Spring Family Weekend 2026

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parent/Sponsor Shadowing

Parents/sponsors can shadow their Middle Division students at Catherine Hall from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parking is available at the bottom of Catherine Hall’s hill. A shuttle will provide access to the building. Designated handicap parking is available closer to the building. 

Please note:

• All students must remain in their assigned buildings for the duration of the school day.
• All parents/sponsors must present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to show proper identification will deny access to the school building. Contact the main office at 717-520-2600 with questions regarding this policy.
• Shadowing is for parents/sponsors only (no children, friends, or extended family).
• Please do not bring flowers, balloons, or other gifts into the school building.
• No animals are permitted in buildings. Service animals are welcome.
• All cell phones must be turned off.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Middle Division Arts Exhibition

Join us in Catherine Hall for a very special end-of-year Visual Arts Exhibition!

1 p.m. Senior Division Transition Talks

Parent/sponsors of students transitioning from grade 8 to grade 9 are invited to attend an informational meeting with the Senior Division leadership team at Catherine Hall to learn more about Senior Division and ask questions.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parent/Sponsor Shadowing

Parents/sponsors are invited to shadow their student(s) during the school day in Senior Division buildings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and follow them to their classes. Parents/sponsors should report to the front office of Fisher Hall with their driver’s license to check in and meet their student(s).

No RSVP is required. Parents/sponsors should park behind Copenhaver Center.

Please note:

• All students must remain in their assigned buildings for the duration of the school day.
• All parents/sponsors must present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to present proper identification will deny access to school buildings. Contact the main office with questions regarding this policy.
• Shadowing is for parents/sponsors only (no children, friends, or extended family).
• Please do not bring flowers, balloons, or other gifts into school buildings.
• No animals are permitted in buildings. Service animals are welcome.
• All cell phones must be turned off.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. College and Career Counselor Appointments

Schedule an appointment to meet your Senior Division student’s college and career counselor from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a good time to ask questions about academic performance, postsecondary planning, or course selection.

Sign Up

Parents/sponsors should park behind Copenhaver Center.

The following counselors are located in the Learning Resource Center:

• Dr. Calixto
• Mr. Dietz
• Dr. Farrar-Freeman
• Mrs. Kopp
• Mr. Speese
• Mr. Zapata-Morales

The following counselor is located in Hammond Hall:

• Mrs. Wascovich

2-3 p.m. What Happens after Graduation

Parents/sponsors of graduating seniors are invited to join the Graduate Programs for Success team in the Fisher Hall Forum to learn how the GPS team will provide support for graduates of MHS.

2-3 p.m. Transitional Living Transition Talks

Parents/sponsors of current juniors are invited to join the Graduate Programs for Success team and Transitional Living in the Fisher Hall Forum to learn what to expect for your student during their senior year at MHS. The GPS team will share information on: finalizing a GPS plan, Continuing Education Scholarship accrual, and support for students after graduation. Transitional Living staff will highlight the similarities and differences of the student home setting and Transitional Living.

Learn More about Transitional Living Learn More about a Senior's Experience in Transitional LivingLearn More about the Experience of MHS Seniors

Parent/Sponsor Shadowing from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Parents/sponsors can visit their Elementary Division student’s classroom from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.

Parking is available in parking lot E by Henry Hershey Field and a shuttle will run continuously from the parking lot to Memorial Hall beginning at 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Sign Up for Shadowing

Please note:

• All students must remain in their assigned buildings for the duration of the school day.
• All parents/sponsors must present a valid state driver’s license or photo ID upon entering the school building. Failure to show proper identification will deny access to the school building. Contact the main office at 717-520-2400 with questions regarding this policy.
• Shadowing is for parents/sponsors only.
• Please do not bring flowers, balloons, or other gifts into the school building.
• No animals are permitted in buildings. Service animals are welcome.
• All cell phones must be turned off.

9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visual Arts Exhibition

Join us in Memorial Hall for a special end-of-year visual arts exhibition.

