On Saturday October 10th 2022, Shane Cook and the Woodchippers performed for a large crowd in the Western Wayne High School Auditorium. The group performed music from the folk genre known as Old Time Fiddle music and was hosted by Wayne County’s Old Time Fiddlers who joined them for a number. Some pieces also featured a step dancer whose tap shoes would echo through the auditorium as he danced on a wooden board. Shane Cook, a Canadian and U.S. National Fiddle Champion, led the band. The group is also nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards. Western Wayne Stage Crew students had a great learning experience setting up sound equipment and working with the band.
Wayne and Pike County, PA October 2022 WP Workforce Alliance SHINE After School Program is celebrating Lights-On Afterschool on October 20th. The WP SHINE afterschool program will sponsor its annual Lights On Afterschool rally on October 20th at the Hamlin Fire Depart. The event will be one of thousands across America as part of Lights On Afterschool, the annual nationwide rally for afterschool programs organized by the Afterschool Alliance. This year, Lights On Afterschool will highlight the vital importance of community collaboration in small, rural areas. While helping students recover academically and socially from the pandemic, our communities have worked hard to fill in the gaps. Hundreds of students, parents, business, and community leaders from around Wayne and Pike counties joined together for Lights On Afterschool, a rally to celebrate the achievements of afterschool students and draw attention to the need for more afterschool programs to serve the millions of children nationwide who are unsupervised and at risk each weekday afternoon. WP SHINE started in 2019 with a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the U.S. Department of Education. It now serves 334 children, providing homework assistance, mentoring, and STEAM enrichment. The program focuses on hands-on, project-based learning that emphasizes technological literacy. Entering the 4th year of operations, SHINE is celebrating the importance of afterschool programs by teaming up with local emergency services. As part of the service-learning curriculum, all SHINE centers will visit the Hamlin Fire Department to learn about the importance of emergency services, particularly in rural areas. Our students have spent the month learning about emergency services technologies and careers and the importance of volunteer programs. SHINE is excited to share this event with the Hamlin Fire Department and highlight the important work they are doing to keep our communities safe. Please contact your local fire departments to find out more about the work they are doing and how to get involved. Workforce Alliance SHINE encourages everyone in Wayne and Pike County to celebrate this event with us by turning their porch lights on at 4pm.
Lights-On will take place on Thursday, October 20th at 4pm.
On Tuesday, October 18th, Officer Palmer from the Western Wayne School Police and Mr. Peet discussed school bus safety with kindergarten through fifth grade students. Mr. Peet and Officer Palmer discussed rules of the bus, flashing light functions/meanings, proper behavior while riding a bus, and correct procedures when boarding and exiting a bus safely. Thank you to Henwood Bussing for providing the bus for this presentation along with Mr. Peet and Officer Palmer for their time and expertise on bus safety during National School Bus Safety Week. It’s important to note the critical role that school bus transportation plays in education and the link between schools, classrooms, and neighborhoods.
To celebrate Fire Prevention Week, firefighters from Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Fire Department and Ledgedale Fire Company were at EverGreen Elementary on Friday, October 14th to discuss fire prevention and safety with all students. Students were able to see firefighters in their turn-out gear, see different tools used to fight fires, and the different pieces of equipment each fire department has along with having lunch with some of the firefighters. Students learned valuable lessons that they will be able use in the event of an emergency.
We would like to thank Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Fire Department, and Ledgedale Fire Department for coming to EverGreen Elementary.
Are you familiar with the phrase, “Community happens over coffee”?
If you are interested in learning more about our district, consider joining us for Coffee & Conversation. We hope you will stop by the District office on Friday, October 21, 2022 at 9:00 am – 10:00 am for a cup of coffee and engage in an informal conversation.
Kindly RSVP at the link below by Wednesday, October 19th. We hope to see you.
It was a beautiful night on Friday, Sept. 30, when the Homecoming Court took to the field before the home football game against West Scranton at Western Wayne’s Sharkey-Rossetti Stadium. The court crossed the field prior to the game escorted by their parents to be honored in front of their family and friends before hearing the winners. Seniors Luke Janiszewski and Cyrah Bihler were crowned Homecoming King and Queen respectively. Congratulations to all the members of our court this year! From left, Homecoming Court members: Lucas Putman, Faith Cavage, Kourtney Franklin, Kyle Guarino, Skylar Long, Luke Janiszewski, Homecoming King; Cyrah Bihler, Homecoming Queen; Dustin Ferraro, Niya Acosta, and Marshall Davis.
The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club partnered with the Drama Club hosted their 7th annual Car Show on Sunday, Oct. 2. Despite the brisk weather, the community came out to support the students. Cars filled the parking areas by the football stadium and Hot Rod Club members were able to interact with the owners of a variety of classic cars. In addition, Drama Club students dressed in 50s attire mingled with attendees as old-time music played. There was even an alumni section of cars to be seen. Prizes were awarded to the best in show and over twenty raffle baskets were given to their lucky winners. “I was thrilled to be able to have my truck in the car show,” Rebeccah King, Class of 2020 said, “I was a part of shop classes and the Drama Club when I was in school.” The Hot Rod and Drama Clubs look forward to hosting another car show next year and hope to hold it in September of 2023.
