📚🎩 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

🦬 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

❄️ 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.

🧦💜 HEY MELINDA, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Shoutout to Melinda Gochenaur, Administrative Assistant at Kindergarten Academy, for going above and beyond to make substitutes feel welcomed, prepared, and part of the team.

Anyone who has ever substituted knows how challenging it can be to arrive without knowing the day’s details — from spirit days to recess duty on bitter cold mornings. Mrs. Gochenaur takes the extra step by reaching out ahead of time to share helpful information, ensuring substitutes walk in feeling confident and supported.

Small actions like these help build a stronger sense of belonging and community for everyone at Kindergarten Academy. Thank you for making a difference, Melinda.

🧦 (One pair of socks just isn’t enough anymore — with so many reasons and people to celebrate, you may just begin to see two recognitions each week.)

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

🤝 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS // School Social Workers Kelly Herman and Megan Garrison recently represented our district at the United Way Early Learning Resource Fair. Events like this help strengthen partnerships, connect families with valuable resources, and support our youngest learners as they get ready to take the exciting step into kindergarten (and the life of a KinderCat). We’re proud to be part of a community that works together to support children and families from the very beginning.

#WildcatPride

❄️ TWO-HOUR DELAY, 1/29/26 and 1/30/26 // Mechanicsburg Area School District will operate on a two-hour delay schedule on Thursday, January 29, and Friday, January 30, 2026. Based on several factors—including cold temperatures, the need to navigate snow piles, and the benefits of increased daylight—a delay was the best decision for our students.

Thank you for your patience as we work our way back to a normal school schedule.

❄️💪 A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR MAINTENANCE & FACILITIES CREWS // Through heavy snowfall and challenging temperatures, our dedicated maintenance and facilities teams have been hard at work clearing parking lots, roads, and sidewalks to ensure our buildings and campuses are safe and ready for the return of our students and staff. They’ll be back at it again today for another round of winter weather cleanup.

Your long hours, teamwork, and commitment do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for all you do behind the scenes to keep our Wildcat community moving, no matter the weather. THANK YOU. 💜

📸 Special thanks to Erick Hoffman, Director of Facilities, for sharing these photos with us.

#WildcatPride

❄️ CLOSED // All Mechanicsburg Area School District schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day with no makeup day needed.

Our Facilities Department and local municipalities did an amazing job today, as they worked tirelessly to clear roads, sidewalks, and parking lots throughout the district. Unfortunately, there are still a few trouble spots out there that we'll hopefully see cleared up tomorrow.

Stay safe, Wildcats!

❄️ WEATHER ALERT // Mechanicsburg Area School District will be CLOSED on Monday, January 26, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day with no makeup day needed. We will continue to monitor forecasts and road conditions for Tuesday and will communicate with staff and families if there is a need to alter the schedule for the day.

💙 Please help us give a special shoutout to our in-house maintenance crews and all crews across our municipalities who are working tirelessly to keep our roads clear and safe.

Stay warm, dry, and safe, Wildcats!

📸 Special thanks to Music/Vocals Teacher Gordon Kaslusky for capturing this picturesque moment at Kindergarten Academy.

#WildcatPride

🧤❄️ A SIGN OF THE SEASON // One brave glove. One cozy winter hat. Both waiting patiently on the fence.

If this looks even slightly familiar, consider it your sign to check the lost and found at your child’s school for anything that might be yours. Winter gear has a way of wandering off—and we’d love to see these items make it back home where they belong.

Pro tip: a quick label can help lost items find their way back next time. 💜

#WildcatPride

🍞📚 A LITTLE TASTE OF TOMORROW // When those bites of freshly baked, homemade bread hit just right. 😊

KinderCats in Scott Herbein’s class at Kindergarten Academy mixed, kneaded, and baked bread from scratch this morning—then happily enjoyed their tasty creation as an afternoon snack. All part of their farm unit and the perfect setup for reading The Little Red Hen together tomorrow.

#WildcatPride

🚓💙 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

🎒 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

🎄 HOLIDAY CHEER, DELIVERED // Kindergarten Academy School Counselor Kayce Heck and Principal Riley Baer made the rounds with their Holiday Cheer Cart, spreading sweet treats, smiles, and warm wishes to staff along the way. Sometimes the smallest visits bring the biggest joy. 💜

#WildcatPride

🥨 SWEET MOMENTS // Thanks to Becca Petrone and Katy Pratt and their Cooking Club, our KinderCats at Kindergarten Academy whipped up chocolate- and candy-covered pretzels — made with love for Mrs. Gochenaur in the office!

Learning, teamwork, and a whole lot of sweetness from our Little Chefs. 💜

#WildcatPride

🎁 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

🎁 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