Zephyr Zipline

Welcome to the start of the 2026-2027 school year! Superintendent Christopher Schiffert shares a special message with students, families, and staff as we launch another year of learning and growth together across the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

Video courtesy of WHS Studio

Chalk the Walk is our annual family event where students and families can come and decorate the walkways of Steckel to welcome our Stars back to school. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to leave uplifting messages and colorful artwork on our sidewalks for students and staff to see on the first day of school! We had a terrific turnout!

The Profile of a Zephyr is a graduate profile developed by the Whitehall-Coplay School District that outlines the ten essential traits every student is expected to possess by graduation. These ten traits—adaptable, collaborative, communicative, confident, creative, critical thinker, empathetic, leader, responsible, and problem solver—were chosen to ensure students are prepared for life beyond the classroom. The profile is named after the district's mascot, the Zephyr, which represents a gentle, west wind, symbolizing forward movement and change.

The creation of the Profile of a Zephyr was a community-wide effort. The district's steering committee conducted a comprehensive survey of students, staff, families, and local community businesses and stakeholders. This broad outreach was designed to identify the skills and mindsets that the community collectively values and believes are crucial for success in the 21st century. The feedback was analyzed to pinpoint the ten most frequently cited traits, which were then officially adopted as the core components of the profile. This inclusive process ensured the profile reflects the shared aspirations of the entire community, not just the school administration.

The Whitehall-Coplay School District uses the Profile of a Zephyr to create a unified and consistent educational experience across all grade levels and buildings. We intentionally weave these ten traits into the academic curriculum, social-emotional learning programs, and school-wide positive behavior initiatives to build a common language and set of expectations from kindergarten through 12th grade. This integration helps students become familiar with the traits over time, fostering a cohesive and continuous learning environment. The profile serves as a guiding framework for all educational decisions, from curriculum development to professional development for teachers, ensuring that all efforts are aligned toward the goal of producing graduates who embody these characteristics. Ultimately, we are equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, enabling them to succeed not only in college or a career but also as active, engaged citizens.

• Location: Parent pick-up and drop-off occurs at the side entrance of the building closest to Steckel Elementary. You must enter from Zephyr Blvd. in front of Steckel Elementary (closest to our softball fields). YOU MAY NOT DRIVE THROUGH THE BUS LOOP FOR STUDENT DROP OFF.
• Arrival: Students are to remain with their parents/guardians in their cars until school doors open at 7:15 AM. Drop-off runs from 7:15 AM until 7:30 AM when the school day begins. Any students arriving after 7:30 AM must sign in at the main office.
• Dismissal: Parent pick-up will begin at 2:15 PM. Please be mindful of students walking to cars and proceed carefully through the area.

Arrival: Morning drop-off runs from 7:45 AM to 8:00 AM at the back of the High School between WHS and Zephyr Elementary School. Students arriving after 8:00 AM must check in through the main entrance. Please note that cars will not be able to enter the "BUS ZONE" between 7:45 AM and 8:00 AM.

Dismissal: Students dismiss at 2:45 PM.

Our WCSD Traffic Monitors are stationed at key points across campus every day to direct traffic, coordinate bus flow, and ensure pedestrian safety. Please extend patience, courtesy, and respect to our team as they work hard to keep our school grounds safe and orderly for everyone!

WCSD has begun the process of using SchoolMessenger as our new mass communication platform. In order to receive text message notifications you MUST OPT IN to the service. Don't miss important updates. Text "Y" or "YES" to 67587 to OPT IN TODAY!

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!

Did you know that each of the buildings at Whitehall-Coplay School District has their own social media accounts? Check out how each building is telling their #WeAreZephyrs story!

Effective immediately, parking on grass areas around campus is prohibited. Please park in authorized parking areas making sure to follow all posted signage. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our campus well maintained and safe.

In an ongoing effort to create traffic patterns that maintain safety and efficiency within the Whitehall-Coplay School District campus, the following update took effect on Monday, August 25, 2025 for Elementary arrival and dismissal.

• Parents with their youngest child in Gockley, should enter from Mechanicsville Rd. and join the queue.
• Parents with their youngest child at either Steckel or Zephyr should enter at MacArthur Rd. or the Campus Dr. entrances off of Schadt Ave. or Mechanicsville Rd.
• Cars will no longer be allowed to turn from Zephyr Blvd. onto Whitehall Way. (See campus maps)
• Our School Resource Officers and local police will monitor traffic in person and through cameras.

Thank you for your assistance in making our campus a safer place for all.

Parent/guardian should navigate to PowerSchool to report an absence through SafeArrival.

Directions:

On the PowerSchool Mobile App

1.Log in to your parent portal

2. Choose Menu-SafeArrival

3. Report an absence

On desktop

1. Log in to your parent portal

2. Navigate to MyPowerHUb on the left-hand side

3.Choose Attendance-Safe Arrival Attendance

4.Report an absence

SafeArrival should be used for planned absences and unplanned absences. Lates and early departures should be reported directly to your child’s school.

