During the Catasauqua Communities That Care meeting April 15, it was reported Kim Flueso, Catasauqua Area School District career coordinator, is working to help get grant funding for a book vending machine. They are reportedly seeking about $8,000.

Amy Dymond-Jones, Catasauqua Middle School counselor and CTC coordinator, said the book vending machine will probably be set up at CMS since the school does not have a formal library space. CTC members noted how important it is to encourage physical book reading versus more screen time.

The coalition members raised a number of questions, such as how do the students access or “purchase” the books, how many books will fit, is there a hardback versus paperback requirement, will there be limitations on age-appropriate content and more.

Some preliminary research revealed most of these machines can hold about 12 copies each of 20 different books. Students often receive tokens for good behavior they can redeem at the machines, and teachers will often supervise younger students to ensure they are choosing age-appropriate books.

Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church Pastor Brian Riedy noted if they do not receive the grant funding, the district can reach out to alumni groups that are always looking for a worthy cause.

Shelley Keffer, district coordinator of student services, reported they are pursuing a Project Aware grant to benefit the sixth-grade students. Analysis of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey showed many sixth-grade students reported feeling disconnected and struggling.

These funds would help the students and teachers take part in activities at Camp Fowler to help build connections, relationships and team work.

Keffer noted their preliminary application was accepted, and they were working on the final official application.

Keffer also reported they are seeking an additional Project Aware grant to train new Olweus Bullying Prevention Program coaches as the current trainer is retiring. They aim to train two new coaches — one at Sheckler Elementary School and one at CMS.

Additional grant applications were submitted for Highmark grants for a vision machine and another audiometer. According to Keffer, they expect to hear about these grants in November.

Dymond-Jones reported the Valley Youth House program Kids, Teens and Technology was set for four days in April.

“I’m really excited about this,” she said.

The program had the same general format as the Strengthening Families Program, which has been offered in the past. These programs bring families and students together for a few weeknights to learn together. Often, childcare services and meals are offered to help reach more families.

According to Lehigh County STARs/SADD liaison Leanne Debrosse, the Strengthening Families Program was discontinued.

Julie Miller, of Clean, Organize, Repeat, is working hard to organize and sort the new district clothing closet at CMS, according to Dymond-Jones. She noted they are already receiving positive feedback from students.

Lois Reed, Catasauqua Community Cares Program coordinator, noted they helped 52 families during the Easter distribution. She said they were able to give away ham and dinner fixings, in addition to the regular lunch and breakfast items. Students were also treated to Easter baskets, thanks to generous donations, as well as a clothing distribution.

Reed noted Feed the Children has been very helpful in giving the district items to distribute to families.

The coalition talked about attending some community events, such as Hanover Community Days and North Catasauqua Community Day, to help increase awareness about the CTC and its work in the district.

Members discussed possible giveaways or interactive activities they can provide to help encourage community members to come to their table. It was also noted students who need service hours can help out as well.

The CTC continued to discuss plans for the parent education and involvement event. It was noted late August would be a good time since most families are back from vacation but not yet necessarily back in school.

Riedy reported the church has been in communication with district music teacher Robert Arnold about a fundraiser for the music program, and it was noted these events could be connected to reach more families.

The next Catasauqua CTC meeting is set for 7:45 a.m. May 20 at the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.