🌈 A COLORFUL START // Mother Nature added a little extra color to the sky at Kindergarten Academy this morning. Wildcats, we hope your day ended just as beautifully as it started.
And check out the reflection of the sunrise in the windows, too! 🌅
📸 Thank you, Maggie Stern, for capturing this photo to share with us.
#WildcatPride
And check out the reflection of the sunrise in the windows, too! 🌅
📸 Thank you, Maggie Stern, for capturing this photo to share with us.
#WildcatPride
🧦 YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Miss Krystal Jones is knocking our socks off with the kindness, patience, and care she brings to her bus each day! 🚌
Miss Krystal goes out of her way to help students feel settled and comfortable, especially when the bus environment can feel a little overwhelming. Her patience and compassion make a meaningful difference for our Wildcats from the moment they climb aboard. As the proud mom of one of our KinderCats shared, “Being a school bus driver has to be one of the hardest jobs I can imagine, but Miss Krystal still shows up with a smile every day.”
Thank you, Miss Krystal, for going the extra mile for our Wildcats! 🐾
📸 And spy our little KinderCat who popped over the seat just in time to hop into the picture. 😊
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
Miss Krystal goes out of her way to help students feel settled and comfortable, especially when the bus environment can feel a little overwhelming. Her patience and compassion make a meaningful difference for our Wildcats from the moment they climb aboard. As the proud mom of one of our KinderCats shared, “Being a school bus driver has to be one of the hardest jobs I can imagine, but Miss Krystal still shows up with a smile every day.”
Thank you, Miss Krystal, for going the extra mile for our Wildcats! 🐾
📸 And spy our little KinderCat who popped over the seat just in time to hop into the picture. 😊
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
🚗 STOP, DROP & GO // Mornings at Kindergarten Academy come with plenty of smiles and lots of high fives! ✋😊 Our Stop, Drop & Go Crew is there each day to greet our KinderCats and help get everyone headed in the right direction.
And they’re not alone. Across the district, staff members are out bright and early, helping students start their school day with a friendly face and a helping hand.
A big shoutout to all of our morning crews who help get each day rolling! 🐾
#WildcatPride
And they’re not alone. Across the district, staff members are out bright and early, helping students start their school day with a friendly face and a helping hand.
A big shoutout to all of our morning crews who help get each day rolling! 🐾
#WildcatPride
☀️ COOL CAT MODE: ACTIVATED. // Sunny skies, blue shades, and one cool KinderCat ready for the school day! 😎 Now that’s how you make an entrance. 🐾
Make it a great day, Wildcats!
#WildcatPride
❤️ IT’S THE LITTLE MOMENTS // To our community, he’s Dr. Bitz, Superintendent of Schools. But to this little KinderCat, he’s simply a grown-up who took a few moments of his time to talk all things animals. 🦖🦁🐍
Sometimes, the little moments really are the biggest ones.
#WildcatPride
FIRST DAY, ROUND 2 COMES TO A CLOSE // As they were getting ready to pack up their bags for the day, we asked our newest KinderCats how their first day of school went, and the reviews are in: 👍! Some even gave us a double thumbs up. 👍👍
We think that’s pretty high praise! Welcome to the Wildcat family, KinderCats! 🐾
Special thanks to all of our staff across the district for making these first two days (and every day!) so special for our students.
#WildcatPride
🫧 CHALK IT UP TO A GREAT DAY // One of the best parts of the last few days of school? Slowing down just enough to enjoy the simple things. Our KinderCats (who are now BIG 1st graders ☺️) wrapped up the year with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and plenty of smiles. We even caught Dr. Bitz getting in on the bubble action! ☀️💛
📸 Special thanks to Heather Riley and Marisa Zimmerman for contributing to this collection of photos.
#WildcatPride
📸 Special thanks to Heather Riley and Marisa Zimmerman for contributing to this collection of photos.
#WildcatPride
🧦 HEY LISA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Lisa Hoover, Reading Specialist at Kindergarten Academy, not only helps our youngest Wildcats build a love of reading, but also helps support future Wildcats and their families through Wee Wildcats, a monthly program for PreK children. 📚
Recently, Lisa had the opportunity to share the Wee Wildcats model with several other districts as they explore creating similar programs of their own. What a wonderful example of leadership, collaboration, and the impact that starts right here in our Wildcat community.
Thank you, Lisa, for not only sharing your love of reading with neighboring districts, but also for helping our youngest learners and future Wildcats feel welcomed, supported, and excited about learning from the very beginning. 🐾
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
Recently, Lisa had the opportunity to share the Wee Wildcats model with several other districts as they explore creating similar programs of their own. What a wonderful example of leadership, collaboration, and the impact that starts right here in our Wildcat community.
Thank you, Lisa, for not only sharing your love of reading with neighboring districts, but also for helping our youngest learners and future Wildcats feel welcomed, supported, and excited about learning from the very beginning. 🐾
#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
💛 THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MEAN EVERYTHING // This is worth the read, we promise! Throughout the school year, Emma, a KinderCat who is visually impaired, often stopped by the front office while learning the layout of the building. During those visits, she formed a special bond with Administrative Assistant Melinda Gochenaur.
Emma was especially drawn to Mrs. Gochenaur’s textured, beaded lanyard, and what started as a simple connection quickly became something much more meaningful. To celebrate all Emma accomplished this year, Mrs. Gochenaur found a similar lanyard and partnered with Christina Leister and Carrie Lersch to personalize it with beads that spelled EMMA in Braille before gifting it to her.