Gockley & Steckel - September

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Zephyr - September

• Breakfast
• Lunch

MS -September

• Breakfast
• Lunch

HS -September

• Breakfast
• Lunch

September

3 Meet the Teacher Night (Zephyr Elementary)

4-7 Labor Day Holiday (Schools Closed)

10 Meet the Teacher Night (Steckel Elementary)

10 Meet the Techer Night (Whitehall High School)

28 Professional Learning Day (No School for Students)

October

12 Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)

28 Professional Learning (Early Dismissal for Students)

29 End of Marking Period 1

November

2 Professional Learning Day (NO School for Students)

23-24 Parent/Teacher Conferences (No School for Students)

25-30 Thanksgiving Break

Need to get in touch with school personnel? The link below provides all the information you need on who to contact and how to reach them. Click the button below to find the right person to assist you!

WHITEHALL-COPLAY
PTO PLUS
Everything we do comes from the heart!

Volunteer and be a part of these fun events!

• Children's Day
• Holiday Shoppers Shop
• Field Day
• Book Fair
• Valentine Sales

Email volunteerswcpto@gmail.com to be informed of our volunteer opportunities or with questions on clearances.

All volunteers must have clearances and a TB test at this time.
Clearances and the TB test are free for volunteers!

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

I have worked in the Whitehall-Coplay School District for many years as a classroom teacher, elementary school counselor, and now as the principal of Gockley Elementary. As a graduate of Whitehall High School, I am extremely honored and proud to be a part of the Gockley staff, this school district, and our community.

Prior to my employment at Whitehall, I was a kindergarten teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Administrative Certification from Penn State University. I have also attained my Master’s Degree in Elementary Counseling from Kutztown University.

I truly believe that a critical partnership between school and home is the cornerstone of our students' growth and success at the K-1 level. By working closely together, we ensure the best possible support for every child. Please feel invited to reach out throughout the year with any questions or concerns as we collaborate to make this school year exceptional.

As your child’s principal, I am excited for the rewards and challenges this school year will bring. Most importantly, I will work diligently along with your child’s teachers to ensure a positive learning experience for all the students of Gockley Elementary.

Hello Steckel families! My name is Mrs. Rothermel, and I am honored to serve as the principal of Steckel Elementary School. I bring almost 20 years of experience in school and district level leadership, and I’m passionate about creating a learning environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.

I grew up right here in the Lehigh Valley, and I’m incredibly excited to return home to this fantastic community. It’s a privilege to serve in the place that shaped me, and I look forward to giving back to a region that means so much to my family and me.

Before joining the Steckel team, I was a Curriculum Supervisor, leading initiatives in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), assessment literacy, and standards-aligned curriculum development. I hold advanced degrees in School Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction and am currently completing my doctorate degree focused on inclusive leadership and instructional equity from Wilkes University.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, practicing yoga, attending concerts, and supporting the arts, particularly local community theater. I also love a good book, a nice iced coffee, and cheering on my favorite team, the Penn State Nittany Lions!

I believe that every child can succeed when given the proper support, encouragement, and opportunities. I value open communication and believe strong partnerships with families are essential to student success. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I welcome your questions, ideas, and feedback, and I look forward to working together to make this a fantastic year at Steckel!

It is with incredible excitement and a deep sense of pride that I write to you today as the Principal of Zephyr Elementary School. As a proud graduate of Whitehall High School, my roots in this community run deep. My educational journey began at Kutztown University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Social Studies. I later followed my passion for school leadership to Delaware Valley University, where I earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.

My professional heart has always been in the classroom and in the support of our students' diverse needs. My career began as a middle school special education teacher, a role I held for seven years before transitioning to high school to teach social studies. For the past four years, I have had the privilege of serving our district as an Assistant Principal at the high school.

My wife, Katie, is a teacher at Gockley Elementary, so our dinner table conversations are often centered on the success and growth of Whitehall students. We are also the proud parents of our daughter, Liv, and our son, Deacon. When we aren't in school, you can usually find us going to parks, on a field or in a gym—most of our time is spent playing or watching sports (Go Birds and Phils!)

My goal as your principal is to ensure that Zephyr Elementary provides a rock-solid foundation for your child’s future. I believe that our students can begin to master the tools for lifelong success. My vision emphasizes:

• Goal-Setting: Teaching students to look forward and aim high.
• Identifying Strengths: Helping every child discover what makes them unique and capable.
• Reflection & Self-Improvement: Encouraging a "growth mindset" where mistakes are simply opportunities to learn.

I am a firm believer that we cannot do this work in isolation. It takes a true partnership between home and school to help our children thrive. I look forward to meeting you at drop-off, during school events, and throughout the community.

I am honored to lead this school and work alongside such dedicated educators and families. Together, as one community, we will raise these young Zephyrs to be confident, kind, and ready to take on the world.

I'm thrilled to be the principal at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School, where my journey in education began! My passion for this profession, the vibrant campus environment, and the Zephyr pride throughout the Whitehall community first captured my heart during my student teaching placement here at the middle school while I was attending Kutztown University.

After graduating in 2008, I was ecstatic to begin my career teaching fifth grade at Zephyr Elementary. During my five years there, I built many lasting relationships within the Whitehall community and earned my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wilkes University. In 2014, I transitioned to Steckel Elementary, where I taught third grade for eight years. This period also saw me complete a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University and earn my Administrative Certification.

