Middle School
MR. CASEY NEWCOMER
MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
cnewcomer@westernwayne.org
MR. CURT YENCHIK
MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
cyenchik@westernwayne.org
1970B EASTON TURNPIKE
LAKE ARIEL, PENNSYLVANIA 18436
TEL: (800) 321-9973 OPTION 2
FAX: (570) 341-1223
Office Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
School Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The following is a list of school supplies our classes use throughout the year and we would appreciate the donation of any of the following items to add to our community classroom supplies. They are inexpensive and can be found readily at local retailers.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education.
Parent Tips:
• When purchasing single subject notebooks and folders, it is helpful if they coordinate. For example, a green notebook and a green pocket folder can be designated for Science class.
• Students will be using their lockers throughout the school day. Backpacks and cellphones will remain in the locker throughout the school day.
• Students may use a laptop sleeve to carry/additionally protect their laptop.
• Using a carrier binder with a shoulder strap is helpful when carrying materials to each class. These are also now available with built in sleeves to hold laptops.
• Pencil carriers with a zipper closure help to keep them contained and can be purchased with 3 ring binder compatibility.
• Students will receive a planner in the first week of school. It includes a calendar for writing down assignments, the school handbook and the school calendar (dates of holidays, planned early dismissals and breaks).
SIXTH GRADE
• One (1) 3-ring carrier binder (typically zips up) to carry notes and materials in during the day
• One (1) 2 inch, 3 ring binder and one (1) pocket folder for math only
• Three (3) single subject notebooks and three (3) pocket folders for ELA, Social Studies and Science.
• Pencils and Erasers
• Highlighters
• A box of crayons or colored pencils
• Index cards
• Dry erase markers
SEVENTH GRADE
• One (1) 3-ring carrier binder (typically zips up) to carry notes and materials in during the day
• One (1) 2 inch, 3 ring binder and one (1) pocket folder for math only
• Three (3) single subject notebooks and three (3) pocket folders for ELA, Social Studies and Science.
• Pencils and Erasers
• Highlighters
EIGHTH GRADE
• One (1) 3-ring carrier binder (typically zips up) to carry notes and materials in during the day
• One (1) 2 inch, 3 ring binder and one (1) pocket folder for math only
• Three (3) single subject notebooks and three (3) pocket folders for ELA, Social Studies and Science.
• Pencils and Erasers
September
No Events
October
Middle School Band Channel
- Around the Schools / Featured News / Middle SchoolSeptember 28, 2026Middle School Students Attend Girls in STEM SymposiumBack row, from left: Keynote speaker Jakyra Simpson “Ky the Chemist,” Madison Lucke, Adrein McDonald, Lillian Tressa, EmmaRose Hill, Emily Zoppi, Lyla Deitz, and Berlin Schramm. Front row, from the left: Julianna Antoniato, Michaela Lopatofsky, Elizabeth Smith, Brooklyn Gill, Jereni Strocchia, and Ava Nixon. Western Wayne Middle School students along with students from other various local schools attended the Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation’s Girls in STEM Symposium on September 22 at Lacawac Sanctuary. This is a one-day event designed to inspire and empower middle and high school girls (7th grade through 12th grade) to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Through engaging conversations, panels, and workshops, the Symposium highlights the professional and life experiences of accomplished women in STEM fields, encouraging students to discover new interests, exchange ideas, and envision themselves as future STEM leaders. Activities of the day included: a keynote presentation titled The Science of You: Using Who You Are to Build the Future of STEAM was given by Jakyra Simpson, “Ky the Chemist;” a discussion panel with professionals from various STEM fields, and a networking session with STEM professionals. Like this:Like Loading… [...] Read more...
- Around the Schools / Featured News / High School / Middle School / RDW ElementarySeptember 17, 2026Electronic Recycling – Saturday, October 3WAYNE COUNTY YMCA Join the Y, Honesdale National Bank, Wayne County Fair Association & Advanced Recycling in being environmentally active & recycling your broken, unwanted household or business electronic junk. Special thanks to the Fair Association for allowing us to use their location.All funds raised will support our Financial Assistance program for our community. Cost: Households: $25 per household. Additional $25 for each item with Freon (such as air conditioners) Businesses, Schools, Gov’t Agencies: Pre-registration required at the YMCA 570-253-2083We accept: computers, servers, monitors, printers, keyboards, VCR’s, CP batteries, cell phones, terminals, cables, wires, power supplies, fax machines, radios, modems, CTRs, corded & cordless phones, TVs, CPUs, copiers scanners, cassette/CD/DVD players, typewriters, stereo equipment. We don’t accept: Wooden TV consoles, glass, lightbulbs, cassette/video tapes, alkaline or cadmiumbatteries. Download the full announcement for more details. Like this:Like Loading… [...] Read more...
