🌸 BELONGING IS BLOOMING // Flowers, smiles, and plenty of Wildcat community! 💐
Upper Allen Elementary School's Social Committee kicked off the year with its annual Back-to-School Flower Bar, featuring beautiful blooms from Paulus Farm. It’s just one of the many ways the committee helps build connections among staff and make UA feel like home. 🐾
📸 Thanks to Kait Dolan for sharing these photos with us!
#WildcatPride
Upper Allen Elementary School's Social Committee kicked off the year with its annual Back-to-School Flower Bar, featuring beautiful blooms from Paulus Farm. It’s just one of the many ways the committee helps build connections among staff and make UA feel like home. 🐾
📸 Thanks to Kait Dolan for sharing these photos with us!
#WildcatPride
☀️ RECESS MODE: ON // A little fresh air, a lot of movement, and plenty of smiles! Wildcats at Upper Allen Elementary School are making the most of every part of the school day, including some well-earned time to play, laugh, and enjoy recess with friends.
#WildcatPride
#WildcatPride
🐾 WILDCAT SIGHTING // Look who was spotted at Upper Allen this week! 👀 There’s nothing quite like a Wildcat sighting to add a little extra excitement to the school day. We’re pretty sure this one felt right at home!
#WildcatPride
#WildcatPride
🎒 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON // Our elementary buildings had a little extra energy yesterday as students stopped by for classroom visits. There were new spaces to explore, staff to meet, and plenty of familiar faces along the way. We loved seeing our Wildcats back in the buildings and getting a little sneak peek at the excitement ahead.
Next week, it’s the real deal. We. Can't. Wait. 🐾
📸 Photos shared courtesy of our friends at Upper Allen Elementary School. (Check out the amazing photo props, created by Upper Allen's resident creative, Library Aide Jody Kiker.)
#WildcatPride
Next week, it’s the real deal. We. Can't. Wait. 🐾
📸 Photos shared courtesy of our friends at Upper Allen Elementary School. (Check out the amazing photo props, created by Upper Allen's resident creative, Library Aide Jody Kiker.)
#WildcatPride
🧦 HEY EMMA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Emma Ibaugh, PCA at Upper Allen Elementary School, brings kindness, patience, and a team-first mindset to every day.
Emma consistently goes above and beyond to support not only the student she works with, but many others as well. Earlier this year, she was spotted helping both her student and another classmate during buddy reading, creating an experience where everyone felt seen, supported, and successful.
Thank you, Emma, for the care, compassion, and flexibility you bring to our classrooms each day. We’re lucky to have you on Team Wildcat. 💛
#WildcatPride
Emma consistently goes above and beyond to support not only the student she works with, but many others as well. Earlier this year, she was spotted helping both her student and another classmate during buddy reading, creating an experience where everyone felt seen, supported, and successful.
Thank you, Emma, for the care, compassion, and flexibility you bring to our classrooms each day. We’re lucky to have you on Team Wildcat. 💛
#WildcatPride
🎭 FUTURE-FOCUSED WILDCATS // In the spirit of graduation season, we thought we'd spotlight a few of our young Wildcats who are already dreaming big about the future. Meet Mackenzie, a third grader at Upper Allen Elementary School, who hopes to one day become an actor on Broadway. 🌟
You may already recognize her from the stage alongside fellow Wildcats as Young Snow White in MASH’s fall production of Snow White. She has also performed locally in productions including Lion King, Frozen Kids, A Christmas Story, and more, and will soon take the stage in a lead role in Seussical at Hershey Area Playhouse over the next few weekends.
Mackenzie credits Upper Allen music/vocal teacher Mrs. Alice Charland with introducing her to musical theater, and says many of our MASH theater students have become mentors and role models along the way. 💛
We can’t wait to see where the spotlight takes her next.
We’ve got more young Wildcats to spotlight throughout the week, while also celebrating the incredible Class of 2026 along the way. 🎓
#WildcatPride
You may already recognize her from the stage alongside fellow Wildcats as Young Snow White in MASH’s fall production of Snow White. She has also performed locally in productions including Lion King, Frozen Kids, A Christmas Story, and more, and will soon take the stage in a lead role in Seussical at Hershey Area Playhouse over the next few weekends.
Mackenzie credits Upper Allen music/vocal teacher Mrs. Alice Charland with introducing her to musical theater, and says many of our MASH theater students have become mentors and role models along the way. 💛
We can’t wait to see where the spotlight takes her next.
