March is nationally recognized as Music in Our Schools Month: a month where schools around the country celebrate the importance of music programs in children’s lives. Please enjoy a performance by the Western Wayne High School Chorus celebrating the value of music in our community!
From left, Row 1: Theresa Lubash, Gabby Tetreault, PA FBLA State Parliamentarian; and Morgan Coccodrilli, PA FBLA State Reporter. From left, Row 2: Jocelyn Cramer, Wayne County Commissioner; Brian Field, Wayne County Treasurer; Brian Smith, Wayne County Commissioner; and Joe Adams, Wayne County Commissioner.
Western Wayne FBLA members recently attended a recent Wayne County Commissioners meeting. At the meeting, Western Wayne FBLA officers Gabby Tetreault and Morgan Coccodrilli spoke about FBLA and accepted a proclamation declaring the week of February 13-19, 2022, FBLA Week in Wayne County.
Pictured from left to right: Ella Sepelyak, Lucas Musgrave, Mrs. Davis (School Nurse), Taylor Brown, and Juliana DeCandis.
In light of dental health month, Dr. Joyce Perih donated dental hygiene bags to the 3rd graders at EverGreen Elementary during the month of February. Dental examinations are important for oral hygiene
In conjunction with Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2, the EverGreen Elementary PTA held a book distribution to celebrate reading! Each student at EverGreen had the opportunity to choose from a plethora of books to enjoy. Thank you EverGreen Elementary PTA!
Robert “Marty” Robbins didn’t spend a lot of time playing sports as a kid. However, he was definitely a fan and really enjoyed listening to the announcers on TV and radio.
As a result, Marty began dabbling in a bit of PA work whenever the opportunity arose. Mostly though, he was just having a bit of fun amusing himself and those around him.
“I started fooling around calling the games from the stands when my children played,” Marty said. “Eventually, I began announcing Little League Baseball and then became the voice of Stingers Football.”
Marty’s efforts were well-received. His sense of humor, unique style and dedication to the job made him a fan favorite all over Wayne County.
Then, just a few years ago, Marty landed a job at Western Wayne as a member of the district’s very first School Police Force.
One day he was asked to act as emcee at a pep rally, a gig that led to an invitation to call boys varsity basketball games. Before long, Marty was behind the mike for girls basketball and football too.
“Besides working with the kids in the classrooms and hallways I get my most joy from announcing,” Marty said. “I try to make it fun for all the spectators.”
And while Marty is undoubtedly one of the most popular public address announcers in the Lackawanna League, he’s more than that … so much more.
Setting the Stage
Marty is the son of Alberta and the late Robert Robbins, Honesdale.
He attended Wayne Highlands schools, graduating from HHS in the spring of 1985. Marty was very active in extracurricular activities during his high school years, participating in everything from rifle club and cheerleading to chorus and theatre.
After graduation, Marty enlisted in the US Army where he became a light wheel vehicle mechanic, serving with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
When Marty’s hitch was up, he returned to Honesdale and pondered his next move. He worked as an orderly at Wayne Memorial Hospital and seriously considered a career in nursing. However, he eventually decided to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper, entering the Academy in January 1990.
Six months later, Marty graduated and was assigned to the Bethlehem area where he served the citizens of at Dublin and Trevose.
In 1993, he was transferred to Dunmore. After that, there were stints in Susquehanna, Pike and Wayne counties.
Marty was promoted to corporal in 1999 and retired in 2013 after serving a total of 23 years. It’s at this point in the story that Marty arrives on the scene at Western Wayne.
“I joined the newly-formed school district police working with three fellow retired troopers: Paul Semler, Danny Martin, and Wayne Thomas,” he said.
“We all take the safety of our students, faculty and staff very seriously. Each of us brings a different aspect to the table, so to speak, connecting with different students.”
On a typical day, Marty and his fellow officers patrol the parking lot, bus drop and cafeteria. They’re also a constant presence in the hallways and all over the the grounds, working hard to ensure that students, faculty and staff all remain safe.
