During the Whitehall-Coplay Communities That Care meeting July 19, the group started looking at some of the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey data.

It was noted the number of students reporting being involved in sports and school activities was high; however, the numbers regarding students’ perception of the importance of school and what they are being taught is on the lower end. Additionally, students reported higher rates of participating in class discussions and feeling safe.

The coalition thought it was interesting the students were not excited to go to school, but participated and were engaged once they got there. It was also questioned how to stress the importance of school and learning.

Tyrone Fisher, of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley, noted the mentoring programs and workplace tours through BBBS have helped youth see the bigger picture and the benefit of a good education.

The impact of having a mentor and the additional support was also noted. The group discussed the increase in confidence that can help trickle into all aspects of a youth’s life, including better mental health and participation in activities and school.

In other business, Chrissy Confer, new CTC coordinator, discussed her goals for the coalition moving forward. She hopes to expand the coalition, increase attendance and participation and have more of a community presence.

Already delivering on one of her goals, there were a few new faces around the table, including Debbie Valentin, director of operations and engagement for The Kindness Project, and Ryan Lynn, a county caseworker for Lehigh County.

Additionally, Confer asked the group to share any community events with her the coalition should attend. It was mentioned the CTC usually has a presence at Coplay Community Days in late August.

Since the group hasn’t met since April, the coalition’s committees provided updates on goals and current activities. The committee addressing commitment to school is working on addressing the results of a survey given to students toward the end of the last school year.

The survey asked about what activities students are interested in, what clubs the students would like to see added and what barriers are keeping them from being involved. One big theme was students wanting to be involved in sports but not necessarily the competitive school teams. It was mentioned the high school could potentially offer open gym time in the mornings if they can work out the logistics and scheduling.

William Fonzone Jr., Whitehall-Coplay School Board president, noted he is still pushing to implement an activities period during the school day. However, this would require an overhaul of the entire class schedule to incorporate, so there are a lot of factors to work out.

The committee to address mental health and wellness worked with the school to have students make a video PSA to help fight the stigma behind asking for help for mental health concerns. The group also worked with the Whitehall High School Aevidum Club to create still images that can be shared in a variety of places around the school district, Whitehall Township, Coplay Borough and even at the county level.

The substance use prevention committee is working to engage and educate parents, particularly about vaping. They were also discussing ways to market or increase attendance for the Strengthening Families program.

Leeanne Debrosse, from Valley Youth House, mentioned she brought approximately 15 Whitehall-Coplay Middle School students to the state Capitol for Advocacy Day in May. The students had the opportunity to talk to legislators about their concerns regarding tobacco.

“They did a really good job,” she said.

Lynn also reported on a few programs that are geared toward helping middle school students. He noted Camp Fowler helps build and foster relationships between students and even their teachers, and the Epiphany Project is an emotional support program that helps students bond and connect with each other.

The group will next meet 9 a.m. Aug. 23. This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom.