Student Services Report - the Whitehall-Coplay School District!

Gockley’s school counselor serves all of the kindergarten and first grade students. Services are
provided to children, teachers, and parents. The counselor makes arrangements for peer
buddies and student helpers from the high school and coordinates with school support personnel
and outside agencies that may be involved with a child. Special groups dealing with topics, such
as divorce, separation, friendships, and self­esteem issues are also developed by the school
counselor to benefit Gockley Elementary students.
Events throughout the year, like Meet the Teacher Night, Parents’ Night, and an annual music
program provide other opportunities for the students’ families to visit Gockley Elementary. Also
offered are Project Aces, an exercise day; a track and field day for first grade children; and
Children’s Day, a special June event of outside games and activities.
Context of George D. Steckel Elementary
School — Grades 2­4
The school was named after George D. Steckel, a 1926 Whitehall High School graduate, who
worked for the district for over 35 years as a teacher, high school principal, and superintendent.
Steckel Elementary School has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School and is one of the
Nationally Recognized Schools of Excellence by the U. S. Department of Education.
A Unique feature of the school is a 21­foot glass mosaic designed and created by the students
and staff. The cooperative project, entitled, Children United in Harmony, represents the natural
harmony among children that stands as a model for all.
The outstanding faculty and staff of Steckel Elementary offer an abundance of learning and
extracurricular activities to develop the more than 890 students into positive well­rounded
citizens. Staff provides a nurturing environment and utilizes interdisciplinary teaching that
focuses on making connections among subject areas. Many classes team together or have a
partnership with classes in the middle and primary schools to work cooperatively on reading and
writing projects.
The school has its own closed­circuit TV news show, Thank Goodness it’s Steckel. Broadcast
weekly, the show provides the opportunity for students to act as news anchors, field reporters,
and camera crew. The Key Club, an extracurricular activity, allows fourth grade students the
experience of volunteering within their own community gaining valuable leadership skills and
giving back to those who support the schools.
Steckel offers many events throughout the school year, including Meet the Teacher Night, PTO,
and community fundraisers, Tournament Day, Children’s Day, participation in the local Festival of
Trees, and Steckelwood Pops, an outdoor instrumental and vocal concert.
Special support services are offered, including reading, learning, and emotional support.
Guidance programs to help students overcome educational, behavioral, or affective stumbling
blocks are also provided. A peer­assistance program connects older students with fourth
graders. Our staff is committed to ensuring success by providing a positive school and classroom
environment in which each student feels safe, nurtured, and respected, and by providing
appropriate and challenging instruction to reach every child, every day.