What's Up Whitehall?
October 2023
New Teacher Spotlight
Kelly Bordner, K-1 Inclusion, Gockley Elementary
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love reading, writing and playing with our two dogs Kingsley and Zoey!
What attracted you to working for the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
Whitehall-Coplay School District has been my dream district since moving to the Lehigh Valley seven years ago. I am so excited to finally be a part of the Gockley team!
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Always be true to yourself.
Jenna Leavitt, 7th Grade Math , Middle School
What are your favorite hobbies?
Basketball and swimming
What attracted you to working for the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
I was attracted the diverse and growing community.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Be you! Let them adjust! Don't let anyone dim your light.
Michael Graziano, Social Studies Teacher (9th & 10th Grades), High School
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love sports, the outdoors, and playing paintball
What attracted you to working for the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
Whitehall-Coplay is a unique place in the Lehigh Valley with its own culture and community that I wanted to become a part of.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Don't take math classes in college at 8AM
Dates to Know: Fall 2023
Please see below for a list of upcoming school events for fall 2023!
8/28/2023 First Day of School
- 8/28/2023 7:00 PM School Board Meeting
- 9/1/2023 School Closed – Labor Day
- 9/4/2023 School Closed – Labor Day
- 10/6/2023 Homecoming
- 10/9/2023 Prof. Dev. Day (No school for students)
- 10/11/2023 High School PSAT's - Asynchronous Day for Non-participating Students
10/26/2023 Fall Parade
- 10/27/2023 WHS Fall Play
- 11/1/2023 End of 1st marking period
11/17/2023 Early Dismissal- Elem. & MS
- 11/20/2023 Early Dismissal- Elem. & MS
- 11/20/2023 7:00 PM School Board Meeting
- 11/21/2023 Early Dismissal- Elem. & MS
- 11/22/2023 Professional Development Day (School Closed for Students)
- 11/23/2023 School Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday
- 11/27/2023 School Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday
- 11/27/2023 Schools and Offices Closed
Get to Know our Assistant Principals!
Dana Mensher, Gockley Elementary Assistant Principal
I am thrilled to begin my administration career as Assistant Principal in the same school I began Kindergarten, Gockley Elementary! I was student teaching in 2001 when the Twin Towers fell, and had my second student teaching experience in London, England. Working with city kids that came from around the world inspired me during my first eight years teaching third and fourth grades in West New York, New Jersey.
When my family and I moved back to the Lehigh Valley I was lucky enough to continue doing what I love at Zephyr Elementary as a fifth grade teacher. I have been at Whitehall for 11 years and in that time have obtained my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Kutztown University and completed my Principal Certification. Currently, I am honored to be working as one of thirty Policy Fellows across the state for Teach Plus PA, a non-profit organization dedicated to teacher-driven legislative changes to improve education outcomes for all students.
For the past three years, I served as the Math Instructional Support Teacher at Zephyr Elementary and I'm eager to learn and grow with the students, families, and staff at Gockley.
I am proud to be Lila and Moses's mom, who are third generation Zephyrs themselves! When I'm not chaperoning or working in the snack stand to help support Lila's beloved Marching Zephyr Band, we are shopping at thrift stores. My tennis game has improved since Moses and I are on the court at Hockey and Cementon Parks. I enjoy my garden in the summer, Marvel movies when I can't get outside, and coffee year round!
I believe in the greatness of our community and I'm so grateful to have witnessed all the amazing changes that Whitehall-Coplay has gone through not just in my tenure here as a student, but also as an educator.
As an Assistant Principal I will help our incredible students see the greatness within themselves and, alongside Mrs. Saylor, serve our dedicated staff and supportive families with love.
It is this philosophy that I bring to my administrative role. I look forward to building connections and being a part of creating a place of care and learning as Gockley moves from its original building, to its new home.
Bethany Koenig, Steckel Elementary Assistant Principal
While attending college at Kutztown University, I was assigned my student teaching placement at the Whitehall-Coplay Middle School and that is where I truly fell in love with the profession, the campus environment, and the Zephyr pride that was so evident throughout the Whitehall community.