We’ve got more young Wildcats to spotlight throughout the week, while also celebrating the incredible Class of 2026 along the way. 🎓
#WildcatPride
📚 READ. CREATE. BELONG. // Students from Upper Allen Elementary School and Mechanicsburg Middle School recently came together for the final Read. Create. Belong. project of the school year. 💛
Because stories do more than build readers. They build relationships.
Through this special partnership, MMS students spend time reading, creating, and connecting with younger Wildcats while helping strengthen a school community where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.
📸 Special thanks to School Social Worker Jess Long for capturing this moment for us to share with you.
#WildcatPride
Because stories do more than build readers. They build relationships.
Through this special partnership, MMS students spend time reading, creating, and connecting with younger Wildcats while helping strengthen a school community where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.
📸 Special thanks to School Social Worker Jess Long for capturing this moment for us to share with you.
#WildcatPride
🧦 HEY MARIA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // A big Wildcat thank you to Maria Noss at Upper Allen Elementary School for the incredible care, organization, and heart she brings to the school’s annual Book Fair. 📚💛
From creating a smooth schedule to helping students discover books they’re excited to read, Maria works hard to make the experience meaningful for everyone. Even during one of the busiest weeks of the year, she balances it all alongside her responsibilities as an Instructional Assistant.
Her commitment to making sure every student leaves with a book and a growing love for reading makes a lasting impact on the Upper Allen community.
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
From creating a smooth schedule to helping students discover books they’re excited to read, Maria works hard to make the experience meaningful for everyone. Even during one of the busiest weeks of the year, she balances it all alongside her responsibilities as an Instructional Assistant.
Her commitment to making sure every student leaves with a book and a growing love for reading makes a lasting impact on the Upper Allen community.
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
💛 The smiles. The friendship. The sweet moment.
#WildcatPride
🧦 HEY AUDREY, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Audrey Kovach, Sign Language Interpreter at Upper Allen Elementary, helps create meaningful connections for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students each and every day.
Recently, Audrey began teaching a “sign of the day” to a student who was eager to better communicate with and connect to a friend. It’s a simple gesture with a powerful impact, helping foster friendship, inclusion, and understanding among peers.
Through moments like these, Audrey is helping build a more welcoming school community for all. Thank you, Audrey, for the care, compassion, and connection you bring to our Wildcats every day. 💛
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
Recently, Audrey began teaching a “sign of the day” to a student who was eager to better communicate with and connect to a friend. It’s a simple gesture with a powerful impact, helping foster friendship, inclusion, and understanding among peers.
Through moments like these, Audrey is helping build a more welcoming school community for all. Thank you, Audrey, for the care, compassion, and connection you bring to our Wildcats every day. 💛
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
❤️💛 SCHOOL NURSE DAY // Today we’re celebrating the caring hearts behind our health rooms. Our school nurses are a calm presence, a listening ear, and a source of comfort for students each day.
From bumps and bruises to moments that call for extra care, they show up with kindness, patience, and expertise.
Thank you for all you do to help our students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Today we celebrate you, every day we appreciate you.
📸 Photo of our school nurses shared courtesy Missy Coffman.
#WildcatPride
From bumps and bruises to moments that call for extra care, they show up with kindness, patience, and expertise.
Thank you for all you do to help our students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Today we celebrate you, every day we appreciate you.
📸 Photo of our school nurses shared courtesy Missy Coffman.
#WildcatPride
🚌 DRIVEN BY CARE // Today, we’re celebrating Bus/Van Driver Appreciation Day. From the first to last smile of the day, our bus/van drivers do so much more than get students from point A to point B. They create a welcoming start, a safe ride, and a familiar, friendly presence our students can count on.
📸 Thank you to Mr. Scott of B&S and all of our bus/van drivers across the district for your patience and care. Today we celebrate you, every day we appreciate you. 💛
💬 Feel free to drop a note of thanks or share a favorite memory of a bus/van driver who made a difference in the comments.
#WildcatPride
🐾 WILDCATS IN WONDERLAND // Our 3rd graders at Upper Allen Elementary School recently took their learning on the road with a trip to the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts.
From diving into a hands-on STEM lab tied to their CKLA unit on animal classification, complete with creating animals in their habitats, to exploring Survival of the Slowest and learning how some of nature’s “slowpokes” thrive through amazing adaptations, curiosity was everywhere.
Our Wildcats also enjoyed all the Whitaker experiences and topped it off with an IMAX adventure about space travel and the ISS. It was a perfect connection to their current learning! 🚀 It was a day full of discovery and connection!
📸 Special thanks to Abigail Thompson for the photos of our Wildcats in action.
#WildcatPride
From diving into a hands-on STEM lab tied to their CKLA unit on animal classification, complete with creating animals in their habitats, to exploring Survival of the Slowest and learning how some of nature’s “slowpokes” thrive through amazing adaptations, curiosity was everywhere.
