The scrape of sneakers on the gym floor and the tap of plastic sticks echoed through Mars Area Centennial School as students maneuvered a ball through cones — learning hockey fundamentals without ice, skates, or prior experience. Students at Mars Area Centennial School are getting a hands-on introduction to hockey this winter thanks to new equipment and curriculum support from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
Through the Foundation’s PensFIT youth fitness initiative, the school received free floor hockey equipment — including sticks, balls, goals, and pinnies — allowing physical education classes to incorporate hockey fundamentals without the need for ice or without the need for ice or specialized facilities. For many students, the program offers their first exposure to hockey — a sport they may never otherwise experience.
During gym classes, fifth- and sixth-grade students practice stickhandling by maneuvering a ball through cone-based obstacle courses before putting their skills to the test in interactive games such as “last man standing,” where students work to protect their ball while avoiding a designated “tagger.”
The PensFIT curriculum is designed to align with national physical education guidelines and emphasizes motor skill development, movement patterns, teamwork, and social interaction. The program aims to make physical activity engaging and inclusive for students of all ability levels.
In addition to introducing students to hockey, the program supports broader wellness goals by promoting active participation, cooperation, and confidence in a structured but playful environment.
The PensFIT Ball Hockey program is part of the Penguins Foundation’s broader mission to encourage youth fitness and lifelong healthy habits through sports-based learning experiences. More information about the program is available through the Foundation’s website.
Mars Area School District Roundup: Sports Honors, Student Achievements, and New Programs
From state-level athletic recognition to innovative classroom programs, students across the Mars Area School District continue to make headlines in academics, athletics, and the arts.
Football Players Earn All-State and All-Conference Honors
Two Mars Area High School seniors — Sean Franklin and Gabe Hein — were named to the 2025 PA Football Writers’ Class 4A All-State Team. Several additional players earned All-Conference honors for their performance during the season, highlighting a strong year for the Fightin’ Planets football program.
Wrestlers Place at MAC Tournament
Members of the Mars Area High School Varsity Wrestling Team earned multiple podium finishes at the Ed Driscoll Boys Varsity Wrestling MAC Tournament, with the team placing fourth overall. Freshman Olympic Serrao captured first place in his weight class, leading a strong showing by underclassmen.
Students Take the Stage in Elf The Musical Jr.
Several Mars Area students from across grade levels participated in Perform! Pittsburgh Theater & Talent School’s production of Elf The Musical Jr. over the holiday season, showcasing the district’s young performers in a regional theater setting.
At the elementary level, Mars Area Elementary School will host Career Days from Jan. 21–23, offering students the opportunity to learn about a wide range of professions from parents, family members, and community volunteers. Make-up days are scheduled for Jan. 28–30, if needed.
At Mars Area High School, students enrolled in AP Research formally committed to their yearlong research projects during a wedding-style ceremony held Jan. 13. As part of the event, students pledged to uphold ethical research standards and complete a 4,000–5,000-word academic paper, followed by an oral defense later in the year. The ceremony marked the formal approval of each student’s research topic.
The Mars Area High School Varsity Competition Cheer Team also represented the district at the PIAA Class 3A Competitive Spirit State Championships, held Jan. 9–10. The team placed 17th overall in the Small Varsity preliminary division and will next compete at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship from Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 at Walt Disney World.
Additionally, the school board voted to adopt the 2026–2027 district calendar, setting the first day of school for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. The calendar outlines key dates for parent-teacher conferences, holiday breaks, spring recess, senior prom, and graduation for the Class of 2027.