At the Feb. 21 Catasauqua Communities That Care meeting, Amy Dymond-Jones, Catasauqua Middle School counselor and CTC coordinator, touched base with the group about the coalition checkup project.

The CTC members agreed to increase shared understanding among the group and with the community during the Jan. 17 meeting. This connected nicely with the former priority of community outreach by taking to the next step with deeper understanding and knowledge.

There had been previous discussion about making short videos or informational documents detailing the various programs used in Catasauqua Area School District. These videos can be put on the website for the public to view and will be used to help coalition members increase their understanding.

It was also noted the group wants to add more information to the website to help with getting more information out to the community.

Dymond-Jones noted, after the January meeting, Catasauqua High School career facilitator Ashley Schmidt suggested holding CTC presentations during CASD meetings to help remind staff members what the coalition is doing and what programs are available for students.

It was also suggested reaching out to Kim Brubaker, of Catasauqua Main Streets, to help connect with the community.

Coalition members then checked in on the group’s three main focus areas - substance use prevention, supporting resource-stressed families and the mental well-being of students.

Dymond-Jones said they held a vaping presentation as part of Project Success at CMS. She said it went so well that they are planning a presentation for the seventh- and eighth-graders in April. She also questioned if the presenter would let them video her program to share on the website or send to parents.

It was also reported they are looking into adding a vaping presentation at CHS.

The CTC wants to look into addressing parental permissiveness and ease of access to alcohol for youths, but they have not yet had the opportunity to craft a solid plan.

“We don’t have a parent program right now,” Dymond-Jones said.

In the past, CASD hosted the Strengthening Families Program through Valley Youth House. This program was for parents and their children to connect. The program is not being held in the district this year.

“It’s such a valuable program, I’d hate not to use it at all,” Dymond-Jones said, adding she wants to research if other organizations are offering it as well.

It had been discussed partnering with Catasauqua Youth Athletic Association or district sports, music and arts programs to reach parents at places they are already gathering.

One member suggested making it a requirement for parents and students to attend a presentation or meeting before students can buy a prom ticket or attend the eighth-grade dance.

Regarding supporting resource-stressed families, Lois Reed and the Catasauqua Community Cares Program continues to collect coats for students in need. Whitehall Area Rotary Club also donated a number of coats to CASD.

Dymond-Jones said the Linton’s Closet initiative at CMS continues to provide shoes and clothing for students. Donations are coming in from the community and alumni. The school is able to give families gift cards to help them purchase needed clothing as well.

It was noted student mental health is an ongoing concern.

“It’s not just here in Catasauqua; it’s a concern everywhere,” Dymond-Jones said.

She said the district is fortunate to have partnerships with organizations and programs such as Salisbury Behavioral Health, Project Success and CBITS.

It was also noted the district is increasing the fidelity of the Olweus implementation by retraining CMS and Sheckler Elementary School staff and training the CHS staff in the spring.

When asked about the Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church after-school snack program at the park, Pastor Brian Riedy said they are officially still on winter hiatus, but they do occasional surprise days. He noted they will be back in full swing in April.

Riedy also noted the church is planning an after-school arts program, including music, drama and fine arts sessions. These are for students in first through fourth grades, to be held Mondays-Thursdays in September.

The summer music camp for students in fourth through 12th grades is set to return to the church during the week of July 10.

He said the church also wants to form a program for high school students to meet with community mentors or leaders after school. Additional programs being considered are a partnership with Center for Awakenings and building a community band or chorus.

The next Catasauqua CTC meeting will be held 9:30 a.m. March 21.