🚓💙 LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY // Today (and every day!), we’re grateful for the strong partnerships we share with law enforcement across our community. Their presence in our schools goes beyond safety—it’s about connection, trust, and meaningful relationships with our students and staff.

A special thank you to Officer Mark, our District Resource Officer, whose steady presence and genuine care help our Wildcats feel supported and safe. From morning fist bumps and catch on the playground to lunchtime check-ins and hallway conversations, these moments matter.

Thank you to all of our law enforcement partners for being an important part of the Wildcat community. Today we celebrate you. Every day we appreciate you.

#ThankYOU #WildcatPride
2 days ago, MBGSD
A police officer stands in front of a school and holds a first day of school sign.
A police officer happily poses for a picture with some students.
Police officers playing kickball on a playground with a group of students.
A police officer greets a student as he's coming into school.
A police officers stands with a group of students who presented him with a gift.
A police officer stands in front of a school.
A police officer gives a presentation to a group of students in an auditorium.
A police officer plays catch with a group of young students on a school playground.
A police officer stands with a group of educators in front of a school
A police officer speaking in front of a group of students who are sitting on the floor.
The Glow Party is coming!

Join us on Friday, January 16th. This year we will be hosting TWO sessions. In order to allow for as many UA students to attend as possible, we are limiting RSVP's to 4 people per family.

The RSVP sign-up will open tonight at 7pm. The sign-up for volunteers is currently open. Please check your email for both links.

If you are attending session 1 (6:00-6:45) please leave promptly at 6:45 so that the gym and parking lot will be cleared in time for Session 2 (7:00-7:45).

If you are attending Session 2, please plan to arrive no earlier than 6:50 to allow time for our Session 1 families to leave the school, allowing spaces to be available for you. Session 2 families may enter the gym no earlier than 7pm.

The Upper Allen and Middle School lots are available for our parents on that night.

4 days ago, Upper Allen
neon graphics for glow party
🎒 YOUR WILDCAT JOURNEY BEGINS HERE // Families with a child who will be age 5 on or before September 1, 2026, are invited to register now for full-day kindergarten at Mechanicsburg Area School District. PLEASE SHARE with any MASD families who have an eligible child for kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year!

To participate in The Wildcat Expedition — our special kindergarten orientation held later this spring at Kindergarten Academy — registration must be completed by April 1, 2026. During The Wildcat Expedition, families are introduced to Kindergarten Academy while incoming Wildcats enjoy age-appropriate activities and screenings designed just for them — a meaningful first step into their school experience.

Learn more and begin the registration process 🔗 www.mbgsd.org/registration

We can’t wait to welcome our future Wildcats. 💜

#WildcatPride
12 days ago, MBGSD
A graphic of a cartoon wildcat and a message, "Your Journey Begins Here: Kindergarten Registration Now Open."

💜 WELCOME TO OUR WILDCAT FAMILY // We are excited to welcome Mrs. Elysia Ehrich, who officially joined our team yesterday as Principal of Upper Allen Elementary School. Mrs. Ehrich brings a strong background in education, having served as a learning support teacher and most recently as an assistant principal at Spring Grove High School. Her experience, care for students, and commitment to learning will fit wonderfully within our school community.

Mrs. Ehrich will spend a few days working side by side with Mr. John McIntosh as he prepares for his well-deserved retirement after 38 years in education — a meaningful transition rooted in mentorship, gratitude, and pride.

Please join us in giving Mrs. Ehrich a warm Wildcat welcome as she begins this new chapter with Upper Allen. 💜

#WildcatPride

19 days ago, MBGSD
Headshot of new school principal standing along a brick wall.
🍭 ON A VERY IMPORTANT MISSION // Disguised as an elf and powered by kindness, Emerson, a KinderCat from Kindergarten Academy, traveled to Upper Allen this morning to hand out snacks and spread a little holiday cheer. Proof that even our littlest Wildcats have the biggest hearts.💜 Shoutout to the PTO at Upper Allen for coordinating Operation Snacks for our amazing staff! #WildcatPride
23 days ago, MBGSD
young boy dressed as an elf holding out a candy cane
young boy dressed as an elf
👔 UPPER ALLEN UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT // Students and staff at Upper Allen Elementary School held a special spirit day by dressing just like Mr. McIntosh — and the smiles said it all. From matching outfits to big laughs, it was a heartfelt (and fun) way to celebrate a principal who has made a lasting impact on so many students and staff.

