Not even the COVID-19 pandemic could stop the Communities That Care group from meeting. Members gathered March 20 over Zoom video conferencing to discuss what is going on in the district at this time.

CTC moderator Denise Continenza asked how the virus and social isolation are affecting students and families in the district. Some things discussed included food programs and mental health concerns.

One of the big concerns noted by the group is play dates. Continenza reported she is seeing many people planning play dates, and she is worried families are not aware of the dangers of play dates during this time.

Michelle Khouri, Whitehall-Coplay School District registrar, noted the district released information stating these days off should not be treated like snow days. The group emphasized the importance of social distancing and isolation from group activities.

It was discussed the school district has a system in place for feeding students in the district while the schools are closed. Breakfast and lunch are available for pickup 10 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. Students who need meals must be present in the vehicle at the time of pickup.

Amy Dymond-Jones noted Catasauqua Area School District is doing a similar meal distribution in the district. She reported Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church is partnering with Catasauqua Community Cares Program to keep the students fed during the closure.

Khouri noted she and a community member, Melissa Hartman Hudak, started a Facebook page called Zephyr Families Unite!. Khouri reported the group is posting resources such as food availability, virtual learning websites and more. Reportedly, the group already has close to 500 members.

Khouri also reported she is making fliers to hand out to property managers in local apartment complexes detailing food resources such as the free school lunches and programs offered by restaurants in the area. She is making the fliers in both English and Spanish.

“I feel that we are missing this demographic currently in our communication,” she said.

She is working to translate many of the school’s releases and statements into Spanish to reach more families.

William Fonzone Jr., WCSD school board member, related he is a member of the local Knights of Columbus group. He said members are willing to volunteer their time to help deliver food or assist in other ways. Continenza noted Whitehall Area Rotary Club members are willing to help, and Khouri said Egypt Veterans of Foreign Wars members offered assistance as well.

It was noted mental health services are still available for students who need them. According to Sue Lettera, director of integrated services for Lehigh County, mental health services are considered essential, and providers are setting up phone contact as opposed to face-to-face meetings.

Many of the group members reported their organizations, such as Valley Youth House and Center for Humanistic Change, are offering resources for families during this time.

“If there’s anything good or beautiful that’s coming out of this, it is how people are coming together and working together,” Continenza said.

She commended everyone’s organizations for their efforts and work to continue helping the students and families in the district.