11 a.m. to Noon Middle Division Transition Talks

Parents/sponsors of students transitioning from grade 4 to grade 5 are invited to attend an information meeting with the Middle Division leadership team in the Memorial Hall auditorium to learn more about Middle Division and ask questions.

2-3 p.m. Band and Choir Concert

Join us at 2 p.m. in the Memorial Hall Auditorium for the Elementary Division Band & Choir concert.

Visit the Founders Hall Visitors Center where more than a century of MHS history comes to life. The renovated Visitors Center features interactive exhibits, historical albums, and alumni awards/collections.

Families are invited to attend a brief informational presentation in the Heritage Room in Founders Hall on health insurance and actionable steps families can take for their students. This session will provide an overview of health insurance options, understanding coverage, and offer the opportunity to ask general questions.

Members of the Social Work Team will be available starting at 3:30, for informal drop‑in conversations and support before the presentation. Families who attend the presentation will have an opportunity to be entered to win a raffle basket.

From 4:30-6:30 p.m., enjoy a meal with your family and interact with MHS staff and community partners in the Founders Hall dining room.

Activities in Founders Hall: 

• Healthy eating table display
• Family photo opportunities
• Caricatures
• Discounted Hersheypark tickets for $40 while supplies last. Cash only, no card.

The Senior Division Concert Band presents their spring concert in the Founders Hall auditorium, featuring a selection of exciting works studied throughout the year. The 7th and 8th grade band will join them to perform two combined selections, showcasing their collaborative musical experience.

Join us to celebrate our softball seniors at the softball fields on International Lane for two games vs. Cedar Crest High School. Senior day festivities will start at 4 p.m.

Join us in the Catherine Hall Auditorium for the Middle Division Visual and Performing Arts production of Disney’s “Moana Jr.”

This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

This show is free, and tickets are not required.

Join us at Project Market for our Spring Plant Sale! Shop from a beautiful variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies, and houseplants.

Visit Project Market, an Agricultural and Environmental Education program student-run business, for fresh produce, Spartan Ice Cream, canned goods, crafts, and more!

Visit the Founders Hall Visitors Center where more than a century of MHS history comes to life. The renovated Visitors Center features interactive exhibits, historical albums, and alumni awards/collections.

Join us at 10 a.m. as we celebrate outstanding parents/sponsors. Then, stick around for the Spartan Family Fun Run/Walk and lunch.

Parking for this event is available at Henry Hershey Field in parking lot E.

The Family Gratitude Foundation in Honor of Gertrude Gurt, created the award to recognize a parent/sponsor from each division and a parent/sponsor of a graduating senior. These parents/sponsors are recognized for their strength and resiliency in the face of adversity and their love and dedication to MHS as modeled by Mrs. Gertrude Gurt, the mother of MHS President Pete Gurt ’85.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to attend the Spartan Family Fun Run/Walk at 10:30 a.m. immediately following the Parents/Sponsor of the Year Award Ceremony.

The race will begin at the Spartan Athletic Complex Circle, located near Henry Hershey Field.

The race will take place rain or shine. Wear your Spartan gear to show your MHS pride.

Parking for this event is available at Henry Hershey Field in parking lot E.

Join the MHS community for a family lunch after the Spartan Family Fun Run/Walk in the Spartan ice rink.

You can purchase discounted Hersheypark tickets for $40 while supplies last. Cash only, no card.

After lunch, enjoy the family fun zone in the Copenhaver Center parking lot, including inflatables, games, crafts, and more. You can also stop by the student-run Spartan Spirit Mobile Store to shop for Spartan gear.

Join us in the Clyde Stacks Visual Arts Center for a very special end-of-year visual arts exhibition!

Families are invited to spend time at the Gertrude Gurt Family Center to unwind and enjoy time as a family.

You can purchase discounted Hersheypark tickets for $40 while supplies last. Cash only, no card.

Join MHS in the Founders Hall Auditorium for a special dance concert featuring many different styles of dance at 3-4:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.

