On Jan. 31, Whitehall High School Student Council will be hosting the Under the Northern Lights winter dance, set for 6-9 p.m. in the gymnasium. This isn’t just a dance; it’s an opportunity to make a difference. All proceeds will go to Four Diamonds to support the fight against childhood cancer. Along with great music, they’ll have plenty of fun activities, including a massive inflatable obstacle course.

It is a casual event.

Scan the QR code on the posters around the school to buy your digital tickets. Cash sales are available during lunches.

***

The Class of 2026 yearbook picture will be taken 9:45 a.m. Feb. 3 in the school gymnasium. The theme is to be a unified picture of the senior class wearing school colors. All seniors are asked to wear Zephyr or Whitehall apparel or plain maroon, gold, gray, black or white shirts for the photo.

Seniors who are VLN, full-day LCTI or participate in an AM LCTI program are welcome and encouraged to join. Students will be transported to LCTI 11 a.m. on the normal mid-day bus. LCTI students will wait in the library until the photo is taken. VLN students may be dismissed when done.

***

There will be no school Feb. 13-16 for the Presidents Day holiday.

***

Whitehall-Coplay School District kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 academic year is now open. A child must be 5 years old before Sept. 1.

Visit whitehallcoplay.org/for-families/centralized-enrollment to begin the process.

***

WHS course selection for the next school year will begin next month and will include a review by the counseling department. It is important for students to carefully consider their options. Students should begin having discussions with their teachers and parents/guardians regarding course recommendations.

Students should utilize the program of studies on the WCSD website to read class descriptions and prerequisites.

***

WHS yearbook sales are underway. Visit the school website to find the QR code to order or purchase directly at balfour.com.

The 2026 edition of the WHS yearbook, The Whitehall, will continue the tradition of publishing baby pictures and senior ads of graduating seniors. For more information or to send your photos, visit the WCSD website.

Staff is also looking for seniors’ baby pictures for the upcoming yearbook. They are looking for advertisements as well.

If interested, check the link on the weekly update or see Mrs. Derlunas in E107.

***

Be prepared for early dismissals, delays and closings related to weather. For early dismissal, students will be dismissed from school based on predicted weather that will impact safe transportation. Dismissal times will vary.

For a two-hour delay, bus pickups and school start times will occur two hours later than the regularly scheduled times.

When schools are closed, there are no classes; schools and buildings will be closed. Students may or may not be expected to complete work. The school day may need to be made up.

WCSD will utilize the mass notification system, social media and WFMZ to report early dismissals, delays and closings. Decisions will be made as soon as possible based on each scenario.

If you have any questions, contact your building administration.

***

Keep in mind that, according to the district policy, students may only be excused by a parent 16 days per school year (eight per semester). Medical excuses are required for any absences that exceed 16 days in a school year.

Additionally, any absence not excused within three days will be considered unexcused. Multiple unexcused absences are considered to be unlawful and may result in legal consequences.

***

Reminder: A parent/guardian should navigate to PowerSchool to report an absence through SafeArrival. SafeArrival should be used for planned and unplanned absences. Late and early departures should be reported directly to your child’s school.

***

Get the new ScoreVisionFan app. The district is excited to enhance your game-day experience for the 2025-26 athletic schedule. Stay connected with events through this new app, seamlessly integrated with the Zephyr turf, football stadium and main gymnasium scoreboards.

Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following along from home, the app ensures you don’t miss a moment!

***

Senior class dues have been posted to MySchoolBucks for the senior year to cover all the general activities throughout the entire 2025-26 academic year.

***

If you are an administrator, teacher, coach, club adviser, student, PTO member or anyone who would like to share school district news, email me at JMBNews@hotmail.com with Whitehall-Coplay School District News in the subject.