Celebrating United Way Community Schools in Allentown Area School District 

In the Allentown 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 nature programs to summer enrichment programs, 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. 

Supporting Students through Family Engagement  

South Mountain Middle school hosted a family engagement night where 60 families attended. The event acted as a support to the students through offering a community resource table, clothing drive, craft corner and a special performance from the South Mountain dance team. 

Washington Elementary hosted a family Bingo Night where over 170 participants were in attendance. This event was a part of the school’s parent engagement initiative. The event had a series of raffle prizes including a Samsung Tablet and an HD TV, in addition to the distribution of basic necessities.  

Education Doesn’t End with the School Year 

Over the Summer, Sheridan Elementary was buzzing with activity as they worked to combat the “summer slide.” With the support of community partners such as the Wildlands Conservancy, Da Vinci Science Center, Baum School of Art and Born Into Arts, they were able to help students remain engaged and actively learn throughout the summer. Students were able to do field trips to Crayola and the Lehigh Valley Zoo. 

The Da Vinci Science Center awarded Trexler Middle School funding for a Traveling Science Program to benefit students during the summer at Camp Bulldog. This program inspires future scientists and brings hands-on-science fun to schools and communities.  

Prioritizing Student Attendance 

After being displaced for two months, students and staff at Harrison-Morton Middle School returned to their building in April, just one week before PSSA Testing. To motivate students to attend and arrive on time, the school launched an attendance challenge with daily tracking and prize raffles. Students who met attendance goals were eligible to win prizes such as Allentown pool passes, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom tickets, headphones and Amazon Kindles. Nearly 200 students achieved perfect attendance during testing. 

Community Partnerships in Action 

Roosevelt Elementary hosted an Open House Block Party to bring together community partners to support local families. Services were provided by Allentown School District alumni, including music by DJ NormanDee, free haircuts, face painting, balloon animals and food. Resource tables offered information on basic needs, after-school programs and health services, featuring partners like Boys and Girls Club, Da Vinci Science Center and Lehigh Country Sheriff’s Department.  

Raub Elementary launched a child feeding program through its partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and a Giant Food Stores grant for school-based pantries. This program allowed Raub students enrolled in all summer programs to take food and snacks home for the weekends and on a “as-needed” basis. Throughout this program the school served 336 students. 

Central Elementary STREAM Academy ended their year with a block party and fundraiser. This event brought together more than 300 students, families and community members. There was food, games, music, petting zoo, face painting and balloon animals. This event turned the school’s central parking lot into a vibrant celebration space. Community partners included Allentown Public Library, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, Crayola, Community Bike Works, Salvation Army, Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley and The Utter Bar amongst others. 

Incorporating Nature into the Classroom 

Throughout Spring, all first-grade students at Hays Elementary School participated in Wildlands Conservancy’s environmental education program. Weekly in-class sessions culminated in a field trip, where students hiked, birdwatched and experienced ponding. A total of 160 students took part in the program, which offered meaningful, hands-on learning about the natural world. The Community School Coordinator worked with Wildlands staff to coordinate the classes, field trip and family communication. 

Eric Ruth from the Kellyn Foundation, a United Way-funded partner who has worked with Ramos in the past, met with school representatives to discuss expanding the school’s garden, upgrading the current planter boxes to raised garden beds and place a “Ramos Student Garden” plaque near the garden.  

Community Schools work because coordinators connect families, educators and partners. They make resources accessible, strengthen school culture and create conditions for children to thrive. Allentown 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 Allentown 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. 

Creativity, Connection and Care at United Way Community Schools in the Easton Area School District

In the Easton Area School District, United Way Community Schools are spaces where students, families and partners connect to make learning possible. Community School Coordinators lead this work, making sure children have the resources, opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.

“Our Community Schools, with some of the most challenges, are showing the most growth, outpacing other schools statewide supported by the systems CSCs build alongside our educators, families and community partners,” said Khushboo Jain, Director of the United Way’s Community School Network.

Over the years, Easton Area School District has embraced the Community School model to ensure every student is ready to learn and successful in school, so they graduate ready for life, college or career. From after-school activities to family engagement, Easton schools have created safe and supportive environments where learning thrives.

These stories represent the kinds of initiatives Easton Community Schools have led in recent years, illustrating how coordinators continually find new ways to support learning and connection.

Learning beyond the classroom

Cheston Elementary School partnered with the American Heart Association for the Healthy Heart Challenge and Jump Rope for Heart. Students learned about heart health and lifestyle choices while raising more than $1,800 for awareness.

At Paxinosa Elementary School, Crayola marked its 10th anniversary of partnership by donating supplies, iPads and classroom carts to create “Imagination Stations.” These new spaces promote creativity and imagination through audio storytelling.

Paxinosa also welcomed Easton Police officers through the Blue Buddies Program. Each week, students engaged in STEAM activities before school while building relationships with neighborhood officers.

Families connected and supported

Every summer, the West Ward Market offers fresh produce to families, with SNAP benefits accepted. The Market also hosts the popular Zucchini 500, where children design and race zucchini cars.

At Paxinosa, the parent-family liaison continues to run bilingual English classes with support from Lafayette College students. The program is open not only to families in the district but also to community members who want to strengthen their language skills.

Celebrating students and building pride

Paxinosa alumni return each year to walk the halls, reconnect with teachers and inspire current students by sharing their paths beyond graduation.

Cheston created “calming beads,” a sensory tool that students can use throughout the school day. Worn on lanyards, the beads help children manage stress and stay focused.

Cheston also hosted its “Back to School Haircut” event, where local hairstylists provided free haircuts, supplies and encouragement for students to start the year with confidence.

Community partnerships in action

Cheston held a staff vs. students basketball game, with Crayola donating team shirts to add to the fun.

As part of the Volunteer Challenge Project of the Lehigh Valley, Klunk & Millan Advertising designed a “Zen Den” for Cheston staff. What was once a storage space became a calming oasis for staff to recharge, complete with inspirational messages left by the volunteers.

Thank you to the Easton Community School Coordinators for creating opportunities that strengthen schools, families and neighborhoods. Your dedication helps students feel supported, engaged and ready to succeed.

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.