The Pros & Cons to Day 6

By Alexis Fedoriw

One of the most debated topics among the school staff and students is the use of day 6. Beloved by some and dreaded by others. There have been whispers of the administration wanting to get rid of Day 6 because they don't see it as being used in the way they intended. While some are unproductive during the day 6 study halls, others like myself use these days to get ahead on projects, ask teachers questions, do homework, and study for tests and quizzes. Day 6, while not used productively for all, is a great resource for all students whether they take advantage of it or not, and should continue to be a part of our cycle week.

 Day 6 is an asset to not only students but to teachers as well, ensuring a work-life balance for all. Teachers are provided with additional time to grade their students' work, ensuring more time to spend with their families, while students can allocate more time to spend with family and friends because they have more study hall time. Having a good work-life balance is extremely important to a person's mental health, so they aren't overloaded with stress and can take time to prioritize themselves. 

Jr. Cameron Gesell said, “It gives me a guaranteed study hall so I can get my work done. I swim a lot and am constantly on the go, so being able to take time for myself and study helps take the stress off my mind.¨ It is very easy to underestimate how busy a teenager's schedule could be, participating in an extracurricular activity is very time-consuming, and most teenagers participate in one. Having added study hall time can dramatically improve a teenager's mind/mental health. 

Additionally, many people see being on your phone as unproductive study hall time, but it doesn't always have to be used to do schoolwork to help improve your performance in school. Taking time for yourself can dramatically improve your mental health. 

However, Mr. Rose has a differing perspective on day 6, stating, ¨I think there are positives to a day 6 from a student's perspective because they are allocated more  time to work on projects and other school work. On the other hand it mitigates the time in class we have to do things especially when it comes to teaching AP classes. I prefer class time with students rather than having time to grade.¨ 

I think it's a breath of fresh air to have a teacher that would rather take time out of his life to grade so his students can spend more time learning. There are many different perspectives on day 6 and how it affects use in good and bad ways.

New Teachers at MASH Part 2 

By Chelsea Guan

Though a bit late, here’s the second half of new MASH teacher introductions for this school year! You’ll learn that teachers, per usual, have some great advice for students. 

Ms. Gingrich teaches 11th grade English and Capstone Communications for seniors. She enjoys teaching at MASH because she feels really connected to all of her students, noting that MASH is smaller than the previous school she worked at, making it easier for her to learn a little more about each of her students. When not teaching however, Ms. Gingrich devotes most of her time to her family and loves being in nature and exploring; she often takes walks and gardens. She is also a birder with many bird feeders around her home and loves watching birds while drinking a cup of tea. Additionally, as an English teacher, she of course, loves to read. Ms. Gingrich is also involved with theatre productions and has been in a few musicals in the local area. To students, Ms. Gingrich provides the following advice: 

“I think that in the world we live in today, it is hard to be a teenager. There are so many people thinking they know what’s best for you, and this generation is signed up for so many things to keep them busy. It’s the grind culture. That along with feeling a bit less connected to your peers via social media can be really tough. I say really embrace the idea of free time. Don’t sign yourself up for more than you can handle and savor the friendships you have by making sure you are actually present WITH them when you are present with them.”

Ms. Hartman currently teaches the LEARN Program and Theatre I; she describes how both courses “thrive on creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to grow (and occasionally, a bit of improvisation).” She has felt both refreshed and energized teaching at MASH thus far, noting that despite her nervousness transitioning back into the classroom after remote work, she compares her experience to “re-entering the wild (in the best way possible).” Returning, she says, “...reminded me why I got into education in the first place: the daily chance to witness lightbulb moments and laughter in equal measure.” Outside of school, Ms. Hartman enjoys spending her time outdoors, participating in activities like hiking, camping, canoeing, riding ATVs, and swimming. She loves music, writes lyrics, and has collaborated with a few talented singer-songwriters. All in all, Ms. Hartman is unapologetically herself and is, “in [her] humble opinion,” high-energy and hilarious, as well as compassionate and encouraging. To her students, she wants them to know this: 

First, “You are capable of great things—even when that little voice of doubt tries to convince you otherwise. Keep moving in the direction of your dreams, even if you must dance, stumble, or crawl your way there. Growth isn’t always graceful, but it’s always worth it.”

And second, “If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s this: flexibility is everything. Plans will change, things will go sideways, and sometimes the GPS will just give up—but if you can adapt and keep your sense of humor, you’ll find your way. Success isn’t always a straight line, but it’s a great adventure.”

