During the Catasauqua Communities That Care meeting Jan. 21, coalition members got a quick preview on some of the preliminary Pennsylvania Youth Survey data. Students took the survey in November, and the full report should be available later in the spring.

Shelley Keffer, Catasauqua Area School District coordinator of student services, highlighted portions of the preliminary report. She said the overall mental health numbers, including issues of depression or suicide, are fairly solid and not concerning.

It was reported the sixth-grade cohort reported higher numbers for several of the categories and this could indicate that group of students could use additional support. Amy Dymond-Jones, Catasauqua Middle School counselor and CTC coordinator, noted this makes sense because sixth grade can be a tough year for students. She noted there are extra transitions for CMS sixth-graders. This is the year they start changing classes and using lockers.

According to Dymond-Jones, they shifted some of the transitions back to sixth grade since fifth-grade students are already coping with moving from elementary school into a new building. However, these new transitions coupled with the “tough developmental stage” these students find themselves in could require some additional attention. Dymond-Jones said they would start exploring how best to support these students.

Keffer continued highlighting parts of the report, noting students reported very low alcohol, pain relievers or cigarette usage. Additionally, the early report showed that, for the most part, students feel safe in the schools.

The PAYS report is taken every two years by students in sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th grades. Students report on a number of areas such as their mental health, substance use, gambling, school climate and safety, connection to school and community and more. The data is analyzed to help identify areas of concern and to inform programming in the district.

When discussing programs, it was noted the Strengthening Families program is not happening through Valley Youth House this year. It was reported the Center for Humanistic Change is offering the program, but Dymond-Jones said it is too late to get it going for this year.

There is an internet safety program being offered through Valley Youth House with a similar format to Strengthening Families, which Dymond-Jones said she would look into.

Dymond-Jones also noted they are working on scheduling the dates for the vaping presentations for grades 6-8.

There was also discussion about bringing a certified recovery specialist in to speak with the students. It was noted this initiative might be a better fit in the high school than at the middle school level.

Dymond-Jones also proudly reported the CMS SAVE Promise Club will be partnering with the Catasauqua High School STARS Club for an event focused on anti-destructive decisions Feb. 11. The students will work together and explore how to make good decisions and avoid problematic scenarios. Data has shown the student-to-student interactions are effective in getting positive messages across.

Regarding students’ mental health, Dymond-Jones noted the additions to the Salisbury Behavioral Health/RHA staff has been helpful in assisting some of the people on the waitlist. It was noted some programs have waits, but there are other resources available, including BH Works through Center for Humanistic Change.

Sarah Falwell, from Treatment Trends, asked if the PAYS or any other screeners in the district asks about possible sexual abuse or inappropriate contact. Dymond-Jones and Keffer noted they did not have anything like that but could explore options.

Keffer noted the new Panorama screener for students will be administered in February. These surveys focus more on students’ feedback of the school environment to help identify possible areas of growth to make sure the students have everything they need to learn.

The Big Brother Big Sister process continues. It was noted there were seven CHS students to serve as Bigs after the interview round. The aim was for 10 pairings, as there are 15-20 middle schoolers identified as possible Littles. Another hiccup is that all of the current Bigs are female students. Dymond-Jones noted it would be nice if they could get some male students to help connect as well.

Lois Reed, Catasauqua Community Cares Program coordinator, reported the holiday food distribution and new holiday shop went well with a smooth system and good volunteers.

“It was a great day,” Reed said.

Julie Miller, of Clean Organize Repeat, said she is already making plans for next year’s event. Miller and her clients helped provide the items for the holiday shop, where students were able to come and “shop” for gifts for family members.

Reed also noted the event helped identify some more students to be added to the weekly food distributions. She is supplying food for about 115 students weekly.

Pastor Brian Riedy, of Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, said the church helped support an additional 10 families this holiday season and offered to serve as another partner to help connect with the community.

Reed also noted she had such success providing little valentines for students to give to classmates last year that they decided to do it again this year. Reed said she had students saying they’ve never been able to give out valentines in the past, and they felt great to join in and spread some holiday love.

Miller noted she’d be happy to help support the valentine effort as well and is already looking ahead to help out with Halloween costumes if needed.

Riedy also offered support to supply festive baskets for the spring Easter C3P distribution.

Dymond-Jones said, in their effort to help increase parental involvement, there will be a CMS Coffee with the Counselors event 8:15 a.m. Feb. 5. She noted the Center for Humanistic Change mentor will also be in attendance. She said they want to have discussions with the parents, connect and get their feedback.

Additionally, plans are being made for a celebration to be held near the beginning of the school year to recognize students who receive repeated honor rolls. Students already get celebrated at the end of eighth grade and the end of high school, but she wants more recognition throughout the years since it is an accomplishment, and they want to encourage the students to keep up the good work.

The next Catasauqua CTC meeting is set for 7:45 a.m. Feb. 18 in the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.