Fire Safety was held at EverGreen on Friday, October 13th. EverGreen Elementary hosted Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Company, and Ledgedale Volunteer Fire Company where local emergency personnel presented students with life saving strategies and different pieces of equipment that they use. Students also were able to tour apparatus that local companies had on hand that day. The fire companies presented t-shirts to all students highlighting the 3 companies involved and notating the significance of fire prevention during National Fire Safety Week. We would like to thank these fire companies for coming to EverGreen for the presentation and helping our students understand ways to be safe.
The students at RDW have been working hard to make Autumn inspired artwork! Students across grade level have used the changing seasons and weather, as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and collages! They have observed the environment around them and utilized a variety of techniques to create beautiful seasonal art!
From left: Science Teacher, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski; Presenters Eugene Shultz; and Principal Paul Gregorski. Teacher Sara Brzycki and her student Anthony Zoppi. Brzycki is one of the teachers who will benefit from the grants along with all of her students including Anthony.
On October 10th Western Wayne High School Students in grade 9 experienced the THINK! ENERGY Innovation Program. This program is an interactive, hands-on presentation with a take home energy efficiency kit for each participating student and teacher. The program teaches the importance of energy, natural resources and environmental resources, and gives each participating student’s family energy-efficient technologies to install at home. Students and Staff in the high school received innovation kits on October 10th. The kits included faucet aerators, , a furnace filter whistle, a water conserving shower head, three LED light bulbs as well an advanced smart energy power strip. 136 innovation kits were distributed overall. This comes to 5230 new LED bulbs distributed to the Western Wayne School District since the program’s launch in 2015.
This program will also result in a number of mini grants for the teachers in the high school as well. The Western Wayne High School teachers who will receive grants this year include: Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Sara Brzycki, Christine McClure, Maria Phillips, and Helene Tscheschlog. The Think Energy Innovation Program has been brought to the schools by the National Energy Foundation, PPL Electric Utilities and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information or questions, please contact National Energy Foundation at 1-855-494-2942 or email amy.lamielle@nef1.org
On Thursday, October 12th, EverGreen Elementary Administration and Office Jorge Maldonado of the WW School Police Department held bus safety presentations for students ahead of bus safety week. Officer Maldonado discussed safety procedures with students when getting on and off a bus and stressed the importance of always crossing in front of a school bus by the school bus crossing arm so that the driver can always see you. Other topics discussed were proper procedures when a bus is in motion, noted all emergency exits on the bus, and a school bus driver’s job is to get all students home safely. Thank you to Caruth Bus Lines for allowing us to use a bus for the bus safety presentation.
It was a beautiful night on Friday, Oct. 6, when the Homecoming Court took to the field before the home football game against Mid Valley at Western Wayne’s Sharkey-Rosetti Stadium. The court crossed the field prior to the game escorted by their parents/ guardians to be honored in front of their family and friends before hearing the winners. Seniors Frankie Leyshon and Allie Pauler were crowned Homecoming King and Queen respectively. Congratulations to all the members of our court this year! From left, Homecoming Court members: Vinny Tomasetti, Gunnar Minor, Ethan Grodack, Carter Mistishin, Frankie Leyshon, Homecoming King; Allie Pauler, Homecoming Queen; Lexi DeSiato, Brooke Kellogg, Rhayni Carroll, and Taylor Maiocco.
Picture Four, from left: Elijah Sledzinski, Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, Ella Yedinak, and Calista Gregorski.Picture One, from left, Western Wayne Band Members: Will Dwyer, Makayla Walton, Lillian Maros, Nicholas Fisichella, Anthony Redmond, Zach Wilbur, Logan Jezorwski, Kalob Franko, Caden Wilson, Joey Regalbuto, and Brad Miehle. Band students at the event, not pictured: Adrianne Waller and Xavier Graham.Picture Three , from left, the 2023 Homecoming Court: Carter Mistishin, Brooke Kellogg, Frankie Leyshon, Lexi DeSiato, Rhayni Carroll, Allie Pauler, Vinny Tomasetti, Taylor Maiocco, and Ethan Grodack (absent from photo Gunnar Minor).Picture Two, from left: Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, and Ariana Marsan.
