At the Jan. 11 meeting, Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education members were honored for School Board Director Recognition Month.

“School directors provide a passionate voice of advocacy with local, state and federal leaders for public schools and the welfare of public school children,” according to an official proclamation signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. “Being an effective school director is a difficult task, particularly in the challenging times we live in due to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. By making meaningful contributions to public education, the dedicated members of local school boards have greatly enhanced the quality of life in our state through their actions and decisions on behalf of our students.”

Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler noted the board members in Catasauqua are extra special in how well they work together and keep the focus on what is best for the students.

To honor the CASD school board members, representatives from the three district schools gave presentations and gifts thanking the board.

Sheckler Elementary School Principal Eric Dauberman presented the board members with an “I Spy”-style book. He said Dan Kotran, STEAM teacher, worked with six students and found pictures of the board members and hid them in photos from school events and activities.

The board members were excited for the interactive gift and some immediately started looking to find themselves.

Catasauqua Middle School Principal Melissa Inselmann introduced the middle school’s presentations. First, board members were treated to a video from the students and teachers across all grades that thanked the board for educational opportunities, such as the new iPads and virtual-learning options.

Two students, Bianca Chacon and Aidden Berger, served as special helpers for the presentations. They first gave out snow-themed gifts from fifth grade. Then, they read a statement thanking the board from their fellow sixth-grade classmates. Sixth grade also made digital portraits of the board members. Kimmie Miller, art teacher, and Kyle Rusnock, STEAM teacher, used a 3D modeling program to make coasters for the board members, courtesy of seventh-graders. Basket of treats from the Life Skills class finished off the middle school’s tribute.

Catasauqua High School Principal Adam Schnug thanked the board members for everything they do for the students, especially for their forward thinking in adding school resource officers and mental health professionals to the schools. He noted the gift theme from the high school is “enjoy and relax” as the CHS representatives on the board handed out the gift bags.

Hannah Kurczeski took time to thank the board for the future they have provided the students, based on their decisions. Angele Diamacoune noted she recognizes the behind-the-scenes decisions the board has to make to provide students with new opportunities.

“The board works together with such grace,” she said.

Grant Heimbecker reminisced how he went to a private school in Bethlehem before high school. He said he wanted to switch to public schooling for high school, which is how he ended up at Catasauqua High School.

“I’m so happy my ZIP code is what it is,” he said, adding how important the community feel is in the school.

As an additional honor, Pennsylvania School Boards Association recognized two of the CASD board members for their years of service. Certificates were presented by Spengler. The board members being honored were Dale Hein and Donald Panto, both for 12 years of service.

Hein noted how much he missed the board recognition presentations last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of the board members thanked the school administration and students for their gifts and kind words.