Middle School
MR. CASEY NEWCOMER
MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
cnewcomer@westernwayne.org
MR. MATTHEW BARR
MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
mbarr@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
April
May
Middle School Band Channel
- 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...
- Around the Schools / Featured News / Guidance / High School / Middle SchoolJanuary 6, 2026Curriculum Night – January 28th – 6:00 – 8:00 PMCurriculum Night will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00. Administration, Guidance and the Department Heads will go over the curriculum, graduation requirements and the scheduling process. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
- Around the Schools / Featured News / Middle SchoolNovember 21, 2025Mental-Health Awareness Speaker Presents to Middle School StudentsTacos and bananas don’t necessarily go together at mealtime, but they do connect to an initiative for mental health awareness at the Western Wayne Middle School through their involvement in the Avedium program called the “Wear Your Care” campaign. Avedium is a US-based, student-led mental health awareness and suicide prevention program active in schools across the country. Created by students for students, its mission is to “shatter the silence” surrounding depression, suicide, and other youth issues. The name Aevidum means “I’ve got your back”. As a follow-up to mental health awareness month students are “wearing their care” in the month of November to provoke discussion about emotional well-being. Members of the middle school Avedium group wore taco costumes to gather data on how many people who interacted with them during the day would sincerely check in on their mental state. Of the over one hundred interactions the students recorded, they reported only two remarks of genuine concern. Western Wayne Middle School principal Casey Newcomer introduced the guest speaker at the Avedium mental-health awareness assembly on Thursday, November 20, and encouraged the student body to continue to strive to care about others in the school community as a priority. Dr. Matthew Spott, local entrepreneur and suicide prevention counselor with the Crisis Line, Scranton, spoke to the students about his personal journey through mental health struggles. He is the Vice President of U.S. Sales for Uniphar, a global healthcare company that helps pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers connect with patients and healthcare professionals through education, medical information, and digital engagement. Over his 17-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Spott has worked with some of the world’s leading life science companies. In addition, he owns The Lovelton Hotel, a family-friendly sportsman bar, hotel and restaurant in Wyoming County; leads SpoSho Investments, a real estate company with more than 80 residential units and several community redevelopment projects; and through Spott Inc., he’s opening three new Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop locations throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Spott also has several ongoing development projects focused on repurposing abandoned and historic buildings across NEPA into modern, luxury condominiums. He serves on the Board of Directors for NAMI — the National Alliance on Mental Illness — the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental health conditions. Furthermore, he is the founder of Total Game Changer (TGC) — a mindset and motivation platform that challenges people to take control of their lives and reach their potential. Through TGC, he authored his first book, Game Changer: The Seven Mindsets of Solution-Based Selling for Life-Changing Results, which explores how adopting the right mindset can transform not just how you sell, but how you live. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), an MBA in Strategy and International Business from Wilkes University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Development from the University of Southern California (USC). Above all, Spott is a husband and father first. He lives in the Scranton area with his wife, DeAnna, and their three children, Matthew, Gianni, and Sicilia. Spott started his presentation by telling a story about a seventeen-year-old young man who one day stood on a bridge contemplating suicide because he felt that his home situation was so terrible. Spott explained how the teenager decided to flip a coin to decide his fate. He later revealed that the struggling teen was himself. Due to his own battle with mental health issues, Spott decided to dedicate his life to helping others who also struggle and face situations that he did as a teen. He explained that at sixteen he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After his almost suicide attempt, he coped by being a bully to others until he was 23 years old. At 25 he had to enter a program for substance abuse, and he states that the experience saved his life. “My life has turned around,” he explained. “It wasn’t easy. When I was younger, I didn’t know how to receive love and kindness. It felt better to make someone else feel horrible.” After going to therapy for many years, Spott better understands how to handle his anxiety and other emotions. He explained revelations he had in therapy to the students. “Everyone needs to find coping mechanisms,” he explained. “Talking is the number one thing we can do.” He encouraged students to find positive outlets for their emotions. Spott recognized that the modern day is an incredibly difficult time in history for teens with the age of social media. He discussed how dopamine rushes are everywhere in the form of short videos, text messages, etc. “The biggest joy I get right now is giving back,” he explained, encouraging the students to find outlets not connected to the internet to help make their lives more meaningful as his closing remarks. “There are resources all around if you need help. Be kind to each other. It costs nothing to be nice or to just not be mean to others. Be kind to yourselves first then you can be kind to others.” Pictured is Dr. Matthew Spott speaking to the Western Wayne Middle School student body on Thursday, November 20. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
