Mechanicsburg Area School District

08/19/2026

🏫 FIRST DAY, ROUND 2 FUN // Students aren’t the only ones marking the first day! Some of our MASH staff got in on the fun with a few first-day signs of their own. 📸

08/19/2026

🎉 FIRST DAY, ROUND 2 // Around here, one first day just isn’t enough!

Thanks to our staggered start, we get to roll out the first-day fun all over again today. ❤️ We caught up with some of our Northside Elementary School friends this morning as they kicked off their school year with plenty of smiles!

📸 You're welcome to drop your first-day photos in the comments. We love seeing all the smiles!

Happy SECOND first day, Wildcats! 🐾

08/19/2026

📰 NEWSMAKERS // In case you missed it, our Wildcats made the news on the very first day of school!

CBS 21 stopped by MASH yesterday to spotlight our Link Crew and the special welcome they provided for our newest high school students. The story also caught up with Dr. Bitz, who shared a little about the excitement of welcoming Wildcats back across the district for a brand-new school year. 🐾

🔗 https://local21news.com/news/local/mechanicsburg-schools-pair-freshmen-with-trained-upperclass-mentors-for-first-day-of-high-school-pennsylvania-pa-high-school-kids-cumberland-county

Ninth graders arriving for their first day at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School were greeted with cheering, applause and a message that they belong.

08/18/2026

🐾 DAY ONE: COMPLETE // “Our goal at the end of day one is to know our students are excited for day two.” — Dr. Bitz

Mission accomplished. ❤️

From the first arrivals this morning to the final dismissal this afternoon, it was SO good to have our Wildcats back where they belong.

Thanks for a great first day, Wildcats! Rest up, because we can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow. 🐾

08/18/2026

📚FIRST DAY FEELS // And just like that, we’re back! (📸 Have a first-day photo of your Wildcat? You’re welcome to drop it in the comments.)

Our schools were filled with plenty of smiles and first-day excitement today as Wildcats across the district kicked off a brand-new school year. We loved seeing our students back where they belong, and we’re looking forward to all that this year will bring.

And if you thought you spotted a familiar Wildcat bright and early this morning on Local 21 CBS News, WHP Harrisburg, your eyes weren’t playing tricks on you! 👀Dr. Bitz helped kick off the big day before the first bell even rang!

Here’s a peek at just some of the Day One morning fun.

08/18/2026

🏍️ ROLLING INTO SECOND GRADE // Now this is a first-day arrival!

One of our Wildcats at Broad Street Elementary School had quite the fun crew escorting him to school this morning, making the trip to second grade one he definitely won’t forget. What a fun way to kick off a brand-new school year!

And this is just the beginning. More first-day smiles and snapshots are coming your way soon! 📸🐾

08/18/2026

👮‍♂️👮‍♂️ THIS YEAR, I BROUGHT A FRIEND // Officer Mark has some company this year!

We’re excited to welcome Officer Tyler Reitz from the Mechanicsburg Police Department as our newest District Resource Officer. He’ll call MASH home while serving our schools throughout the Borough. Officer Reitz joins Upper Allen Township Police Department’s Officer Mark Sanguinito, who returns for year two serving our Upper Allen Township schools.

We’re grateful for the partnerships with both of our local police departments that make it possible to have these familiar faces supporting our Wildcats throughout the year. ❤️

Welcome, Officer Reitz, and welcome back, Officer Mark!

🐾 Make it a great first day, Wildcats!

08/17/2026

🧦YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Before we officially kick off a brand-new school year tomorrow, we have a few more incredible Wildcats to celebrate!

Throughout the spring and summer, these staff members were recognized for the many ways they stepped up, showed kindness, lent a hand, and made a difference for others.

What better way to head into a new year than by celebrating the people who make MASD such a special place to learn and work? Congratulations to our latest You Knocked Our Socks Off recipients. We’re so lucky you’re Wildcats. 🐾

The celebrations will continue into the 2026- 2027 school year! 🧦

08/15/2026

😎 THE FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT that our staff at Upper Allen Elementary School had to break out the shades! With a new school year just around the corner (three more sleeps!), they’re ready to shine. And judging by these sunglasses, they’re doing it in style. 😎 Here’s to a BRIGHT year ahead, Wildcats! We can’t wait to see you on Tuesday, Aug 18. 🐾