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Educating and preparing every student in alliance with family and community to become confident, lifelong learners, achieve personal excellence, and serve as responsible citizens in a global society.
Learn about the guiding principles that shape teaching, learning, leadership, and community partnerships throughout the Western Wayne School District. This document outlines our commitment to student success, lifelong learning, and educational excellence.
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News from Around our Schools
Band Celebrates Halloween with Young and OldOctober 30, 2026The Western Wayne High School Marching Band took their show on the road for Halloween festivities on Thursday, Oct. 29.
First, the students gave a performance to elementary students in the district at the R.D. Wilson School and on the same day, they performed in the community at the Wayne Woodlands and Julia Ribaudo Nursing Homes. They also included in their day a performance for the Western Wayne Middle School and Evergreen Elementary School as well.
The band students were thrilled to be able to perform for these very special audiences. All of the students and nursing home residents who got to see the performances felt a lot of Halloween spirit.
“I am so grateful to be able to go out and perform in the community,” senior Emma DeNunzio, color guard captain said. “It adds another layer to our performances, and we get to have such fun experiences with new audiences.”
Fellow senior color guard captain student Molly French agreed.
“It was so wonderful to be able to go out into the community for our Halloween performances,” Molly said. “I really enjoy performing for various audiences.”
Pictured is the Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard with director Elaine Ort and assistant director Maria Arneil posing after their performance at Evergreen Elementary School. [...]
High School Creative Writing Elective’s Spooky-Season Saga Contest WinnersOctober 30, 2026As a Western Wayne High School fall tradition in Mrs. Amanda Jenkins’s Creative 1 elective, student writers competed in a classroom contest by composing a 100-word mini saga. Pieces were judged by peers in other English courses.
Zoe Ratchford (senior) took the first place “boo-bucket” prize with her piece “The Footprints I Leave Behind.”
Honorable mention went to senior Jazleen Miller’s “Back to Life” and freshman Rachel Erb’s “A Mother’s Greatest Desire.”
Writers in the course could opt to submit their sagas to a national competition through the 2026 Young Writers “Wanted” contest with a chance to be accepted for publication.
Winners (pictured left to right): Zoe Ratchford and Jazleen Miller (Rachel Erb not pictured). [...]
Wallenpaupack Engineering Competition Celebrates Student Innovation and CreativityOctober 29, 2026Students including a team from Western Wayne High School recently put their engineering skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to the test at the Wallenpaupack Engineering Competition, where teams designed and built devices inspired by real-world drone pickup and delivery technology.
The challenge required students to construct a device that could be operated while being held by a single string. The device had to pick up, transport, and release objects of various shapes, sizes, and weights. Items included Styrofoam balls, cylinders and cones, a toy car, a wooden block, a golf ball, and a baseball.
Working with a limited supply of materials, including plastic tubs, popsicle sticks, tape, string, and paper clips, students used a variety of tools to bring their designs to life. Teams had to think critically, experiment with different approaches, and make adjustments to improve their devices’ performance. The goal was to successfully pick up and transport as many objects as possible.
The overall winning team from Western Wayne consisted of Hunter Burry, Makenzie Chearney, Eric McGrath, Shin-Cheon Moon, and Cameron Press. In addition to winning the overall team competition, the students earned both the Innovator Award and the Million Dollar Idea Award, recognizing their success and creativity throughout the challenge.
Another Western Wayne team also participated in the competition, consisting of Olivia Moyer, Christopher Pane, Evan Gallagher, Ben McCleland, and Kyle Matthews. Their participation provided another opportunity for students to apply engineering concepts, collaborate with teammates, and develop solutions to a hands-on design problem.
The Wallenpaupack Engineering Competition challenged students to do more than build a device. It encouraged them to apply engineering principles, test their ideas, overcome design obstacles, and work together toward a common goal. These experiences help students develop valuable skills in innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
Congratulations to Hunter Burry, Makenzie Chearney, Eric McGrath, Shin-Cheon Moon, and Cameron Press on their outstanding achievement, and congratulations to all students who participated in this engaging engineering challenge!
From left: Cameron Press, Hunter Burry, Makenzie Chearney, Shin-Cheon Moon, and Eric McGrath. [...]
Students Attend Youth Leaders Public Health SummitOctober 26, 2026Western Wayne students among other students from various schools attended the Youth Leaders Public Health Summit on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Geisinger School of Health Sciences. They were welcomed by a speech from Rotary member Andy Lane Chapman, Rotary District Governor, District 7410. In addition to other activities throughout the day, they heard from Annamarie Rodriquez, GSHS Pathways Program; Ty Holmes, advanced polio application; and Dr. Alison Brodginski, infectious disease. In breakout sessions they heard from experts in their field: Amanda Roome, PhD, on the topic of fighting infectious disease; Jon Naugle, on the topic of water, sanitation, and hygiene; and Carol Goodman, on the topic of the history of polio. The event was sponsored by Rotary. Western Wayne students who attended included: Igor Barth, Kylie Morcom, Maci Lazorchak, Olivia McGlone, Raelyn Simpson, and Kaelyn Chearney. [...]
