The character pumpkin contest will soon be here for Steckel Elementary School third-graders. Students must select a book to read and create their favorite character from the book onto the pumpkin. The activity is to celebrate the season with a fun activity that will build students’ creativity, literacy and love of reading.

Students may turn in their pumpkins Oct. 21 and 22, pumpkins will be judged Oct. 28, and winners will be announced Oct. 29. Prizes may be picked up in the library.

Pumpkins cannot be dropped off at the office or brought inside by an adult. If your child wants to participate, make sure the pumpkin is small enough for them to carry themselves. Carving and spray paint are not allowed.

Fake or plastic pumpkins are lighter and can be used since they are easier to carry, and sending the pumpkin inside a box is best.

***

Reminder: Zephyr Elementary School students and staff are invited to wear pink Oct. 18 to support October Breast Cancer Awareness.

***

Whitehall Township’s Halloween parade is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 24 on the Whitehall-Coplay School District campus. There will also be food trucks, Zephyr Pride involvement and prizes.

If you are interested in participating, visit whitehalltownship.org or contact Michele Dragovits, parade director, at 610-437-5524, ext. 1165.

***

During the week of Oct. 28-Nov. 1, the Zephyr BEEZ will learn to stand up against destructive decisions and celebrate with a costume parade at Zephyr Stadium Oct. 31.

Parents/guardians are invited to spectate from the bleachers.

***

Email your school news to JMBNews@hotmail.com at least two weeks before an event.