EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY
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Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony June 3, 2025At the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 3, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to the students and families about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.”“Grit is what comes into play when you have many things on the to-do list,” Newcomer, who is new to the district this year, said.He told the crowd about a recent tug of war competition held during the middle school’s annual end-of-year field day event.“The advice I gave students during tug of war is applicable to the advice I want to give them as they move forward to high school,” he explained. “Dig in. Do your best. Persevere and believe in yourself.”Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Ruthann Neve and Reyna Weaver sang the National Anthem; and Elizabeth Bilski and Ayvari Ford sang the alma mater.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 good citizenship, excellent work habits, 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. Some also received the new Grit Award instituted for the first time this year by Newcomer for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships.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 chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the local American Legion present these awards.The Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Kaelyn Chearney.Kaelyn 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 and honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.George Schaffer presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Charles Vinton.Charles 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.Both Kaelyn and Charles felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion had chosen them for these high honors.Kaelyn, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a hard-working young woman who especially loves to study science and social studies and participates in soccer and track at Western Wayne. She also studies a variety of dance styles at the Honesdale Dance Studio.Kaelyn aspires to be a meteorologist one day.“All of my activities and academic achievements in school so far have taught me that hard work does pay off,” she explained.Fellow classmate Charles Vinton is also a hard-working honor roll student in NJHS. He enjoys studying math and science the most. Charlie is a member of the soccer and track teams along with being involved in PJAS.“I am most looking forward to participating in high school sports next year,” Charlie 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 2029 the best on their new journey to the high school.
Picture one, from left: Matthew Barr, middle school assistant principal; Charles Vinton, winner of the American Legion Award; Kaelyn Chearney, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal.
Picture two, from left: Charles Vinton, winner of the American Legion Award; and Kaelyn Chearney, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award.
Picture three, from left: Charles Vinton, American Legion Award winner, with George Schaffer who presented this prestigious award on behalf of the American Legion. [...]
9th Graders Explore Outdoor Education at Varden Conservation AreaJune 2, 2025On May 27, 2025, Western Wayne High School 9th grade students stepped outside the classroom and into nature during a day of immersive, hands-on learning at the Varden Conservation Area. This outdoor educational experience brought students face-to-face with real-world environmental science, thanks to the collaboration of expert educators from Lacawac Sanctuary, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Wayne County Conservation District, and Trout Unlimited.Students rotated through three engaging, station-based activities focused on local ecology. They examined macroinvertebrates in a pond ecosystem to evaluate water quality, practiced casting techniques during a fishing demonstration, and conducted chemical tests to assess stream health and pollution levels.A highlight of the day was the release of rainbow trout as the culmination of the Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC) program. Throughout the school year, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and his students raised trout from eggs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The release was supported by the Pike–Wayne Chapter #462 of Trout Unlimited, with assistance from Chapter President Paul Ranello and Youth Advisors Don Strathy and Pat Guinnane.The environmental education team featured Nicole Seul, Director of Environmental Education at Lacawac Sanctuary, and Richard Arthur, Environmental Educator, who guided students through macroinvertebrate identification and their role as indicators of water quality. Theresa Black from PLEON (Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network) led students in chemical water testing and interpretation. DCNR Environmental Education Specialist Josh Heath, along with Trout Unlimited representatives Don Strathy and Pat Guinnane, introduced students to responsible fishing techniques and how environmental conditions influence bait and casting choices.Leading up to the field experience, students participated in classroom lessons about water quality, groundwater, surface water, and watersheds. These preparatory activities helped connect local environmental issues to broader ecological concepts, reinforcing the importance of water as a shared natural resource.This enriching day in nature was made possible through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant provided by the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation, whose president, Christine McClure, also attended the event. Accompanying the students were Western Wayne educators Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Maria Phillips, Helene Tscheschlog, and Christine McClure.This collaboration between environmental organizations and local educators highlights the power of experiential learning and reinforces Western Wayne’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among students.Learn more about the partners involved:• Varden Conservation Area:www.vardenconservationarea.comFacebook – Friends of Varden Conservation AreaDCNR Varden Conservation Area• Lacawac Sanctuary:www.lacawac.orgFacebook – Lacawac Sanctuary• PA Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC):www.patroutintheclassroom.org• Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimitedhttps://pwtu.org/
Pictures show Western Wayne ninth grade students engaged in immersive hands-on learning. [...]