Safety first at Evergreen ElementaryOctober 23, 2026A big thank you to Officer Jorge for teaching our students all about our bus safety rules that help keep everyone safe on the road.
We would also like to extend a special thanks to Curt Carouth for generously allowing us to use his bus for this important hands-on lesson. [...]
- Support Staff VacanciesOctober 23, 2026Please take a look at the available support staff positions. Thank you! [...]
AP Biology Students Explore Field Ecology at Lacawac SanctuaryOctober 23, 2026Students in Western Wayne High School’s Advanced Placement (AP) Biology class recently traded their classroom for the forest during an educational field trip to Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station. The hands-on experience allowed students to step into the role of field ecologists as they investigated the complex relationships between organisms and their environment in northeastern Pennsylvania’s woodland ecosystems.
Throughout the day, students participated in authentic ecological research activities designed to connect classroom concepts with real-world environmental challenges. Working in research teams, students explored forest biodiversity, identified native and invasive species, and examined the impact of white-tailed deer populations on forest regeneration.
One of the highlights of the experience was an investigation of Lacawac’s deer exclosures, fenced areas designed to prevent deer from browsing on vegetation. Students compared ecological conditions inside and outside the exclosures to better understand how deer populations can influence plant diversity, forest structure, and the ability of young trees to regenerate.
Using scientific field equipment, including transect lines, ocular tubes, and forest densiometers, students collected data on canopy density, ground vegetation, and plant diversity. These techniques provided students with firsthand experience in the sampling methods used by professional ecologists to study environmental change.
Students also practiced identifying trees and other plant species using dichotomous keys and observational field skills. Discussions about invasive species and their effects on native ecosystems encouraged students to consider the challenges of maintaining biodiversity and protecting Pennsylvania’s forests.
The experience directly supported concepts studied in the AP Biology curriculum, particularly ecology, biodiversity, population dynamics, and the interactions between organisms and their environments. Students were challenged to move beyond simple observations and use scientific evidence to explain ecological patterns and evaluate how environmental factors influence ecosystem stability.
An important component of the field experience was developing students’ scientific reasoning skills. By collecting authentic data, comparing environmental conditions, and considering multiple factors that influence forest health, students engaged in the same types of investigations conducted by practicing scientists.
The trip also reinforced the importance of environmental stewardship, a central theme in Western Wayne’s AP Biology curriculum. By investigating ecological challenges within their own region, students gained a greater appreciation for the importance of conservation, responsible wildlife management, and protecting local biodiversity.
Experiences like this help students recognize that biology extends far beyond the classroom. Through partnerships with organizations such as Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station, Western Wayne students have opportunities to apply scientific knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and explore potential careers in environmental science, ecology, conservation, and natural resource management.
Western Wayne High School extends its appreciation to the educators and staff at Lacawac Sanctuary for providing students with an engaging and meaningful field-based learning experience. This program was funded by the Western Wayne Education Foundation which receives local donations through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
Front row, from left: Maha Tanveer, Abbie Washine, Annie Williams, Madelyn McClure, Abigail Bell, Alicia Wertman, Madison Kizer, Gianna Barletta, and Olivia Haines. Back row from left: Sadie Booths, Layla Persaud, Ava Fiorella, Sophia Ochlan, Raegan Fox, Gavin Zeiler, Evan Korea, and Patrick Donahoe. [...]
Western Wayne Students Selected as Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week AmbassadorsOctober 22, 2026This past summer, 1,807 students from across Pennsylvania attended Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW), building skills, confidence, and connections that will last well beyond the week. Western Wayne students Emaan Tanveer, senior, and Maha Tanveer, junior, will serve as student ambassadors this school year and participated in the summer program.
PFEW graduates like the Tanveers are continuing their leadership journey by sharing their experiences, inspiring fellow students, and helping introduce others to this life-changing opportunity. As Student Ambassadors, they’ll develop career-ready skills, practice public speaking and outreach, and serve as authentic voices for PFEW in their respective school communities.
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is an award-winning summer program for current high school students. Through a fast-paced company simulation and collaborative activities, students develop communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that prepare them for life after high school—whether in college, the workforce, or beyond.
Both Tanveer siblings are excited to spread the word and encourage more students to discover PFEW in the future. They greatly enjoyed their experience in the program.
