Schools will be closed tomorow, Friday, Jan. 18, and Monday, Jan. 21.

Friday will be a professional development day for teachers. Schools are closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Zephyr Winter Time Blues Week: Mark your calendars for the Zephyr Elementary Winter Time Blues Week.

It kicks off Monday, Jan. 28, with "Blue Day." Students and staff are encouraged to wear the color blue.

Tuesday, Jan. 29, is "Crazy Socks & Shoe Day." Wednesday, Jan. 30, is the day to wear maroon and gold to show your Zephyr pride.

Thursday, Jan. 31, is Hat Day and Friday, Feb. 1, will be "Superbowl Team Colors Day!"

PTO Market Day Pick-up is scheduled for Jan. 23 after school in the middle school cafeteria.

Don't forget to pick up your orders.

Carnation sale: The middle school's student council will hold its annual carnation sale Jan. 22-30 to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Students and staff can purchase carnations to be given out. Watch for more details to be sent home with students.

After-school programs: Steckel and the middle school are offering after-school tutoring programs.

The middle school program will begin Tuesday, Jan. 22, and continue until early April on Tuesdays and Thursdays until about 4 p.m.

Students referred to the program will be notified. If parents have any questions or concerns, they may contact the school.

The Steckel program runs Feb. 5 through April 4, also on Tuesdays and Thursdays with sessions in reading and math.

The curriculum will focus on third-grade state standards. Students will receive instruction in small groups and will be responsible for their own transportation home.

The goal for this intervention will be to service as many students who are in need based on classroom data. Please contact the school if you have any questions or concerns.

Science help needed: Parents and community members are asked to send in plastic soda bottles for the students at Zephyr Elementary for use in upcoming science projects.

They can be dropped off in the bin in front of the building. Students may also bring them to school.

Please be sure to rinse them out.

Math-A-Thon: The Steckel third-grade held a math-a-thon to benefit St. Jude's Research Hospital, making a donation of $795.

In order to raise the money, students completed mathematical problems in a workbook for sponsors from their circles of family and friends.

Late arrival reminders: Parents driving their kids to school are asked to make sure their children arrive on time.

The school day begins promptly at 8:50 a.m. for elementary students. Afternoon kindergarten begins at 12:30 p.m.

Tardiness can interrupt the classroom routine and lessons.

Kindergarten registration: This year's kindergarten registration will be held April 9-12.

Beginning the first week of February, parents may call the Gockley office at 610-433-7551 and press 4 for the main office to schedule an appointment. Students must be 5-years-old before Sept. 1, 2013.

More information will be given to parents at the time appointment is scheduled.

Zephyr McTeacher's Night: Mark your calendars for another fun McTeacher's Night to benefit Zephyr Elementary School 5-8 p.m. Feb. 27 at 2137 McArthur Road in Whitehall.

Don't miss the chance to see your teachers.

Do you have any school news? This column is a compilation of upcoming school events in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

Teachers, administrators, parents, students, coaches, PTOs, club advisors and community members are invited to share news of their upcoming activities.

Please email me at jamb87@hotmail.com with "Whitehall-Coplay Press" in the subject line at least a week before an event.

The Press is released every Thursday. My column is completed by the Sunday before the Thursday release.

Hope to hear from you!