Ms. Rouner runs the online learning lab and mainly has seniors who are taking electives digitally. Although her role is fairly new, she has great things to say about being here at MASH: “I enjoy building up the program from my experience working for CAOLA. The best part is being back in the classroom and working closely with students again. When I left CPACTC for CAOLA, that is one thing I really missed.” In her free time, she plays bocce with neighbors in the park, watches a lot of German television, and can be spotted at the library checking out books, figuring out the puzzles, and playing board games. Lastly, Ms. Rouner leaves some advice of her own: 

“If you ever want to put your soft skills to the test, take an online course. Students do not need to have a perfect skill set to take an online course, but they must at least be willing and ready to: (1) Plan their time and hold themselves accountable. (2) Problem-solve. (3) Realize their limitations and seek help appropriately.”

Mr. Tuckey teaches freshmen in American Studies and Career Development. When asked about his time here at MASH during the first semester, he notes that MASH students are great and staff are incredibly supportive. When not in school, he enjoys spending time with his family, racing, and wrestling. He also races sprint cars at local PA tracks including Williamsgrove speedway. His fun fact is that he has an identical twin brother! On advice for students, he says this:

“I want my students to know that learning is a process, not a race. Mistakes are part of that process, and effort matters just as much as the results. Advice for all students would be that hard work can take you very far in life.”

Lastly, Ms. Benner teaches Food Foundations, Advanced Foods, and Global Kitchen here at MASH. She is loving her time teaching here and comments saying that her students have “great energy and creativity” and how “it’s been fun getting to share my passion for cooking with them every day.” Teaching many food classes, it’s no wonder that she loves baking and cooking at home, as well as trying out new recipes and exploring local restaurants. Ms. Benner also owns a small business called Bella Bean Bakery, where she sells custom cakes and cupcakes! Other than cooking and baking, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. To close, here’s a piece of advice she’d like to share with students: 

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s how you learn, especially in the kitchen! Stay curious, try new things, and always give your best effort.”

There may only be one teacher appreciation week every year, but don’t let that stop you from appreciating our educators every day!

Senior Spotlight: Mid-Year Reflections

By Chloe Luft-Hoover

With the end of January, the 25-26 school year is over halfway completed. For MASH seniors, they have less than half a year until graduation. The stress of college applications and acceptance still lingers as many try to finish the year on a high note. Some seniors have the luxury of alternative scheduling, while others attend school regularly. With the many different paths for the class of 2026, time was dedicated to speaking with several seniors to gather their opinions on the year so far. 

The first student I spoke with was Sr. Johanna Runkle. She expressed how the first half of senior year has gone very well and has been enjoyable so far. Runkle has participated extensively in dual enrollment programs at Messiah University and reported that it has been an enriching experience. Despite not often physically being in the MASH building, Runkle has stayed involved in many extracurriculars, including but not limited to girls’ swimming and Student Council. She plans to continue staying active in the community and in her extracurricular activities. When asked about whether or not there was anything she wanted to do before graduation, Runkle replied, “I would like to further build up the clubs and extracurriculars I am involved in. I would like to help set up plans with the underclassmen to keep programs and clubs going successfully after I leave MASH”. Runkle’s admirable devotion to her various commitments will certainly leave a lasting impression on the school. 

Many seniors have taken advantage of senior alternatives and have been able to reduce the amount of time they come into school, allowing them to use their time as they please. One such student is Sr. Tyler White. According to him, this first semester has been very relaxed and “chill”. He has reportedly been home for most of the year so far, enjoying this freedom. White says he has more classes in the 2nd semester, so he hopes to keep up with those while still enjoying free time. White shared that one of his goals before graduating was to swim a sub-minute 100-yard butterfly. Other than school and sports, his year seems pretty laid back. White stated, “I’m ready to graduate and leave”. Many of the other seniors undoubtedly share this opinion. 

A well-known struggle of seniors is their lengthy applications to colleges. Sr. Vianna Agostino identifies with this issue, saying, “The college application process has been the hardest part” of senior year. According to her, the stress of senior year has been mostly due to these applications, as classes have been “pretty normal.” Agostino comments that the senior alternative has been an amazing opportunity and has contributed to her enjoyment of the school year so far. She enjoys having extra free time to study, sleep in, and socialize with friends. 

However, Agostino also notes, “A few downsides to senior alternatives are that I rarely choose to use the time for academics, affecting my academic motivation.” This difficulty using free time to get ahead in school is definitely a widely felt problem across the entire school population. For the continuation of the school year, Agostino plans to maintain her grades and “overcome senioritis.” She strives to be more attentive in class and finish the year strong to help set herself up for a successful college career. This foresight to continue putting oneself in the best possible position to achieve a successful future is extremely smart and should be the goal of all students, regardless of grade.

