The majority of the June 17 Whitehall-Coplay Communities That Care meeting was spent reviewing the 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey data.

The anonymous survey is taken by students in grades 6-12 every two years to explore how different risk and protective factors affect the students in the district. This information is used to inform programming for future school years. Chapter topics include use of and access to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; anti-social behavior; community and school climate and safety; social and emotional health; and systemic factors.

For this month’s meeting, the coalition focused on strengths. Group members split into groups and looked at different categories. Denise Continenza, CTC coordinator and Penn State Extension educator, asked each group to identify three to five areas of strength to share with the group.

It was noted some of these positive data points may be put on yard signs to be placed around the township, so the community can see positive areas of strength among the local youth.

“We want to identify things we can brag about to the community,” Continenza said.

The PAYS data indicated the number of students getting arrested, using hard drugs and gambling reduced over the past few years. Additionally, the number of students who reported missing a meal or having food insecurity declined.

There was a high rate of students reporting feeling safe in the school community and reporting a low risk of weapons at school.

There was also an increase in the number of students reporting their parents or guardians know where they are and who they are with.

The Whitehall-Coplay students were also below the state average for vaping and electronic cigarette usage.

It was noted that, for the most part, the majority of the WCSD numbers were in line with the state and county averages.

The CTC’s July meeting will focus on areas of concern, as reported in the PAYS data. This will help identify where additional programming or help may be needed.

The August meeting will involve discussion about specific programming and adjustments to best suit the students. The coalition will look at the areas of strength and concern and identify which current programs are still needed or if new programs should be introduced.

The next CTC meeting is set for July 15.