Schools will be closed for spring break April 14-17. Due to a snow makeup date on the school calendar, classes will now be in session April 13. Please make a note of the calendar change.

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Gockley Elementary is going green April 21 for Earth Day.

Students are encouraged to show their school spirit and wear green. Happy Earth Day!

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Whitehall-Coplay Middle School will hold its annual spring dance, for sixth- and seventh-graders 6:30-9 p.m. April 21.

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Gockley will hold an open house 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 25. There will displays and fun activities planned.

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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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If your family plans on taking a trip during the school year, a special form must be completed and returned to the office prior to the trip. Educational trips are limited to seven school days of absence per year. Any days beyond that will be deemed illegal if the student’s age is 16 or younger. Please complete the form prior to travel.

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Parents and guardians may begin the process of kindergarten registration in Whitehall-Coplay School District. An online registration is available at whitehallcoplay.org. After the form is complete, select a date and time to meet with the enrollment secretary, Mrs. Michelle Khouri, to present all the required documentation. To complete the registration, parents and guardians will be given an appointment to bring their child to meet with the guidance counselor or principal, school nurse, ESOL teacher and reading specialist for a brief assessment at Gockley Elementary.

Your child must be 5 years old before Sept. 1, 2017.

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Gockley Elementary parents and friends can catch the latest news via Twitter, Facebook and the monthly newsletter, available on the Whitehall Coplay School District website, whitehallcoplay.org.

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The elementary schools continue to participate in General Mills’ Boxtops for Education collection program. The products from this company have a special boxtop marked “Big G Boxtops for Education.” Each boxtop is redeemed for a cash reward, which is used for students’ activities. Each school has its own goals. Just trim the boxtops, save in a resealable bag and then periodically send them to school with your child.

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Whitehall Coplay Middle School’s newsletter is available online at whitehallcoplay.org/middle/index.html. Past editions are archived them under the “Helpful Links” section.

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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.