MMS News and Notes

Happy October, Wildcats!

Fall is officially here—and so is October! Just a quick reminder that tomorrow, Friday, October 3rd, is a staff-only day. That means no school for students — a nice long weekend before everyone returns on Monday, October 6th.

We’re also excited to share some good news: with the exception of a few stairway treads and minor punch-list items, our construction project is officially complete! The courtyard grass is already sprouting, and by spring, it’ll be a fresh green space for students and staff to enjoy.  I included a few pictures below of the newly painted walls!

Since students will be off tomorrow, we unfortunately won’t get to enjoy a Fist Bump Friday together at MMS. But don’t let that stop you—go ahead and share a few fist bumps with your co-workers to spread a little MMS spirit into your workplace!  I would love to see some pictures😊

As we settle into the fall season, please keep in mind that the end of the 1st marking period is Thursday, October 23rd. This is the perfect time to check in with your child regarding their schoolwork.

  • Make sure their agenda book is being filled out daily.

  • Use Sapphire to review completed assignments and check on their progress.

Building these small habits now will make a big difference as the year goes on!

Enjoy the extended weekend with your family, and we will see the students again on Monday, October 6!  Together we are growing, learning, and building something amazing.  Let’s keep it roll’n.

Joel Yohn, MMS Principal

Stairs
Courtyard
Wildcat Mural

Upcoming Events

  • October 3 - No School for Students

  • October 23 - End of Marking Period 1

  • October 24 - No School for Students

  • October 27 - School Closed

  • October 31 - MMS Report Cards Posted

MMS School Hours

  • Doors open at 8:10 am for students. The tardy bell rings at 8:30 am.

  • Dismissal begins at 3:20 pm for students.

Congratulations!

Outstanding Visual Arts Community Logo

Mechanicsburg Area School District has been recognized as an Outstanding Visual Arts Community by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) for 2024–2025. MASD is one of fewer than 50 recipients from across the state to receive this distinction.

This honor celebrates the district’s ongoing commitment to cultivating and sustaining a high-quality visual arts program for students. A thriving arts program does more than teach creative skills—it fosters collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking, empowering students to express their unique voices and preparing them for success in school, careers, and life.

We extend a special shoutout to our Art Department for their dedication and hard work in providing these opportunities for our Wildcats.

Counseling Corner

October is Positive Attitude Month!

Hello from the Counseling Office! It’s hard to believe that we’re officially halfway through the first marking period. Interim reports will be arriving soon, and this mid-point is a great opportunity for families to check in.

Did you know that a positive attitude doesn’t just feel good it’s actually good for your brain and your body? Research shows that maintaining a positive outlook can:

●       Boost resilience and problem-solving during times of stress

●       Improve focus and motivation in school and work

●       Lower blood pressure and reduce the body’s stress response

●       Strengthen the immune system and sleep quality

That doesn’t mean we ignore difficult feelings. It means we help students reframe challenges by asking things like:

“What’s something that went well today?”
“What are you looking forward to this week?”
“What’s something small you can feel proud of?”

Remind your child that it’s okay to struggle, but how we respond makes all the difference.

Caregivers Need Support Too

We know this is a busy, demanding season for families. As you help your child navigate school and life, don’t forget to care for your own mental wellness too. A few quick ways to stay grounded:

●       Take 10–15 minutes each day just for yourself—no screens, no multitasking

●       Try a quick walk outside or listen to a podcast you enjoy

●       Write down 3 good things at the end of the day (yes, even small ones!)

●       Remember: you don’t have to have all the answers. Just showing up for your child matters.

Interims & Academic Check-In

Now’s a great time to make sure your child is on track with schoolwork. Here are a few helpful reminders:

Check Sapphire regularly to monitor grades and assignments: Sapphire Parent User Guide

Ask your student to show you their Google Classroom dashboard to review upcoming assignments, announcements, and class materials: Google Classroom Parent Guide

Encourage your child to self-advocate. If they’re confused or falling behind, reaching out to their teacher is the first step—and a valuable life skill.

You can always email teachers, too! We’re all on the same team, and early communication makes a huge difference.

As always, feel free to reach out to the counseling team with questions, concerns, or just to check in. We’re here to support your child’s growth in all ways.

Warm regards,

Middle School Counseling Team

6th Grade- Emily Normand - enormand@mbgsd.org

7th Grade- Katie George - kgeorge@mbgsd.org

8th Grade- Kristie Socha - ksocha@mbgsd.org

Dodge Hunger Dodgeball Tournament

Dodge Hunger Dodgeball Tournament – October 16th


Mark your calendars! MMS will host the annual Dodge Hunger Dodgeball Tournament on Thursday, October 16th from 3:40–6:00 p.m. Students form teams of 8 and compete in a fun, high-energy event — all while raising money to support the MMS Marketplace, which provides weekend food packs and wellness essentials for students in need.