- Featured News / Guidance / High School / Middle SchoolJuly 30, 2026
- Featured News / Guidance / High School / Middle SchoolJune 8, 2026
- Around the Schools / Featured News / Middle SchoolJune 4, 2026Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up CeremonyAt the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 2, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to students and families in attendance about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.” “Education is about growth,” Newcomer, who is in his second year at the district, said. “We have a group of students here today that represent a woven tapestry of skills.” He told the crowd about how students excel in a variety of ways, some in the classroom and some in activities outside of it. “No matter what you are trying to excel at,” he explained. “The one characteristic that will continue to stand above all others is called grit. Grit is the determination to keep going when quitting is the easier option. Grit is the voice in your head telling you to keep going.” Newcomer encouraged students to continue to listen to that voice as they head into their high school years. “Be ready; dig in; hold tight,” he told the students. “You got this.” Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Makayla Franckowiak and Maria Shemanski sang the National Anthem; and Patience Strocchia sang the alma mater. All three girls love to sing and are highly involved in the Middle School Chorus. Makayla is looking forward to high school where she plans to continue participation in basketball and softball. She also plans to play volleyball in her freshman year. She aspires to be an aerospace technologist, because she has always had a fascination with studying space. She also enjoys working with technology in her free time and has created robots as a hobby. Her fellow classmate Maria aspires possibly to be a teacher when she is older, and she is also interested in exploring the idea of pursuing the military as a part of the Marines. She will play basketball next year and possibly volleyball and softball. Finally, Patience, who greatly excels in her ELA class with her strong writing skills, is excited to join the track team for her freshman year. The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was many of the 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for Wildcat Pride, for students who go above and beyond in showing school spirit and being kind aned upstanding school community citizens; Grit, for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships; and for a variety of high academic achievements such as making the honor roll for 11 quarters in middle school from 6th through 8th grade. In addition, a new award called The Inclusion Award was given this year by special education teacher Ms. Gillian Groom, who was assisted in presenting the award by her student Daisy Diehl. Groom explained how the award recognizes students who go above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for peers with special needs. This award honors students who demonstrate kindness, patience, empathy, and leadership by including all classmates in activities, friendships, and everyday school experiences. Recipients of this award model acceptance and understanding, helping others feel valued, supported, and connected within the school community. “The recipients of this award see and treat my students as friends,” Groom said. Then Daisy used her communication device to announce award winners who included: Alexandra Churmblo, Eli Gragnano, Julia Kosciuk, and Machaela McGrady. Another honor given out at the ceremony was an award and gift presentation by National Junior Honor Society advisor Nichole Musewicz, middle school science teacher. Last year, Principal Newcomer worked to establish a National Junior Honor Society Chapter at Western Wayne along with dedicated faculty and high-achieving students. Therefore, since this Moving Up Ceremony marked the inaugural ceremony with NJHS students present, Newcomer and Musewicz wanted to recognize the three eighth grade NJHS officers who helped to establish the program among the students in the school community: Harper Bell, president; Kendall DiPierro, vice president; and Keira Hauenstein, secretary. All three young women felt honored to be acknowledged at the ceremony and have strong goals and aspirations for their bright futures. First, Harper will continue to play softball, travel softball, and basketball in high school. She aspires to either pursue a degree path in occupational therapy or speech pathology. Next, Kendall is dedicated to playing basketball in high school. She aspires to be an emergency room nurse. Finally, Keira does competitive gymnastics along with soccer and track which she plans to continue in her high school career. She wishes to be a future elementary school teacher. It is also a Western Wayne Middle School tradition for many years that two outstanding students, one male and one female, are recognized for their patriotism and leadership among other qualities. The local chapters of the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution present these awards. This year before the presentation of these prestigious awards, Newcomer took time to recognize and honor Middle School guidance counselor Mr. Joseph Totsky. This year marks Totsky’s 34th year of service. Newcomer noted how Totsky has been a mentor to him for the past two years and noted Totsky’s strong qualities of honesty, sincerity, and