During the March 19 Catasauqua Communities That Care meeting, coalition members discussed community business partners. The idea is to find and secure businesses interested in helping the group reach its goals with support or funding.

Logistics and details were discussed, such as what the process should be like to maintain organization and keep things sorted, as well as how best to explain CTC’s mission and goals to potential business partners.

Kimberly Flueso, Catasauqua Area School District career connections coordinator and Catasauqua High School business teacher, noted she has connections with Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce and can assist in getting business names and contacts. It was also noted Kim Brubaker, Catasauqua councilwoman, would be a good connection to meet with as a member of Catasauqua Main Streets, the borough’s business organization.

Attendees agreed CTC should have a presence at community events to help connect with the community and share information about its work to help the students in the district. The coalition already has brochures and a banner with its logo. This will help with visibility.

Additionally, it was said creating a new onboarding process and engaging new members should be on the agenda for the summer months.

Amy Dymond-Jones, Catasauqua Middle School counselor and CTC coordinator, mentioned the students recently took a survey about the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. The data will be available shortly for the CTC members to review.

Dymond-Jones also noted her recent meeting with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley was productive and efficient. She reported the next step is to look into funding for the program. Shelley Keffer, CASD coordinator of student services, is exploring grant options.

It was noted, if grant funds cannot be secured, the group can reach out to the community or local faith-based organizations for support.

The importance of having mentoring programs for students to connect with each other was mentioned. The CTC will continue exploring options.

There was also some discussion of potential after-school programs or having the high school students come down to the younger grades and tutor or visit with the middle and elementary school students.

In other business, Sarah Falwell, associate director at Treatment Trends Inc., asked if there are any certified recovery specialists going into the schools to talk to students. She noted these individuals bring their firsthand experience to connect with students. It was noted they can look into options.

Keffer reported the district will most likely change from using the PASS survey (Pupil Attitudes to Self and School) to the Panorama survey. These social-emotional surveys are intended to measure the students’ perceptions of the school atmosphere and culture and how they are connecting to themselves and the school community.

It was noted the Panorama survey allows for a greater breakdown, so teachers will be able to look at the feedback for their classes specifically. This can help teachers identify if there are any problems that need to be addressed.

Additionally, Panorama offers additional resources to help the district identify areas of need.

The next Catasauqua CTC meeting is set for 7:45 a.m. April 16 in the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.