The Whitehall-Coplay Parent Teacher Student Association is newly reorganized this year.

The organization will continue to provide numerous educational and cultural programs for students. Many of the special events could not occur without the assistance and financial support of this dedicated organization. The PTSA covers students in grades K-12.

During the upcoming weeks parents will receive information about becoming a member. There are no commitments when parents enroll.

Volunteers are invited to actively participate in the following opportunities: hospitality, school volunteers for grades K-12, holiday party, school spirit, fundraiser, publicity, book fairs, Children's Day, programs and special projects.

Fundraising information will also be distributed.

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The Whitehall Coplay PTSA Rita's fundraiser is under way.

The PTSA is currently sponsoring a Rita's Italian Ice quart fundraiser. Students brought home a sheet to sell the $5 lid coupons.

Each school is having a competition for the highest sales. Be sure to redeem your quart coupon before the close of the fall season.

The sale is effective until Sept. 19. On this date, all orders and money are due.

The fundraiser proceeds benefit the students.

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Be sure to bookmark the Whitehall-Coplay School District's website. It is very helpful and informative for parents and students.

Simply follow the links to the various schools. Many guidelines, important dates, lunch information and more can be found there.

The address is www.whitehallcoplay.org.

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Meet the Teacher Nights are scheduled throughout the district.

Zephyr Elementary School will host its Meet the Teacher tonight, Sept. 18.

Whitehall High School Meet the Teacher will be held Sept. 24.

The Steckel building will host its Meet the Teacher Sept. 25.

Finally, the middle school will hold its Meet the Teacher Oct. 2.

All of the events are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

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The book fair at Steckel will take place from Monday, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 26.

Students will bring home a detailed flier with some sampling of the books available for purchase.

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Picture day at the middle school is set for Thursday, Sept. 25.

Students will bring home an order form for parents to review and order pictures. Purchasing photos is not mandatory.

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Children are excusedfrom school for educational trips for a maximum of seven school days per year. Any days missed for travel beyond the seven days of absence will be illegal days if the student is 16 or younger.

The district prefers that all trips are scheduled during the holiday breaks. However, if a trip is scheduled during school days, the Family Educational Trip Request Form (available in the school office) must be submitted to the office prior to departure. If the form is not submitted on time, the days will be considered illegal absences.

Parents can request homework for children absent for three or more days. Parents must call the school to request homework and pick it up in the main office before 4 p.m.

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The school district has an anonymous tip line for anyone who believes a student has endangered or will endanger another person or themselves.

If anyone is aware of a potential situation, call 610-435-4638 and leave a message.

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Do you have any school news? This column is a compilation of upcoming school events in the Whitehall-Coplay School District. Teachers, administrators, parents, students, coaches, PTOs, club advisors and other community members are invited to share news of their upcoming activities. Email me at jamb87@hotmail.com with "Whitehall-Coplay School News" in the subject line at least a week before an event.