Zephyr Zipline
October 2024
The Whitehall-Coplay School District is proud to announce the opening of the new Gockley Elementary School, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance learning and foster a strong sense of community. This highly anticipated project spans 93,480 square feet and provides a welcoming, engaging environment for up to 700 kindergarten through first-grade students.
Strategically located parallel to Zephyr Boulevard, the new school complements the surrounding landscape, integrating with the open green space inside the loop road. The facility has been designed to create a unified and cohesive campus.
Key Features of the New School:
Classroom Capacity: The building includes 13 Kindergarten classrooms and 13 First-Grade classrooms, as well as classrooms to service students receiving Special Education and English as a Second Language services. Small group classroom spaces are also utilized to provide math and reading interventions for the students. Each of these specially designed instructional spaces provides the capacity to meet the needs of all K-1 students within the community.
Efficient Layout: The two-story classroom wing is designed with efficiency in mind. Both floors feature identical layouts, with 16 classrooms and four small group rooms each. Central collaboration zones on both levels create a flexible, student-centered learning environment that encourages teamwork and interaction.
Centralized Lobby: At the heart of the school, a spacious central lobby serves as the main connection between the two-story classroom wing and the shared-use wing. This design promotes accessibility and provides an inviting entrance for students, staff, and visitors.
Library: The school’s library, located on the second floor directly above the main entrance, occupies a prominent position in the building. With expansive views to the east, the library is designed as a hub of learning, creativity, and exploration.
Multipurpose Room: The most iconic space in the building is the Multipurpose Room, which functions as a combined gymnasium, cafeteria, and auditorium. This versatile area is equipped to host physical education classes, school assemblies, and community events.
“The children learning at Gockley today are the community leaders of tomorrow. Our District realizes the extreme importance of providing our K-1 students with a solid educational foundation as they embark on their journey from kindergarten to twelfth grade. The new elementary building will ensure that our students have the facilities and tools to begin realizing their potential,” said Denise Saylor, Principal of Gockley Elementary School.
The school’s design reflects the district’s commitment to creating a 21st-century learning environment that supports academic achievement, creativity, and personal growth. With its modern classrooms, collaborative spaces, and cutting-edge facilities, the new elementary school is poised to become a cornerstone of the Whitehall-Coplay School District for generations to come.
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.
Student Council
The Student Council at WCMS will celebrate this year's Red Ribbon Week. Student Council plans Spirit Week dress-up days as well as lunch activities throughout the week. The mission of RRW is to inform students to help keep them drug free. Communities In Schools and the Student Assistance Program will be providing additional activities for our students to promote their theme "Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free".
This month in music, kindergarten students have been exploring steady beat and learning to use their four voices—shout, sing, speak, and whisper—through fun and engaging songs like Bate Bate, Doggie Doggie Where’s Your Bone?, Bee Bee Bumble Bee, Just from the Kitchen, Tortillitas para Mamá, and Jänöpupu ja Pakkanen Puhurin Poika. They are also learning to play instruments such as castanets, rhythm sticks, egg shakers, and shape drums.
Our 1st graders are continuing their exploration of steady beat while also focusing on high and low sounds, long and short sounds, and using their four voices. They’ve been singing songs like Star Light Star Bright, Kye Kye Kule, The Amazing Aida Bella, Los Pollitos Dicen, Doña Araña, and Apple Tree. In addition, they’ve been excited to play instruments like Boomwhackers, shape drums, rhythm sticks, and lollipop drums.
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
Heather Hampton, Whitehall 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.
Michael Rile, Whitehall High School Assistant Principal
It is my pleasure to serve you as an assistant principal this year. Before 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 feel free to contact me or see me with any questions or concerns.
Justin Tice, Whitehall High School Assistant Principal
I am thrilled to join the exceptional administrative team at Whitehall High School for the 2024-2025 school year. With 13 years of experience as a dedicated biology and chemistry teacher at WHS, and having served as Assistant Principal at Salisbury High School in the latter half of the 2023-2024 school year, I bring a deep commitment to our school community and a strong desire to support its continuous growth and evolution for the betterment of our students.
