Administrators

Dear Manheim Central Middle School Families,

I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to return to the Manheim Central Middle School in the role of principal. The Middle School is where I enjoyed teaching 5th and 6th grade for twelve years. Over the past seven years I have been an elementary principal for Manheim Central at H.C. Burgard and Baron Elementary. Prior to that, I was the assistant principal at both Stiegel Elementary and Doe Run on Gramby for one year.  In addition to my experience as a teacher at the Middle School, I began my career as a 4th grade teacher at Doe Run Elementary. For 25 years, I have enjoyed every opportunity that I have had to work with the students, teachers and staff, and the families of Manheim Central.

My wife and I have been happily married for twenty-six years.  We have two daughters who are both on their way to beginning their own careers as teachers.  Katie is a former field hockey player at The Ohio State University and first-year 4th grade teacher at Bucher Elementary in the Manheim Township School District.  Lauren is beginning her senior year and playing soccer at Saint Francis University.  She looks forward to beginning her teaching career at the elementary level as well. We also have a 5-year old golden retriever named Lucy.  When not attending a sporting event as a parent, you can find me following all Philadelphia sports teams, playing golf, or reading about history.  

Over the past several years, I have seen our school district take the lead in the county on developing the ideal learning environment for our learners. Having been with the district in various roles, I am excited to see how much we have done, and continue to do, while on our quest to Ignite Passion and Purpose to Empower Difference Makers. While a lot has changed over the years in education, our focus continues to be on the teaching and learning happening in our classrooms.  Having taught with many of the teachers at the middle school, I can say with extreme confidence that we have some outstanding teachers at our school that care about the academic and social-emotional growth of your child.  While I have been away for nine years, I am excited to return to see all of the great things happening at our Middle School. We look forward to partnering with our families in helping us to achieve our goals of creating an environment where learners feel; safe, connected, motivated, inspired, engaged, successful, proud, and develop a love of learning attitude.  Our goal is to have every one of our learners and staff enjoy coming to school as they develop wonderful memories while they are here.  

As your new principal at the Middle School, I look forward to working with all of you in my new role at Manheim Central!  

Have a fantastic 2024-25 school year!

Thank you,

Mr. Michael Pyle

Phone: (717) 664-1709

Email: pylem@manheimcentral.org

The start of the 25-26 school year marks my 19^th year in education and 9th year as an administrator, where I have had the honor to serve seven of them in the Manheim Central School District. I am excited to enter my third year as the Assistant Principal at MCMS! Prior to this appointment I was proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Manheim Central High School from August 2017 to November 2021, and I also served as the Assistant Principal at Manheim Township Middle School from November 2021 to October 2022, before returning to Manheim Central Middle School in October 2022. Prior to my journey into administration, I worked as a mathematics teacher at Penn Manor High School beginning in 2004. I earned my bachelor’s degree for Secondary Education in Mathematics, my Supervisory Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction, and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership all at Millersville University. I currently reside in Ephrata with my husband, Jeff, our two children, Averiana and Aiden, and our cavapoo, Charlie.

Early on in my educational journey I read a book titled, Strengthening The Heartbeat, written by Thomas Sergiovanni. Sergiovanni shares that countless studies have concluded that the difference between an ordinary school and an extraordinary school is that at the heart of an extraordinary school is a collaboration of leaders, teachers, parents, community members and students working together. I share this with you as it is important to me that you know my vision as a school leader; It is one of a teamwork atmosphere dedicated to the safety, success and continuous growth of all students. My vision is one of transparent communication, high expectations, holding one another accountable, and fostering relationships within the school and community, including a commitment to serving as an educational leader.  

At a leadership conference I attended, we were challenged to describe ourselves with one word and then explain why. My one word is Dedicated; I am dedicated to building relationships, connecting, communicating, empowering learners and staff, leading with transparency and flexibility, celebrating with one another and our learners, and leaning on other’s strengths to collaborate and grow as a team.  

I am looking forward to serving the Manheim Central Community during the 25-26 School Year!

Proud to Be a Baron!

Mrs. Elizabeth Bender
Phone: 717-664-1710
Email: bendere@manheimcentral.org