- Around the Schools / Featured News / High School / Middle SchoolNovember 21, 2025Western Wayne Celebrates Veterans Day As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Monday, Nov. 10, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event that featured music from the high school band and chorus, a presentation by a keynote speaker, and a question and answer symposium. Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne, some of which had special connections to district faculty and students. Western Wayne teacher and veteran Shane Grodack, USMC retired, acknowledged the Marines 250th birthday in his opening remarks and introduced the Western Wayne High School chorus and band. One of the band’s musical selections this year featured Western Wayne senior Scott Kurent playing the role of Abraham Lincoln and reading parts of the Gettysburg address. Scott has played many roles in Western Wayne musical productions over the years and was glad to take on this new role for the Veterans Day assembly. “I was glad to get to relive history for my classmates in this unique way,” Scott said. After the musical performances, Grodack introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Casey Newcomer, Western Wayne Middle School principal. Newcomer served for six years in the United States military–four years with the Army National Guard and two years on active duty. His service included an 18-month deployment as an infantry soldier in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning home, Newcomer continued to serve others– this time in the field of education. He graduated from West Chester University, taught biology for several years at a large school outside of Philadelphia, and later earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University. Seeing a need in his district, Newcomer worked to open and lead an alternative school for underserved students. After a decade of service there, he returned with his family to Wayne County where he now serves as the principal of the Western Wayne Middle School. In his speech, Newcomer called the Western Wayne High School and Middle School study body to action. “Real strength isn’t about what you achieve yourself, but what you give of yourself to others,” he explained. Newcomer described a time in his service where he provided food and other necessary goods to a family in need in a developing country. That moment was an eye-opening experience for him in which he realized just how powerful the work of the military is for others in need and what a military presence means in the lives of those struggling in countries greatly affected by war. “Veterans are living examples of service, sacrifice, and something bigger than themselves,” he said. In his speech, he challenged the students to live like soldiers no matter what path they choose to take in their lives. “Choose respect over disrespect. Stand up for what is right,” he encouraged the students. “Your life has purpose when you live it for others.” Following Newcomer’s address, the annual Veterans symposium took place on stage. The following veterans took part in this year’s panel: Shane Grodack, USMC retired; Gary Sereno, sergeant Army; Robert Smerdon, United States Air Force; Josh Harrison, United States Army; the late George Schaffer, Air Force; Clay Cole, United States Air Force; John Gaudenzi, Sergeant First Class Army, 39-year educator of the Western Wayne School District, who originated the Veterans Day festivities at Western Wayne in 1982 with fellow teacher Marie Casper; Michael Urban, Army CSM retired; Casey Newcomer, Army National Guard; and Kent Swartz, United States Air Force. Questions were read by Grodack and created by Western Wayne High School history class students. The veterans discussed how difficult it is to leave family and friends behind to serve along with discussing the many highs and lows of their experiences in various branches of the military. One of the final questions asked was if the veterans would advise students in the audience to join the service. Michael Urban, Army CSM retired and father of Western Wayne foreign language teacher Melissa Urban, commented, “The military is a good career, but you really have to prepare yourself mentally and physically for it.” “There are a lot of advantages to being in the military like seeing and doing things other people would only read about in books,” Urban continued. “ It is a decision you have to make in your heart. Your heart is going to be the key to your success.” Picture one, kneeling, from left: Mia Arcadipane, Ella Kieva, Kaelyn Chearney, Kamila Rivera, and Bella Kolp. Standing, from left: Shane Grodack, Western Wayne history teacher, USMC retired; Cameron Press, Madison Trapanese, Sydney Sosa, Olivia McGlone, Leah Reeger, Audrey McHugh, Makenzie Chearney, Meghan Rath, Alicia Wertman, Emma Spewak, and Casey Newcomer, Western Wayne Middle School principal, Army National Guard. All students pictured as members of Western Wayne’s Student Ambassador Program who help to serve the community at events such as the Veterans Day Assembly. Picture two, from left: Shane Grodack, USMC retired; Gary Sereno, sergeant Army; Robert Smerdon, United States Air Force; Josh Harrison, United States Army; the late George Schaffer, Air Force; Clay Cole, United States Air Force; John Gaudenzi, Sergeant First Class Army; Michael Urban, Army CSM retired; Casey Newcomer, Army National Guard; and Kent Swartz, United States Air Force. Picture Three: Scott Kurent, senior, reads the part of Abraham Lincoln. Picture Four: Senior Antonio Fisichella plays “Taps” to close out the assembly with junior Jason Vass, not pictured. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
- Around the Schools / Featured News / High School / Middle SchoolOctober 28, 2025Middle and High School Students Attend Girls in STEM SymposiumWestern Wayne Middle and High School students attended the Girls in STEM Symposium on October 16. Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation’s Girls in STEM Symposium 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. Our Western Wayne students had a very positive experience learning about science-related topics and are excited to apply what they have learned. Row One, from left: Aubrey Hendricks, Lyanah Shay, Makenzie Hoke, Mia Padula, Jereni Strocchia, Molly Gifford, Mila Morozova, Linden Nugent, Frankie Fedoryk, Emma Schott, Gabrielle Klimczak, Aliyah Gregory, Cecille Sic, Maria Shemanski, and Daria Ivakhnina. Row Two, from left: Katherine Berman, Rachel Enslin, Mr. Vince Tomasonni, Middle School science teacher; Giuliana Velazquez, Mrs. Trina Collins, high school science teacher; Mr. Josh Rowe, middle school science teacher. Picture Two From left: Linden Nyguen, Frankie Fedorchak, Emma Schott, and Gabrielle Klimczak. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
- Around the Schools / Featured News / Middle SchoolJuly 29, 2025Middle School 6th Grade Orientation– AUGUST 19th 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – – Level Up to 6th Grade with GRIT! – New to 6th Grade? New to our school? This night is for you! Orientation Night will help you kick off a year full of Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity! AUGUST 19th 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