In 2009, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in Integrative Organismal Biology from East Stroudsburg University. Following my passion for teaching, I completed a Master's degree in Professional and Secondary Education in 2011, also at East Stroudsburg University. I am curently a Doctoral candidate at East Stroudsburg University, working towards an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration.
As Assistant Principal, I aim to cultivate a safe and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to realize their full potential. I am a passionate lifelong learner and strive to inspire this quality in our students. I firmly believe in the transformative power of collaboration to support students in achieving their highest aspirations. Through clear and consistent communication and a commitment to innovation, I seek to foster an environment that promotes equitable academic excellence and a strong sense of community.
Together with the Whitehall-Coplay School District community, I am eager to embrace new opportunities, promote student success, and continue building a vibrant and supportive educational environment where every student thrives.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I welcome and encourage open communication in support of our school and students.
Bethany Koenig, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School Assistant Principal
Joshua Thatcher, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School Assistant Principal
It is my pleasure to serve you as an assistant principal this year. Over the past 25 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 6th 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.
Amanda Kusko, Zephyr Elementary Assistant Principal
For the past 24 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.
Dr. Alicia Knauff, Steckel Elementary 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. This school year, I am happy to return to Steckel Elementary where my career in the Whitehall-Coplay School District began.
As a graduate and resident of Whitehall, I am invested in making Whitehall-Coplay School District 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.
Dana Mensher, Gockley Elementary Assistant Principal
I am eager to continue working with our students, staff, and families as we move into our new “Gorgeous Gockley” building. The past 12 years of my 20+ years in education have been at Whitehall as a Fifth Grade Teacher and a Math Instructional Support Teacher at Zephyr Elementary. During my time there I continued my own education by obtaining my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and my Principal Certification from Kutztown University.
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.
Regina Shields, 7th Grade Math Teacher, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School
How many years have you worked at Whitehall-Coplay?
This is my first year in Whitehall-Coplay School District.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my seven year old son and husband as well as my friends. I enjoy walking and working out whenever I can.
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
I believe joining the staff at Whitehall-Coplay School District has been my one of my best decisions. There is so much that I love about being a middle school teacher in this district. The new teacher onboarding process has been such an easy process thanks to the school district's organization and human resources department. Teachers are offered great opportunities for professional development from the EdCom Summit to our Middle School Math PD session. WCSD has a beautiful campus for its students and staff. I have found WCMS administration and staff have been welcoming, friendly, and supportive. I am really looking forward to the school year and working for WCSD!
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
I would tell my 16-year-old self one of my favorite quotes, "It doesn't matter where you come from, it matters where you are going." If you face adversity, as long as you set goals and believe in yourself then anything is possible.
Ben Stefan, Music Teacher, Steckel Elementary School
How many years have you worked at Whitehall-Coplay?
First year
What are your favorite hobbies?
Playing the piano, traveling to new places, and cooking
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
The tight knit community and the fact that it is all on one campus
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Don't worry so much about the future and live in the moment.
Tracey Marino, 8th Grade Learning Support, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School
How many years have you worked at Whitehall-Coplay?
17
What are your favorite hobbies?
Scrapbooking and coffee with friends.
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
The staff and the diversity.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Don't give up, it'll work out.
Audrey Cox, Cafeteria Monitor, Zephyr Elementary School
How many years have you worked at Whitehall-Coplay?
3
What are your favorite hobbies?
Trail walking, watching sports, eating, enjoying my grandson's activities, taking pictures, going to parks, festivals and seeing bands!! And my grandkidy Oreo
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
The campus is beautiful, the people are wonderful that I work with the kids are always interesting, when you get to know them, and it's close to home!!
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Stay focused, enjoy life, be happy and healthy!
- Mathematics Teacher [Middle-level]
- BCIT/STEM Teacher [Middle-level, 6-8]
- Paraeducator [2 positions, WHS and Zephyr Elementary]
- Security Guard [Whitehall High School]
- Cafeteria Monitors [Elementary level]
- Bus Drivers
- Substitute Bus Aides
- Custodial Substitutes [District Wide]
- Assistant Coach- Girls Basketball
- Assistant Coach- Swimming
