Western Wayne Students Continue Watershed Studies Through Fall and Winter Field Experiences

Western Wayne High School students are continuing their hands-on environmental education journey through the Community Connections to Our Watershed forum. The yearlong regional initiative brings together teams of students from nine local school districts to explore watershed science, land use, ecology, and sustainability through immersive field experiences across Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The Western Wayne students involved include:  Noah Benson, Aidyn Graci, Giana Graci, Aliyah Gregory, and Rhys Locklin.

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October: Understanding Our Ecological Footprint at Lacawac Sanctuary

On October 24, students traveled to Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center for a program centered on the theme “Leaving a Footprint.” The day focused on understanding how human activity impacts lake ecosystems and how individuals can reduce their ecological footprint.

.Working with environmental educators, students explored:

• Their personal ecological footprints and how daily choices affect natural resources
• The impact of climate change on lake ecosystems
• Methods for collecting physical and chemical data from a lake system
• Techniques for detecting microplastics in bodies of water
• How individual and group actions can reduce water pollution

Through hands-on lake monitoring activities and microplastics investigations, students gained a deeper understanding of how scientific data is used to assess ecosystem health. The experience reinforced the idea that while everyone contributes to environmental impact, everyone can also contribute to solutions.

Students were also challenged to collect water samples from their local communities for later analysis and to evaluate sustainability practices within their own school cafeterias.

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November: Examining Land Use and Mining Legacy

On November 6, students shifted their focus to Land Use, visiting the Anthracite Heritage Museum before traveling to the Old Forge Bore Hole.

This experience examined how Northeastern Pennsylvania’s historic coal mining industry was shaped by regional geology—and how it, in turn, reshaped the landscape. Students discussed how historical land-use decisions continue to influence water quality, ecosystems, and community development today.

The day included:

• Continued microplastics research (Part II)
• Discussions on how communities make modern land-use decisions
• Chemical water analysis at the borehole site
• Exploration of how abandoned mine lands still impact present-day watersheds

By connecting history, science, and civic decision-making, students gained a clearer understanding of how environmental stewardship requires both scientific knowledge and community engagement.

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January: Exploring Winter Ecology

On January 16, students returned to Lackawanna State Park to study Winter Ecology. Despite cold temperatures, students rotated through hands-on learning stations led by professionals from Pennsylvania State Parks, the Bureau of Forestry, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Students:

• Participated in Project FeederWatch, contributing to winter bird population monitoring
• Studied how forests adapt to winter stressors
• Learned about Snowshoe Hare population dynamics and ecosystem shifts
• Examined how climate change is altering winter weather patterns in the Northeast
• Strengthened their observational skills through structured nature journaling

The winter session also encouraged students to reflect on the human dimension of climate action, discussing both the scientific and psychological challenges associated with environmental change.

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Preparing for Stewardship in Action

Through these fall and winter experiences, Western Wayne students have examined environmental impact from multiple perspectives—personal responsibility, historical land use, ecosystem science, and climate change.

The forum will culminate this spring with a regional showcase, where each school team will present a stewardship action project designed to improve their campus or local community.

Western Wayne High School is proud of its student participants for their continued leadership, curiosity, and dedication to understanding and protecting our region’s natural resources.

Pictures One and Two: Western Wayne students participating in October Watershed activities.

Picture Three:  Western Wayne students participating in November Watershed activities.

Pictures Four and Five:  Western Wayne students participating in January Watershed activities.

The Western Wayne High School Inclusion Club proudly participated in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, with 28 students attending the event and raising over $1,400 to support Special Olympics athletes across the region.

The Polar Plunge is an annual fundraiser that challenges participants to brave the winter cold in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Funds raised directly benefit Special Olympics programs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, providing opportunities for training, competition, and inclusive athletic experiences.

Western Wayne’s Inclusion Club is part of the school’s commitment as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, promoting inclusion, leadership, and meaningful participation for all students. Through service projects, awareness initiatives, and Unified Sports, the club fosters a culture where every student belongs.

Students fully embraced the spirit of the event, wearing colorful costumes, tutus, and even polar bear outfits to bring fun and excitement to the day. Their enthusiasm added to the energy of the event and reflected the joyful, inclusive atmosphere that defines the Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania supports Unified Sports programs that bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates. At Western Wayne, the Unified Bocce team had a particularly strong season this year, advancing to the regional playoffs, a testament to the power of teamwork and inclusion. Students were also excited to see the WW Athletic Director, Mr. Tyler Jakes, greet them at the festivities today, as Mr. Jakes is a constant supporter of the WW Unified Bocce program.

