School Overview
Zephyr Elementary School officially opened its doors on September 8, 2009, for fourth and fifth grade students. The school is the result of a study initiated by the school district in 2002. Many options were outlined and explored, and in 2004 an improvement plan was decided upon. There were two phases of the new project. The first phase of construction expanded and renovated the high school, relocated the bus transportation department to a new facility, provided a new multi-use stadium, and upgraded the infrastructure to the entire campus. As the first phase of construction began, the second phase project was being finalized; the construction of a new 4-5 school was decided to be the most educationally and economically sound decision. This proposal allowed for change in the grade structure by including the fifth grade back with the elementary grades and alleviated overcrowding in both the Steckel and Middle School buildings. Ground was broken on the project in May 2008.
There are thirteen sections of regular education classes in fourth and fifth grades. Fourth grade classrooms are primarily located on the first floor of the building while fifth grade occupies the second floor. Teachers are partnering with one another to form a team.
There are two learning support classes, an emotional support classroom, a CLIU Early Intervention class, an ESL room, speech, gifted, and reading classrooms as well as art, computer, choral music, instrumental practice rooms, and a large group instruction (LGI) room. A combination gym/cafeteria is divided by a folding door which can be opened to create a large multi-purpose room. The school library has separate areas for class instruction and computer research as well as provides various genres of literature and other reading materials. Response to Instruction and Intervention is an integral part of Zephyr. RtII was initially utilized at Gockley and Steckel in grades K-3. RtII provides additional instruction in the area of reading for students scoring below benchmark on the DIBELS assessment and/or below proficiency on the PSSA or 4Sight assessments.
Mr. Gabe Dillard, Principal
dillardg@whitehallcoplay.org
Amanda Kusko, Asst. Principal
kuskoa@whitehallcoplay.org
2934 Zephyr Blvd
Whitehall, PA 18052
Phone: 610-871-3671
Fax: 610-871-3672
Student Day: 8:35 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
MARKING SYSTEM
Students receive report cards four times a year. Subjects graded are reading, writing, spelling, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science, as well as library, physical education, art, music, and computers, and health. Students will also earn O=outstanding, S=satisfactory, and N=needs improvement in areas of General Development and Effort.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Mrs. Brittany Rabe - Counselor
The counseling program at Zephyr Elementary is available to help students, parents, and teachers develop positive learning experiences. The program consists of a variety of services and activities including individual and group counseling, parent and teacher consultation, group guidance, information services, and referral assistance to other programs and services in the community. The
Whitehall Intervention Team (WIT) at Zephyr Elementary is coordinated by the counselor. This team provides an opportunity for teaching staff to seek assistance in meeting the academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs of at-risk students. The team is comprised of the building principal, classroom teacher, guidance counselor, reading specialist, and at times, the speech therapist or school psychologist. The parent is also an integral part of this process.
Zephyr has a Student Assistance Program (SAP). This program is designed to provide assistance to students who are experiencing academic and/or behavioral difficulties. Students, parents, and teachers work together to create positive changes and help the student experience success at school.
Our Truancy Intervention Program (TIP) is an initiative designed to lower our absentee and tardy-to-school rates. Valley Youth House works with the school and parents and offers assistance and encouragement for school attendance.
The Zephyr guidance curriculum is based on specific learning goals and instructional strategies designed to assist with personal, social, career, and educational development for all students. Lessons focus on the understanding of self and others, coping strategies, peer relationships, problems solving, decision making, conflict resolution, and bullying preventions.
Zephyr’s School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) program is an agreed upon common approach to discipline. The focus is on four expectations for behavior. BEEZ expectations include: Be safe; Excel in all we do; Encourage each other, and Zephyr pride. Students are rewarded for demonstrating behaviors supporting these expectations and may use their BEEZ bucks to purchase “Zephyr” items and school supplies in the redemption center.
ACTIVITIES
Getting students involved in extracurricular activities is important whether it be in community sponsored groups or clubs at school. Zephyr provides students the opportunity to show their musical talents by participating in band and chorus. Performances will be held in December and in spring.
An after-school program is provided for qualifying students to enhance reading and math skills. Students work on their individual weaknesses in small groups.
Zephyr Elementary is looking forward to offering a variety of assemblies, field trips, and activities through the support of the Whitehall-Coplay School District Parent Teacher Organization PLUS. This group of dedicated individuals provides educational opportunities for our students as well as providing hundreds of volunteer hours before, during, and after school.