From dual enrollment, to sports, to goals for the future, MASH seniors certainly have a lot on their plates as the end of the school year and their graduation rapidly approach. Despite this, the seniors all seem to have plans for the rest of their time at MASH. No matter what they choose to pursue after high school, I am sure our seniors will achieve great things. We wish them the best of luck as this chapter of their lives begins to come to a close.

Students and Teachers’ Favorite Holiday Activities

By Chloe Querry

Both students and teachers enjoy getting to spend their much-needed days of rest during the holidays with their families and friends. I asked various teachers and students among MASH what their favorite things to do over the holidays were, and many similarities are prominent in the results. For my family, we love getting to spend time with our family and friends and this year, we got the opportunity to go to NYC and to Virginia for our annual trip with some of our family friends for New Year’s. No matter what holidays students celebrate, they enjoy getting the time to relax and unwind, allowing themselves a break from the stresses that are put upon them with the regular week’s school load. Each student and teacher, however, has unique ways of using their free time and time with their loved ones in order to make their holiday season more special. 

So. Libby Howell explained how she loves to go on ski trips during the holidays, as she has more availability to fit them into her schedule without worrying about missing school. This time allows her to do something she loves while spending time with her family.

So. Amelia Chuckalovcak has loved to watch “The Office” and “Stranger Things” over the past holidays along with reading the books she got for Christmas.

So. Campbell Shover enjoys spending time with her family over the holidays.

So. Emma Ward loves to participate in many winter activities like ice skating.

So. Raph Alcazar loves to spend time catching up on sleep during the holidays. 

So. Maddy Walker enjoys spending time with her family.

When talking to So. Avalynn Richards, she explained, “I think my favorite thing is the food. It brings people together as they eat it and really puts me in the holiday mood. Specifically turkey on Thanksgiving, and pork on New Year's day.”

Sr. Genna Smith loves having a break from the school workload and getting to spend time with her dogs and cat over the holidays. 

So. Kaylee Witters enjoys spending time with her family over the holidays. 

In So. George Bartholomew’s words, “My favorite thing to do is to just be with my friends and the people I’m closest to and spend good times together.”

So. Josh Lamason loves to spend time with his friends and family.

So. Elyse Moll enjoys watching movies and hanging out with friends over her break.

So. Joseph Kaslusky loves baking cookies and watching the college football playoffs at New Year's.

Sr. Aubrey Dissinger likes to relax and sleep in as well as hangout with her brother over the holidays.

So. Lily Kelly likes to cozy up with her new books and hot chocolate while sitting by the Christmas tree.

So. Emily Miller’s favorite thing to do over the holidays is play games and hang out with her family. 

In Sr. Luke Mizerak’s words, “I would say my favorite thing to do over the holidays is going to Virginia for new years with some family friends. It’s a tradition we’ve done for years and is always a highlight of my holiday break.”

So. Soyer Campbell’s favorite thing to do over the holidays is baking cookies and other sweet treats.

Jr. Niko Lougee enjoys getting to sleep in a lot more than he would on a usual weekly basis with school.

So. Anna Dormer loves to be cozy with hot chocolate and a book over the holidays. 

Sr. Ian Brookmyer likes to play video games with his friends over the holidays. 

Fr. Averie Longwell loves to hang out with her family and be able to carry on traditions with them over the holidays. 

Fr. Kamryn Terry enjoys going to church with her family and being able to spend time with her siblings during this time as well. 

Fr. Hannah Stauffer loves to drive out with her family and look at Christmas lights over the holidays. 

Frau Clinton expresses her love for the holidays by explaining, “My favorite thing to do during the holidays is simply to spend time with my family. My Dad's birthday is on Christmas Day, which also happens to be my favorite holiday, so the day is always extra special as we get to celebrate him. I also enjoy the tradition I have with my fiancé, where every year we get matching Christmas pajamas. This year, we got PJs from Buc-ees!”

Mrs. Gonder enjoys getting to take part in skiing trips with her family over the holiday break.

Mr. Vriens looks forward to traveling with his family somewhere warm over the break!

Ms. Murray loves to spend time watching holiday movies with her family.

Miss Crisci shares her love for this needed break by explaining, “ During the holidays, I like to spend time with my family. There's not a ton of time during the year that we get to spend together, so the time off allows for plenty of family time!”