Upon graduating in 2009, I knew in my heart I wanted to work here and was ecstatic to be hired to teach fifth grade at Zephyr Elementary School. I was so lucky to be a first year teacher in a brand new building. During my five years at Zephyr, I built many lasting relationships within the Whitehall community, as well as attained my Master's degree from Wilkes University in Curriculum and Instruction. In 2014, I moved to Steckel Elementary School, where I spent eight years as a third grade teacher. During that time, I completed my Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University, as well as earned my Administrative Certification.
Currently my husband and I reside in Perkasie, and enjoy spending time with our two dogs, Hank and Emmylou. In my free time, you can find me curled up with a book, seeking out live music, or spending time with friends and family. I love the sunshine and spending days on the beach or at our cabin in the Catskills.
I am honored to be the K-3 Assistant Principal in a district I have been proud to call home for fourteen years. I look forward to working alongside the staff, students, and families of the Whitehall-Coplay School District to ensure the best educational experience for our youngest learners.
Amanda Kusko, Zephyr Elementary Assistant Principal
This school year is going to be another exciting year, as we continue our journey to learn and grow. I am looking forward to working in partnership with Mr. Dillard and the Zephyr staff as we strive to provide all students and families with an educational experience where diversity, creativity, and hard work are celebrated. I appreciate the opportunity to help Zephyr Elementary School, which has persevering students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community.
For the past 23 years, I have been an educator in the Zephyr community, working across a multitude of grades in different positions, including as a first grade teacher at Gockley, as a second grade teacher at Steckel, as a gifted teacher and Dean of Students at Zephyr, and most recently, in my current role as Assistant Principal at Zephyr. My decision to become an administrator grew from my desire to make a positive impact on the larger Zephyr community. I studied Educational Leadership at Cabrini College, where I obtained an Administrative Certification. Prior to receiving this certification, my educational studies also included earning a Bachelor’s of Arts and Science degree in Social Psychology and a Master’s of Education degree in Elementary Education from Lehigh University.
On a more personal note, my husband Chad and I spend our free time with our two teenage sons, Chase and Parker. We enjoy watching our sons play lacrosse and football. In addition to Chase and Parker, our family also consists of two labrador-pitbull rescued dogs named Clyde and Cameron. Collectively as a family, we enjoy running, exercising, traveling, and watching sports.
As an administrator in our school community, I strongly believe that every child can excel and that the partnership between home and school builds confidence in our students to use their individual strengths to shape their success and build the future of our community. I am always excited to integrate my experiences, my openness to learn, and my child-centric approach to support our Zephyr students. Because the relationships between families and the school are essential to the success of our students, I encourage you to become involved in Zephyr Elementary School.
I look forward to meeting you soon! I also welcome your conversation and collaboration throughout this upcoming school year.
Jeffrey Krempasky, Middle School Assistant Principal
I have been an Assistant Principal here at Whitehall-Coplay School District, since 2005. I have my letter of Superintendent Eligibility from Marywood University. I received my Master's of Education from East Stroudsburg University, and first became an Assistant Principal at Northampton Middle School. I started my education at Lock Haven University, where I played four years of football while earning my Bachelors Degree and Teaching Certificate. My first teaching job was as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Northampton Middle School and coached High School football, as well as Powerlifting.
As a graduate of Whitehall-Coplay School District, and a three sport athlete, I take great pride in this community and the student population. As an administrator, I enjoy creating relationships with the students and watching them grow throughout their middle school years.
My wife and I of 32 years reside in Montgomery County with our dog Mocha. We have two beautiful daughters, Jaclyn, a Physical Therapist and Danielle, a Digital Marketing Manager, who are our pride and joy. We enjoy spending family time with our girls and their boyfriends on the weekends, spending time at our pool and traveling.
I look forward to another great year at the Middle School. Go Zephyrs!
Joshua Thatcher, Middle School Assistant Principal
It is my pleasure to serve you as an assistant principal this year. Over the past 24 years, I have served as an elementary paraprofessional, a middle school math and science teacher, and as a high school assistant principal. Currently, I’m in my 5th year as an assistant principal at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School and have enjoyed each aspect of my career path.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Cedar Crest College, a Master’s of Education in ESOL from Penn State and a Principal Certification from Cabrini University.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children. They help motivate and encourage me to do my very best when serving the Whitehall-Coplay community. In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy working out, traveling, and doing DIY projects around the house.