As Mr. McIntosh prepares to retire after a truly beautiful career in education, our Wildcats are showing their appreciation the best way they know how: together, with joy, gratitude, and a whole lot of school spirit. 🐾💜

📸 Special thanks to staff at Upper Allen for capturing these memories!

#WildcatPride
26 days ago, MBGSD
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
A group photo of staff dressed in matching shirts and ties.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.
Students dressed in shirts and ties like their principal.

TWO-HOUR DELAY // Due to the possibility of a refreeze, all Mechanicsburg Area School District schools will be operating on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Special shoutout to our crews at MASD and the road crews in our local municipalities and PennDOT for all of their hard work in making sure roads, parking lots, and sidewalks are passable and safe for our Wildcats!

27 days ago, MBGSD
Two hour delay graphic
🎁 IT TAKES A VILLAGE // Huge thanks to our incredible school social workers and our amazing community volunteers who came together again this holiday season to support Wildcat families through the Sheetz for the Kidz program.

Bundled up and full of generosity, this team worked side by side to pack and distribute holiday gifts—making the season a little brighter for families across our district. We’re so grateful for the care, compassion, and community spirit that make moments like this possible.

#WildcatPride
27 days ago, MBGSD
Ladies surrounded by lots of red bags full of gifts.
A lady in a white jacket holding a red bag full of holiday gifts.
A pile of green bags full of holiday gifts.
A lady in a red cap and black jacket holding a red bag full of holiday gifts.
🎁 WILDCAT ELVES IN ACTION // From jackets to school supplies and everything in between, each gift tells a story of community coming together. Thank you to our friends at Operation Wildcat and to their supports from across the community for making OW's Project Gift Box a beautiful reminder of what it means to take care of one another. 💛

📸 Members of our facilities team brave the cold to wheel in boxes and racks of gifts that will become part of this month's Project Gift Box, as coordinated and distributed by Operation Wildcat.

#WildcatPride
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
A man wheeling a cart of cardboard boxes.
A man wheeling a rack of coats into a building.
Two men wheeling carts of cardboard boxes.
🧦 HEY KAIT, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Big cheers for Kait Dolan, 2nd grade teacher and chair of Upper Allen's staff Social Committee, whose leadership is elevating connection and belonging across the building.

From thoughtful goal-setting to creating intentional opportunities for staff to engage and recharge together, Kait’s impact is unmistakable. In fact, her work has been so impactful that Dr. Bitz dropped by an after-school music trivia event to surprise her with a special pair of Wildcat socks.

Thank you, Kait, for bringing our staff together and strengthening our Wildcat community. 💜🐾

#YouKnockedOurSocksOff #WildcatPride
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
Man in suit presenting a pair of branded socks to a teacher while colleagues look on in the background.
🎄 THANK YOU, MECHANICSBURG! // Please help us give thanks to our friends at Operation Wildcat for another successful Project Tannenbaum distribution night. Because of their hard work — and our generous community — 76 families received trees, ornaments, lights, wreaths, garland, stockings, and more. 💜

Special thanks to every volunteer and supporter who donated, sorted, organized, and distributed items. Your kindness continues to brighten the season for our Wildcats. 🐾

🎁 LAST CALL TO SUPPORT PROJECT GIFT BOX! Operation Wildcat is still welcoming gift card donations to help support families across the district. Gift cards may be dropped off at the MASD District Office (600 S. Norway St.) no later than today, Friday, December 5, 2025.

