In an effort to help children with food insecurities grow and learn in school, Whitehall-Coplay School District is hoping to launch a program this December called Snack Pack Pals. The mission of Snack Pack Pals is to combat the food insecurity of the district’s neediest students by providing them with a pack of small meals and snacks to eat over the weekend and during long school holidays.

The goal is to collect enough food to send snack packs home over the winter break, Presidents Day weekend and spring break for this school year.

As a “soft start” to the program, homeroom food drives will take place in the middle school, soliciting particular items to be placed in the snack packs.

Two clubs at the high school also will be collecting food for this program.

The food drive will be held until Nov. 25.

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There will be early dismissals Nov. 23-25. Parent-teacher conferences will be held those days in the Gockley, Steckel, Zephyr and middle school buildings. No lunches will be served during those days.

Furthermore, schools throughout the district will be closed for Thanksgiving break Nov. 26-30.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

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The Whitehall High School swim team is hosting a designer purse bingo featuring Michael Kors, Coach and Vera Bradley Dec. 5 at the pavilion of Egypt Park. Doors open 4:30 p.m., and bingo starts 6 p.m.

The cost of a ticket includes 20 regular games. Specials, a Chinese auction and refreshments will also be available for purchase.

For tickets and other information, email whitehallswim@gmail.com.

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Any child approved for free or reduced lunches will receive the daily meal and beverage. Additional items are not included. Parents may deposit funds into their child’s account if they would like their child to purchase additional items.

Breakfast also has begun. The cost is $1.60.

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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, PTSAs, club advisers 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.