Our Wildcats also enjoyed all the Whitaker experiences and topped it off with an IMAX adventure about space travel and the ISS. It was a perfect connection to their current learning! 🚀 It was a day full of discovery and connection!
📸 Special thanks to Abigail Thompson for the photos of our Wildcats in action.
#WildcatPride
🛍️ OPERATION WILDCAT YARD SALE STARTS TOMORROW // The 25th Indoor Yard Sale, hosted by our friends at Operation Wildcat, kicks off tomorrow, and it’s bigger than ever. Thousands of items will fill the tables at McBIC – Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, including books, toys, vintage finds, household items, collectibles, sporting goods, and more.
Friday, April 10 - 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday, April 11 - 7:30 AM – 12 PM
Stop by, find a few great treasures, and support a great cause. We hope to see you there!
📍 Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church
1050 S York St, Mechanicsburg
#WildcatPride
👮♂️ LITTLE DREAM, BIG HERO // When what you want to be when you grow up is standing right next to you. 💙
Today’s Occupational Wellness Day was full of imagination, inspiration, and moments like this.
Stay tuned for more adorable glimpses of our future-focused Wildcats dreaming big, coming next week.
#WildcatPride
Today’s Occupational Wellness Day was full of imagination, inspiration, and moments like this.
Stay tuned for more adorable glimpses of our future-focused Wildcats dreaming big, coming next week.
#WildcatPride
📚 READING WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT // As part of Read Across America Week, Dr. Bitz stopped by Karol Maloney's first-grade classroom at Upper Allen Elementary School to share a story with her students. He read Be You by Peter H. Reynolds, a book that encourages young readers to be confident, creative, and true to themselves.
A great reminder that books can inspire our Wildcats to be exactly who they are meant to be. 💙
#WildcatPride
A great reminder that books can inspire our Wildcats to be exactly who they are meant to be. 💙
#WildcatPride
🧦 HEY ALICE, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // A big shoutout to Alice Charland at Upper Allen Elementary for going above and beyond to help make Mr. McIntosh’s retirement celebration truly unforgettable. Alice composed an original song and taught it to students, giving them a meaningful way to honor and celebrate his impact. Her creativity and dedication helped create a heartfelt moment that brought the school community together and left a lasting memory for everyone involved. 💙
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
💙 JOY IN MOTION // Thanks to the generosity of our friends at the Wildcat Foundation, Terrin Sheeder’s MDS classroom at Upper Allen Elementary School has a brand-new swing — and with it, brand-new opportunities for joy.
For some of our Wildcats, especially those who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges, winter weather means outdoor recess isn’t always quite as easily accessible. But thanks to this swing, movement, sensory support, and pure fun are brought right into their learning space.
📸 Mrs. Sheeder recently captured a truly heartwarming moment as several students took their very first ride. The smiles. The laughter. The pure excitement. It was the kind of joy that fills a room and stays with you long after the moment passes. We are so grateful for the Foundation’s support in helping create inclusive experiences where every Wildcat can move, play, and feel the thrill of the swing. 💙
This isn't the last you'll hear of this story. Stay tuned for a future follow up. 😊
(Shared with support of our proud parents.)
#WildcatPride
For some of our Wildcats, especially those who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges, winter weather means outdoor recess isn’t always quite as easily accessible. But thanks to this swing, movement, sensory support, and pure fun are brought right into their learning space.
📸 Mrs. Sheeder recently captured a truly heartwarming moment as several students took their very first ride. The smiles. The laughter. The pure excitement. It was the kind of joy that fills a room and stays with you long after the moment passes. We are so grateful for the Foundation’s support in helping create inclusive experiences where every Wildcat can move, play, and feel the thrill of the swing. 💙
This isn't the last you'll hear of this story. Stay tuned for a future follow up. 😊
(Shared with support of our proud parents.)
#WildcatPride
💙 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK WEEK // This week, we recognize the incredible impact of our school social workers and the vital role they play in supporting students and families. They help navigate challenges, connect families with resources, and partner with staff to ensure students have what they need to be successful in school. Their work often happens quietly and behind the scenes — but it strengthens our entire Wildcat community.
Today we celebrate you. Every day we appreciate you. 💙
#WildcatPride
Today we celebrate you. Every day we appreciate you. 💙
#WildcatPride
❄️ TWO-HOUR DELAY // Tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026, Mechanicsburg Area School District will operate on a two-hour delay schedule. We will continue to monitor conditions overnight and will reach back out if weather or road conditions necessitate any further changes. Thank you and stay safe, Wildcats.
