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🧡 KINDNESS: THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR SCHOOL // Sometimes, a few simple words can make someone's entire day.

As part of yesterday's Unity Day celebration, we spotted Wildcats at Elmwood Academy leaving messages of kindness and encouragement for others to read. A sweet reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference.

#UnityDay #WildcatPride
4 days ago, MBGSD
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
Handwritten notes of encouragement.
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
Students write kind words and notes of encouragement on an orange heart taped to a school wall.
🧡 THE SHIRT SAYS IT ALL // It’s Unity Day across the district, and we’ll be sharing plenty of photos of our Wildcats throughout the day. First up, Elmwood Assistant Principal Becky Marshall’s shirt pretty much sums it all up: Be Kind Bruh. 😎 Always choose kindness, Wildcats! 🧡🐾 #UnityDay #WildcatPride
4 days ago, MBGSD
A principal wears a Be Kind Bruh shirt for Unity Day
💕 THINK PINK // A little pink can send a powerful message.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wildcats in Dr. Dankosky's class at Elmwood Academy wore pink shirts, pink ribbons, and more to show their support for those fighting, honor those we've lost, and celebrate the strength of survivors.

A simple gesture with a whole lot of heart. 🩷

#WildcatPride
9 days ago, MBGSD
Students and a teacher wear pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
When the group chat gets the dress code right. 😂

The Wildcat Wing at Elmwood Academy took Wildcat Wednesday to a whole new level today. Thanks to 4th grade teacher Heather Strock, this crew showed up in matching Wildcat tees and made “twinning” a full-team event. 🐾

📸 Shoutout to ELD Teacher Melanie Walker for passing this photo along to us so we can share with you.

#WildcatPride
17 days ago, MBGSD
A group of teachers all show off their new Wildcat Wing tshirts.
🧶 HOOKED ON LEARNING // Students in Dr. Dankosky’s class at Elmwood Academy are learning a new skill during Soft Start: crocheting.

They’re starting with the basics, but there’s a bigger goal in mind. By the end of the year, Dr. Dankosky hopes students will work their way up to making hats and other items to donate within the community. ❤️

New skills, a little creativity, and a whole lot of heart. That's the Wildcat Way! 🐾

#WildcatPride
26 days ago, MBGSD
Students are wrapped in yarn during a crochet lesson.
Students sit on a classroom floor as they learn to crochet.
🎮 TWINNING // When you show up to school and realize you and your friend understood the assignment. Matching Fortnite shirts = instant Victory Royale. 🏆

📸 Thank you to Christina Brandt for capturing this fun moment for us to share with you.

#WildcatPride
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
Two boys stand in a classroom wearing matching Fortnite tshirts.
🧦 YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Our teachers bring all kinds of talents to MASD, including some that extend well beyond their chosen subject areas. Chris Wenger, Orchestra Teacher at Elmwood Academy, recently put his digital coding skills to work to help elementary staff develop a new digital platform for entering office referrals. Chris saw a need, shared his expertise, and helped create a solution that will make the process easier for staff.

Chris, thank you for going above and beyond and using your talents to support colleagues across the district.

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
A man in a suit presents a pair of branded socks to a colleague.
💛 LOVE FOR LENNON // One brave Wildcat. One powerful story. And a whole lot of love.

Last week, Elmwood Academy fourth-grader Lennon shared her childhood cancer journey with classmates in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last fall while in third grade at Upper Allen (where she also received LOTS of Wildcat love and support!), Lennon returned to school this year healthy and in remission. 👏

As Lennon shared her story, classmates colored ribbons gold for childhood cancer or chose colors representing cancers that have touched their own loved ones. Lennon also brought gold ribbon stickers for her entire team to wear in support. 🎗️

We are incredibly proud of the courage Lennon has shown throughout her journey and of her willingness to use her experience to raise awareness and connect with others.

This is Wildcat strength. This is Wildcat community. And this is a whole lot of LOVE FOR LENNON. 💛🐾

📸 Thank you to Nikki Hutcheson and Paige Eakes for sharing these photos with us, and special thank you to Lennon, with Mom's permission, for sharing her journey with all of us!

#WildcatPride #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth
about 1 month ago, MBGSD
A young girl stands next to a wall decorated with yellow ribbons.
A yellow ribbon colored by classmates that says You Did It, Go Lennon, Good Job!
A student colors a yellow ribbon with the words Keep Fighting.
A student speaks in front of classmates.
Students color yellow ribbons.
🧦 YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // Andrea Pahowka, Elmwood Academy, has a way of making every student feel seen and valued. During the opening days of school, she made a point to get to know students as they came through the breakfast line, taking time to connect with each one.

As one observer shared, “She made every child feel like they were the most special person she had interacted with all day.”

Those small moments of connection can make a big difference, especially at the start of a new school year. Thank you, Andrea, for making our Wildcats feel so special. 💙

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff
2 months ago, MBGSD
An adult man taking a selfie with a woman who is holding a pair of maroon branded socks.

🧦 HEY MARY, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF // We’ve been saving up several of our You Knocked Our Socks Off celebrations so we can keep recognizing our amazing staff all summer long. First up...

Congratulations to Mary Dankosky of Elmwood Academy, who, with administrative support, helped reimagine 4th-grade science by creating learning experiences that spark curiosity and put students in the driver’s seat. Through phenomena-based investigations, students are asking questions, thinking deeply, and taking ownership of their learning.

Her willingness to try new approaches, reflect, and continue refining her practice is helping create meaningful experiences for Wildcats every day.

Thank you, Mary, for your commitment to innovation and student growth. 💛

#WildcatPride #YouKnockedOurSocksOff

4 months ago, MBGSD
A man and woman standing next to each other showing off a pair of branded socks.
🎬 THAT'S A WRAP // We're still sorting through all of the great photos from the last day of school and will do a larger photo drop in the coming days, but we couldn't wait to share this one. If there was ever a picture that captured some serious last-day-of-school energy, this might be it. 💛

Have a great summer, Wildcats. ☀️

#WildcatPride
5 months ago, MBGSD
A student runs out of school on the last day, hands in the air and big smile on his face.
What a great year it's been! Let's do it all again next year! Wishing you all a wonderfully rejuvenating summer!
5 months ago, Joseph Underkoffler
Elmwood Have a Great Summer!
5th grade field day! Thank goodness the weather cooperated for a great day outside! Many thanks to Mr. Bull for his coordination, organization, and execution. Shout out to the many volunteers who helped make today possible too! The cooler temps didn't alter the water events in the afternoon. Our teachers are great sports!
5 months ago, Joseph Underkoffler
5th grade field day
5th grade field day
5th grade field day
5th grade field day
5th grade field day
5th grade field day
5th grade field day
5th grade field day
4th Grade Field Day! Thanks to Mrs. Condran for her planning and organization to make today fun! What a glorious day it was to be outside! Many thanks to our volunteers who helped run the stations including our Community Resource Officers from MPD!
5 months ago, Joseph Underkoffler
field day
field day
field day
field day
field day
field day
field day
field day
field day
field day
Thanks, Representative Thomas Kutz for reading to our students once again!
5 months ago, Joseph Underkoffler
Rep. Kutz
🚓 THANK YOU, MPD // We always appreciate the opportunity to welcome our friends from the Mechanicsburg Police Department into our schools. Thank you for recently visiting Elmwood Academy and taking time to connect with our students. We’re grateful for the positive relationships you help build with our Wildcats each day. 💛

📸 Thank you to Christina Bull for capturing this moment for us to share with you.

#WildcatPride
6 months ago, MBGSD
Two police officers stand next to tow students in a school hallway.
🎨 NOW ON DISPLAY // Student-created artwork is now a permanent part of the library at Elmwood Academy, turning the space into an even brighter and more inspiring place to learn and explore. 💛

The selected pieces were enlarged and mounted on the walls for students, staff, and visitors to enjoy for years to come.

👏 Congratulations to Grace, Logan, Lucy, Poppy, Stella, and Cora on this special recognition and for sharing your creativity with the Elmwood community.

#WildcatPride
6 months ago, MBGSD
A student shows her handmade artwork that will hang in a school library.
A student shows her handmade artwork that will hang in a school library.
A student shows her handmade artwork that will hang in a school library.
A student shows her handmade artwork that will hang in a school library.
Two students hold hand-drawn artwork.
❤️💛 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
6 months ago, MBGSD
A group of school nurses posing for a photo.

🚌 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

6 months ago, MBGSD
A bus driver sits in a school bus seat and smiles.
🐾 READY, SET… HEARTS IN MOTION // Someone was very patiently waiting on Friday for the fun to begin 💙 Sunny, our favorite four-legged friend at Elmwood Academy, was spotted on the playground soaking up the sunshine and keeping a watchful eye out for students getting ready to head outside for the Kids Heart Challenge.

A perfect day, a great cause, and the best kind of cheerleader 🐶

📸 Special shoutout to Christina Bull for capturing this moment.

#WildcatPride
6 months ago, MBGSD
A black facility dog sits patiently at the edge of a playground, waiting for students to. arrive.