Whitehall-Coplay School Board’s Sept. 28 meeting began with two board members being recognized for their years of service. Board members recognized were Fady Salloum, who received a certificate marking five years of service, and Patty Gaugler, who was recognized for 15 years of service.

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association’s Honor Roll of School Board Service program recognizes school directors at five-year milestones for their service to their districts, communities and public education.

Superintendent Chris Schiffert thanked all board members for their work and dedication to the district.

“Thank you to both of them and really to all of our board members. You know what a difficult job and position they are in. This is not a paid position. They give of their time to make good decisions for our students ultimately and all the people working in our district, and it’s, as we all know, at times very difficult, so I thank all of them. They are great colleagues,” Schiffert said.

Also at the meeting, the board received updates on the start of the 2026-27 school year. A student council representative provided an update on activities throughout the district. Among the highlights was a Sept. 11 tribute at Whitehall High School, where volunteers from social studies and the National Honor Society placed 2,977 American flags in memory of those who had lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001.

The district also celebrated 100 years of Whitehall football during a Sept. 11 home game against Northampton. Alumni were recognized during halftime, and the Class of 1976 was honored during Hall of Fame Night Sept. 18 after completing an undefeated season.

The district’s homecoming dance is scheduled for Oct. 17 with a Rio Carnival theme.

The board also recognized several community organizations and businesses for donations to the district.

America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses Allentown-Fogelsville donated 80 backpacks filled with school supplies. Fellowship Community coordinated a donation of school supplies, while Chick-fil-A Whitehall donated gift cards for district staff.

The district also thanked Barnes & Noble, Chick-fil-A and Toys for Tots for supporting the summer reading incentive at Gockley Elementary School.

The Pennsylvania Beef Council awarded Whitehall High School’s family and consumer science program a $150 grant to purchase beef for students to use in cooking classes.

Stash Fabrics donated fabric to Whitehall-Coplay Middle School for the creation of 12 pillowcases that will be donated to patients at Lehigh Valley Riley Children’s Hospital.

During the superintendent’s report, administrators provided updates on activities at schools throughout the district, which included the Sept. 11 memorial flag tribute and the football anniversary.

At the middle school, grade-level kickoff assemblies focused on academic and behavioral expectations. The district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports program also began providing targeted instruction in math and English language arts based on benchmark data.

The middle school fall production of Aladdin Jr. has been cast, and rehearsals are underway.

At Zephyr Elementary, students began the school year with lessons focused on academic and behavioral expectations, bus safety and social-emotional skills. Fourth-graders are participating in hands-on science lessons, while students are receiving targeted instruction in reading and math.

The school also launched a Fall Into Reading homeroom competition, during which students will track their weekly reading minutes. The winning homeroom will receive a trip to a pumpkin patch at the Zephyr Elementary playground and a pumpkin-decorating party.

Steckel Elementary students participated in schoolwide positive behavior lessons and bus safety instruction. Students also completed math and ELA benchmark testing to help teachers plan instruction. Meet the teacher night had a large turnout, and students recently participated in a schoolwide pep rally featuring relay races, teacher dancing and a visit from Big Z.

At Gockley Elementary, students participated in positive behavior assemblies highlighting rewards and incentives. Classes can earn train-themed prizes for demonstrating positive behavior in areas including art, gym, music, library, STEM, cafeteria and hallways.

The board approved several routine agenda items during the meeting, including the district’s 2026-27 school bus runs and stops, a high school rooftop equipment replacement agreement, the district’s emergency operations plan and various educational and financial agreements.

The board also approved tenure for Victoria Swank and Kaylee Legath at Gockley Elementary.

The next regular board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 12, and committee meetings will be held 5 p.m. Oct. 26.