👉 Important: Students must be pre-registered to play in the event. Wristbands will be given to registered players at lunch on the day of the tournament. Students who are not registered must go home at the end of the school day but may return with a parent/guardian to cheer on their friends and watch the games.

📝 Registration forms are due by Wednesday, October 8th — no late forms will be accepted.
📌 For more information and to access the registration form, click here:
Dodgeball Registration Form

Friday Night Football Games Reminders

  • Student Entrance & ID: All Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School students should enter through the new student entrance to the right of the main gate, nearest the restrooms. Please have your MASD student ID ready—or show your student profile on Sapphire from your phone—for quick admittance. K-8 students should enter through the regular gate with their supervising adult.

  • Bag Policy: Students are not permitted to bring backpacks and drawstring bags into the stadium. A small clutch or purse for personal items is permitted.

  • Younger Student Supervision: Elementary and middle school students must be with a supervising adult upon entry and at all times throughout the game.

  • Student Expectations: Students are encouraged to enjoy the game alongside their supervising adult. Congregating in groups at the gates, concession stand, restrooms, or grassy areas won’t be allowed. Staff and security will kindly redirect students back to their supervising adult if needed.

  • School Function Reminder: Athletic events are considered school functions, so the same behavioral expectations apply as during the school day. We hope all students will be there to cheer on our athletes, color guard, and marching band!

 Thank you for helping us create a fun, spirited, and safe game-day atmosphere for our Wildcat community. We can’t wait to see you this Friday and all season long.

 Go Wildcats!

Lost and Found

Please make sure to remind your children to check the Lost and Found!

Lost and Found
Current Lost and Found

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

To help maintain a safe, respectful, and distraction-free environment—especially in areas with less supervision like restrooms—we are updating our cell phone procedures this year. All student cell phones must be turned off and kept inside backpacks throughout the entire school day. Phones should not be carried on the student’s person, visible, or used at any time during school hours.

If a student is found with a phone out, in use, visible, or simply on during the school day, it will be collected by school staff.

  • First offense: The phone will be housed in the main office and returned to the student at the end of the day.

  • Additional offenses: The phone will be housed in the main office and must be picked up by a parent or guardian. Additional disciplinary actions may also apply.

We understand you may have concerns regarding your ability to communicate important information to your child. If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they are welcome to use the phone in the main office. Likewise, if you need to get a message to your child, our office staff will make sure they receive it promptly.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to create a safe and focused learning environment for all students.

MASD Mobile App

Please take a moment to download the MASD app!

Mobile app graphic

Food Services Information

M cat logo

We're excited to share that, beginning this school year, our daily breakfast and lunch menus will be available online and through the MASD mobile app. You can access them anytime, anywhere - right from your phone, tablet, or computer!

Food Service Department Information

Free and Reduced School Meals

mySchoolBucks

Health Room News

Reminders:

7th Grade:  Dental exams are due. Dental exams during your student's 6th or 7th grade years will be accepted.

6th Grade: Physical exams are due. Physical exams during your student's 5th or 6th grade years will be accepted. Please send dental or physical exams to school with your student or upload to Sapphire.


Medications in school:  If your student needs to take any prescription medication during the school day, we will need a written physician order and the medication in the original bottle with the pharmacy label attached.

If your student has emergency medication for seizures, asthma or allergies, the required forms can be found here, along with the medication, along with the medication policy: https://mechanicsburgasdpa.sites.thrillshare.com/o/masd/page/health-forms

If you have any questions or concerns about your student’s health, please contact the health room at (717) 691-2454, or email Mrs. Kessler skessler@mbgsd.org, or Mrs. Kresge jkresge@mbgsd.org. Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe and healthy.

New Attendance Notification System

We’re excited to announce that MMS has been selected to pilot the district’s new Attendance Automated Notification System!

What this means for you:

1.    Report absences by email only. Please send notice of your student’s absence to mmsattendance@mbgsd.org. (Phone calls are not required.)

2.    By 9:30 AM: If we have not received an email, or if you only call without emailing, your student’s absence will be marked unlawful and an automatic attendance message will be sent via text, email and phone call.

3.    During the transition: If you receive an absence notification but your student is actually present, please call the office at (717) 691-2452 to clear it up.

We appreciate your patience as this new system is rolled out districtwide. Our goal is a smooth and seamless transition.