Catasauqua Communities That Care met July 10 to continue analyzing the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey data.

The PAYS data indicated students feel connected to their school. The numbers regarding one-on-one time with a teacher, taking part in class discussions and feeling safe in school largely remained consistent with the 2019 and 2021 reports. There were also high numbers for students receiving praise from their teachers when they work hard.

Shelley Keffer, coordinator of student services, noted how important it is for students to feel like a member of the school community. She said it is an important base level for students to feel valued and safe in their school to have a sense of belonging and support.

Additionally, students reported high rates of being involved with school-sponsored activities. The number of students who said they do not participate in activities dropped from the pre-COVID-19 numbers, indicating there are more students getting involved and connected.

Lois Reed, Catasauqua Community Cares Program coordinator, reported she hears from many families that there are some financial obstacles preventing them and their students from taking part in some activities. It was noted there may be some community groups willing and able to assist some of these families.

Reed also noted location and transportation needs might prevent Hanover Township, Lehigh County, students from taking part in community or school activities.

Regarding violence in school, it was reported the number of students reporting being attacked at school decreased and sit below the state rate.

Krista V. Brown-Ly, deputy director at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, wondered if there was an opportunity to see more of a demographic breakdown to explore which students are reporting being bullied or threatened.

There is a section in the PAYS report asking students why they think they are being bullied. Some reasons reported by students include the way they look, their social standing and social conflict.

Amy Dymond-Jones, Catasauqua Middle School counselor and CTC coordinator, said she was intrigued by the increase in sixth- and eighth-graders who reported staying home from school due to fear of being bullied in the PAYS survey. It was mentioned the schools should continue with their efforts to provide bullying prevention programming in the school. It was noted the overall frequency of bullying numbers in the district are low, particularly on a daily basis.

It was also reported the number of suspensions in the schools rose.

The PAYS data reported a rise in students reporting they gambled in the last 30 days, particularly online or in video games. These numbers are higher in eighth and 10th grades, with a drop in 12th grade.

It was questioned if these youth are gambling with real money or just virtual tokens. There is ambiguity with the wording of the question, leaving the question of “value” up to interpretation, it was noted.

CTC members agreed it is a good idea to consider adding more education on making good decisions online and on social media.

The coalition shared updates regarding the group’s main priorities of mental health care, supporting economically disadvantaged students and families and decreasing drug and alcohol usage.

Keffer reported they contracted with Center for Safe Schools to implement a behavioral SAP climate survey assessment in all three district schools in October. This is an Act 55 requirement.

She is also coordinating restorative practices training for 15 staff members through the intermediate unit. She noted since Catasauqua High School Principal David Todd has already expressed interest in implementing restorative practices, she is looking at sending staff members from the high school.

Dymond-Jones reported they recently met with representatives from Center for Humanistic Change to discuss programming for the 2024-25 school year. She noted they are particularly interested in vaping programs. Brown-Ly noted they also have a vaping presentation they can share with the district.

Reed said they continue to distribute food weekly for approximately 80 students. Every Wednesday, C3P provides five lunch, five breakfast and three snack items, as well as family items such as fish sticks, meat, frozen peaches and more.

“It’s been going well,” Reed said, adding the smooth distributions are thanks to the volunteers who help out each week. She noted they need about five or six people to assist.

Reed reported they recently received items from Second Harvest Food Bank, including milk, eggs, orange juice, peanut butter and shrimp. Additionally, Feed the Children provided C3P with brand-new items of clothing and shoes.

“We’ve also been blessed with a lot of monetary donations,” Reed said.

It was noted many donations are coming in as memorial contributions to honor the late John Brobst, of Catasauqua. It was requested contributions could be made in his name to C3P or the Catasauqua Music Boosters.

The next meeting will be 7:30 a.m. Aug. 14 in the Catasauqua Area School District administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.