Whitehall-Coplay School District’s SAP (Student Assistant Program) team has been promoting Red Ribbon Week throughout the district schools. Red Ribbon Week is all about positive decision making for coping in place of the use of drugs and alcohol. Many of the schools will be participating by dressing in a different theme each day.

The SAP group has decorated the campus with red ribbons. What a great way to show Whitehall’s support to just say no to drugs and alcohol!

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Zephyr Elementary’s Autumn Antics and Red Ribbon Week is underway! This week, students and staff have been having some Autumn Antics fun while also supporting Red Ribbon Week. The final day of fun is Friday, when students are encouraged to wear their favorite football jersey.

Some of the other special days were wear red day to say no to drugs, tie dye day, maroon and gold day and Hawaiian day.

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Zephyr’s Key Club is holding a mock election food drive. Every item collected will be counted as one vote. The school will have two boxes in the lobby. Students can place their item in the box for the presidential candidate of their choice.

Zephyr will use the items collected for the holiday baskets, organized by the Key Club. All extra items will be donated to Whitehall Food Pantry for needy families in the community.

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The Halloween community project at Gockley Elementary School benefits Whitehall Food Bank. During the trick-or-treat season this year, Gockley will share treats with the food bank. On Oct. 28, students, staff, families and friends are encouraged to bring in a canned food item.

There will be a box in the school office to drop off items. There also will be a box in front of the main school entrance for families and friends to drop off items when they come to watch the parades.

This is a one-day event.

Thank you for reaching out and helping the students learn to show kindness to their neighbors and community.

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On Oct. 28, students at the middle school will have a hat and candid photo day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear a hat, and during the day, candid photos will be taken for the yearbook.

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Nov. 2 is the end of the first marking period. Report cards will be right around the corner. Be sure to stay involved in your child’s education.

If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your child and your child’s teacher.

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Schools will be closed Nov. 8 for a professional development day for teachers.

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ESOL family night is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the middle school. ESOL students will be bringing home more detailed information for parents.

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Whitehall-Coplay School District believes daily attendance in school is an extremely important factor in your child’s success in their educational experience. Pennsylvania Department of Education is monitoring attendance records in all Pennsylvania school districts.

Parents should plan vacation and travel time over the holidays or during periods when classes are not in session. Doctor appointments should be planned after the school day.

If your child is absent, a written note is required within three days, with a specific reason, along with the parent’s signature. Failure to do so will make this day an illegal absence. After three illegal absences, you will receive a summons from the magistrate’s office.

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Homework requests can be supplied if your child is absent from school for three or more days. Parents are encouraged to request that homework is gathered for them.

Parents must call the school to request homework. Homework must be picked up in the main office before 4 p.m.

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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.