January is recognized as School Director Recognition Month. With the cancellation of the January meeting due to inclement weather, Catasauqua Area School District honored its board of education at the rescheduled meeting, held Feb. 20.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling recognized the “extraordinary dedication to our public schools” displayed by CASD school board members.

“You consistently go above and beyond for our students,” she added.

In keeping with tradition, each of the district’s three schools took turns presenting their tokens of appreciation for the board members.

Sheckler Elementary School Principal Dr. Robert Kucharczuk lauded the board’s dedication and collaborative mentality toward helping the students and the district. He noted the third- and fourth-grade baking students made sweet treats for all of the board members.

Additionally, the fourth-grade media club worked on a video for the board with a “kids say the funniest things” theme. Sheckler Elementary students provided their answers to a number of questions, such as what does the school board do, where does the money come from, how much does the board get paid, who works on the school board and what decision should they make next. The students also shared some of the things they are thankful for.

“You have a tough job,“ Robert Steckel, the interim principal at Catasauqua Middle School, said. “Thank you for doing what you do.”

He noted the board was gifted 3D-printed bookmarks that were designed by one of the eighth-graders. He also shared a video of each grade level thanking the board.

The fifth-graders thanked the board for various things like iPads, field trips, books, heating and air conditioning and more. The sixth-grade students described board members with complimentary traits such a nice, amazing and helpful. The seventh-graders used a social media trend to thank the board - “You’re on the school board, so of course you ...” - with different scenarios inserted. The eighth grade contributed photos of various activities and things the board helped make possible. The Life Skills students, known as the 304 Crew, also made signs showing their appreciation.

Catasauqua High School Principal David Todd presented the board with little mementos from CHS students. He also noted brownies had been made for the January meeting, but the board missed out since the meeting was canceled.

He read a letter from school board student representative Delaney Troxell, who thanked the board members for their commitment to innovation and problem solving within the district. She also lauded their commitment to not only academics but for focusing on the whole student and allowing them to partake in fun traditions.

Students in the Catty Works program also shared photos of them out working in various capacities in the community.

“Our Catty Works program is a work-based learning program for our students with disabilities,” the CHS website states. “We partner with local businesses in our community to give our students work experience and eventually secure employment after high school.”

This focus aligns with the district’s focus on employability skills and preparing students not only for passing tests while in school but for life beyond high school, whether it be college, trade school, military or straight into the workforce.

Lutz-Doemling also noted board members received some sweet treats from the Catasauqua Community Cares Program and its coordinator, Lois Reed, former district business manager.

“Thank you for your support of a wealth of programs,” Lutz-Doemling added.