Gockley Elementary School's recent Pennies for Patients drive yielded $698.66 in donations to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Gockley students and staff thank members of the community for their support.

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The Whitehall Music Parents Association is hosting lunch with Santa Saturday, Dec. 14, in the middle school cafeteria.

In the event of snow, the event will be held Dec. 21.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the festivities continue until 1:30 p.m.

Pizza, hot dogs, desserts and drinks will be served. Games, crafts and candy will also be available and a photo can be taken with Santa and his elves.

A Little Shoppers Shop and a basket raffle are also scheduled to be part of the event.

Middle school and high school students will provide the musical entertainment.

Admission is by reservation only. Payment is due at the door.

You can email wmps.lunchwithsanta@gmail.com or call 610-554-7898 for more information.

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The Whitehall-Coplay Education Association will hold a toy drive to assist Toys for Tots 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

To donate, bring toys to the Re/Max Unlimited located on Schadt Avenue, Whitehall.

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The WCEA would like to recognize the efforts of the students, teachers, staff and administrators for their strong showing on the School Perfomance Profile exams.

Consider becoming a member of the WCEA. The organization provides support to students and the community.

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A fundraiser will be held this month for the PTO Dec. 13-15 at the Five Below on MacArthur Road.

This is a great opportunity to grab those stocking stuffers or for your children to pick up holiday gifts for their friends.

The PTO will receive 10 percent of the profits when you bring in a coupon, which can be found on the PTO website at www.whitehallcoplaypto.org/ptonews/fivebelowfundraiser.

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The high school band and chorus holiday concert will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the high school auditorium. In the event of snow, the concert will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18.

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Students throughout the district will be dismissed early Friday, Dec. 20.

First grade and morning kindergarten students will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m. The dismissal time is approximately 10 minutes later than their normal time for morning kindergarten. Kindergartners will ride the elementary school buses with those in first through fifth grades. There will be no afternoon kindergarten.

Steckel and Zephyr elementary students will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m. The middle school will be dismissed at 10:45 a.m. and the high school at 11:15 a.m.

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Schools throughout the district will be closed Dec. 23-Jan. 1 for the holiday break. Classes will resume Thursday, Jan. 2.

Have a happy and safe holiday with family and friends.

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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 any other community members are invited to share their upcoming activities. Email me at jamb87@hotmail.com with "Whitehall-Coplay School News" in the subject line at least a week before an event.