Western Wayne Places Second and Third at State-Wide Stock Market GamesJune 2, 2025Western Wayne High School Students placed second and third out of 162 teams from all of the eastern half of Pennsylvania in the year-long Stock Market Games competition that lasted from September to April for all school students in Pennsylvania.
Western Wayne second place winners were Bryson Moscarelli, Nikita Rud, and Natalia Borrelli; third place winners were Mercedes Pedersen, Michael Olivo, and Anthony Canzano.
Mr. Ryan Onder, high school teacher, worked with these students to help them accomplish this achievement.
The Stock Market Game is an online simulation of the global capital markets that engages students grades 4-12 in the world of economics, investing and personal finance and that has prepared nearly 20 million students for financially independent futures. The Stock Market Game lets students build financial literacy and business skills through hands-on experience managing a virtual portfolio in a real-world market simulation.
Picture one, second place winners, from left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Natalia Borrelli, Nikita Rud, Bryson Moscarelli, and Mr. Ryan Onder.
Picture two, third place winners, from left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Michael Olivo, Mercedes Pedersen, Anthony Canzano, and Mr. Ryan Onder. [...]
First Grade Hive learns all about bees from Dr. Jim Tickner. June 2, 2025Our First Grade Hive at EverGreen had the opportunity to learn all about bees from Dr. Jim Tickner. Students were given all the facts about what it takes to be a beekeeper. They also learned that being a worker bee is not an easy job! Students practiced their waggle dance and also had the opportunity to see all the tools and hives first hand. Such a cool experience that the students will be buzzing about for a while! [...]
Officer Thomas and Mrs. Gregorski Lead Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness LessonJune 2, 2025On Thursday, May 29, Western Wayne High School students in Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s Child Development I classes (1st and 8th periods) participated in an impactful, STEM-based lesson on Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) made possible by the fully funded DonorsChoose project, “Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome: a STEM-Based Learning Experience.” This classroom project was generously supported by the SONIC Foundation, General Motors, and a private donor from Florida, and brought hands-on, real-world learning directly to our students.
In preparation for the activity, Mrs. Gregorski led in-depth classroom discussions and lessons on SBS. Students reviewed current research, watched powerful video clips of real-life interviews with survivors and families affected by SBS, and explored the emotional, physical, and legal consequences of infant abuse. Using the Ward Science Shaken Baby Syndrome Model, Mrs. Gregorski demonstrated how infant shaking causes severe brain trauma—providing a dramatic visual experience that deepened students’ understanding of this important topic.
To enhance the lesson, School Resource Officer Wayne Thomas—who brings over 25 years of experience from the Pennsylvania State Police, including extensive time working in criminal investigations—visited both classes to speak with students. He shared real-world experiences involving child abuse cases and opened the floor for student-led Q&A. Officer Thomas engaged students in meaningful dialogue about the importance of infant safety, the consequences of neglect and abuse, and how future professionals in education, healthcare, and mental health can help protect children.
This lesson made a lasting impression on students preparing for careers in early childhood education, medicine, social work, and counseling.
“Seeing the Shaken Baby Syndrome model in person made it all feel so real. Mrs. Gregorski’s lessons already made us think deeply, but hearing actual stories and seeing how fragile babies are really opened my eyes,” Gabby Bryant, a sophomore in Child Development I, shared. “I’ll definitely remember this in my future classroom.”
Jasmine Rodriguez, junior, who plans to get into law enforcement after high school, added,”Having Officer Thomas come in and talk to us made a big impact. His real-life experiences helped us understand how serious SBS is, and why it’s something we, as future teachers and caregivers, need to talk about more. It was one of the most powerful lessons we’ve had.”
Picture One, from left: Olivia Gries, Gabby Bryant, Dakota Douglas, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Madison Forgione.
Picture Two: Officer Wayne Thomas giving a presentation on Shaken Baby Syndrome to Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s class.
Picture Three, Students from Child Development I, pictured with Officer Wayne Thomas and the Shaken Baby Syndrome model, from left: Addriana Cangas, Jasmine Ramos, Nathalie Ramos, Giuliana Velazquez, Phoebe Schmitt, Madison Forgione, Maggie Kotchessa, Jasmine Rodriguez, Gabby Bryant, Officer Thomas, Ethan Paugh, and Mrs. Jessica Gregorski. [...]
