WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Big Z is creating a big controversy.
For the first time ever, Whitehall-Coplay School District will have a mascot.
The Big Z moniker is an homage to the school’s nickname, Zephyrs, which was the name of a train that once ran through Whitehall Township.
The mascot is a cartoon-like character with a narrow head shaped like the front of a train engine. It wears bib overalls in the school colors: maroon and gold.
The disclosing of the mascot name was made during a Monday meeting of the Board of Education's Student Activities Committee.
“The mascot’s name was chosen from among suggestions from students in all grades throughout the district.”Renee Sallit, district director of teaching, learning and technology
Not everyone is on board with the train-themed mascot.
A faction of school district residents, alumni and concerned parties are opposed to the mascot, feeling ostracized during the selection process.
A change.org petition opposing the mascot was started in January. As of Monday, it had attracted 1,271 signatures.
The name Big Z was pared down to 77 from hundreds of submissions, then down to the Top 5 names — Big Z, Diesel, McArthur, Zep and Big Zep.
The mascot costume tentatively will be delivered to the school district in May.
Administrators say the mascot would further engage students with school activities and provide an increased sense of pride at school and throughout the community.
“The mascot’s name was chosen from among suggestions from students in all grades throughout the district,” said Renee Sallit, district director of teaching, learning and technology.
“A small administrative team chose the mascot design that was developed by The Mascot Co., a company from California.”
The Mascot Co. has designed mascots for teams in the NHL, NFL and major colleges.
“The proposed change in the mascot does not align with what we stand for. This decision was made without adequate representation from all stakeholders — students, alumni, educators and citizens alike.Sandra Hippert, who identifies as a “proud member” of the Whitehall-Coplay school community
The change.org site was started by Sandra Hippert, who identifies as a “proud member” of the Whitehall-Coplay school community.
“The proposed change in the mascot does not align with what we stand for,” Hippert wrote. “This decision was made without adequate representation from all stakeholders — students, alumni, educators and citizens alike.
“We believe in democracy and inclusivity. Therefore, we propose that any decisions regarding such significant changes should be made by a balanced committee comprising present students, alumni educators as well as public representatives.
"This committee should review submissions for new mascots publicly before making any decisions.”
New web site, development plan
Also Monday, the school board also announced a new school district website — www.whitehallcoplay.org. — that was rolled out in mid-January.
“The objectives were to allow families to find information quickly, establish a uniform appearance across all school websites in the district and enhanced branding and upgraded photographs,” Sallit said.
The board also unveiled a development plan for the school district for the next three years.
A comprehensive pandemic recovery plan includes summer and after school programming, ongoing academic support, social-emotional learning and mental health support and professional development.
“Much of what we’re doing this year needs to continue into next year and needs to be completed,” Superintendent Robert J. Steckel Jr. said.
“I don’t anticipate much change; just more of we properly complete existing goals.”
Steckel said the board is pleased about having been able to shift a lot of the conversations away from efficiency, communication and consistency issues.
“Now, we’re having a lot more conversations about student and staff needs and what’s happening in the classroom on a day-to-day basis,” Steckel said.
The school district safety development plan includes planning for the New Gockley Elementary School, which is expected to be open by the 2024-25 school year.
Projects this summer include school painting and high school roof repair.
Bidding has been completed for the renovation costs for the Whitehall-Coplay Education Center.
No changes are being made to the school district health and safety plan. Superintendent Steckel noted the plan must be reviewed every six months.
