanicsburg Middle School XC at the Ben Bloser Bulldog Invitational last weekend! Way to go, Wildcats! 🙌

📸 Thanks to Keith Shively for sharing this photo.

#WildcatPride
22 days ago, MBGSD
Two girls standing beside each other in maroon tank tops as they prep to run a XC meet
🤜🤛 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
26 days 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
💛 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
about 1 month 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.
🔴⚪🔵 Our Wildcats donned their red, white, and blue while honoring and remembering community helpers and heroes today. 📸 Photos courtesy Mechanicsburg Middle School’s Missy Coffman and Shep Principal Dave Echelmeier. #NeverForget #WildcatPride
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
A white service dog wearing a red white and blue bandana
staff standing together in red white and blue
🍎 Lunchtime isn’t just about food—it’s about friendships, smiles, and the connections that brighten our school days. From games of Uno and volleyball to sharing tables and swapping stories, our Wildcats are building bonds that last far beyond the cafeteria.

📸 Special shoutout to MMS Assistant Principal Kelly Ziegler for these photos of our middle school Wildcats.
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
Students reading during lunch
Students playing Uno at lunch
Students talking during lunch
Students playing volleyball during lunch
Students playing a card game at lunch
🧦 🎉 Hey, Mr. Johnston—YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Let's kick off this Monday with a celebratory post! Dr. Bitz stopped by Mechanicsburg Middle School to honor Adam Johnston, who stepped in as temporary Kitchen Manager to support our food service team. His dedication and teamwork didn't go unnoticed, and to show our thanks, Dr. Bitz presented him with a special pair of Wildcat socks (only two people in the district have a pair of these socks!).

What is You Knocked Our Socks Off? It’s a new way to recognize MASD staff who go above and beyond—whether in big or small ways. When we see or hear about those moments that “knock our socks off,” Dr. Bitz surprises the honoree with a fun pair of Wildcat socks as a token of appreciation.

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
Selfie of two men holding a pair of branded socks
🐾 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
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
Graphic advertising wildcat blanket fundraisers
👮‍♂️ We’ve got someone special joining our BACK-TO-SCHOOL CREW today! We’re thrilled to welcome Officer Mark Sanguinito as our very first District Resource Officer (DRO). He’ll be serving and supporting our Wildcats in our Upper Allen Township schools. We’re grateful for our partnership with the Upper Allen Township Police Department that makes this possible. 💙 👋 Let’s give Officer Mark a big Wildcat welcome in the comments! And be sure to check back throughout the day for lots more first-day photos and videos. #WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
police officer standing in front of a school with a first day sign
🎒 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
2 months ago, MBGSD
Back to School Graphic
🎉 HONORING OUR WILDCAT LEGENDS // Earlier this week, we proudly celebrated MASD staff members who have dedicated 20, 25, or 30 incredible years to shaping and inspiring future-focused Wildcats. Their commitment, passion, and unwavering support have left an enduring mark on our students and our community.

Please join us in congratulating—and thanking—these remarkable individuals for living the #WildcatWay every single day. 💙🐾

#WildcatPride #WildcatTradition #WildcatExcellence
2 months ago, MBGSD
A group of adults standing in line for a recognition photo.
Two lades standing next to each other for a recognition photo
three adults standing in line for a recognition photo
BACK TO SCHOOL 2025 // Last week, Mechanicsburg Middle School was buzzing with excitement as students and families explored the building ahead of the first day! 🐾 From warm welcomes by Dr. Bitz and Mr. Yohn to new friendships (and a visit from one of our favorite four-legged staff members, Carson 🐶), the smiles were endless.

We can’t wait to hear and see our hallways come alive with laughter, joy, and even more smiles later this month! 🎒

📸 Photos shared courtesy MMS Assistant Principal Kelly Ziegler.

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
Four students standing with a white facility dog in a school hallway.
Group of students stading in a school hallway during new student orientation

🛝 The jungle gyms are still. The slides are quiet. And we can't help but miss the laughter, energy, and smiles that fill our playgrounds throughout the school year. We are so excited to soon welcome back our Wildcats - it's not the same without you! 🐾

Our first day of school is August 19, 2025, with a staggered start for our K-3 Wildcats. Don't forget to check out our Back to School Resource Center for answers to many of your questions as you prep for the first day of school: www.mbgsd.org/BTS.

#WilcatPride

2 months ago, MBGSD
Playground without any children.
📚 Our newest teachers took the spotlight during professional development this week — leading a lesson with principals stepping into the role of students. We love seeing fresh ideas, confident voices, and collaborative learning right from the start. We’re so excited you’re here! #WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
teacher in front of a paper
new teachers at a table
new teachers at a table with peers
new teachers at a table with peers
new teachers at a table with peers
a new teacher leading a lesson
a male principal talking with a group of new teachers
🎉 WELCOME, NEWEST WILDCATS // Help us give a warm Wildcat welcome to all of our teachers who are new to MASD this year! Whether they’re just beginning their teaching journey or bringing years of experience from other districts, we’re thrilled to have them join our school community.

Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and making a difference—welcome to the Wildcat family! 💙🐾

#WildcatPride
3 months ago, MBGSD
Group of new teachers standing behind an outdoor office sign.