Celebrating United Way Community Schools in Bethlehem Area School District
In the Bethlehem Area School District, United Way Community Schools are more than classrooms. They are hubs of connection where students, families and partners come together. Coordinators lead the way, ensuring children have the support, relationships and opportunities that fuel learning and growth. From creative math clubs to family engagement nights, these schools show what’s possible when the community works hand in hand with educators.
“Our Community Schools, with some of the most challenges, are showing the most growth, outpacing other schools statewide supported by the systems Community School Coordinators build alongside our educators, families and community partners,” said Khushboo Jain, Director of the United Way’s Community School Network.
These highlights reflect the wide range of programs and partnerships Bethlehem Community Schools have carried out over time, each one showing how coordinators create lasting value for students and families.
Learning beyond the classroom
Thanks to support from community partner PBS, Donegan Elementary School students are participating in the Crazy 8s Math Club. Unlike a traditional math club, students explore topics such as geometry, multiplication, area, perimeter and decoding through interactive games. “The students look forward to it every week,” one teacher said. “One student even said, ‘I never knew this was math.’” The program’s consistent attendance even drew a visit from Joy Kalfus, Chief Program Officer and Creator of Crazy 8s, who came to see it in action.
Moravian University student-athletes and coaches visited Thomas Jefferson Elementary to share their experiences, encourage reading and discuss the importance of education. They read to students, led discussions and provided books and bookmarks. Later, the women’s lacrosse team hosted a “Minute to Win It” challenge, where students played fun games that promoted teamwork and problem-solving.
Families connected and supported
Northside Community Schools and Valley Youth House partnered to provide families with a free seven-week program called Strengthening Families. The program supported families by providing dinner, childcare and interpreters. Together, families learned about protecting youth from substance use, coping skills for managing stress, ways to set boundaries and express feelings, and strategies for effective communication. The program is funded by the Northampton County Department of Drug and Alcohol.
Lincoln Elementary School formed a new partnership with Moravian Village of Bethlehem after community members responded to Lincoln’s Wishlist for the Morning Call’s Be An Angel campaign. Residents adopted two Lincoln families for the holidays and organized an additional stocking stuffer donation drive to benefit more students. In total, 18 families received gifts through community partnerships and sponsors.
Cooking Matters, an after-school program offered to families at Marvine Elementary School, runs in six sessions. In each workshop, a Second Harvest Food Bank nutritionist teaches families how to prepare healthy meals.
Celebrating students and building pride
At Broughal Middle School, students who achieved perfect attendance were celebrated as “Attendance Champions,” receiving special recognition and rewards. Homerooms with the highest overall attendance rates were commended collectively. Through this, Broughal reinforced the importance of consistent school attendance and inspired a positive learning environment where every student feels valued. Students also had the opportunity to visit Lehigh University for a women’s basketball game.
Lincoln Elementary School’s Community Leaders as Readers program featured several special guests throughout the winter. Officers from Bethlehem Police Department, firefighters from Bethlehem Fire Department and First Officer Ryan Lennon with Delta Airlines visited classrooms to read books, talk about their careers and answer student questions.
Community partnerships in action
Donegan Elementary School families enjoyed a multicultural celebration titled “Ticket Around the World.” Cultures from countries such as El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Mexico, India, South Korea and many more were highlighted.
Community Schools work because coordinators connect families, educators and partners. They make resources accessible, strengthen school culture and create conditions for children to thrive. Bethlehem Area schools are proof that when a community comes together, students gain more than an education. They gain a supportive environment that helps them thrive.
Thank you to the Bethlehem Area Community School Coordinators whose leadership makes these moments possible every day. Your work ensures that students, families and partners come together to build schools where every child can learn and thrive.