Zephyr Zipline
September 2024
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
Did you know that Lehigh Career & Technical Institute shares a monthly newsletter highlighting its programs and offerings? Check it out - https://bit.ly/lctinews
Dr. Peter Mayes, Whitehall High School Principal
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 27 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!
Dr. Sherry Holub, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School Principal
My career in education has spanned 23 years and 5 school districts. The past 18 years have been in administration. Delaware Valley University granted me a Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2017 with dissertation work in the area of assessment. I earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University in 2006. Kutztown University conferred a Master’s in Education in Social Studies in 1998 along with a teaching certificate.
My educational experiences have afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. My educational philosophy is based on a belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family.
This school year will bring changes moving us in a positive direction socially and academically for all students. I am excited for the growth this school year will bring. I will work diligently along with you and your child’s teachers to ensure a positive learning experience for all the students.
Mr. Gabe Dillard, Zephyr Elementary Principal
It is my pleasure to introduce myself to the Zephyr community as Principal of Zephyr Elementary School. My name is Gabriel Dillard, and I am eager to begin this exciting journey with the Zephyr community as we embark on another promising school year. I look forward to getting to know each of the students, the dedicated staff, and the supportive families that make up our school. Below you will find a brief overview of who I am and how my journey in education led me to Zephyr Elementary School.
My journey in education began in Bethlehem, PA, where I attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Notre Dame High School of Easton. It was during my time at Notre Dame that my aspirations to become an educator began, and I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education from Kutztown University.
In the fall of 2005, I began my career as a special education teacher in Nanakuli, Hawaii, where I taught high school mathematics and had the privilege of serving as an assistant wrestling coach. After two years, my wife and I welcomed our first son and decided to return to the Lehigh Valley, where I continued my journey as a special education teacher at Wilson Area High School for seven rewarding years. During my time at Wilson, I also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University. In 2014, I became a part of the Zephyr community as Assistant Principal of Whitehall High School, where I served until joining the staff of Zephyr Elementary School in January of 2022.
Currently, my wife and I reside in Bethlehem Township with our three sons, Keanu, Reef, and Waimea, and our two dogs, Moki and Tito. All three of our sons are actively involved in athletics and much of our time outside of school is spent on the wrestling mat or the gym. Additionally, my wife and I are both from large families and typically spend our free time visiting and catching up with our siblings.
Since the beginning of my career in Whitehall, I have always felt welcome by students and staff, and have taken pride in continuing to share that feeling with others in our community. As you get to know me, you will find that collaboration is essential to me, and I strongly believe that by working together as a team, we can create an environment where every student can thrive. With students, staff, my family, and in my own life, I emphasize the importance of goal-setting, recognizing individual strengths, and fostering a spirit of constant self-improvement. My goal is to build partnerships to ensure that our students reach their fullest potential.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Zephyr students, staff, and families. Should you have any questions, or concerns, or simply wish to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your input and involvement are invaluable as we continue to create a positive learning environment at Zephyr!
Mrs. Cora Snyder, Steckel Elementary Principal
It is with great honor and excitement that I introduce myself, Cora Snyder, as the Principal of Steckel Elementary. My passion for education has shaped me personally and professionally. My journey in education started as a 1st grade teacher in the Allentown School District. I served this district for 11 years, teaching 1st, 2nd , 3rd and 6th grade. During this time, I received a master’s degree in Education from Cabrini University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with my principal certification from Lehigh University. I ended my time in the Allentown School District as an acting assistant principal at Roosevelt Elementary. Also, I served as the assistant principal at Siegfried and Franklin Elementary Schools in the Northampton Area School District. These wonderful experiences along with amazing colleagues, students, and families has prepared me to lead as the principal of Steckel Elementary School.
Most importantly, I look forward to working together to ensure a positive impact on student academic achievements and social emotional growth. At Steckel we remain committed to providing a positive school and classroom environment in which every student feels safe, nurtured, respected. We will continue to provide appropriate and challenging instruction to reach each and every child everyday and nurture students social and emotional learning. We will encourage and provide shared opportunities for family and school engagement as we build relationships within our community together.
On a personal note, my husband and I have 2 children Kayla 15 and Tyler 20. My husband, Chris, is also an educator and teaches Kindergarten. My hobbies include spending time with my family, running, reading and coaching soccer and watching my daughter play basketball.
It is with the enthusiasm and pride that I look forward to continuing my journey an integral part of the community with my own family and working with each of you as we continue to grow together. I look forward to an amazing year ahead of us. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you would like to discuss. Go Zephyrs!
Mrs. Denise Saylor, Gockley Elementary Principal
I have worked in the Whitehall-Coplay School District for the past 28 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.
As we move into the upcoming school year, I am excited to be working with our Gockley students and families during our first year in the new school building. I believe that communication between school and home is an integral part of the education of students at the K-1 level. Please do not hesitate to contact me during the year with questions or concerns regarding your child’s education.
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.
Shaza Henshaw, School Nurse, Steckel Elementary
What are your favorite hobbies?
Reading, walking and spending time with my family.
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
The people! Everyone is so friendly and supportive.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Be kind to yourself, be confident in who you are and you don't always need to please others!
Kayla Piacquadio, MDS-B, Zephyr Elementary
What are your favorite hobbies?
Band, video games
What do you love about the Whitehall-Coplay School District?
One thing I love about the Whitehall-Coplay school district is the abundance of special education placements at the elementary level. Many school districts in the area do not offer much outside of learning support, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn that this school district has so many life skills, autistic support, and MDS classrooms.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
I would tell my 16-year-old self that it’s better to live with the discomfort of being judged for who you really are than to constantly hide yourself and seek the approval of others.
