ALLENTOWN, PA – August 18, 2025 – The Allentown School District officially kicked off the 2025–2026 academic year with its annual Back-to-School Convocation, bringing together more than 2,500 dedicated staff members across 25 schools for a day of celebration, recognition, and renewed purpose.
Held just days after the District’s community-wide Back to School Bash, the convocation served as a powerful reminder of Allentown’s mission to ignite student passion for learning and foster a culture of academic excellence. Hosted at the PPL Center, the event marked a moment of unity and excitement as teachers, administrators, and support staff prepared to welcome back more than 16,700 students.
“Convocation is more than a tradition; it is a powerful reaffirmation of who we are and why we are here,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent and CEO of the Allentown School District. “One year ago, we made a bold commitment through our strategic plan, Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation and Excellence 2030. Today, I am proud to see our staff embracing that vision with energy, dedication, and a belief that every child can and will succeed.”
The program featured welcoming remarks from School Board of Directors President, Andrene Nowell, and an inspiring Keynote Address from Dr. Maysa Akbar, Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Wellness Group.
Additionally, the District awarded the following individuals with You Are the Light of the Year awards for their incredible dedication and commitment during the 2024-2025 school year: The district proudly honored:
Support Staff of the Year: Shameka Gatling, Safety Officer, Raub Middle School
Shameka “Meka” Gatling is the heart of Raub Middle School. With her ever-present smile and warmth, she makes students, staff, and families feel welcome every day. Remarkably, she knows nearly every student by name, reflecting her deep commitment to building relationships. As a safety officer, Meka goes far beyond her role, creating not just a secure environment but one where students feel cared for and supported. A proud ASD parent herself, she models what it means to be fully invested in the community, and a reminder that one person’s light can brighten an entire school.
Administrator of the Year: Daria Custer, Principal, Jefferson Elementary School
Principal Daria Custer, an ASD graduate and lifelong educator, brings nearly 30 years of experience and a deep love for her school community. She leads Jefferson Elementary with pride, passion, and an unwavering focus on student success. This year, Jefferson thrived under her leadership, winning both winter and spring Superintendent’s Reading Challenges, excelling in the district’s Multi-Disciplinary Expo, and posting strong attendance with 17 students achieving perfect records. These accomplishments reflect the culture of excellence Ms. Custer has cultivated, grounded in her belief that every child has unlimited potential.
Teacher of the Year: Brandy Rentko, Intervention Specialist, Raub Middle School
With 25 years of service in ASD, Brandy Rentko is a cornerstone of Raub Middle School. As an ELA Intervention Specialist, she is known for her patience, resilience, and ability to meet students where they are, helping them grow as learners and individuals. Beyond her classroom work, Brandy is a trusted mentor and colleague who always steps up to support others, embodying the steady leadership that anchors her school. Her colleagues call her the “glue” that holds the community together — a teacher whose impact is both immeasurable and enduring.
Looking Ahead: A New Year, A Shared Commitment
In addition to staff recognition, the convocation included professional development sessions and updates on key initiatives. Superintendent Birks updated the staff on key accomplishments and progress under the Lighting the Way Strategic Plan, and introduced areas of focus for the 2025-2026 school year, including:
- Fostering a Culture of Coherence and Trust
- Personalizing Learning for all Students
- Elevating Teaching Practices
- Strengthening the Instructional Core
- Committing to Continuous Improvement
As part of its commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world, the district is also embracing innovation through the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms and operations. With a focus on ethical, student-centered implementation, AI tools are helping Allentown personalize learning, enhance instructional support, and increase operational efficiency while keeping the teacher-student relationship at the heart of education. This year, all staff will have access to the pro version of Google Gemini to enhance the classroom experience, and at the event received a real-time demonstration of how powerful these tools can be.
Dr. Birks added, “Technology will never replace our teachers or staff, but it can empower and equip educators with new tools to personalize learning for students, ignite curiosity, and create meaningful, future-ready learning experiences.”
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