🚌 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
💥 GAME ON FOR A GOOD CAUSE // Mechanicsburg Middle School recently hosted its 12th annual Dodge HUNGER Dodgeball Tournament — and the Wildcat energy was off the charts! 🏐
With 34 teams and nearly 300 students and staff hitting the court, this year’s tournament raised an incredible $6,000 to support the MMS Marketplace Food Pantry in the fight against food insecurity. Special thanks to Bob Means Plumbing for supporting the cause by refereeing our games and by donating to our marketplace, showcasing their commitment to “flushing hunger.” 💪 That’s teamwork, community spirit, and Wildcat Pride in action! 👏
📸 Shoutout to Jess Long and Missy Coffman for the photos.
#WildcatPride #DodgeHunger
With 34 teams and nearly 300 students and staff hitting the court, this year’s tournament raised an incredible $6,000 to support the MMS Marketplace Food Pantry in the fight against food insecurity. Special thanks to Bob Means Plumbing for supporting the cause by refereeing our games and by donating to our marketplace, showcasing their commitment to “flushing hunger.” 💪 That’s teamwork, community spirit, and Wildcat Pride in action! 👏
📸 Shoutout to Jess Long and Missy Coffman for the photos.
#WildcatPride #DodgeHunger
🍎👨🍳 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
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
🎶 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
🩺➕ 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
📸 Thanks to Missy Coffman for sharing these photos of learning in action.
#WildcatPride
🐾 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
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
💙 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
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
❄️ 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
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
🏃♀️ 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
📸 Thanks to Keith Shively for sharing this photo.
#WildcatPride
🤜🤛 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
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
💛 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
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
🔴⚪🔵 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
🍎 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.
📸 Special shoutout to MMS Assistant Principal Kelly Ziegler for these photos of our middle school Wildcats.
🧦 🎉 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
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
🐾 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
✨ 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
👮♂️ 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
🎒 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
📅 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
🎉 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
Please join us in congratulating—and thanking—these remarkable individuals for living the #WildcatWay every single day. 💙🐾
#WildcatPride #WildcatTradition #WildcatExcellence
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
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
🛝 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
