Good luck to members of Whitehall-Coplay Middle School and Whitehall High School Science Olympiad teams, who will compete March 17 in the Central Eastern Regional Science Olympiad at Kutztown University.

In its 33rd year, the Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of K-12 science education, creating a passion for learning science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, professional development workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state, national and international tournaments.

Nearly 700 students representing 29 high schools and 12 middle schools from Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Northumberland and Schuylkill counties will compete in 50 different events.

Olympiad competitions are conducted at four levels - local, regional, state and national. The local competition is designed to prepare students for regional competition. No teams are eliminated in the local competition.

At the regional level, the top ranked teams move on to the state competition. The Pennsylvania Science Olympiad State Tournament will be held April 29 at Juniata College.

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Reminder: Read Across America will be observed throughout the district March 2 with fun activities. This is a national program that promotes reading and adult involvement in the education of students. The goal is to motivate children to read.

March is the birthday month of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. His books have helped many generations of children learn the joy of reading.

Gockley’s theme this year will be “Fox in Socks.” Students and staff are encouraged to wear mismatched or crazy socks. There also will be a variety of classroom activities. Students will receive a Dr. Seuss item, too.

Parents are encouraged to make a special time of reading together and to visit local libraries.

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Also as a reminder, Zephyr Elementary will have its annual Zephyr night at Barnes & Noble 6-8 p.m. March 2. Come on out to see some special guest readers!

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The high school’s Student Council will hold its annual Mini Thon 2-8 p.m. March 3 in the high school gymnasium. Students will dance for six hours to support childhood cancer research through Four Diamonds Fund.

If you would like to sponsor and donate, go to whitehallcoplay.org or send any donations to the high school, c/o of Student Council, 3800 Mechanicsville Road, Whitehall, 18052.

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Schools will be closed March 10 for a professional development day for teachers. Please mark your calendar and plan accordingly.

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Trip form reminders for families are available in the office. If your family plans on taking a trip during school, a special form must be completed and returned to the office prior to the trip.

Educational trips are limited to seven school-day absences per year. Any days missed beyond seven will be illegal if the student’s age is 16 or younger.

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Whitehall-Coplay School District has an anonymous tip line for anyone who believes a student could be in danger from another person or himself/herself. If you ever are aware of a possible situation, leave a message at 610-435-4638.

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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.