1-844-723-2729 (1-844-SAF2SAY)
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize the warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
S2SS works through 5 easy steps:
A tip is submitted via mobile app, website, or by calling the PA based 24/7 Crisis Center.
The tip is then triaged by the Crisis Center to gather enough information to act on it.
The tip is delivered to the impacted school and, as needed, local law enforcement via 911 County Dispatch.
The school and, as needed, local law enforcement assess and intervene with the at-risk individual.
The school then closes out the tip and reports actions taken as a record for their school.
Schedule is psoted on the home page of this site
All students are scheduled for eight periods.
Four periods meet each day and follow a 2 day rotation as indicated in the above table.
Students are assigned to a homeroom that will meet periodically throughout the school year, but not on a daily basis.
PM LCTI Leaves for LCTI at 11:00 AM.
AM LCTI returns to WHS at 11:45 AM.
Daily announcements will run during the first class of the day and the class that meets during the lunch period.
Materials sought to be distributed or posted as part of the curricular or extracurricular programs of the district shall be regulated as part of the school district’s educational program. Students who wish to distribute or post non school materials on school property shall submit them one (1) day in advance of planned distribution or posting to the building principal or designee. Such materials shall be officially dated, and the school may remove the materials within ten (10) days of the posting or other reasonable time as stated in the administrative regulations or procedures relating to posting. Approved materials are to be displayed on designated bulletin boards only.
Students must maintain appropriate behavior at all times while in the cafeteria. Students are expected to report to the cafeteria for their assigned lunch time. Students are not permitted to leave campus. Throwing of food or disruptive behavior of any kind may result in suspension and/or citation.
To assist in ensuring the safety of our students, staff and visitors, camera surveillance equipment will be used for security purposes. This equipment may or may not be monitored at any time. Surveillance cameras will generally be utilized only in public areas where there is no “reasonable expectation of privacy.” Public areas may include school buses; building entrances; hallways; parking lots; front offices where students, employees, and parents come and go; gymnasiums during public activities; cafeterias; and supply rooms. However, it is not possible for surveillance cameras to cover all public areas of District buildings or all District activities. District surveillance cameras will not be installed in “private” areas such as restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, private offices (unless consent by the office owner is given), or classrooms.
Students are permitted to have cell phones and other personal electronic devices in the high school building under the following conditions:
Personal devices must remain on mute/vibrate during school hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Under no circumstances, may students use cell phones to make or receive phone calls or engage in video conferencing (i.e. FaceTime), audio or video recording during the school hours or while in detention. If phone calls must be made, a phone is available in the main office.
Personal devices may be used for educational purposes in the classroom with specific permission and under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher.
Students are permitted to use headphones and mobile device capabilities/applications in the following areas:
Hallways, and bathrooms before, after, and during school hours.
Classrooms and study halls at the discretion of the classroom teacher for educational purposes.
Headphones may be used provided that volume does not disturb or distract others.
When addressed by an adult anywhere on campus students will turn off volume and remove headphones/earbuds.
Failure to use a personal electronic device as outlined above will be deemed as insubordination and will result in progressive disciplinary action. Progressive disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, warning, parent/guardian contact, detention, office referral, and/or suspension. If your electronic device is not used in accordance with school and/or district policy, administration is authorized to take possession of the device. Failure to turn over the device when requested by an administrator will result in disciplinary consequences.
Students are completely responsible for the use, maintenance, and safety of their own personal electronic devices. Student requests to charge their devices will not be honored. Students should use proper precautions to safeguard their personal property at all times. The school cannot be responsible for stolen electronic devices and will not investigate such incidences. An incident report should be completed with the School Resource Officer.
Any confiscated or lost electronic devices not retrieved by the last student day of school may be donated to a non-profit organization or discarded.
School employees who in the course of employment come into contact with children shall report or cause a report to be made when they have reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis of medical, professional, or other training and experience, that a child is a victim of child abuse. School employees who suspect child abuse shall immediately notify the administrator and report the suspected child abuse to the designated state agency.
The school district prohibits students from using, possessing, distributing, and being under the influence of any controlled substance during school hours, at any time while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, and during the time spent traveling to and from school and school-sponsored activities.
Controlled substances prohibited by federal and state law.
Look-alike drugs.
Alcoholic beverages.
Anabolic steroids.