Mrs. Willits, who is a big traveler, expresses her interest in continuing to do so over the holidays by saying, “My absolute favorite thing to do over the holidays is travel! Now that our kids are older, we buy less "stuff" and we make memories by traveling, sometimes with just our little nucleus family (myself, my husband and two daughters) like we did this break, and sometimes with my parents and my siblings. It depends on everyone's schedule, but escaping to the Caribbean for some sun, sea, and snorkeling is the best winter gift we could gift ourselves. Our other holiday traditions are decorating before Thanksgiving (no haters please!), making Monster Cookies, and making sure we watch all of our favorite Christmas movies between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. These movies, in no particular order, are as follows: Klaus, The Polar Express (with hot chocolate), Spirited, Home Alone, Elf, and A Muppets Christmas Carol.”

Mrs. Kulp shares her love for her family by explaining how, “My favorite thing is really just to spend time with family. My mom's family gets together for a big Christmas party every year, and there are lots of yummy snacks and funny stories shared during this time. I especially love making wassail (a hot apple cider type of drink). My husband's family enjoys playing lots of games and puzzles together, or just sitting near the fire and chatting. These are where my favorite holiday memories come from.”

Ms. Hoke expresses her love for books and her family by saying, “During the holidays, I like to put on my fuzzy socks and warm pajamas, and sit down with a good book. I actually probably read about 4 books over the break. Spending time with my family and my dogs is also a favorite pastime of mine.”

Overall, whether asking teachers or students, they all enjoy different aspects of the holidays and love spending time with their loved ones to create many new memories. The holidays are a time for giving and getting to relax and do the things you love with the people you love beside you. Getting to see all of these MASH traditions allows us insight into what brings us together and how we are all unique, but share many common qualities that we love about this holiday season. Happy holidays and happy New Year, everyone!

New Classes at MASH

By Isimeme Okebhagbe

As we end the first semester and prepare for the second, you might be thinking about your schedule and comparing classes with your friends. Even though you might not realize it, there are many different classes available at our school. As you discover who you are in high school, you have the chance to delve into your interests in these new classes. 

For anyone who adores anything to do with the stars, sky, and astronomy, there’s a class for you! Astronomy taught by Mr. Richard is perfect for exploring the universe and satisfying your curiosity about space exploration. Especially if you enjoy asking big questions and are fascinated by galaxies!

The Genocide & Human Rights class run by Ms. Crisci provides an opportunity to explore pressing issues in society and world history. By studying the past and present of human rights violations, students learn what genocide is, why it happens, and what is done to prevent it. The course involves critical thinking and an interest in world history, law, and social justice. 

The Sports Analytics class taught by Mr. Berry gives students a unique chance to explore the numbers behind the games they love! A combination of sports, math, and statistics helps students analyze team strategies and player performance using real data. This class is meant for students who love sports, math, and strategic thinking. 

The Media Communications class taught by Mrs. Heisler helps students learn how stories, information, and messages are shared through modern media. Hands-on projects will allow students to create their own media and learn how to share it effectively with specific audiences. If you love being creative, broadcasting, or expressing yourself through storytelling, sign up for this class when it's available.

High school, a time of growth and exploration, offers many opportunities to discover your interests, especially with new classes encouraging students to try something new, while learning about their interests and strengths. These classes create valuable experiences that go further than the traditional classroom.

Beating the Burnout: Finding Motivation Midyear

By Emma Schaffer 

 After the excitement of winter break fades, January often feels like the longest and most difficult month of the school year. The cold weather, darker days, and increasing academic pressure can leave many students feeling unmotivated and overwhelmed. This “midyear slump” tests students' determination and mental strength.

Fr. Olivia Oshetski described the struggle many students face. “January is the hardest month because everything feels slow and turning, but I just remind myself how close we are to the end.” Her perspective demonstrates how maintaining the end goal in mind helps students stay focused during challenging times. 

Teachers work to remind students that effort is more important than perfection. They encourage students to stay consistent and trust the process. “Students don’t need to be perfect; they just need to keep showing up and trying,” said FCS teacher Ms. Costello. Her message reinforces that persistence matters more than flawless performance. 

Students have developed their own ways to stay motivated. Some create study schedules, others lean on friends for support, and many find that breaking assignments into smaller tasks makes their workload feel less overwhelming. These habits help students regain control when stress begins to build. 

Extracurricular activities also play an important role during this season. Sports, clubs, and other after-school commitments give students something to look forward to and provide balance between academics and personal interests. 

Although January can be exhausting, it is also a powerful reminder of students' resilience. The bully continues to show up, even on difficult days, demonstrating strength and maturity. 

Midyear motivation is not about being perfect. It is about perseverance, commitment, and believing in your ability to finish the year strong.