Dear Families,
August 24, 2025
Week 1 in the Books!
New Attendance Notification System
We’re excited to announce that Shep has been selected to pilot the district’s new Attendance Auto Notification System!
What this means for you:
Report absences by email only. Please send notice of your student’s absence to ShepOffice@mbgsd.org. (Phone calls are not required.)
By 8:15 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.
During the transition: If you receive an absence notification but your student is actually present, please call the office at 717-691-4589 to clear it up.
We appreciate your patience as this new system is rolled out districtwide. Our goal is a smooth and seamless transition.
Lunch Menus
Paperless Menus: Starting this school year, breakfast and lunch menus will be available online and through the MASD mobile app. Printed menus will no longer be sent home to every family.
Accessing Menus:
Website: Navigate to the school’s webpage > Click Menu (or the three lines, aka hamburger menu, from a mobile device) > Click Dining
Mobile App: Select the school > Click More (bottom right) > Click Dining
Upcoming Dates
August
Monday, August 25 - Scheduled Fire Drill
Monday, August 25 - Bus training for students
Tuesday, August 26 - Grade level community meetings
Thursday, August 28 - Whole-school community meeting for students at 1:30 PM
Friday, August 29 - Monday, September 1- No School - Labor Day Recess
September
Thursday, September 4 - Back-to-School Night from 6-7:30 PM (Adults only)
Session 1 - 6:00-6:30 PM
Session 2 - 6:45-7:15 PM
Wednesday, September 10 - PTO Meeting in person at Shep and zoom at 7 PM
Tuesday, September 23 - Scheduled Fire Drill
September 29 - October 2 - Scholastic Fall Book Fair
October
Thursday, October 2 - Shep Fall Fest - 6-7 PM
Friday, October 3 - In-Service - No School
Wednesday, October 8 - PTO Meeting via Zoom at 7 PM
Mrs. Lawlers Wildcat Club
What do I need to Volunteer?
Each school year, we get lots of questions about how parents can volunteer, what they need to do and how they get their clearances. Hopefully this answers your questions!
If you have additional questions, or want to verify that existing clearances are still valid, please email ShepOffice@mbgsd.org.
If you are a new volunteer you will need ALL documents submitted.
Items Needed:
State Police clearance (Act 34) - https://epatch.pa.gov/home
Child Abuse Clearance (Act 151) - https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS
TB Test
Volunteer Verification Form (button to right) if you have lived in PA for past 10 years consecutively, OR will need FBI Background Check.
FBI Background Check - https://uenroll.identogo.com/
Volunteer information sheet (button to right)
One Stop Shep Info Corner
Birthday Treat Information
Birthdays are important to every child, and most kids like to celebrate with their classmates. However, sending in a food treat to the classroom to celebrate can exclude those children who have food allergies, diabetes or other dietary restrictions. Also, classrooms are not well-equipped to serve food, especially cupcakes and other messy treats.
If you would like an alternative to food treats for your child’s birthday celebration at school, there are many possibilities. Always check with your child’s teacher first to see what options may work best.
Invitations to birthday parties or other gatherings may not be passed out in school, unless the entire class is invited. Teachers cannot distribute contact information.
Girls on the Run!
Attention 3rd grade girls:
Join a program where you'll discover your Heart Power - the power to speak up and share what's inside your heart! You'll move and play games, make new friends and have fun with your team! At the end of the season, you'll celebrate by finishing a 5K.
Be on the lookout for a flyer with more details to come home the first week of school
Immunization Clinic
As we prepare for the new school year, we’re partnering with Sadler Health Center to help ensure all students are up to date on their required immunizations.
Sadler will be offering free vaccination clinics at several district locations in August and September. Vaccines are covered by insurance and free for those without insurance. Well-child checkups may also be available if requested in advance.
To participate, please contact your child’s school nurse to pre-register and complete the necessary consent forms. A parent or guardian must accompany any student under the age of 14.
PTO Meeting Schedule
Mark your calendars! Below are the Shepherdstown PTO meetings for the 2025-2026 school year. Please join us for the first PTO meeting in person at Shep on Wednesday, September 11 at 7 PM in the library.
Wednesday, September 10 at 7 PM (At Shep/Zoom)
Wednesday, October 8 at 7 PM (Zoom)
Wednesday, January 14 at 7 PM (Zoom)
Wednesday, March 11 at 7 PM (Zoom)
Wednesday, April 8 at 7 PM (Zoom)
Wednesday, May 13 at 7 PM (Zoom)
Follow MASD on Facebook
If you haven't already done so, you're invited to like and follow our official Mechanicsburg Area School District Facebook page for the latest celebrations, news, and updates from across the district: www.facebook.com/MASDwildcats.
Back to School Resource Center
Calendar, Schedules, and Handbook
Shepherdstown Elementary School
Email: Dechelmeier@mbgsd.org
Website: https://shepherdstown.mbgsd.org/
Location: 1849 S. York Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone: 717-691-4589