5th students at RDW Elementary engaged in a culminating self-portrait projectMay 28, 2025Fifth-grade students at Robert D. Wilson Elementary engaged in a culminating self-portrait project to conclude their elementary visual arts experience. Students used sculpture techniques to construct three-dimensional plaster models of their faces. Over the course of the unit, learners explored human facial proportions and studied influential portrait artists throughout art history to inform their progress. Students applied their knowledge of proportion, drawing and painting to add accurate facial features. Through the use of mixed media techniques, and creative problem-solving strategies, students personalized their sculptures with details such as hairstyles, eyeglasses, jewelry, and accessories. The 5th graders worked hard to synthesize years of art instruction to create this meaningful visual representation of their time and growth at RDW. Each student’s unique and individual personality shines through! [...]
High School Watershed Group Leads Fourth-Grade Environmental Education Program with Support from Community Grants May 28, 2025Lake Ariel, PA — Western Wayne High School’s Watershed Group is proud to announce the successful completion of a student-led environmental education initiative originally planned as a field trip to the Varden Conservation Area. This spring, thanks to grant funding and outstanding community partnerships, fourth-grade students at RDW and Evergreen Elementary Schools experienced a day filled with hands-on watershed education, led by professionals and high school mentors.This project is part of the long-standing Community Connections to Our Watershed program, which for over 20 years has connected students in northeastern Pennsylvania with local environmental experts and conservation educators. Each year, students explore watersheds, learn about clean water initiatives, and participate in forums alongside professionals from agencies committed to preserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources. More information about the program can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/CCTW2025This year’s participating schools include:• Lackawanna County Teams: Carbondale, Forest City, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands• Luzerne County Teams: Crestwood, Hanover, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming AreaWestern Wayne High School students participated in several preparatory field trips, including visits to Lackawanna State Park, Keystone College, the Old Forge borehole, and the Alliance Landfill, the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. These experiences helped students learn how to assess watershed health and explore solutions to protect local water resources. Support for these programs was provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania American Water Company, and the DCNR Watershed Education Program.The culminating event was presented at a student showcase held at Montage Mountain on May 6, 2025, where Western Wayne students unveiled their vision: an interactive field trip experience for all district fourth-grade students. They designed original ecology-based activities and coordinated programming with outside agencies to bring their vision to life.Originally planned for the Varden Conservation Area, the field day was quickly relocated indoors due to cold, wet weather. Thanks to the flexibility and determination of teachers, administrators, and partners, the program was successfully delivered on-site at both elementary schools—retaining all core educational experiences.Participating Agencies and PresentersThe program featured presentations and hands-on stations from a wide range of environmental organizations, including:• Lacawac Education Department: Nichole Seul• Lacawac Sanctuary PLEON Department: Theresa Black• Promised Land DCNR Environmental Education Specialist: Joshua Heath• Trout Unlimited: Don Strathy, Paul Guinnane• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (National Park Service): Anna Grismero All participating 4th graders received a free National Parks pass good for unlimited admission for them and their families during their 4th-grade year• Wayne County Conservation District: Olivia D’Amore• Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Rachel Morrow• Western Wayne High School Science Faculty: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D.• Community Connections to Our Watershed High School Student Leaders: Dakota Douglas, Aliyah Gregory, Giuliana VelazquezHigh school students acted as presenters, group leaders, and support staff, working closely with fourth graders during each 45-minute station rotation. Activities included a watershed model demonstration, casting skills with Backyard Bass, and a water chemistry/biology interactive lesson.Funding and Community SupportFunding for the program was made possible through two generous sources:• A mini-grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF), reviewed and awarded by the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, which supported transportation and programming costs.• Additional funding for both the Varden classroom education and the in-school field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the Western Wayne Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting innovation and opportunity in the district.o For more information, contact Christine McClure, President, at 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.Both the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Western Wayne Education Foundation play a crucial role in building long-term educational opportunities for students in the region.A Day of Fun, Learning, and ResilienceDespite the weather challenges, the program delivered an enriching experience filled with environmental discovery, hands-on activities, and expert instruction. Students were engaged, enthusiastic, and inspired by what they learned—and most importantly, they had fun doing it.Western Wayne High School extends its sincere thanks to all agency partners, grant providers, faculty, and students who made this unique educational day possible. The project is a testament to the power of youth leadership, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
Picture One: Fourth grade students at EverGreen engaged in hands-on watershed education.
Picture Two: Fourth grade students at RDW engaged in hands on watershed education. [...]
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