Drug paraphernalia.
Any volatile solvents or inhalants, such as but not limited to glue, pepper sprays, vaporizers and aerosol products.
Substances that when ingested cause physiological effects that are similar to the effect of a controlled substance as defined by federal or state law, such as but not limited to herbal incense or other products containing synthetic cannabinoids.
Prescription or patent drugs, except those for which permission for use in school had been granted pursuant to Board policy.
Any student who possesses or uses a small amount of controlled substances, over the counter or prescription medication, or possesses paraphernalia associated with controlled substances shall be suspended or considered for expulsion in accordance with Board policy. When possession or use is in violation of legal status, the case will be referred to local law enforcement.
If a student should be involved a second time in possessing or using controlled substances or possessing paraphernalia associated with controlled substances, the student’s behavior will be grounds for expulsion of the student from the district.
The case will be referred to local law enforcement and drug counseling services available in the community.
If a student should be involved in possessing a large amount of controlled substances, over the counter or prescription medication, or if a student dispenses or sells controlled substances, over the counter or prescription medication, the student’s behavior will be grounds for expulsion of that student from the district. The expulsion and referral will be treated in accordance with a second offense utilizing law enforcement and drug counseling.
610-437-5081, ext. 1808 or 1809
sites.google.com/whitehallcoplay.org/whscounselingoffice/home Twitter@_WHScounseling
Students are encouraged to meet with their respective counselor at the beginning of the year to update their transcripts and maintain a working relationship with them. Meetings will also be scheduled during the second semester to request courses for the following school year; but students are invited to set up an appointment at any time.
In addition to counseling individual students, this department's responsibilities include the maintenance of cumulative records, registration and withdrawals, program planning, various testing programming, dissemination of college, educational, military, and vocational information, parent/guardian/teacher conferences, and contacts with outside agencies.
Whitehall High School 610-437-5081
Whitehall-Coplay Middle School 610-439-1439
Zephyr Elementary 610-871-3671
Steckel Elementary 610-435-1521
Gockley Elementary 610-433-7551
Whitehall-Coplay School District Office 610-439-1431
Borough of Coplay Borough Office 610-262-6088
Coplay Public Library 610-262-7351
Whitehall Township Municipal Office 610-437-5524
Whitehall Township Public Library 610-432-4339
Coplay Police Administration 610-262-2288
Whitehall Township Police Admin. 610-437-3042
Police, Fire, Ambulance Emergency 911
Parents are encouraged to arrange medical, dental, and other appointments for their children after school hours. Any dismissal before 2:45 p.m. must be requested with a signed parental note. The note must be brought to the attendance office before 8:00 a.m. and must:
Be dated.
Give a valid reason for the dismissal.
Specify the student's departure time.
Indicate a telephone number where the parent can be reached.
Be signed by the parent.
Students who have a valid Whitehall High School parking tag may drive to appointments.
An "Early Dismissal Slip" will then be issued to the student. This slip must be retained and shown upon request. Parents requesting an early dismissal without sending a written note must sign their student out of school in the attendance office and provide a valid picture ID.
Students signing-in late to school or signing-out early from school for a medical appointment MUST have a medical note upon their return to school in order for their absence to be marked as medically excused.
DELAY OF SCHOOL/EARLY DISMISSAL
When it is necessary to close or delay school due to inclement weather, the WCSD messenger system will be used and announcements will be made on local radio stations, social media, as well as local TV and Channel 69 News. When school is dismissed early, students are expected to report to ALL CLASSES prior to the dismissal time.
If school is canceled due to inclement weather, we will observe the next letter day on the next day school is in session. AM LCTI will not be in session for students on 2-hour delay days. AM LCTI students who use private transportation to school, do not need to report until after first lunch (11:35 AM). Those who ride the school bus will report to a study hall.
Staff and students will comply with any federal, state, or local mandates/requirements regarding masking. If no mandate/requirement exists, the use of masks will be optional for staff and students.
Students/staff who are suspected of any communicable disease will be required to wear a face covering while waiting for departure. Face coverings will be provided by the nursing suite staff. Students will be escorted to the office for departure.
If substantial evidence of local spread exists in a location or program, universal masking may be enacted in a building or program level.