The Inclusion Club is advised by high school teachers Rebecca Banik and Christine McClure, along with elementary teacher and WW Unified Bocce Coach Siena Cardamone. Through the leadership of teachers and coaches, students coordinate service initiatives, school-wide engagement activities, and Unified athletic programming that extends beyond any single department and is embedded in the broader student experience.

“The Polar Plunge is more than just a fundraiser,” said advisor Christine McClure. “It represents our students’ commitment to inclusion, empathy, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of the 28 students who participated and the generosity of our community in supporting this cause.” 

Student Joey Roses shared what made the experience most meaningful to him: “My favorite thing about the day is watching kids jump into the cold water together.”

The Inclusion club is excited about continuing its mission to support Unified and inclusive opportunities within the school community.

First row, from left: Andrew Locker, Oliver Harty, Phoebe Schmitt, Madison Forgione, Joseph Roses, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, Cassidy Levens, Maggie Kotchessa, and Nathaniel Amberg.

Second row, from left: Logan Pauler, Liam Pauler, Kyle Matthews, Vinny Baldini, Aiden Matthews, Paul Borowski, Kaylee Fischer, Madelyn McClure, Aliyah Gregory, Eric McGrath, Grace Owens, Audrey Agnello, Raeleigh Kromko, Hannah DeStefano, Donovan Gregorski, Quinn Swartz, and Norman Phillips.

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. You can reserve tickets by using the following Google Form.

Form link

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuwhV-VKgseCmHiNPJVzo_A-Gu7YjvbZ-NsmeIc9pcaWJ1XA/viewform

TICKET ORDER DEADLINE IS MARCH 13. Any questions, email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org

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.

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for January. Their teachers and administrators weighed in on the decisions.  All of the students chosen hold a high standard of academic and personal excellence. They are true examples of the P.R.I.D.E. standards for PBIS at our school. 

  First, is our selected freshman McKinnley Churmblo.  McKinnley is called sweet and respectful by her teachers. They note she always says thank you and advocates for herself. She is active in many activities but prioritizes her academics as well.  She is a bright student with a lot of potential who is driven to success in sports, extra-curricular activities and course work. In addition, she is always kind to her peers and teachers.  She consistently puts forth best effort in class and exudes positive energy.

 Next, Maha Tanveer is our chosen sophomore this month. She is called polite, determined, inquisitive, intelligent, respectful, goal-oriented, and hard-working by her teachers.  Maha is an extremely respectful and driven student who strives for success in all she does.

  In addition, Cody Jones is this month’s featured junior.  He is called hard-working, driven, determined, kind, and determined by his teachers. Cody is currently in sound academic standing in all classes and has demonstrated consistent academic engagement. He has shown increased resilience when faced with challenges and has shown sustained positive decision making and a determination to be the best version of himself. 

  Finally, Aiden Matthews is our senior spotlight this month. Aiden’s teachers say he is helpful, honest, hard-working, courteous, hard-working, kind, friendly, polite, and gracious.  He has integrity in all he does and demonstrates strong character in all of his academic and extra-curricular activities. In addition, he is an excellent academic student who looks forward to continuing to learn and achieve for the remainder of his senior year.

The Western Wayne School District congratulates these January students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

From left: Maha Tanveer, McKinnley Churmblo, Cody Jones, and Aiden Matthews.

Two senior members of the Western Wayne High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) are being recognized for their dedication and achievement after competing in one of FBLA’s most challenging state-level events.

Phoebe Schmitt, Western Wayne FBLA Vice President, and Audrey Agnello, Western Wayne FBLA Secretary, represented their school in the Public Service Announcement (PSA) event, an event offered only at the state level and widely regarded as one of the most competitive FBLA competitions in Pennsylvania.

Their team developed and presented a public service announcement focused on the dangers of social media use among teenagers, with particular attention to the connection between excessive online engagement and cyberbullying. The PSA emphasized awareness, digital responsibility, and the real consequences cyberbullying can have on teen mental health and well-being.

While the team did not place in the final standings, their selection to compete and their performance at the state level reflects a high level of skill, preparation, and professionalism. The PSA event draws top competitors from across the state, making participation alone a significant accomplishment.

