Rachael Alulis, a Whitehall High School senior, has been honored with a President’s Volunteer Service Award for her exemplary volunteer service. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.

WHS nominated Alulis for national honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service.

Alulis has volunteered for several worthy organizations. She participated in the Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative breakfast program at St. John’s Lutheran Church in 2017 and 2018 and was on the Communities That Care executive committee as a student volunteer in 2017 and 2018. Both committees require hours of volunteer time spent providing food for school-aged children in the community over the summer months and as a student committee member for the CTC organization.

“I receive satisfaction from helping those who are less fortunate, and I have also gained experience from my work. I have learned patience and empathy, putting myself in other people’s shoes and using my abilities to help those in need,” Alulis said.

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Gockley Elementary School students are showing how much they care for others by having a collection for local animal shelters. This collection ends March 15. They are accepting dry dog food: Purina 1, Pro Plan or other brands of dry dog food; dry cat food: Purina 1 (kitten), Royal Canin (mother and baby) or other brands of dry food; cleaning supplies: latex gloves, Clorox wipes, bleach, laundry detergent, trash bags, Mr. Clean, Windex, Pledge, Lysol, baby wipes and paper towels; blankets and towels; dog and cat toys; and small paper plates.

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WHS students are reminded about AP sign-ups, currently taking place in the counseling office. The deadline to sign up for the AP test is March 18.

The cost of the test is $94. Students who receive free/reduced lunches pay $53. Payments can be made by cash, check or money order.

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Whitehall Waves swimming sign-ups take place 6-8 p.m. March 19 in the cafeteria of WHS.

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The end of the third marking period will be March 29. Keep in contact with your child’s teacher. Communication is a very important part in your child’s success.

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The Class of 2020 will be hosting a designer purse bingo fundraiser March 31 in the cafeteria of WHS. Doors open 11:30 a.m., and bingo starts 1 p.m.

Juniors, as well as all students, are encouraged to attend.

Students should see Mr. Krempasky in room B113 for information about tickets.

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It’s that time of year again - the Whitehall-Coplay Middle School yearbook sale is underway! Get your yearbook to memorialize the 2018-19 school year.

The cost of the yearbook is $20.

Orders can be placed online at orders.christmascitystudio.com until April 12. The password is wmsyb1819.

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The state testing window is approaching. The PSSAs in English/language arts and math will be administered April 15-May 3 to students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Parents are reminded to be sure students get plenty of restful sleep and start each day with a light, healthy breakfast.

No vacation time during this testing window will be approved.

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Vision screening has been completed for the year in the district elementary schools. A referral letter, which includes a doctor evaluation form on the back, was sent home for those students who need further evaluation by an eye care specialist. Remember to send in the completed form when your child has been to the specialist.

If financial assistance is needed for eye care, see the school nurse.

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A note about the district’s attendance policies: When your child is absent, a written note must be submitted within three days to deem the absence excused. When three unexcused days are accumulated, a truancy letter is sent home.

Truancy penalties have increased under Gov. Tom Wolf.

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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, PTAs, 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.