As this new school year approaches, I’m excited to get to know you and your child better as we work together to make you and your child’s experience at the Middle School the best it can be.
Heather Hampton, High School Assistant Principal
Since December 2006, I have served the Whitehall-Coplay School District as Whitehall High School Assistant Principal. During this time, I have had the extreme pleasure to work with the students and staff of WHS helping to provide excellent opportunities for academic success. In my role as Assistant Principal, I coordinate many of the high school’s academic and assessment programs. Whitehall High School offers various programs to help all students achieve their personal best. As we begin a new school year, we once again offer many new and exciting opportunities for students to grow academically, develop personally, and become an active member of the school community.
Prior to becoming a school administrator, I served as a middle school Mathematics Specialist and high school Mathematics Teacher in the Nazareth Area School District. I started my teaching career in the Easton Area School District as a high school Mathematics teacher. I also served both districts as a club advisor to SADD.
In preparation for my teaching career, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Millersville University. I continued my education at Lehigh University, where I earned a Master's of Education degree in the program of Educational Leadership and continued to extend my education at Lehigh to obtain Principal and Superintendent PK-12 certifications. Through my continued education, I have had the opportunity to broaden my background in leading a standards-based instructional program, strengthen my administrative and leadership skills, and gain a district-wide perspective of shared leadership.
As a graduate, musician and student-athlete of Liberty High School, I learned the value of excellence in education and school pride. Throughout all of my educational opportunities, I have held these principles close to my heart and continue to strive to provide students with similar opportunities. As an adult, I continue to enjoy my passion for learning, love of reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
I look forward to the year ahead and wish everyone a fabulous and successful school year. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Dr. Alicia Knauff, High School Assistant Principal
My educational experiences began right here in the Whitehall-Coplay School District, where I attended K-12. I then earned a degree in Psychology, Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish at Cedar Crest College. Upon being hired as an ESOL teacher in the Allentown School district, I earned my ESOL Specialist certification at DeSales University where I also completed my masters in Teaching English Speakers of Other Languages. After teaching ESOL students at Dodd Elementary for two years, I then transitioned to working at Communities In Schools, an alternative high school within the Allentown School District. I taught 9th and 10th grade English at CIS for three years before returning to Whitehall.
When the opportunity arose for me to work at my alma mater, I jumped on the opportunity and began working at Steckel in 2006 as an ESOL teacher. Upon completion of my principal certification, through Cabrini College, I transitioned to the high school in 2010. My love of learning led me to begin a doctoral program in Administration and Leadership in 2014 through East Stroudsburg University. In December of 2021, I successfully defended my dissertation and earned my Doctorate in Administration and Leadership.
As a graduate and resident of Whitehall, I am invested in making Whitehall High School a place where students are excited to come, parents feel welcome, and an organization we are all proud to say we are a part of! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I welcome any feedback and look forward to meeting each of you throughout the course of the school year.
Michael Rile, High School Assistant Principal
It is my pleasure to serve you as an assistant principal this year. This is my second year in educational leadership. Prior to becoming an assistant principal, I had many rewarding experiences in the Whitehall-Coplay School District as a special education teacher and social studies teacher.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with special education and social studies certifications from Kutztown University and a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification from Delaware Valley University.
As a graduate of Whitehall High School, my passion and commitment to our school community are evident in my interactions with all stakeholders, built on respect and honest communication. I am blessed to have two children of my own, Liv and Deacon. I have the same expectations for them as I do for our students. I believe my role in their learning experience is to challenge them to succeed to their highest potential, provide support in times of need, and equip them with the skills needed to become productive and responsible citizens in an ever-changing future.
It is my privilege to be a part of the Whitehall High School community along with the many talented teachers and students here! I look forward to working alongside various stakeholders as we strive towards excellence and continue to develop a school of which our diverse community can be proud. Please don't hesitate to contact me or see me with any questions or concerns.
Steckel's New Playground is Open!
We are excited to announce the opening of our brand-new playground at Steckel Elementary, a wonderful addition to our school campus.