Both Schmitt and Agnello are highly dedicated members of Western Wayne FBLA and have played key leadership roles within the chapter. As officers, they have consistently contributed their time, effort, and creativity to support chapter activities, mentor fellow members, and represent Western Wayne with pride. Their work in the PSA event demonstrates their commitment to addressing real-world issues through leadership and service. Western Wayne High School commends Phoebe Schmitt and Audrey Agnello for their hard work, thoughtful advocacy, and continued dedication to the FBLA program.

From left: Audrey Agnello and Phoebe Schmitt.

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for December. Their teachers and administrators weighed in on the decisions.  All of the students chosen hold a high standard of academic and personal excellence. They are true examples of the P.R.I.D.E. standards for PBIS at our school. 

 First, Allison Ochlan is our selected freshman.  Allison is called courteous, hard-working, positive, kind, and polite by her teachers.  She has a notably positive attitude and is always striving to be the best she can be.

 Next, Layla Persaud is our chosen sophomore this month.  Layla is called responsible, mature, courteous, hard-working, caring, and empathetic by her teachers. She is extremely dedicated to her schoolwork and is always kind to others.

  In addition, Olivia Haines is this month’s featured junior. Like her peers she is noted by her teachers as being kind, hard-working, dedicated, intelligent, dependable, mature, and responsible.

  Finally, Paul Borowski is our senior spotlight this month. Paul’s teachers say he is intelligent, personable, kind, helpful, friendly, honest, trustworthy, and, in addition to all of that, has a wonderful sense of humor. Paul is also a proud member of the Western Wayne Varsity Football Team.

The Western Wayne School District congratulates these December students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

From left:  Allison Ochlan, Olivia Haines, Layla Persaud, and Paul Borowski.

The Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS) recently granted Western Wayne High School students a 2,000 grant. Mrs. Christine McClure, advisor of Western Wayne’s chapter of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, wrote the grant and is thrilled the students will be able to use it to pay for their Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition this year. It will cover at least three quarters of the cost of attending for each student involved. There are about 15 students involved in Western Wayne’s PJAS this year in grades seven through 12.

The PJAS students will attend regionals on February 28 at Wilkes University and could then have the possibility of attending states this May at Penn State Main Campus. The students are all working on individual research projects for the regional competition.

One such student is Madelyn McClure, junior, doing research on the effects of different protective boots on horses. Some of the data she is gathering is about how much heat the boots produce.
“I’m looking forward to learning more through my investigation especially because I enjoy working with horses so much,” Madelyn said.

Fellow junior Abigail Bell is doing a creatively unique research project on one of her passions– dance. She will study the effects of dance on people’s mood. She will achieve this goal by selecting clips of different dance styles, for example, jazz, hip hop, pom, pointe, etc. Then she will show them to a sample group and have them complete a mood survey afterwards.
“I am curious to discover the different types of emotions people will feel from experiencing various types of dance,” Abigail said.

Another junior working on a PJAs research project this year is Raegan Fox. She is conducting a biology experiment about the effects of bacteria using different types of body wash.
“I am looking forward to presenting my research at the conference this February,” Raegan said.
The district is very grateful to PARSS for the grant which will aid these students in their journey to participate in their upcoming PJAS competition.

Picture one, from left: Raegan Fox, Abigail Bell, Mrs. Christine McClure, and Madelyn McClure.

Picture two: Raegan Fox with some of her experiment work for her PJAs project.

Come join us to support the Western Wayne Marching Band & Color Guard and the Western Wayne Drama Club at a dine-in night on Thursday, February 26, from 3 to 10 p.m., at the Texas Roadhouse located at, 1255 Commerce Blvd, Dickson City.

Print out the flyer found on this event page and present it to your waiter/waitress, and the Band & Drama organization will receive 10% of your total bill from your visit.  

You also can use the flyer for takeout orders!

Copies of the flyers also will be sent home with students and staff in all district buildings in February.

Thank you in advance for your support of the performing arts in our district!

Any questions email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org

Western Wayne Drama Club’s production this year is Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The cast, crew, and pit band are excited to perform the show for the community. Performances of Western Wayne Drama Club’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are at Western Wayne High School’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 11, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID.  Follow us on instagram at ww_drama_club

This year we will have pre-sale tickets available for purchase during the time of our Character Breakfast on, Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. All ticket sales will be final. Having a pre-sale ticket means you will not have to wait in line on the dates of the performances for tickets but does not reserve a certain seat in the auditorium.

Tickets also will be available at the door. There are no online sales.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com The production is also licensed by Music Theatre International.

All involved with the show are grateful to have the opportunity to perform for an audience and cordially invite you to their show.

Any questions, email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org