If a federal, state, or local mandate/requirement regarding masking is in effect, face coverings must be worn in a manner that suits the recommendations set forth in the Pennsylvania Universal Face Covering Order and the CDC Guidance for Wearing Masks:
Family/Educational trips are subject to approval of the principal and are limited to seven (7) school days in the year. A trip form must be completed and approved at least five (5) days before the trip. Family/Educational Trip Forms may be obtained at the attendance office or online. All work must be made up within five (5) days upon returning to school. Students leaving school prior to the end of either semester are not permitted to take final exams early. Students must coordinate final exam make up times with their administrator prior to the planned trip. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade on the final.
Any food or drink deemed to be a safety hazard or a disruption to the educational process is prohibited.
Food / drinks are not permitted in the classroom without specific permission from the classroom teacher.
Students are not permitted to have food delivered to the high school.
Students who attend LCTI are encouraged to place money into their WHS lunch account in the event that a situation arises causing the student to remain at WHS for lunch.
Google accounts are assigned to all students and may be utilized for online collaboration on various educational assignments/ projects. Student Google accounts will include Google drive capabilities such as email, docs, slides, sheets, forms, etc. which may be accessed from home or school. Classroom teachers may assign additional online student accounts for educational purposes consistent with the WCSD Acceptable Use Policy. Please contact the High School Main Office if you have questions/concerns regarding the issuance of educational accounts.
610-437-5081, ext. 1807
Only first aid, defined as the immediate temporary care given in case of accident or sudden illness, will be given in school. Parents are requested to make arrangements for necessary transportation when a student needs to go home, to the family doctor or to the hospital. In the case of an emergency, the nurse will request for an ambulance.
All students becoming ill or injured are not to contact a parent for pick up prior to seeing the school nurse. The nurse will notify the parent in the event the child is to be sent home or is in need of more medical attention. If the student contacts a parent for pick up prior to seeing the school nurse and the illness/injury does not warrant going home per district guidelines, the absence will be unexcused.
Hours: Monday through Thursday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Friday: 7:30 am – 3:05pm
The library is closed when school is not in session.
WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/whitehallcoplay.org/whslibrary
STUDENT USE OF LIBRARY
Library access and use is a privilege. Socialization must never be disruptive to others' productivity.
Students must have a signed teacher pass or library pass to utilize the library.
Unless specified by the teacher or librarian, students are expected to remain in the library for the duration of the period.
Students are not permitted to use the library during their lunch period.
Students entering the library are required to sign-in upon arrival.
STUDY HALL USE
Students who want to use the library during study halls must attain a library designated study hall pass between 7:30am – 8:00am.
Passes are available in the library at the circulation desk.
Without a library study hall pass, students are limited to fifteen minutes.
BORROWING MATERIALS
Maximum of five items may be borrowed at a time.
Loan period for materials is two weeks.
Borrowing privileges are suspended until all overdue materials are returned and/or fines paid.
Students are financially responsible for all lost or damaged items. Any outstanding obligation remaining at the end of the school year will be handled by administration and may impact release of records and participation in graduation.
LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY USE GUIDELINE
The computers in the library are for educational use only with a priority on information research.
Food or drink of any kind is not permitted in the library.
You may print ONLY ONE COPY of any paper that was typed by you.
Printing must be aligned with instructional objectives and may be restricted.
Information and research may be saved to a personal USB or school Google Drive; however, all copyright infringements are the student’s responsibility.
Personal programs, CD/DVDs, and microphones are not permitted.
You may not touch or change any of the controls, connections, settings, or programs on these computers.
NON-EDUCATIONAL SITES, including chat rooms, instant messaging, social media sites, etc. are not permitted.
You may not use these computers for any illegal activity.
Any violation of these guidelines, and all others found in the Whitehall-Coplay School District Technology Use Policy #815 and subsequent addendums and attachments will result in disciplinary actions for the violator. In some cases legal action and loss of computer privileges may apply.
Students who lose their library privileges will need to use an alternate library for research work. This also includes after school hours.
The acceptable use of the electronic communications systems and network policy is available for review on the district web site at www.whitehallcoplay.org Click on the “Technology Policy” link. This policy and any/all updates and/or additions shall remain in force through the student’s school career with Whitehall-Coplay School District. It is the responsibility of the student to read and follow the policy and any supplements that may be added hereto as amendments or additions.
