Branding Guide

An Introduction to Our Branding Guide

A strong and consistent brand identity is essential for representing who we are as a public K-12 school district. Our brand communicates our values, professionalism, and commitment to excellence to students, families, staff, and the broader community. By maintaining a unified visual identity, we strengthen trust, foster recognition, and project a clear and cohesive image across all platforms.

At the heart of our identity lies our tagline:

SAFE. CONNECTED.THRIVING. These three words embody the spirit of our district—honoring our commitment to students, celebrating our community, and striving for the highest levels of achievement.

This Brand Guide serves as a resource for staff, partners, and vendors to ensure consistent use of our district’s visual elements. By following this guide, we ensure that all materials—whether digital, print, or promotional—accurately reflect the identity and values of our district.

The sections that follow include:

• Official Logos: Guidance on logo options and proper usage.
• Official District Colors: Our approved color palette for all materials.
• Official Fonts: Typography to maintain a consistent and professional look.
• Quick Reference Style Guide: One-page style guide.

By adhering to these standards, we promote a unified image that supports our mission to serve students and the community with excellence. For questions or additional support, please contact the district's Communications Department.

Our district utilizes two distinct logos to reflect both our traditional identity and our modern, dynamic presence. Each logo serves specific purposes and helps maintain a consistent, professional, and recognizable brand image across all platforms and materials. In addition, we may approve supplemental logos for use as appropriate.

AVAILABLE FORMATS

All official Mechanicsburg Area School District logos are available in the following options:

• Full Color: For vibrant, high-impact digital and print materials where color is appropriate.
• Grayscale: For simple, clean designs or single-color applications (e.g., embroidery and print).

Please inquire with the Communications Department about additional, supplemental options should a need arise.

AVAILABLE FILE TYPES

All official forsyth county schools logos are available in the following file types:

• JPEG: Best for web and on-screen visuals.
• PNG: Transparent background for versatile usage in digital materials and flexibility on apparel and promotional designs.
• EPS: High-quality vector file for scalable design applications such as professional print and signage, embroidery, and large-scale projects.

LOGOs 1/2 - primary

The traditional logo is primarily used for formal and official purposes, representing the district's long-standing history and commitment to excellence. It reflects professionalism and is suitable for high-level communications.

Primary Use Cases:

• Official district communications and correspondence
• Board of School Directors' materials and presentations
• Formal documents, reports, and certificates
• Press releases and media relations (content dependent)
• District-branded apparel
• Promotional materials and giveaway items (e.g., swag, banners, and merchandise)
• General district purposes where a formal tone is preferred

Logo Option 2 - Secondary

Use of the hexagon standalone image can be an effective way to stay on brand while adapting to specific design needs. Examples of when the use of just the hexagon from either logo might be appropriate include:

• Smaller scale applications
• Merchandise and apparel (often for purposes of limiting colors to minimize expenses).
• Preferences for a minimalist design aesthetic.
• district purposes where a modern and approachable tone is preferred

The standalone hexagon is available in several colors (blue, white, gold, grayscale).

SUPPLEMENTAL LOGO OPTIONS

Please inquire with the Communications Department about additional, supplemental options should a need arise.

Consistent use of primary and secondary colors is essential to building a strong and recognizable brand identity. Colors evoke emotions, communicate values, and create a visual connection that helps audiences instantly recognize and trust your brand. By maintaining a consistent color palette across all materials—from logos to marketing collateral—you ensure a unified and professional appearance that reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impression.

PRIMARY COLOR PALETTE

Blue Ridge

• HEX (web): #76232f
• RGB: 3, 58, 109
• Pantone: 654

Gold Rush

• HEX (web): #7C878E
• RGB: 201,150,0
• Pantone: 1245

SECONDAY COLOR PALETTE

Option One

• HEX (web): #003882
• RGB: 0, 85, 150
• Pantone: 294

Option Two

• HEX (web): #446C92
• RGB: 68, 108, 146
• Pantone: 7683

Option Three

• HEX (web): #dcbf84

• RGB: 220, 191, 132

• Pantone: 7502

Consistent use of primary and secondary colors is essential to building a strong and recognizable brand identity. Colors evoke emotions, communicate values, and create a visual connection that helps audiences instantly recognize and trust your brand. By maintaining a consistent color palette across all materials—from logos to marketing collateral—you ensure a unified and professional appearance that reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impression.

COMPLIMENTARY COLOR PALETTE

Option One

• HEX (web): #B0C8D4
• RGB: 176, 200, 212
• Pantone: 552

Option Two

• HEX (web): #f1e4ca
• RGB: 241, 228, 202
• Pantone: 7506

Option Three

• HEX (web): #042045
• RGB: 2, 39, 68
• Pantone: 2767

CLASSIC ACCENTS

Option One

• HEX (web): #76232f
• RGB: 85, 130, 139
• Pantone: 2212

Option Two

• HEX (web): #76232f
• RGB: 231, 236, 239
• Pantone: 656

Option Three

• HEX (web): #76232f
• RGB: 164, 164, 165
• Pantone: 4283

Option Four

• HEX (web): #76232f
• RGB: 201, 228, 202
• Pantone: 2253

Option Five

• HEX (web): #76232f
• RGB: 205, 195, 146
• Pantone: 4535

While not required for use in every instance, PLAYFAIR DISPLAY is Mechanicsburg Area School District’s preferred font.

The typography in any document should reflect the district’s tagline: sAFE. CONNECTED. THRIVING. Choosing fonts that convey professionalism and timeless quality ensures every communication aligns with the district’s values and strong image.

Print body copy:

• 11–12 points (minimum)

Web body copy:

• 14–16 pixels (for accessibility on screens)

Brand identity is the visual and emotional representation of who you are as an organization. It includes elements like your logo, colors, and fonts, which work together to create a recognizable and cohesive image. Consistency in using these elements is essential because it builds trust, reinforces your message, and makes your brand more memorable. When your visuals are unified across all platforms, they strengthen your credibility and ensure that your audience has a clear and consistent understanding of who you are.

TYPOGRAPHY

While not required for use in every instance, Forsyth County School District’s preferred font. Playfair Display SC is ideal for use in headlines.

The typography in any document should reflect the district’s tagline: Tradition. Pride. Excellence. Choosing fonts that convey professionalism and timeless quality ensures every communication aligns with the district’s values and strong image.

PRIMARY & SECONDARY COLOR PALETTE

Option One

• HEX (web): #76232f
• RGB: 118, 35, 47
• Pantone: 188

Option Two

• HEX (web): 7c878e
• RGB: 124, 135, 142
• Pantone: 430

Option Three

• HEX (web): #003882
• RGB: 0, 85, 150
• Pantone: 294

Option Four

• HEX (web): 446c92
• RGB: 68, 108, 146
• Pantone: 7683

Option Five

• HEX (web): #DCBf84
• RGB: 220, 191, 132
• Pantone: 7502

LOGOS 1/2 - PRIMARY

Typically used by the Board of Education and for formal purposes. Full color and grayscale options.

LOGO 2 - SECONDARY

All official logos are available in JPEG, PNG, and EPS formats.

• JPEG: Best for web and on-screen visuals.
• PNG: Transparent background for versatile use in digital materials.
• EPS: High-quality vector file for scalable design applications such as professional print and signage.