hard work as being the pillars his career has been built upon. “Countless students and staff are better because Joe was here,” Newcomer said. “You will forever be a part of the foundation of the Western Wayne community.” After the special recognition of Totsky, Bill Gillette, Post 889 Waymart, presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Benjamin Reifler. Ben received this annual award for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, scholarship, Americanism, leadership, and courage. Then the Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Sophia Shehadi. Sophpia received the good citizenship medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. Both Ben and Sophia felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution had chosen them for these high honors. Ben, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a student very dedicated to academic excellence. He also has a passion for automotives and studying trains and their history. He aspires to run commercial trucks one day and is greatly looking forward to his auto shop classes in high school. “I really enjoy working with my hands,” he said. “I want to use what I have learned about trains and other automotives in a real world setting in my future career.” Fellow classmate Sophia, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is also a very diligent student who loves working hard in all subject areas and aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse when she grows up. “I look forward to trying my best in high school and what comes after,” Sophia said. To close the ceremony, Newcomer reminded the parents not to miss a moment of their students’ upcoming high school experience. “The next time they will be in these seats will be in four years,” he said. “Don’t blink, because you don’t want to miss a minute of what is to come for your students.” Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2030 the best on their new journey to the high school. Picture one, from left: Bill Gillette, who presented the American Legion Award, Post 889 Waymart; Benjamin Reifler, winner of the American Legion Award; Sophia Shehadi, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal. Picture two, from left: Bill Gillette and Benjamin Reifler. Picture three, from left, NJHS officers: Harper Bell, president; Keira Hauenstein, secretary; and Kendall DiPierro, vice president. Picture four, from left: Patience Strocchia, who sang the Alma Mauter; and Maria Shemanski, and Makayla Franckowiak, who both sang the National Anthem. Picture five: the Western Wayne Class of 2030 stands before their family, friends, and community at the annual Moving Up Ceremony before they embark on their high school journey. Like this:Like Loading… [...] Read more...
- Around the Schools / Featured News / Middle SchoolApril 9, 2026Wayne Junior National Honor Society Makes Donation to Ronald McDonald HouseWestern Wayne National Junior Honor Society students helped collect many necessary items for the Ronald McDonald House. The group was able to help the Wayne County Farm Bureau come up with over $6000 worth of items for the house. Pictured NJHS officers who wherein attendance at the house on the date of donation, from left, Keira Hauenstein, Theodore Wood, Kendall DiPierro, and Harper Bell. Like this:Like Loading… [...] Read more...
- Featured News / Middle SchoolMarch 23, 2026WALK-INS WELCOME AT CHARACTER BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY!!The cast and crew of The Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will host a Character Breakfast on Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. We are accepting WALK-INS!! Hope to see you there! Simply pay at the door. Save the date for our performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. Like this:Like Loading… [...] Read more...
- Featured News / High School / Middle SchoolMarch 10, 2026Students Present Research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional MeetingWestern Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition on February 28. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific fields. Students engaged in the engineering design process to develop these projects. The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of middle and high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations. The first award winners will present their research at Penn State Main Campus in May. High School: Audrey Agnello- 1st award for her research in the field of Behavioral Science. Audrey studied Gender Differences in Deceptive Efficiency. Audrey was awarded a perfect score as well as the excellence award in senior high behavioral science. Her research centered around analyzing whether males or females could lie more efficiently. According to her findings, males did it more proficiently. Audrey was also awarded a scholarship to The University of Scranton as a result of her dedication and academic performance in the program. She plans to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse. Madelyn McClure -1st award for her research in the field of Zoology. Madelyn studied the Thermal Effects of Exercise on Equine Lower Limbs. Madelyn focused on how protective boots may increase tendon damage due to heat retention using a thermal camera and horses that are in training. She plans to pursue a career in pharmacy. Christoper Pane- 1st award for his research in the field of Biology. Christopher studied How cells are protected from Stress by Antioxidants. Chris’s