Members of the Western Wayne Marching Band, Homecoming Court, some varsity athletes, and beloved school mascot Westie visited both EverGreen Elementary and RDW Elementary on Oct. 3 to perform songs, do meet and greets, and invite the students and their families to the Homecoming Game and ceremony on Friday, October 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. A fun time was had by students of all ages during the elementary school visits!
Picture Two, from left: Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, and Ariana Marsan.
Picture Three , from left, the 2023 Homecoming Court: Carter Mistishin, Brooke Kellogg, Frankie Leyshon, Lexi DeSiato, Rhayni Carroll, Allie Pauler, Vinny Tomasetti, Taylor Maiocco, and Ethan Grodack (absent from photo Gunnar Minor).
Pictured are members of the 2023 Western Wayne Homecoming Court (picture one), from left, front row: Frankie Leyshon, Ethan Grodack, Carter Mistishin, Gunnar Minor, and Vinny Tomasetti. Back row, top, from left : Lexi DeSiato, Taylor Maiocco, Brooke Kellogg, Rhayni Carroll, and Allie Pauler.Second photo, front row from left: Lexi DeSiato, Brooke Kellogg, Rhayni Carroll, Taylor Maiocco, and Allie Pauler. Back row from left: Frankie Leyshon, Carter Mistishin, Gunnar Minor, Ethan Grodack, and Vinny Tomasetti.
The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 6th. The Western Wayne Homecoming Game against Mid Valley will begin at 7 p.m. with the presentation of the Homecoming Court about a half hour before kick-off. Western Wayne High School’s senior class nominated this year’s Homecoming Court and the whole student body is eagerly awaiting Homecoming Night to see who wins the title of Homecoming King and Queen! This year’s court is composed of Rhayni Carroll, Lexi DeSiato, Brooke Kellogg, Taylor Maiocco, Allie Pauler, Ethan Grodack, Frankie Leyshon, Gunnar Minor, Carter Mistishin, and Vinny Tomasetti. All of our senior court members have been highly involved during their time at Western Wayne in a variety of clubs, sports, and other activities. Senior Brooke Kellogg has been on Varsity Soccer for four years, Varsity Basketball for four years; track and field for one year; National Honor Society for three years and served as treasurer, and Student Council for three years and served as Student Body President. In addition, she has done 4-H for nine years and served as treasurer for the 4-H Club along with being a member of CATS Club for three years, and Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science for two years. Brooke plans to attend college to pursue a degree as a large animal vet tech. She will always cherish her memories at Western Wayne, especially her time in sports. “ My favorite school memory was in 7th grade at track practice when I jumped over a hurdle,” Brooke said, recalling how fellow Homecoming Court member Lexi DeSiato thought it was hysterical. Fellow senior Taylor Maiocco will also cherish the memories she made in school, especially her time participating in sports. Taylor has been a member of Varsity Volleyball for four years; Varsity Softball for two years; National Honor Society for three years and served as president; Student Council for four years and served as treasurer, vice president, and president; and FBLA for four years where she was a national qualifier. In addition, she serves as Student Ambassador along with being a member of the Prom Committee, Yearbook Committee, Scholastic Team, and PBIS. She also participated in the Advanced Medicine and Healthcare program at Johns Hopkins University. Upon graduation, Taylor plans to further her education to become a nurse anesthetist. Taylor remembers having many fun times in her sporting activities. “My favorite member is when When Mr. Butler was trying to throw a ball to Rhayni but ended up hitting me directly in the forehead,” she said. Fellow Homecoming Court member Rhayni Carroll agrees that this is a moment both of the girls will never forget. Rhayni has been involved in many of the same activities as Taylor. She has been involved in Soccer for four years and serves as a Captain; Softball for four years; FBLA for four years with 3 years as a national qualifier; three years as vice president of National Honor Society; and she is Junior Class Secretary and Senior Class Vice President. In addition, she has been involved as Student Ambassador for two years; PBIS for three years; along with serving on the Youth Advisory Committee; Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, and the Scholastic Team. Rhayni plans to further her education at a four- year university in health sciences and eventually become an optometrist. Her favorite memory is with her friend fellow Homecoming Court member Taylor Maiocco in her statistics