These are the moments that define who we are and what we do. The moments that create connection, foster belonging, and remind students they are seen, valued, and loved. Thank you, Mrs. Gochenaur, Mrs. Leister, and Mrs. Lersch.
(Proudly shared with the support of our young Wildcat’s mom.) 💛
#WildcatPride
Emma was especially drawn to Mrs. Gochenaur’s textured, beaded lanyard, and what started as a simple connection quickly became something much more meaningful. To celebrate all Emma accomplished this year, Mrs. Gochenaur found a similar lanyard and partnered with Christina Leister and Carrie Lersch to personalize it with beads that spelled EMMA in Braille before gifting it to her.
These are the moments that define who we are and what we do. The moments that create connection, foster belonging, and remind students they are seen, valued, and loved. Thank you, Mrs. Gochenaur, Mrs. Leister, and Mrs. Lersch.
(Proudly shared with the support of our young Wildcat’s mom.) 💛
#WildcatPride
❤️💛 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
🐾 KINDERCAT FAVORITES // Field trips, friends, fun, and of course, lots of learning are some of our KinderCats’ favorite things. These smiles say it all.
From exploring new places to sharing laughs with classmates, it’s been a year full of moments that make learning even more special. Check out some of the recent adventures of our young Wildcats in Scott Herbein’s class. 💛
#WildcatPride
From exploring new places to sharing laughs with classmates, it’s been a year full of moments that make learning even more special. Check out some of the recent adventures of our young Wildcats in Scott Herbein’s class. 💛
#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
🎨 LITTLE ARTIST, BIG TALENT // Sometimes the smallest hands create the biggest masterpieces.
KinderCat Vedanth was proud to show off his incredible drawing of a car (a BMW, to be specific 😊) and truck, and we couldn’t help but be impressed by the detail, creativity, and care he put into every line. 🚗🚛
We love seeing our young artists shine and share their talents with such confidence. Keep creating, young Wildcat! We can’t wait to see what you draw next.
#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
🐾 FUTURE WILDCATS ARE HERE // Today was all about big smiles, tiny backpacks, and the start of something really special. Some of our incoming KinderCats joined us for our Wildcat Expedition kindergarten orientation program, getting their very first glimpse of what it means to be a Wildcat.
From meeting new faces to learning what to expect in the year ahead, it was an event full of excitement, curiosity, and just a few happy nerves. We can already tell this group is going to do amazing things.
Welcome to the Wildcat family, little ones. We’re so glad you’re here. 💙
#WildcatPride
🧦 HEY ALYSSA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Alyssa Messner, Kindergarten Academy ELD Teacher, truly stepped up when it mattered most. During a recent water main break and unexpected early dismissal at the school, Alyssa jumped in to support Administrative Assistant Melinda Gochenaur by answering phones, tracking transportation changes, and helping ensure every KinderCat made it home safely and to the right place.
👏 And that’s not all. Alyssa also recently helped translate new curricular materials so families could fully engage in activities during conferences, making the experience more accessible for all.
That’s one sock for each of her two outstanding moments of care and support. 😊
#WildcatPride
👏 And that’s not all. Alyssa also recently helped translate new curricular materials so families could fully engage in activities during conferences, making the experience more accessible for all.
That’s one sock for each of her two outstanding moments of care and support. 😊
#WildcatPride
☀️ SUNSHINE & SMILES // Our KinderCats at Kindergarten Academy took full advantage of this unseasonably warm weather with extra smiles, lots of fresh air, and plenty of playground fun at recess. From running and climbing to laughing with friends, yesterday was the perfect day to be outside (and today is, too!).
A little sunshine goes a long way. 💙
#WildcatPride
A little sunshine goes a long way. 💙
#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
📚🎩 OH, THE PLACES WE’LL READ // If you spotted a red and white striped hat at Kindergarten Academy drop-off this morning, you weren’t imagining things … 👀 It's Read Across America Week!
Reading Interventionist Lisa Hoover kicked off the day in full Dr. Seuss style, welcoming students with smiles, stories, and a reminder that reading opens the door to adventure. From silly rhymes to beloved classics, this week is all about celebrating the joy of books and the power of literacy.
When our teachers show up with this much spirit before the first bell even rings, you know it’s going to be a good week. 💙
Let the reading fun begin.
#WildcatPride
Reading Interventionist Lisa Hoover kicked off the day in full Dr. Seuss style, welcoming students with smiles, stories, and a reminder that reading opens the door to adventure. From silly rhymes to beloved classics, this week is all about celebrating the joy of books and the power of literacy.
When our teachers show up with this much spirit before the first bell even rings, you know it’s going to be a good week. 💙
Let the reading fun begin.
#WildcatPride
🦬 BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE // As part of their unit on Native American studies, our KinderCats are learning about the important role bison played in daily life. To help them truly understand just how massive these animals are, Scott Herbein created a life-sized bison silhouette right inside his classroom. Let’s just say… there were some wide eyes when our little learners realized how big “BIG” really is.
Hands-on learning makes history unforgettable.
📸 Special thanks to Mr. Herbein for capturing the moment.
#WildcatPride
Hands-on learning makes history unforgettable.
📸 Special thanks to Mr. Herbein for capturing the moment.
#WildcatPride