work is related to cancer development in cells and how antioxidants prevent damage and protect cells. He learned through his research how food waste could possibly be made into an effective material to fight cancer. He plans to pursue a career in the medical field. Ava Karabuber- 1st award for her research in the field of Botany. Ava studied the Effects of Salt on Plant Germination. Ava focused on how road salt runoff is impacting germination in plants. She wishes to pursue a career as a doctor. Charlie Vinton- 1st award for his research in Microbiology. Charlie studied the Bacterial Content of Manufactured Snow. Charlie’s work examined the bacterial load in snow that is manufactured at ski resorts compared to natural snow. Igor Barth- 2nd award for his research in Physics. Igor studied the Effects of Temperature Variation on Solar Panel Energy. Igor examined how temperature fluctuation in our local environment is affecting the energy developed by solar panels. He learned through his research that colder temperatures are more efficient. He aspires to be an entrepreneur. Middle School: TJ McClure- 1st award for his research in Physics. TJ conducted an Experimental Analysis of Projectile Velocity Consistency. TJ examined how ballistics rounds vary in velocity throughout a lot and between brands as fired through a chronograph. He learned that expensive bullets are not necessarily more precise than cheaper ones. TJ was awarded a perfect score and the Junior High Excellence Award in Physics. He wishes either to pursue business as a career or work on natural gas lines. Harper Bell- 1st award for her research in Physics. Harper studied the effects of softball bat type on ball distance. Harper’s interest in softball drove her research to determine which bat is most effective. She discovered through her research that wooden bats were effective due to the density of the material they are made from. Harper wishes to pursue either a career in speech pathology or occupational therapy. Sophia Shehadi- 1st award for her research in Microbiology. Sophia studied the Effects of Straw Type on Bacterial Content. Her work involved determining the bacteria that builds up in straw materials during use. She determined that smoother materials like plastic and metal had less bacteria build up. She wishes to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse. Maria Shemanski- 2nd award for her research in Microbiology. Maria studied the Effects of Pasteurization on Milk. Maria examined the difference in bacterial load in raw milk in comparison to pasteurized milk. Maria also studied the bacterial load of milk after expiration dates. She found through her research that raw milk had higher bacteria levels. She wishes to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. Other PJAS researchers included:Abigail Bell studied the Effects of Dance on Mood Regulation. She discovered through her research that ballet brought about calm, hip hop brought about a more intense feeling, and jazz seemed to relax individuals. Abigail plans to pursue a career as a pedicatrician. Raegan Fox studied the Efficacy of Soaps on Bacterial Growth. She found that Dove soap seemed to have the most effective ingredients. She wishes to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. Abbie Washine studied the Effects of NSAIDS on Muscle Strength. She studied deer muscles for her project. Abbie wishes to pursue a career in pediatric orthopedics. In addition, Alicia Wertman, studied tendon strength. She was excited to be a part of this group of students who represented Western Wayne. Club advisors are high school teachers: Christine McClure and Maria Masankay. All of the students and faculty involved from Western Wayne are especially grateful for this experience.“I am so honored and humbled to be awarded scholarship money to The University of Scranton,” Audrey Agnello said. “I can’t wait to begin my career path to becoming a labor and delivery nurse.” From left, kneeling: Maria Shemanski, Harper Bell, TJ McClure, Igor Barth, and Abbie Washine. From left, standing: Raegan Fox, Audrey Agnello, Ava Karabuber, Christopher Pane, Maria Shemanski, Madelyn McClure, and Abigail Bell. Absent from photo: Charlie Vinton and Alicia Wertman. Like this:Like Loading… [...] Read more...
- Featured News / Middle SchoolMarch 10, 2026Middle School Student Chosen as a Winner of VIP Art ContestVictims’ Intervention Program of Wayne & Pike Counties held their annual February Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) art contest recently and Western Wayne eighth grader Keira Hauenstein was one of the winners. She created her entry with fellow classmate Harper Bell. Their artwork has been displayed on billboards in the local community to raise awareness for this cause. The girls used the color orange in their artwork and the image of a butterfly and hope that their image inspires people who are struggling in their relationships with violence. The Western Wayne School District is proud of all of their students who put submissions in the art contest and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next. From left: Keira Hauenstein and Harper Bell with their picture for VIP. Like this:Like Loading… [...] Read more...
- Featured News / Guidance / High School / Middle SchoolJanuary 28, 2026Curriculum Night – Postponed to February 3, 2026Curriculum Night has been postponed to Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00. Like this:Like Loading… [...] Read more...