class. Senior Allie Pauler also plans to further her education upon graduation in a science field. She has been a member of Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field for four years; FBLA for four years; and National Honor Society for three years. In addition, she has worked as a member of PBIS and the Coaches Alliance Program. She plans to pursue a degree in psychology at a four year college. She fondly remembers her time in FBLA, especially going to Hershey with her friends in that organization. Next, another highly involved student athlete is Lexi DeSiato. Lexi has been a member of Varsity Wrestling for four years with one year as Captain; Varsity Soccer for three years; and Track & Field for three years. In addition, she was on the National Honor Society for two years and served on the Prom Committee and was a Co-Organizer of 2023 Powder Puff. For her future plans, Lexi plans to further her academics and athletics at a collegiate level. She will always remember her time in Western Wayne sports especially when she wrestled her way through every soccer game. The five gentlemen on this year’s Homecoming Court also have been involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities and sports. Senior Vincent Tomasetti is a member of Varsity Wrestling for four years and a three-year National Honor Society member. Upon graduation, he plans to attend Johnson College and expand his knowledge in HVAC and electrical. His favorite senior memory was competing in the regional wrestling tournament as a freshman. Fellow senior Carter Mistishin also wants to study HVAC and electrical upon graduation at Johnson College. Carter is a member of Varsity Football for three years; National Honor Society for three years; Varsity Wrestling for two years; and FBLA for two years. He most enjoyed his time playing football at Western Wayne. Senior football player Frankie Leyshon is also a part of this year’s Homecoming Court. He is a four-year Varsity Football team member along with being a Captain; Varsity Basketball for three years; Varsity Baseball for three years; and he earned an honorable mention for quarterback in All-League All Stars. In addition, he is a first honors student and a member of FCS. Upon graduation, Frankie plans to attend a four-year college and hopefully play football. He will always remember the fun memories he made with his coaches and teammates on and off the field. Another fellow football player on the court is Ethan Grodack. Ethan is a four year Varsity Baseball player; Varsity Football for three years; National Honor Society for three years; and Student Council for one year. In addition, he is a volunteer with the Varden Conservation Area. Ethan plans to pursue a dual major in history and secondary education and play baseball at Wilkes University. “My favorite high school memory is playing football under the lights with the whole town supporting the team,” Ethan said. Our final member of the court is senior Gunnar Minor. Gunnar spends his time after school hours working hard to earn money. His future plans include going into the workforce or going to a trade school for welding. Gunnar and all of the members of the Homecoming Court look forward to bonding with each other and making memories during Homecoming at Friday’s game. The court along with the rest of the Western Wayne community invite the public to join them on Friday, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. for the Homecoming festivities followed by the game.
Pictured are Lia Hartman, junior, drum major; and Caden Wilson, senior, drum major, leading the band on the field at a home football game earlier in September, along with the Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard entering the field behind them for their performance.
The Western Wayne School District will host a cavalcade of bands on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 27, at our football stadium. A total of eight schools will participate including: Abington Heights, GNA, Carbondale Area, Delaware Valley, North Pocono, North-West Area, Honesdale, and, of course, Western Wayne will close out the show.
“It is exciting to perform for a home cavalcade crowd,” senior, drum major Caden Wilson said. “I hope everyone comes out to enjoy our show!”
The public may start arriving at the stadium as early as 5:45 p.m. Abington Heights will be the first school to perform starting at 6:30 p.m. with the National Anthem being played shortly beforehand.
Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children under 12 and senior citizens, a portion of this cost will be donated to a local charity.
In addition, concessions will be sold with all proceeds benefiting Western Wayne band and color guard students.