Students who have lost anything of value are to report such losses to the main office as soon as possible. Students should take great caution in bringing valuable items and are encouraged not to carry large sums of money while in school. The school cannot be responsible for stolen items and will not investigate stolen property.
Per McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act:
The Act defines the term “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Students in homeless situations have the right to:
Be identified as homeless and receive Title I services and other supports to ensure their academic success.
Be immediately enrolled in school despite their unstable housing situation and despite their inability to produce documents ordinarily required of students who have a permanent residence.
Receive assistance in procuring school records.
Be allowed to stay in the school they attended when they became homeless or the school in which they were last enrolled (called school of origin).
Be transported from their current place of residence to the school of origin to reduce the need for them to transfer from school to school.
Receive free school nutrition.
Receive referrals to medical, mental health, dental, and other appropriate services.
Receive assistance in acquiring school supplies, standard dress or uniforms, backpacks, and other provisions needed to succeed in school.
If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact our district's Homeless Liaison, Mr. Christopher Schiffert at schiffertc@whitehallcoplay.org.
If a student must take medication during the school day, a parent must deliver the medication with a completed Medication Dispensing Form to the school nurse, who will safely store the medication and administer the dosage as prescribed. Students may not carry or transport any medication, prescription or over the counter. A student may not possess medication in school as per the WCSD Board Policy. Medication must be stored in the nurse’s office.
The school nurse maintains health records. Parents/guardians are encouraged to share any information with the school nurse that may be helpful in updating the current health records.
1-844-723-2729 (1-844-SAF2SAY)
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize the warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
S2SS works through 5 easy steps:
A tip is submitted via mobile app, website, or by calling the PA based 24/7 Crisis Center.
The tip is then triaged by the Crisis Center to gather enough information to act on it.
The tip is delivered to the impacted school and, as needed, local law enforcement via 911 County Dispatch.
The school and, as needed, local law enforcement assess and intervene with the at-risk individual.
The school then closes out the tip and reports actions taken as a record for their school.
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to assist students who are experiencing academic, social, and/or emotional difficulties in their lives. The goal of SAP is to identify potential barriers that are interfering with a student’s overall well-being and to offer resources and support both in and out of school. The referral process is confidential and any staff member, student, or parent/guardian can complete a simple online referral form found on the high school website or by contacting anyone in the counseling department. Referral forms are available online and can be obtained through the district website. The SAP team is here to help students, not to punish them.
Please see the calendar link on the home page of this site.
All visitors must show photo ID when they enter the building. Visitors must enter the building through the main entrance lobby to obtain a visitor badge. Students are not permitted to bring visitors to the school.
In accordance with WCSD Board Policy, all volunteers and any individual who will have direct contact with students shall complete a volunteer disclosure sheet and be approved by the appropriate administrator. A record of their names and a brief description of the service performed shall be maintained via the visitors log at the building level.
For further information, please refer to the WCSD Board Policy #916 – School Volunteers.
Whitehall-Coplay School District provides employees and students with access to the district’s electronic communications systems and network, which includes Internet access, whether wired or wireless, or by any other means.
The electronic communications systems and network provide vast, diverse and unique resources. The Board will provide access to the district’s network and systems and to the Internet for staff members and for students, in order to access information, for research, and for collaboration to facilitate learning and teaching.
For users, the district’s network and electronic communications systems are to be used primarily for education-related purposes and performance of job duties. Incidental personal use of school computers shall be permitted for employees so long as such use does not interfere with the employee’s job duties and performance, with system operations, or with other system users. Personal use must comply with this policy and all other applicable policies, procedures and rules, and must not damage the school’s hardware, software, computer or electronic communications systems. Students may only use the network and electronic communications systems for educational purposes.
Only a custodial parent/guardian may withdraw a student from school. Notification of intent to withdraw should be given at least one week prior to the final day of attendance. All obligations must be satisfied in order for the withdrawal to be approved.
According to child labor laws of the state of Pennsylvania, all persons between 14 and 18 must have a working permit in order to engage in full or part-time employment. Working papers are issued by Whitehall High School to all residents of the school district who are affected by the law. To begin the application process, a parent/guardian or student must come to the main office of the high school to request administrative approval to determine eligibility based on attendance and grades. If approved, a parent/guardian and/or student must provide the following: student’s birth certificate, passport, or green card. Students must be in good standing (academic/attendance) in order to receive working papers.