Sign up: https://www.timetosignup.com/operationwildcat/sheet/1379347/
Learn more: https://www.operationwildcat.org/projects

📸 Photos courtesy Operation Wildcat.

#WildcatPride
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
A group of volunteers standing in a hallway.
Holiday trees lining a hallway.
Two volunteers sitting at a table.
Two men sorting artificial holiday trees.

🎁 PROJECT GIFT BOX // Our friends at Operation Wildcat – Mechanicsburg, PA are once again spreading joy throughout our community by helping ensure a bright holiday season for our Wildcats.

Operation Wildcat is inviting community members to support this year’s Project Gift Box by donating gift cards, which will be shared with families across the district. Currently, more than 200 opportunities to give still remain. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

Gift cards may be dropped off at the Mechanicsburg Area School District Office (600 S. Norway St.) no later than Friday, December 5, 2025. The District Office is closed through Monday, December 1, and will reopen from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. To sign up: https://www.timetosignup.com/operationwildcat/sheet/1379347/

To learn more about Project Gift Box and the many ways Operation Wildcat supports our school community, please visit their website. https://www.operationwildcat.org/projects 

#WildcatPride

about 1 month ago, MBGSD
A fall craft display holding gift cards.

🧦 HEY DANA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF! // When a colleague called to report they’d been in an accident, Upper Allen Elementary School's Dana Padfield didn’t think twice. She dropped everything, went straight to them, and offered the comfort and support they needed most in that moment.

Her kindness, quick response, and genuine care are perfect examples of the Wildcat Way. 💙🐾

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

about 2 months ago, MBGSD
A man in a suit presenting a pair of branded socks to a staff member.

🌍 WORLD TRAVELERS // Wildcats at Upper Allen Elementary School proudly hosted their annual World Expo Day — a special tradition that celebrates the many cultures and stories that make our school community so vibrant and beautiful. Our Wildcats "traveled the globe” as they explored the traditions, languages, and experiences of their classmates, strengthening the connections that make our schools feel like home.

We are deeply grateful to our family and community volunteers who make this event truly extraordinary. From hands-on demonstrations to delicious cultural treats, this immersive experience continues to be one of the most beloved days of the year. 💙🐾

#WildcatPride

about 2 months ago, MBGSD
Students participate in a World Expo Day.
Students participate in a World Expo Day.
Students participate in a World Expo Day.
Staff participate in a World Expo Day.
Students participate in a World Expo Day.
Students participate in a World Expo Day.
Students participate in a World Expo Day.
Participants in colorful attire during a World Expo Day.
Students participate in a World Expo Day.
Students participate in a World Expo Day.
💦 SINK OR FLOAT? LET'S FIND OUT! // Kelly Jo Wharton’s 3rd graders at Upper Allen Elementary School put their predictions to the test during a hands-on science lesson. From curious questions to big splashes and even bigger smiles, our young scientists were all in!

Learning is always an adventure for our Wildcats. 🐾

📸 Thank you to Stacy Salter for capturing learning in action!

#WildcatPride
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
Students looking into a bucket full of water and items to see what sinks and what floats.
Students gathered around a table with items and a bucket of water, making predictions about what will sink and what will float.
🤍 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 2 months ago, MBGSD
Collage of photos of students holding handdrawn signs that share a message of appreciation and belonging.
🍂 Fall fun was in full swing at the recent Fall Festival hosted at the Trails & Trees Environmental Center. Wildcats from across the district enjoyed pumpkin decorating, games, and plenty of smiles as they celebrated the season together.

A big thank-you to our friends at Paulus Farm Market for providing the perfect pumpkins for our Wildcats to enjoy. 🎃

📸 Thank you to Terrin Sheeder for capturing some of our Wildcats from Upper Allen Elementary School full of smiles during the festival.

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
A student with a big smile, painting a small pumpkin.
A student decorating a paper pumpkin.
A student in a wheelchair with an orange balloon.
A young student with a row of paint on a table.
A student in a wheelchair with an orange balloon.
🐾 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
2 months 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
2 months 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
3 months 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.