Western Wayne’s field show this season is a Spy-Themed Show with the selections of “Men in Black,” “Soul Bossa Nova,” “Skyfall,” and “Mission Impossible,” Come out and enjoy the hard work of all of the local school bands participating in this event.
Western Wayne Middle School is excited to announce that the popular national Girls on the Run program is now ‘up and running’ on our campus! Girls on the Run is a non Profit organization which offers a running based after school program to Elementary and Middle School students. The 6th to 8th grade program is called Heart and Sole. Each week our students play team building games, followed by a strength workout AND a running workout…phew! Our Fall season is underway, and there will be a Spring season too…both lasting 10 weeks. At the end of each season, students will take part in a celebratory, non-competitive 5k with hundreds of other GOTR members. Girls on the Run has awarded Western Wayne 15 full scholarships, so there is no charge for our students. The program is coached by Rachel Fitzmorris, who is a Paraprofessional at the MS and by Rachel Dennis, MS secretary. They are assisted by Amanda Steinmetz from our District Office and parent coach Bernadette Metschalut. Mrs Fitzmorris said “This program offers students who may not be in organized sports a chance to participate and discover the joy of movement. It also helps them build connections and self confidence.” Mrs Jennifer Bradley, Principal, said “I am very excited about the opportunities that the Girls on the Run will provide for our Middle School students. GOTR empowers Middle School girls to lace up their sneakers, chase their dreams, and build resilience, proving that the journey to self -confidence and success begins every step they take together😊” Any parents or staff interested in volunteering with Girls on the Run, or helping as ‘Running Buddies’ for our students in the 5k on November 18th are invited to email rfitzmorris@westernwayne.org
5th and 6th grade parents – Attend this FREE program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future
Five sessions will be held on Tuesdays, October 3– November 7, 2023, from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. (No program on October 31.)
Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to: ➢Promote health and well-being during the teen years. ➢Develop healthy beliefs and clear standards for behavior. ➢Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthen bonds with youth. ➢Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors. ➢Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family through the teen years. Youth attend session 4 with parents and caregivers and will learn skills they can use to avoid peer pressure. The program is open to all parents and caregivers and their 5th and 6th grade children in the Western Wayne and Lake Ariel community. It includes a FREE dinner for the entire family and childcare for younger family members
For more information or to register, contact by September 25: E-mail: prosper@westernwayne.org; Call: (570)878-2385; Or return registration form below to your principal.
ALL NEWS
Hot Rod Club and Drama Club Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6June 5, 2025The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2025 Annual Car Show on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium.Food to be sold at the concession stand. Registration fee is $10. Spectators are free. The Hot Rod Club will give prizes for best car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, and best in show.In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions. There will also be a raffle of baskets and gift certificates generously donated by businesses and families in the local community.Drama Club President Dakota Douglas is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the Car Show. She explained how the Drama Club students will be dressed in 50s attire for the event.“We wanted our presence at the event to go along with the variety of cars from the past that surely will be there,” Dakota said. “We hope that the public comes out to enjoy the cars and to have some good food and purchase some chances to win baskets and gift certificates.”Members of the Drama Parents Club are working to obtain a variety of items for the raffle at the Car Show from many very generous businesses and families in our Wildcat community. The students involved in the Hot Rod Club and Drama Club can use the funds raised from this event for their club activities.The Hot Rod Club meets on a regular basis to work on a variety of automotive projects after school and can use the funds for their projects among other activities.The Drama Club meets on a regular basis after school to work on a variety of projects and activities.“Drama Club gives students a place where they can express themselves,” club vice president, Jason Vass, explained. “We are like one big family in our club and really enjoy coming together to work as a team on events such as the Car Show.”All of the members of the Hot Rod Club, Drama Club, and Drama Parents Club cordially invite the public to attend this fun-filled event on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the High School parking lot near the stadium. Come out and see some great vehicles, take some chances on our basket raffle, enjoy some food, and enjoy some time socializing. Hope to see you there! [...]
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. [...]
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention
program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize
warning signs and signals, especially within social media,
from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others
and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late.