Admission is free, and no tickets are required.

You are welcome to attend our weekly chapel services on Sunday. Sit with your child and their student home or Transitional Living building, or utilize our visitor seating. You must be seated 10 minutes before the start of each service.

Services by Division

• Elementary Division: 9 a.m. in the Memorial Hall Auditorium
• Middle and Senior Division: 9 a.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium

Join us for a delicious family brunch to celebrate the women in your life from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Founders Hall Dining Room. Enjoy a craft while there.

You can purchase discounted Hersheypark tickets for $40 while supplies last. Cash only, no card.

Visit the Founders Hall Visitors Center where more than a century of MHS history comes to life. The renovated Visitors Center features interactive exhibits, historical albums, and alumni awards/collections.

Parents/sponsors and their families are invited to spend time at the Gertrude Gurt Family Center.

What are Family Weekends?

• Family Weekends are special weekends designed just for MHS students and families.
• Spring Family Weekend 2026 will begin on Friday, May 8, and end on Sunday, May 10. Students must return to their student homes by 5 p.m.
• All MHS families are invited to join teachers and staff on campus to experience fun activities with their students, visit school buildings, see amazing student performances, eat meals together, and more!
• Family Weekends are an excellent opportunity to connect with your student on campus and meet MHS community members who are important to them.

Do we need to participate in all of the events?

• Families are encouraged to participate in the activities they choose. There are no mandatory events.
• We encourage our families to get involved, meet staff, and experience campus with their student. We also understand that schedules and distance may prevent some of our families from joining.
• Some events are in person and some events are virtual. If you cannot attend in person, please take advantage of the virtual options.

How do I qualify for a free weekend?

• The passport system is an opportunity for families to earn a free overnight weekend visit by attending an on-campus event.
• Download the passport (PDF) from the Family Weekend website, see your houseparents for a passport, or get a copy from an MHS staff member at an event.
• Attend any two in-person activities on campus on two separate days and have a staff member sign your passport. Example: attend one event on Friday and one event on Saturday. Turn the completed passport in to your student’s houseparent to have an overnight visitation that does not count as one of your allotted weekends.
• Reminder: Passports only qualify families for a free weekend during Winter Family Weekend and must be used March6-8, 2026. Passports are not valid for any other dates.

Can I bring other family members or family friends along for the weekend events?

• Yes, we welcome families to bring others along to visit with your student. It is a great way to show off your student’s educational and Home Life experiences.
• Although we encourage family participation in most Family Weekend events, please note that sponsor shadowing is limited to adult parents/sponsors only.

Do all events require an RSVP?

• Many Family Weekend events do not require an RSVP.
• If registration is needed, it will be clearly marked within the event description.
• Read each event description carefully to find out if RSVPs are needed.

Can I RSVP to MHS staff for all events or do I need to RSVP separately for each event online?

• You must RSVP to all events you want to attend separately.
• Many different departments on campus manage and host their own events, so it is important that you RSVP or register for each event.

We know that our campus can be overwhelming with directions. We are providing Google Maps directions to parking lots of the main locations for Spring Family Weekend events.

Catherine Hall – Middle Division

Parking Lot Directions

Memorial Hall – Elementary Division

Parking Lot Directions

Gertrude Gurt Family Center

Parking Lot Directions

Founders Hall

Parking Lot Directions

Copenhaver Gym

Parking Lot Directions

Project Market

Parking Lot Directions

The Parent Portal lets you view your student’s grades, activities, and life in the student home. You received your username and password for the Parent Portal on Enrollment Day. Please email [email protected] for assistance with your login credentials. Be sure to keep your contact information updated to continue receiving communication from the school.

Access the Parent PortalSteps for Signing In to the Parent PortalEmail MHS IT for Login Credentials

The portal also has a smartphone app to help you stay connected when you’re on the go.

Download a printable version of the Family Weekend at-a-glance schedule.

Download Schedule