Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent John Corby spoke about the effects of Hurricane Sandy on the school district at the Nov. 12 school board meeting.

"Two weeks ago, life wasn't good for people," he said.

Corby noted how the district was spared and closed for only two days: Tuesday, Oct. 30, and Wednesday, Oct. 31.

"Stop lights on MacArthur road were out, we were not sending buses out in that condition," he said.

The schools opened on Thursday, Nov. 1, with a two-hour delay.

"The two-hour delay allowed students to walk to the bus stop in the light," he said. The schools allowed students who didn't have power to be in the comfort of district facilities and have a warm meal, another reason the district opened on Thursday, according to Corby.

Corby also commended everyone on efforts to provide donations and support to communities that are suffering from the devastation from Hurricane Sandy.

Steckel Elementary School Principal Glenn Noack presented a 15-minute video that showed pictures of volunteers working to collect food, blankets and clothing for New Jersey hurricane survivors.

Noack's secretary, Michelle Khourri, started a Facebook page called "Reach the Beach," and worked with others to help collect items for those in need. Polish Ice and Steckel worked as drop-off areas to collect the items.

The group used 12 vehicles to transport the items to Red Bank, Belmar, Neptune City and Bradley Beach, N.J.

"Social Media is an important way for people to connect now, and it's amazing how many people came together through it," said Noack.

"There are no words to describe the relief effort and support beyond the community," Corby added.

In other business, the board appointed Leslie Keim and Stephanie Dorney as paraprofessionals at Whitehall High School. The two will be working in special education.