Zephyr Zipline
November 2024
Zephyr Elementary School's BEEZ Buddies have a unique leadership opportunity to make a positive impact on their school community. As leaders of the school, these 5th grade ambassadors play a vital role in welcoming new students, giving tours, and sharing insights into Zephyr's values and expectations. Additionally, they act as a sounding board for school initiatives, offering feedback and ideas from a student perspective. Through these experiences, Zephyr's BEEZ Buddies develop essential communication, empathy, and leadership skills while building a welcoming and supportive school environment for all.
Welcoming New Students!
At Zephyr Elementary, our BEEZ Buddies program pairs new students with friendly, welcoming guides on their very first day. BEEZ Buddies help new students feel at home by answering questions, offering a friendly smile, and leading a tour of the building. This program ensures that every new student quickly feels like part of the Zephyr family!
Helping to Spread the Message!
The BEEZ Buddies at Zephyr Elementary play a key role in spreading our BEEZ Expectations: Being safe, Excelling in all you do, Encouraging others, and showing Zephyr pride. These dedicated students model these values daily and make sure new students learn them from day one, helping to create a positive and supportive school environment for everyone.
Planning New Initiatives!
The BEEZ Buddies at Zephyr Elementary work closely with teachers, principals, and each other to develop new initiatives and enhance existing protocols, ensuring a vibrant school community. Their collaborative efforts bring fresh perspectives and help strengthen programs that support all students in meeting our BEEZ Expectations. Together, they foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.
Synthia Layous
Volunteering at the food pantry has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Every time I help distribute food to those in need, I feel a deep sense of purpose and connection to my community. It's heartwarming knowing that I am contributing to easing their burdens, even if its just for a moment. I go to the food pantry every week and over time, I've built strong bonds with many of the patrons. Seeing the same faces regularly has allowed me to form personal connections, learning their names, stories, and the challenges they face. These moments of interactions have turned the routine of volunteering into something deeply personal. It's no longer about handing out food- it's about checking in with them, sharing a laugh, and offering words of encouragement. This experience has taught me how important it is to give back. Even small acts of kindness can make a big impact in someones life.
This year, Whitehall math teachers received training on 'Space Learning Over Time (SLOT)' as a review strategy to implement across elementary math instruction to help improve math retention.This involves reviewing concepts approximately 6 weeks after instruction, which research shows is the critical time for solidifying retention. At Steckel, we are implementing this as Throwback Thursday! To increase engagement, students get to look at a different teacher's elementary school photo each week and try to guess who they are, followed by our I Try, We Try, You Try review process of the targeted skill. Students and teachers find Throwback Thursdays fun, empowering, and effective!
Grace Chehab & Mr. Rile
How has this faculty/staff member contributed to your personal growth or academic journey?
Mr. Rile was my history teacher in 9th grade, and 9th grade was a rough year for me. Mr. Rile was always there for me! He was so thoughtful and kind to me, and always listened to what I had to say, even if what I spoke about made no sense. I was a little upset that he got a promotion, because that meant I wouldn't be able to go bother him while he taught his classes, but I got to see him a little more! Everytime he sees me in the hallway, he would call my name and say hi! He taught me a lot about myself without his realization, and he was one of the people who really changed me for the better. I had a lot of great teachers throughout my highschool years, like Mr. Kondikoff, Mr. Fick, Mr. Yadush, and Mrs. Schanta, they all helped me shape who I am today. Mr. Rile will always be considered the best teacher/staff there is at Whitehall in my opinion, and is forever in my heart. Mr. Rile has my utmost respect and I thank him everyday, for helping me with so much.
What do you appreciate most about this faculty/staff member?
I appreciate how wise Mr. Rile is, and how kind and thoughtful he is. He is so open-minded, and such a cheerful person! I appreciate that he never looked down on me, and didn't treat me any less or any more then anyone else!
Charlotte Bynoe & Mrs. Stoudt
How has this faculty/staff member contributed to your personal growth or academic journey?
Mrs Stoudt has helped me in ways of finding outabout myself. She would also take the time to help me relearn subjects so that I could get better scores and have a better understanding on the particular topic. She helped me to want to come to school, and although I had some missed classes, she always let me know that I was missed when I wasn’t in attendance. She’s the best!
What do you appreciate most about this faculty/staff member?
Mrs Stoudt was always there when I didn’t even know I needed someone. She always made sure to check up on me when I was having a hard time, and was so personable and reliable. You can see how much she loves her students, and I truly do feel it.
Every Wednesday, students and staff across all Whitehall schools, from kindergarten to 12th grade, come together to celebrate Whitehall Wednesday! On this special day, everyone is encouraged to wear their Whitehall gear—whether it’s a T-shirt, hoodie, or hat—to show their school spirit.
Whitehall Wednesday is more than just wearing school colors; it’s about fostering unity and pride. From our youngest learners to our seniors, this weekly tradition helps build a strong sense of community across all grades.
So don’t forget—every Wednesday, wear your Whitehall gear and join the fun!
If you are looking for where to grab some Whitehall gear, try our Gear Store.
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
Please click this link to view the monthly Title 1 Parent Newsletter.
Did you know that Lehigh Career & Technical Institute shares a monthly newsletter highlighting its programs and offerings? Check it out - https://bit.ly/lctinews
Grace Kemmerer, 3rd Grade Inclusion Teacher, Steckel Elementary School
How many years have you worked at Whitehall-Coplay?
This is my first year teaching in the Whitehall-Coplay School District, but I have been teaching percussion for the marching band for the past 6 years.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Crocheting, lifting weights, and playing my instrument
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
I love our sense of community here at Whitehall. Our campus location really aids in all the different grade levels working and learning together. As a musician, I especially loved the concerts that included elementary, middle, and high school students all together!
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Hard work definitely pays off. Don't get discouraged to reach for the stars.
Ted McMahon, Chemistry Teacher, Whitehall High School
How many years have you worked at Whitehall-Coplay?
This is my sixth year.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love to cook, garden, hike and sail.
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
I love the single unified campus. The idea that my students can walk over to an elementary school and act as mentors to younger students is huge, and it doesn't happen in other school districts. You can really feel the community, especially during events like the senior graduation parade.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
"Don’t change a thing" - I've made many mistakes in my life, lots of them foolish and embarrassing. There were several occasions I was lucky to escape unscathed, and others, where I was not so lucky, left a tapestry of scars and painful memories. Yet, without my failures I would have never learned how to overcome. Without facing my demons, I would have never learned how capable I really am.
Amber Berg, Reading Paraprofessional, Zephyr Elementary School
How many years have you worked at Whitehall-Coplay?
8
What are your favorite hobbies?
Traveling to new places.
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
I love that everything is on one campus and the amazing teachers and staff.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
That it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. Take the leap of faith even if you are scared.
- Secretary [High School]
- Registration Secretary [District Office]
- Substitute Secretaries [District Wide]
- School Psychologist [District Wide]
- Substitute Teachers [District Wide]
- Security Guard [Whitehall High School & Whitehall-Coplay Middle School]
- Traffic Monitors
- Bus Drivers
- Substitute Bus Aides
- Substitute Nurses [District Wide]
- Custodial Substitutes [District Wide]
- Assistant Coach- Girls Basketball
- Assistant Coach- Swimming
