Students and their families have a number of opportunites to give generously to local causes during the holiday season.

The Catasauqua Middle School continues to collect items for several different organizations as part of its give back to the community campaign. The campaign continues until Dec. 19.

Nonfood items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, dish soap, laundry soap, toilet paper, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, cleaning supplies, gloves, scarves, mittens and hats are being collected for the Catasauqua Food Bank.

If you would like to help out the child care and camp programs at the Suburban North YMCA, items needed include markers, glue sticks, etc.

Also, if you are a lover of four-legged fuzzy animals, you can donate to Animals in Distress. The organization is collecting good quality dog and cat food and treats, scoopable cat liter, garbage bags, paper towels, bleach and laundry detergent.

Donations can be dropped off under the Giving Tree located in the main lobby of the middle school.

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Juniors are encouraged to sign up to work the snack stand for the boys and girls home basketball games.Sign-ups are taking place in room B221. The junior class fund will receive a percentage of the profits earned.

If you are interested in working on prom preparations in any capacity you must work in the snack stand at least two times.

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Penn State Lehigh Valley is offering an SAT review course beginning Jan. 10 and running until Feb. 28. The course will be held on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. until noon.

The course registration fee is $249 until Dec. 15 and $279 after Dec. 15.

If you are interested in registering or obtaining more information, contact Diane McAloon at dmcaloon@psu.edu or at 610-285-5066.

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Schools in the Catasauqua Area School District will be closed in observance of the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Jan. 2.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

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A representative from student services will be at the high school Friday, Jan. 9, to deliver class rings.

The distributions will take place during lunch periods in the rotunda area.

If you are a Lehigh Career & Technical Institute student, see the representative in the morning prior to leaving for LCTI.