Having served as an elementary assistant principal for two years, it was an honor to return to the middle school in a district I've proudly called home throughout my entire career. I'm eager to collaborate with the dedicated staff, incredible students, and supportive families of the Whitehall-Coplay School District to ensure an exceptional educational experience for all our students.

Outside of school, my husband and I live in Perkasie with our two dogs, Hank and Emmylou. In my free time, you'll often find me curled up with a good book, seeking out live music, or enjoying time with friends and family. I love the sunshine and cherish days spent on the beach or at our cabin in the Catskills. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, I am here to support both you and your child throughout their middle school journey.

It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you as the principal of Whitehall High School! My name is Dr. Peter J. Mayes and I am excited to lead in this important role for your child.

Over the past 30 years, I have served as an educator in elementary and middle schools throughout the Lehigh Valley, which is where I grew up. I began my professional career as a 5th and 6th grade teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District. I made a difficult decision to leave the classroom and joined Mosser Elementary School in the Allentown School District as Principal. As my daughters approached middle school, I was blessed to serve the Bethlehem Area School District as the Principal of Nitschmann Middle School and was fortunate enough to be their principal! Now, I have the opportunity to help your child make the leap from the middle school years to graduation here at Whitehall High School.

Thank you for entrusting your child’s education with the Whitehall-Coplay School District and Whitehall High School. As a first-generation college graduate, I know the power of a strong education and the lifelong impact that it can have on a person and their family. I believe strongly that a well-balanced education can make all the difference in a child’s future to help them achieve more than the previous generation. My parents encouraged me to make sure I always pursued higher education. I have earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University, my Masters of Science in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction from Kutztown University, my Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University, and my Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from East Stroudsburg University.

Please communicate with me about any concerns, successes, or suggestions for your child or our school. You will find that I communicate regularly with our Whitehall High School community so we can all celebrate our students together!

How many years have you worked in education?

This is my 17th year in education and 17th at WCSD.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I love to read, cook, and eat great food!

What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?

I love that I get to work with some of my favorite former teachers!

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

Life is tough, get a helmet. And Parallel Parking is not that important.

How many years have you worked in education?

This is my 23rd year in education and 19th at WCSD.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Scrapbooking, Crafting, Coffee with friends

What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?

All of the diversity.

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

Please do not give up. You can do this.

Jordan Costello, Special Education Teacher, Gockley Elementary

Taylor Neel, Science Teacher, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School

Taylor Mann, Paraprofessional, Steckel Elementary

Kiondra Carter, Paraprofessional, Steckel Elementary

Ashley Diaz, Paraprofessional, Steckel Elementary

Amanda Otto, Paraprofessional, Gockley Elementary

Madelynn Scott, Paraprofessional, Whitehall High School

Feebie Snow, Paraprofessional, Zephyr Elementary

Jacob Youwakim, Traffic Monitor, Whitehall-Coplay School District

Belisa Castillo, Vehicle Assistant, Whitehall-Coplay School District

• Paraprofessional [Grades 6-12]
• Paraprofessionals [K-12]
• Substitute Teacher [District Wide]
• Substitute Paraprofessional [District Wide]
• Substitute Nurse [District Wide]
• Substitute Security [Whitehall High School]
• PT Traffic Monitor [District Wide]
• Non-CDL Van/Bus Driver [Transportation]
• Bus Driver [Transportation]
• Bus Aide Substitute [Transportation]
• Head Boy's Tennis Coach [Athletics]
• Assistant Track and Field Coach [Athletics]

The Zephyr Pride Foundation believes every student deserves the chance to excel. We strengthen our schools by supporting opportunities that inspire learning, creativity, and achievement across academics, arts, and athletics.

As a key component of supporting the Whitehall-Coplay School District, the Zephyr Pride Foundation is proud to provide three scholarships to Whitehall High School seniors. Each scholarship represents excellence in one of the three areas of student success in the district: Academics, Arts, and Athletics. Congratulations to this year's recipients and we wish them continued success in their future endeavours.

Looking for an update on what's going on with our Zephyr Athletic teams? Then you've come to the right place! Take a look at all of the incredible things our athletes are accomplishing.

• 9/4 v. Nazareth: First Home Game
• 9/11 v. Northampton: Football Alumni Night
• 9/18 v. Pleasant Valley: 1976 Football Team Hall of Fame Induction
• 9/24 v. Liberty: Honoring the 1980's and 1990's Football Teams
• 10/15 v. William Allen: Honoring the 2000's Football Teams
• 10/30 v. Allentown Central Catholic: Honoring Coplay Football

As we gear up for the 2025-2026 athletic schedule, we’re excited to enhance your game-day experience! Stay connected with our events through the new ScoreVision Fan App, seamlessly integrated with our Zephyr Turf, Football Stadium, and Main Gymnasium scoreboards. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following along from home, the app ensures you don’t miss a moment.

Special Board Meeting

Operations/Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda

Finance Committee Meeting Agenda

Education/Student Activities Committee Meeting Agenda

Agenda