Mount Pleasant Area School District

Our students participated in the Envirothon at Twin Lakes today, where they rotated between learning stations on renewable energy, aquatics, soils, forestry, and wildlife, and then were tested on their knowledge of the content. They were given a K-9 demonstration from the Game Commission at lunch on how their service dogs can track scents such as ammo casings, animal carcasses, and humans for search and rescue.

Physics professor Dr. Kenneth Burch of Boston College spoke with students on Quantum Physics. Thank you Ms. Grace for bringing this opportunity to our students.

Sophomore Vikings visited St. Vincent College last week.

Elementary teachers took some time to deliberate on the qualities of an exemplary math program. Thanks for your dedicated work and for putting so much thought and energy into this important discussion. ✏️📚🧮

The Main Street Maisy Cakes mural painted by Mrs. Pyda's art students made the front page of the Journal. Great job to artists Sam McQueen, Mikayla Halterman, Madison Poole, Lilly Peffer, and Shannon McCandless!!

WHITE COAT CEREMONY In recognition of their hard work and discipline, 33 AP Biology students received their very own 🥼 lab coats with personalized embroidery from Mrs. Mulnix as a welcome to the various fields of science. Best of luck to each of them in their future endeavors!!

Today at Norvelt Elementary, Mrs. Fox's 3rd grade students spent some time learning about what happens during a total solar eclipse.

Mrs. Burkey's 2nd grade students enjoyed solar eclipse snacks while participating in solar eclipse activities at Norvelt Elementary.

Some of our Juniors attended a college visit at the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg.

"The Passing of the Torch" We extended a warm welcome to our new athletic director, Mr. James Eckels!! We are thrilled to have you join the Viking family. 💙❤️

MEDAL OF HONOR CEREMONY A beautiful ceremony was held this morning to pay tribute to 3 Mount Pleasant natives who were awarded the nation's highest military award for valor. Only US service members who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life beyond the call of duty can receive the medal. Many thanks to Dr. Campbell for coordinating this impactful event. And to our students, we are so proud of you for the parts you played in the tribute!!

For the 4th consecutive year, the Mount Pleasant Area school district has been awarded the 2024 NAMM Best Communities for Music Education designation!! We are 1 of 7 school districts in Westmoreland County and 1 of 140 in the Commonwealth to receive this recognition thanks to the incredible work of our music educators!! Keep up the amazing work, Mr. Buckstein, Ms. Rish, Ms. Pol, and Mr. Murphy!!

Mrs. David's and Mrs. Dreistadt's students were super excited when the materials for a Lego Integration project arrived at Ramsay Elementary!! They extend their thanks to the Mount Pleasant Area Viking Foundation for the funding that makes this project possible.

Come one, come all!! Show your support for the talented cast of Little Shop of Horrors as well as the MPA Viking Education Foundation by attending a delicious pasta dinner before the show on April 13th. Purchase tickets at this link: https://mpahs.hometownticketing.com/embed/all

The Mount Pleasant Area Senior High School will host a Mock Crash for Juniors and Seniors at 12:20 p.m. on April 29, 2024. Mock Crash demonstrations are designed to remind students of the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. The presentation is given just prior to prom season when there is typically an increase in these types of accidents. Emergency response vehicles and Life Flight will be on campus for this event. Principal Gumbita will disseminate a letter to inform parents of the event and to notify students where to park.

Motivational Speaker Jim "Basketball" Jones came to Ramsay today for an inspirational, engaging, and highly interactive assembly. Thank you to the PTO who sponsored his visit. A fun time was had by students and staff. https://www.jimbasketballjones.com/

2024 Schedule for the Varsity Baseball Team

ANYTHING FLOATS COMPETITION Team- Nautica 2 1st Place Brody Hutter, Santino Marne, Alquin Heinnickel, Gunner Probst. Team-Barber's Titanic 2nd Place Allison Tepper, Maddie Barrick, Maggie Piper, Morgan Reese Team- Docking Legends 3rd Place Charles Strader, Connor McCandless, Nick Pisula, Rylan Nestor, Kade Robertson

After beginning a Space Unit a few months back, Mr. Keller's Jr. Engineers read the books, If You Decide To Go To Space and The Most Magnificent Thing. One of the story characters built something magnificent, so second graders built magnificent space suits. They had to keep in mind an astronaut must stay warm, cool, and be protected from space debris when on the moon. Great job, little Vikings!! 🪐☄️🚀🧑‍🚀

Our senior high students have been working hard to prepare for the annual plant sale in May. Much time has been devoted to planting in soil and in the hydroponic systems, as well as propagating plants to create hanging baskets. Students have planted into pots and transplanted from the hydroponic systems into soil. Each day, they closely monitor the "Edible Classroom" and tend to the needs of the plants.