Catasauqua Area School District recognized School Director Recognition Month at the Jan. 10 school board meeting. Each of the district’s three schools prepared demonstrations of their appreciation for the school board members.

Sheckler Elementary School Principal Dr. Robert Kucharczuk introduced the video they made, saying he was going to let the students share their thanks. The video featured each of the elementary school classes saying something complimentary to the board members, recognizing their support, dedication and commitment to the students.

“You make it great to be a Rough Rider,” one of the classes said.

Catasauqua Middle School Principal Melissa Inselmann noted the middle school students opted not to make a video this year and focused on creating tangible items to show their appreciation. She was assisted in handing these out by four members of the Student Forum - sixth-graders Arianna Matinelli and Natalie Cooper and seventh-graders Brielle Dorn and Dailenny Espada.

Kimmie Miller, CMS art teacher, noted the related arts classes were working on creating 3-D printed items needed by the teachers in the school. This inspired one of the gifts for the board members. Each board member received a student-designed Post-it note holder with the CASD logo.

The fifth-grade classes created Christmas-themed cards for the board members, as well as provided a sweet treat.

Sixth-graders created little bobblehead versions of the board members, accompanied by personalized positive affirmations for each person.

The seventh-grade students gifted the board members interactive flower petals with thank-you notes.

The eighth-graders all signed a giant card for the board members that featured an illustration of the district administrative building.

Additionally, the CMS Life Skills class baked brownies for the board, saying, “You deserve brownie points for all you do.”

The Catasauqua High School Digital Media Club put together a video featuring students sharing their gratitude for the opportunities provided by the school board and their support of the students and their activities. Interspersed with the student interviews were photos and videos of different events, activities and traditions.

Catasauqua Community Cares Program organizer Lois Reed also sent a small token to thank each of the board members.

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association recognized two of the board members for their years of service to the district.

Board President Duane Deitrich was honored for his 12 years on the school board and for his contributions to youth and education. Carol Cunningham, a former board president and vice president, received recognition for her “rare longevity” with 20 years on the board and for her “exemplary school leadership.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling shared her thanks to the board members for all their efforts in providing not only a well-rounded curricular basis for the students but also their support in providing extracurricular activities and events.

Superintendent Robert Spengler could not attend the meeting, but Lutz-Doemling passed along his appreciation as well.