During the Aug. 14 Catasauqua Communities That Care meeting, Shelley L. Keffer, coordinator of student services, gave a presentation about Catasauqua Area School District’s mission, vision and focus. According to Keffer, three goals for the district’s vision are community partnerships, educational excellence and lifelong learning. CASD core values are communication, collaboration and continuous improvement.

CASD uses evidence-based practices, promotes leadership and puts an emphasis on student supports. Additionally, before the pandemic, there was a shift to focus on employability skills for students. It was noted the CTC also uses data-driven analysis to improve student practices, supports the administration’s effort for continuous development and continues the emphasis on cultivating a safe and secure learning environment.

In other business, the coalition provided updates on the CTC’s three main goals — supporting economically disadvantaged families, addressing mental health needs and decreasing drug, alcohol and gambling usage.

Lois Reed, Catasauqua Community Cares Program coordinator, noted they are ready for the regular food bag distributions during the school year with the Catasauqua Middle School Lifeskills students to pack the bags for CMS and Sheckler Elementary School students. The Catasauqua High School Lifeskills students are set to deliver the Sheckler bags to the school. The CHS bags will be packed in the IU classroom.

Regarding mental health and wellness, it was reported the process is underway to implement the Bounce Back and CBITS programs at Sheckler and CMS. Also, the Center for Humanistic Change is prepared to resume mentoring at CMS and CHS.

It was also noted the district is fully staffed with four therapists from Salisbury Behavioral Health to assist students. There was discussion about counselors and teachers working together to be on the same page while working with students.

To address substance use in the schools, the big CTC focus is on vaping. It was reported they are looking into vaping education programs to keep students informed. It was noted both the CHC and Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center have programs that could work for the district.

The coalition finished looking at the Pennsylvania Youth Survey. According to the report, the highest risk factors reported by students were low commitment to school, parental attitudes favorable toward anti-social behavior and low neighborhood attachment.

The highest protective factors were family attachment, family opportunities for pro-social involvement and school rewards for pro-social involvement.

It was noted since the data shows families are so influential, there should be more of an effort to reach and educate families and parents. One way may be to have a presence and educational materials at open houses or other school events to connect with parents. The idea is to go to where the parents will be, instead of waiting for them to come to extra programs.

There was also discussion about using the district’s new website to share resources for parents. It was also noted any families or parents looking for specific resources or assistance can reach out to the CTC. The coalition can then use its network to connect the family with additional resources.

The next Catty CTC meeting is set for 7:30 a.m. Sept. 11 in the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.