🦁🐘 A Wild Day of Learning for Third Grade! 🦴

Our third grade students had a great field trip to the Oakes Museum of Natural History at Messiah University!

Students explored incredible exhibits featuring animals, fossils, minerals, and more -bringing their classroom learning to life in an exciting, hands-on way. From fascinating creatures to unique natural artifacts, curiosity was on full display all day long!

about 1 month ago, Dave Echelmeier
Field Trip
Field Trip
Field Trip
Field Trip
Field Trip
Field Trip
Field Trip
Field Trip
Field Trip
Field Trip
🐣 Egg-citement in Third Grade! 🐣

Our third graders are filled with egg-citement as they study embryology! Here is a picture of Mrs. Patchett candling the eggs to give students a peek inside. 🥚✨🐥
about 1 month ago, Dave Echelmeier
Candling
The library is more than just books at Shep! 📚 Our students are learning how to program robots and control how they move—exploring creativity, problem-solving, and technology along the way.
about 2 months ago, ShepOffice
Programming Robots
Programing Robots
Programming Robots
Programing Robots
Programing Robots
🌟 Shep Spring Open House Night! 🌟

Join us at Shepherdstown Elementary tomorrow, Thursday, March 5 from 6:00–7:00 PM!

🏫 Visit classrooms
📚 Shop the Book Fair
🍦 Enjoy an ice cream treat
🤝 Connect with our amazing staff

We can’t wait to welcome our Shep families for a fun evening together!
about 2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
Open House
The halls are filled with the sound of recorders! 🎶 Students in Miss. O'Donnell's music class are working hard to learn a new song today—and they sounded great!
about 2 months ago, ShepOffice
Music Class
Music Class
💙 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK WEEK // This week, we recognize the incredible impact of our school social workers and the vital role they play in supporting students and families. They help navigate challenges, connect families with resources, and partner with staff to ensure students have what they need to be successful in school. Their work often happens quietly and behind the scenes — but it strengthens our entire Wildcat community.

Today we celebrate you. Every day we appreciate you. 💙

#WildcatPride
about 2 months ago, MBGSD
A group of woman standing in front of a school library.
📚🎉 It’s Read Across America Week at Shep! Our Book Fair is officially underway, and students have the chance to shop Tuesday through Thursday. Don’t forget — families are welcome to visit during Thursday’s Open House from 6–7 PM to browse and pick up some new favorites!
about 2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
shopping
shopping
🐾 February Community Meeting Highlights at Shep! 🐾

Our February Community Meeting was full of learning, fun, and recognition!
• Mrs. Walker, our school nurse, shared tips on the importance of brushing teeth and keeping those smiles healthy. 🪥😁
• Mrs. Lawler and Mr. Echelmeier showed how we use fidgets and brain breaks at school—with some awesome third-grade helpers joining in! ✨
• Miss Patchett shined in our Shep Spotlight interview, giving us a peek into her world at school. 🌟
• And of course, we celebrated our February Super Paws winners—way to go, Wildcats! 🐾🏆

What a great reminder of the amazing things happening every day at Shep! 💙

about 2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
Miss Patchett
Brushing teeth
fidgets
fidgets
Staff Spirit Week Finale at Shep! ☀️

The final two days of Staff Spirit Week brought the creativity and the sunshine!

Thursday’s Anything But a Cup Day had staff getting wildly creative as they drank water from all sorts of funny and unexpected containers. 😂🥤

Friday closed things out with Beach & Pool Gear Day, turning Shep into a mini coastal getaway with full vacation vibes, smiles, and sunshine energy. 🏖️☀️
about 2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
Anything but a cup
Beach day
Mrs. R
PE
Music
🌀 Wacky Wednesday vibes at Shepherdstown! 🧦🎉 Staff spirit week is in full swing and today we went all in—fun outfits, crazy socks, and hair that definitely has a personality of its own 😄
2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
staff
first grade

Hero or Traitor? A Third Grade Debate! 🏛️📚

Our 3rd graders are taking partner reading to the next level!

As they dive into the Roman Empire, they’re reading about Julius Caesar and asking BIG questions:

👉 Was he a hero?
👉 Or a traitor?

2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
Third grade
🎉 Staff Spirit Week Fun 🎉 Our staff are up to something fun this week with a staff-only Spirit Week! 🙌 Today’s theme was Relaxation, and the cozy vibes were strong—robes, PJs, slippers, pillows, and plenty of smiles 😄 More Spirit Week moments coming soon! ✨
2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
Spirit week
🍎 PIN Power at Breakfast! 🍴

Our Wildcats are starting their mornings the right way! Today was the first day students entered their PIN numbers to grab breakfast. Remember, Wildcats - your six digit PIN is your key to a free, delicious school breakfast!

Breakfast is free for all students, so fuel up and start the day strong. 💪🥐🥛

📸 Look at our breakfast line in action — ready, set, enter your PIN!
2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
PIN Pad
PIN Pad
PIN Pad
❄️ 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.
2 months ago, MBGSD
Inclement Weather Alert
Learning Together, Growing Together 💛

Students learning together in Shepherdstown, guided by an amazing volunteer. These moments—small groups, shared focus, and one caring adult making the time—are where the real magic happens. So grateful for the volunteers who support our students and help build a stronger community every day 🙌✨
2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
Volunteer
👮‍♂️💜 NATIONAL SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER DAY // Today we recognize and celebrate Officer Mark, our District Resource Officer, for the important role he plays in helping our schools remain safe, welcoming, and supportive places for students and staff. Beyond safety, Officer Mark builds meaningful relationships, offers guidance, supports problem-solving, and helps create positive connections throughout our school community. His presence across our schools reflects care, consistency, and his commitment to our Wildcats. Thank you, Officer Mark. Today we celebrate you. Every day we appreciate you. #WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
headshot of police officer

🎈💖 Pink, red, and lots of smiles! 💖🎈

This morning was all about friendship, kindness, and having fun together at Shep. Many of our students wore pink, red, and festive outfits while celebrating what really matters—being kind, being a good friend, and enjoying time together!

2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
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✨ Hands-On Learning in Action! ✨

🚌🔬 Our third grade had a blast at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg yesterday! Students enjoyed hands-on exploration, discovery, and lots of learning fun. 🧠🚀
2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center
✨📚 First Grade in Action! 📚✨

Miss Forry’s first graders were hard at work practicing their CKLA skills today! Students showed total engagement by responding on their boards and building word chains to strengthen phonics, spelling, and reading skills. Way to think, build, and grow together - great job, first grade! 👏✏️
2 months ago, Dave Echelmeier
CKLA
CKLA
CKLA
👏 WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT // Please join us in sending a big round of applause to second-grade Wildcat Carter, who alongside Principal Dave Echelmeier shared a special presentation with the Board of School Directors at last evening’s meeting.

Representing Shepherdstown Elementary, Carter spoke with confidence as he helped highlight how Shep is using social media with intentionality — sharing their story, celebrating successes, and building meaningful connections within the school community.

We couldn’t be more proud of Carter for representing Shepherdstown and MASD with such confidence and Wildcat pride. 💜

#WildcatPride
2 months ago, MBGSD
A young student standing next to his principal.