“My experience with the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) program was incredibly valuable and memorable. The program gave me the opportunity to learn more about business, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and leadership while collaborating with other students,” Maha Tanveer, junior, said. “It helped me understand how businesses operate, how important communication and problem-solving are, and how different ideas can come together to achieve a common goal. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was stepping outside my comfort zone, working with new people, and developing confidence in my abilities. PFEW showed me the importance of being open to new perspectives and taking initiative, and I am grateful to have been part of a program that encourages students to become future leaders.”
Maha is highly involved at Western Wayne in the following activities: Student Council, FBLA, Spanish Club, Cats Club, Literary Magazine, National Honor Society (NHS), and athletics, including wrestling, softball, tennis, and pickleball. She also serves as a Student Ambassador, College Knowledge Foundation (CKF) Ambassador, and PFEW Student Ambassador. Outside of school, she has participated in leadership programs such as HOBY, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT), and Founding Forward: Spirit of America.
“These experiences have helped me develop my leadership, communication, teamwork, and public-speaking skills while allowing me to contribute to my school and community,” Maha said.
In addition, some of Maha’s accomplishments include maintaining a 4.0 GPA, earning Honor Roll recognition, being named Student of the Month, and participating in leadership programs such as HOBY, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT), and Founding Forward: Spirit of America. She also has earned CPR, First Aid, opioid overdose response, and ladder safety certifications. Additionally, she has completed more than 66 hours of community service through volunteering at Ronald McDonald House, Saint Joseph’s Center, and a memorial race.
“ I am proud of these accomplishments because they reflect my commitment to academics, leadership, service, and personal growth,” Maha said.
Maha’s future goal is to become a cardiac surgeon. Her younger sister, Amal, has had a tremendous influence on this dream because of her medical journey and the strength she demonstrates every day. Being part of her life has helped Maha understand the impact that dedicated medical professionals can have on patients and their families. Maha believes that her work with PFEW will help her with her future plans.
“PFEW has helped prepare me for life after high school by strengthening my communication, teamwork, critical-thinking, and leadership skills. These qualities are important not only in college but also in my future career in medicine,” Maha said. “ As someone who hopes to become a cardiac surgeon, I recognize that success requires more than academic knowledge; it also requires collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions. Through PFEW, I gained a better understanding of how people with different strengths and perspectives can work together toward a common goal. The experience encouraged me to keep challenging myself, exploring new opportunities, and developing the skills I will need to succeed in college and beyond.”
Her sibling Emaan also feels as though she has grown greatly through her experiences with the PFEW program.
“My experience with PFEW was one of the most valuable leadership experiences I have had in high school. The program gave me the opportunity to learn about business, leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurship through hands-on activities and real-world challenges,” Emaan said. “Working with students from different schools pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me how important communication, collaboration, and adaptability are. I especially enjoyed working as part of a team to solve problems and make decisions while learning from business professionals and other students.”
Like her sister, Emaan is also highly involved in activities and sports at Western Wayne including: Student Council, Spanish Club, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Cats Club, FBLA, International Cultures Club, peer tutoring, boxing, Student Ambassadors, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT), Literary Magazine, tennis, and the Yearbook Committee.
“Through these activities, I have had opportunities to develop my leadership skills, participate in community service, explore my interests, and connect with other students,” Emaan said.
In addition, some of Emaan’s accomplishments include graduating from leadership programs including: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) and Founding Forward: Spirit of America. Also, she received an Entrepreneurship Award and multiple awards for her artwork, including first-, second-, third-, and fourth-place awards, as well as honorable mentions in various competitions. She has maintained Honor Roll throughout high school and has also been recognized as Student of the Month and received the Butterfly Effect Award. In addition, she has earned certifications in CPR/First Aid, Advanced Child Care, and Opioid Overdose Response/Care.
Emaan’s future plans are to attend college and pursue a career in medicine with the goal of becoming a cardiologist. She wants to combine her passion for science with her desire to help people and make a meaningful difference in their lives. She is also looking forward to shadowing a physician, which will give her the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the medical field and learn more about what it takes to become a doctor. In the future, she wants to become a successful entrepreneur and start a business. She too believes that PFEW has helped her be more ready for her future after Western Wayne.
“PFEW has helped prepare me for life after high school by strengthening my leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Although I plan to pursue medicine rather than business, these skills will be important in any career,” Emaan said. “PFEW taught me how to communicate my ideas confidently, work with people who have different perspectives, take initiative, and approach challenges creatively. It also gave me more confidence in my ability to step into leadership roles and work toward my future goals.”
From left: Emaan Tanveer and Maha Tanveer at PFEW week this past summer. [...]
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