During the Dec. 15, 2023, Whitehall-Coplay Communities That Care meeting, the coalition’s committees provided updates on their goals and next steps for 2024.

The mental health and wellness committee was happy to report the effort to create a PSA to help fight the stigma of asking for help was a success. Whitehall High School studio teacher Zachary Hottinger and his students worked together to write, film, edit and finish the short video. Additionally, the PSA video was submitted to Prevent Suicide PA’s annual PSA contest.

The next steps include getting the video posted to various places, including scoreboards at sporting events, homeroom TVs, social media and other district communications.

The substance use prevention committee has been working to increase communication with parents to share more information about the dangers of substance use, particularly in regard to vaping. They noted there is a weekly bulletin sent to families in the district they can utilize. More information can also be shared at back-to-school nights and the district Family Night.

The committee was happy to report the Strengthening Families program, presented by Valley Youth House, will be held in either late winter or spring. The seven-week program will be more community based and will be held in connection with Catasauqua. Additionally, the program will include dinner as an extra incentive for families.

The committee addressing low commitment to school has been implementing surveys at the middle school and high school levels to gauge what activities or clubs students are interested in, what barriers stop them from joining and what areas of interest they have that might not be represented by current activity or club programming. The middle school students reported a strong interest in cooking and nutrition and outdoor activities.

The WHS survey had 90% participation, which boded well for the idea of students wanting to take part in things at school. It was reported a lot of students expressed interest in intramural or pickup sports. They want the fun of taking part in sports without as much pressure or time commitment of being part of the official sports teams.

WHS Principal Dr. Peter Mayes said he is encouraged to see such a high number of students saying they want to take part in something. He said they have some planning to do. It was suggested a group of students come together to prepare a presentation for the administration and school board.

Tyrone Fisher, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley director of volunteer engagement, noted the organization can help by supplying mentors who have a background in some of the interest groups identified by the students. They can match students up with community members who share their interests.

In other business, Mayes reported the new community service app - Helper Helper - has assisted students in logging almost 800 hours already, and there is more to verify and confirm. Community groups and organizations can join the app and post their volunteer opportunities for students. The app makes the whole process easier without paperwork or signatures.

He noted students with 100 hours of community service will wear a special cord at graduation.

Denise Continenza, longtime coordinator of the CTC and Penn State Extension educator, was wished well on her future. She is beginning a phased retirement, ending her time leading the coalition. She was thanked for her years of service to the district and its students.

The next Whitehall-Coplay Communities That Care meeting is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 26 in the Large Group Instruction room at Whitehall High School.