The entire Western Wayne Community joined together on Saturday, September 24, for a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school. A number of groups marched some of which included the Western Wayne faculty and staff, members of the chorus in the middle school, high school, and chorus alumni, the Wildcat Marching Band, some local fire house companies, the members of the 2022 Homecoming Court, the Wildcat Cheerleaders, members of Wildcat sports teams, the Spanish Club, and others. It was a beautiful day and community members lined up at the Western Wayne Middle and High School campuses to watch the parade that went around the school grounds. “It was awesome to be back to celebrate this event with my friends in the music community at school,” Nick DeCandis, Class of 2022, said. Western Wayne has a variety of other alumni events planned throughout the year and look forward to hosting more of our past students for these activities.
Pictured are members of the 2022 Western Wayne Homecoming Court (picture one), from left: Luke Janiszewski, Skylar Long, Marshall Davis, Niya Acosta, Dustin Ferraro, Cyrah Bihler, Kyle Guarino, Kourtney Franklin, Lucas Putman, and Catherine Cavage.Second photo from left: Kyle Guarino, Dustin Ferraro, Luke Janiszewski, Lucas Putman, Marshall Davis, Niya Acosta, Catherine Cavage, Skylar Long, Cyrah Bihler, and Kourtney Franklin.
The Western Wayne School District invites the community to attend its annual homecoming game this Friday, Sept. 30. The Western Wayne Homecoming Game against West Scranton will begin at 7 p.m. with the presentation of the Homecoming Court about a half hour before kick-off. The ten seniors on this year’s court feel extremely honored and excited to be a part of this ensemble. Members of the court include: Niya Acosta, Marshall Davis, Cyrah Bihler, Dustin Ferraro, Catherine Cavage, Lucas Putman, Kourtney Franklin, Kyle Guarino, Skylar Long, and Luke Janiszewski. 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 Niya Acosta has done Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for three years; girls varsity tennis for two years, and National Art Honor Society (NAHS) for three years. Niya plans to attend a community college under a liberal arts program to pursue a degree in computer programming. Next, Marshall Davis has played soccer since childhood; has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 102 for six years; National Honor Society (NHS) for three years; and absolutely loved his experience with Ultimate Frisbee when he was an underclassmen. Marshall plans to go to college for environmental studies and then attend law school to become an environmental lawyer. Marshall really enjoyed his high school years at Western Wayne. “I will remember most being part of an amazing group of people who manage to keep me in a good mood everyday,” he said. Fellow senior Cyrah Bihler will also cherish the memories she made in school especially with her soccer teammates. Cyrah is a varsity soccer player for four years; FBLA for four years; NHS for three years (held the position of secretary), CATS Club for two years; wrestling manager for two years; Western Wayne Advisory Board Representative for CYS; and Lackawanna Student Athlete Leadership Program. Cyrah plans to attend college and major in physical therapy and continue her soccer career. Also, highly involved in sports, senior Dustin Ferraro will remember the time he spent with his teammates the most fondly. Dustin is a triple-sport athlete who played baseball, soccer, and basketball for four years; FBLA for three years; and NHS for three years. Dustin plans to major in business in college. Another senior also interested in a business-related career field after graduation is Catherine Cavage. Catherine has done FBLA for four years; NHS for three years; and is a member of Student Council. Catherine plans to attend a four-year university to major in fashion merchandising. Next, senior Lucas Putman had done FBLA for four years; volleyball for three years; NHS for three years; Gold for two years; and Spanish Club for two years. He aspires to attend college and study abroad in the future. Fellow senior Kourtney Franklin has been on Student Council for three years; NAHS for three years; and CATS Club for one year. She wants to attend Penn State for nursing and become a midwife. In addition, senior Kyle Guarino has many fun memories of his time in school, especially when he was playing basketball in gym class with his friends. Kyle had played football for four years; basketball for three years; FBLA for four years; and Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) for three years. Kyle plans to attend a four-year university to major in early education. Fellow athlete, senior Skylar Long is also excited to be on the Homecoming Court. Skylar has done volleyball, basketball, track, FBLA, and has been a student ambassador all for four years; NHS for three years; Student Council and FCCLA for two years; and has been involved in Tomorrow’s Leaders Today. Skylar plans to attend college and major in either finance or statistics and continue with track and field. Skylar discussed her favorite high school memory. “It was having the opportunity to see a women’s Penn State volleyball game my freshman year with the whole volleyball team and getting to experience the main campus,” she fondly recalled. Finally, senior Luke Janiszewski can’t wait to take the field on Friday night for the football game and Homecoming. Luke has been in varsity baseball for four years; varsity wrestling for three years; varsity football for three years; varsity basketball for one year; FBLA; and FCCLA. Luke plans to join the Marine Corp. “I am glad to get to have the experience of being on the Homecoming Court with my friends for my senior year,” Luke said. Luke 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, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. for the homecoming festivities followed by the game.
As of October 1, 2022 and through the end of the 2022 – 2023 school year, schools participating in the School Breakfast Program will be able to serve students a school breakfast at no charge as per the plan announced back on September 9, 2022 by Governor Wolf.
This change only applies to the School Breakfast Program in the 2022 – 2023 school year and does not affect a student’s eligibility status for lunch (free, reduced, and paid respectively).
Any family who is experiencing economic hardships and would like to apply for the free/reduced school lunch program, please contact the Food Service Office at (570) 937-3085.
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. [...]
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.