This inviting space offers students a vibrant and safe environment for play, encouraging physical activity and creativity. We look forward to witnessing our students' joyful experiences and the sense of community it will foster.
A big "thank you" to our maintenance staff for the construction of the new playground!
Interested in Getting Involved?
As we head back to school, the WC-PTO PLUS needs your help running various activities throughout the school year.
If you are interested in joining, please join us during our monthly meetings at Steckel Elementary School’s teacher lounge. You will enter the building through the gym door by the parking lot.
Meeting are held on the second Monday of each month, beginning in September (excluding December and January), and ending in June.
ALL VOLUNTEERS need clearances (clearances are free) and are needed to volunteer in our schools. You do not need clearances to attend our meetings. We value any time you can give us.
Email questions to: NatashaMwcpto@gmail.com
What to do when your Child is Absent?
If your student is absent, please click the link for the school they attend.
Steckel: If your child is absent from school, please submit an excuse using the online form or by emailing the Attendance Office at glackinj@whitehallcoplay.org
Zephyr: If your child is absent from school, please submit an excuse using the online form or by emailing the Attendance Office at bobyakc@whitehallcoplay.org
Middle School: If your child is absent from school, please submit an excuse using the online form or by emailing the Attendance Office at mazzolaa@whitehallcoplay.org
High School: If your child is absent from school, please submit an excuse using the online form or by emailing the Attendance Office at attendancewhs@whitehallcoplay.org
Communication for the 2023/2024 School Year
This message aims to inform you of the various methods by which the Whitehall-Coplay School District (WCSD) will communicate with you this year. The WCSD will utilize multiple platforms at regular intervals to provide information to various school community members. These regular communication methods are listed in this memo and are based on the feedback we received in our communications audit last fall.
Additionally, the District is always available to help parents, staff, students, and community members. The WCSD Chain of Communication is linked here. Please use this as a guide to follow the proper channels when you need the WCSD. If you have a student-related issue and are unsure who to contact, please use the Interactive Help Page. If you are still unsure who to contact, please feel free to email the WCSD at questions@whitehallcoplay.org.
Newsletters
The WCSD shares a monthly parent/community newsletter on the first Tuesday of each month. To review past newsletters, please click this link.
Weekly Updates
Each school building will continue to utilize a weekly parent update as well as a staff update each week. Parents can expect a weekly update on Sunday each week. Staff members can expect an update on Friday each week.
Did You Know?
Beginning with the 2023/2024 School Year, the WCSD will share a weekly email each Wednesday with a quick detail highlighting a program, resource, or information about the District or community.
Social Media
Follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We have streamlined our handles and platforms to improve user experience. Click here for our social media graphic.
District - @wcsdzephyrs
WHS - @wcsdwhs
WCMS - @wcsdwcms
Zephyr - @wcsdzephyr
Steckel - @wcsdsteckel
Gockley - @wcsdgockley
Contact Updates: Powerschool
Welcome to our Team!
Whitehall-Coplay School District would like to recognize the following personnel appointed at the recent School Board Meetings. Congratulations on your new role!
Matthew Allen, 1st Semester Building Substitute at Whitehall High School
Randy Burger, Special Education Teacher at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School
Denise Cavagnaro, Van Driver
Joan Crowley, Special Education Substitute at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School
Jason Dunton, Security Staff at Whitehall High School
Allison Kemmerer, Special Education Paraeducator at Steckel Elementary School
Christina Louka, Special Education Paraeducator at Gockley Elementary School
Joseph Lukachik, Bus Driver
Renee Maamari, Secretary at Whitehall High School
Dana Mensher, Assistant Principal at Gockley Elementary School
Abby Smith, Building Substitute at Whitehall High School
Mark Thomas, Security Staff at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School
WCSD Job Opportunities
- Traffic Monitor [Multiple Positions]
- Utility Maintenance [Part time]
- Cafeteria Monitor
- Spanish LTS (Anticipated) High School
- Mathematics Teacher 9-12 [Anticipated]
- Nurse Assistant [2 positions]
- ESL Paraeducators [2 positions- High School and Steckel Elementary
- Paraeducators- Special Education [Multiple Positions]
- Paraeducator- 1:1 Support [Gockley Elementary School]