Whitehall Area Hunger Initiative’s (WAHI) cash bingo is set for Jan. 14 at Commitment to Family and Community, 165 Cherry St., Coplay. Doors open 1 p.m., and bingo starts 2 p.m. All proceeds of the bingo will benefit WAHI.

The cost of a ticket includes two boards with 15 games. Bring your own bingo chips or dabber.

There will also be a cash 50/25/25 drawing. Extra specials will be available to purchase.

Come enjoy great food and baked goods as well.

Please bring an item for the district’s Snack Pack Pals program. Visit WAHI’s Facebook page for a list of items needed.

Also, mark your calendar for the group’s next bingo, set for Feb. 11.

For more information, cost and tickets, contact Shari Noctor at 610-266-5241.

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Please note that schools will be closed Jan. 15 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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Gockley Elementary School’s theme for spirit day Jan. 17 will be “Snowman Day.”

Show your school spirit this month by wearing any clothing item to represent a snowman. Brrrrrr!

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The second marking period will be coming to a close very soon. The end of the second quarter will be Jan. 22. Report cards will be coming about a week later and will be available online.

Be sure to always discuss any issues with your child and your child’s teacher.

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Information night for incoming kindergarten parents is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Gockley Elementary School, 2932 Zephyr Blvd. Parents of all kindergarten-aged children (5 years old by Aug. 31) who will be enrolling for the 2018-19 school year are invited to attend.

Parents will have the opportunity to learn about a typical kindergarten day, enrollment procedures, transportation and curriculum and tour the kindergarten classrooms and school.

Staff and administrators will be available to answer questions.

More information will be sent home with students. Share this with any family and friends who reside in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

A snow date is set for Jan. 25.

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Parents and guardians, please remember to check the parent portal for the latest information, which also for some schools includes monthly newsletters.

Here you will also be able to access your child’s report cards. On Jan. 29, they will be available for your review.

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Zephyr Elementary School has tutoring available. If you are interested in tutoring for your child, contact Mrs. Brittany Rabe via email (rabeb@whitehallcoplay.org) or by phone (610-871-3671, ext. 1572).

Schedules and fees will be negotiated with the tutor.

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Reminder for parents: Make sure students arrive on time if you choose to drive them. The school day in each building varies, but arriving on time is vital.

Elementary schools’ day begins promptly 8:50 a.m. For afternoon kindergarten, school begins 12:30 p.m.

Tardy students can cause interruptions in the classroom routine and to lessons being taught.

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Homework requests are available. If your child is absent from school for three or more days, you may request that homework is gathered for them.

You must call your child’s school, and homework must be picked up in the main office before 4 p.m.

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For grades K-12, if a student’s lunch account balance is zero or negative, the student will be permitted to charge a lunch. All unpaid charges must be paid at the end of each week. Any unpaid charges may result in administrative and/or legal action necessary to collect delinquent accounts.

Parents, please sign up at myschoolbucks.com to monitor your child’s lunch account balance and purchases. Parents can also set up a low-balance reminder by email. Simply download the myschoolbucks app to your phone and be able to check lunch balances any time. The district will no longer be sending home low-balance envelopes. Parents/guardians should be checking balances on myschooolbucks weekly.

Any remaining account balances will not be refunded at the end of the year with the exception of high school seniors or any student leaving the district with a balance of $1 or more.

If there are insufficient funds, returned checks, closed accounts, etc., they will be charged a $15 bank fee plus the face value of the check. No further checks will be accepted until the account is paid in full. Delinquent accounts may be turned over to the magisterial district judge.

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General Mills’ Box Tops for Education program is still in effect at the elementary schools. The products from this company have a special Box Top and can be redeemed for a cash reward, which is used for students’ activities.

Each school has its own goals. Just trim the Box Tops and then periodically send them into school with your child.

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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, PTAs, club advisers and any other community members are invited to share 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.