“The Western Wayne school district is truly a second family,” he said. “Everyone here is involved and invested in the students’ lives. I enjoy being proactive and helping kids in their career development and avoiding trouble.”
Marty and his colleagues are frequently invited into the classroom to speak on a wide range of topics.
Last week, Officer Robbins accepted just such an invitation. This one was extended by RD Wilson Elementary School Counselor Erica Germani, who asked him to come and talk to a large group of students.
Marty happily complied, drawing from his experience as a sports announcer to win over a gym filled with first and fourth graders.
“Officer Robbins had a meaningful discussion with students about his career journey,” Erica said. “He surprised many by saying he got into the profession because he wanted to help people.
“Overall, I feel like he transformed students’ perception of the law enforcement field. He even spoke one-on-one with a student who was upset.”
Marty has a genuine way with children. It’s nothing less than a gift. When he speaks, he’s able to gain their trust, make them relax, and also communicate truly important information.
These traits proved crucial in helping students deal with the disruption caused by COVID.
“Kids in general are very resilient,” he said. “Especially our younger students seem to have adapted well to all the challenging circumstances of the past two years.
“They’re happy just to be back to in-person learning. Judging from the excitement I see, I don’t believe that events of the past two years have slowed them down any.”
Rave Reviews
Matt Fitzsimmons has been a fixture at Western Wayne for 23 years now.
He grew up in Forest City, but has played many roles during his tenure at Western Wayne including teacher, coach and guidance counselor. It’s in his capacity as a counselor that he helped arrange Officer Robbins’ visit with the RD Wilson students.
“Marty is fully part of the Western Wayne community,” Matt said. “He identifies with the students and they know he truly cares about them. Plus, his announcing at sporting events is the best!”
Paul Gregorski concurs.
Western Wayne’s High School Principal has nothing but praise for Marty’s role in the district.
“Officer Marty Robbins is an integral member of our school community,” Paul said. “He is caring and compassionate individual who truly cares about students.
“He’s also the best PA announcer in the area. We appreciate Officer Robbins everyday, and we thank him for his ongoing service to the students and staff at Western Wayne.”
: Jake Hart, Kameron Sic, Brandyn Castro, and Ms. Michele HinelineJake Hart, Brody Park, and Brody’s nurse Danielle Gagliardo-Eschenberg.
Students in Mrs. Jessica Shelp’s class were treated to a unique learning experience via the use of virtual reality glasses the week of February 14. During the afternoon, the students got to move around and have a hands-on lesson with the use of VR Goggles. The students were able to experience scenarios to help them learn how to use the goggles. They worked in scenarios where they were picking up items like virtual blocks on and off a virtual table. They also did a scenario where they would move and then a virtual reality robot would mimic them. Shelp’s students will do future lessons now that they have learned how to use the technology. “It was really neat watching the students get used to the virtual reality environment with their hands,” Shelp explained. Ms. Elizabeth Watson, Principal of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics STEAM at the Western Wayne School District, explained that four sets of Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Goggles were donated to the district, with a $400 stipend to buy applications, by the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance through their SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) after school program. Watson is currently writing other grants to try to get more sets for the other school buildings. “ The units were used during new teacher orientation and with our WW staff at an in-service to highlight the concept of redefining learning through technology usage,” Watson explained. “Once the students came back, the goggles were housed in the 3-5 emotional support classroom as a part of the student behavioral plan as an incentive for a day where they lost no points for behavior.” Watson described the first lesson she created for the goggles. “My first lesson was for a 7th grade Social Studies class. Students were given points in the world in name only. They used the application Wander to search the locations in groups. The goal was to use the virtual visit to classify the area as one of the ten geographical landforms that they were learning about.” Watson said. “At the end, students had to write why they classified each place as which landform and then defend, based on what they saw, if it would be a desirable place for people to live. I tried to include a little writing, some geography, some critical thinking and the experience of actually seeing the landforms, something that would not be possible without the use of technology.” In addition to experiencing lessons in the classroom, students in EverGreen Elementary and Robert D. Wilson Elementary schools can purchase an hour of goggle-use with Watson for $100 Cat Cash as an incentive for the district’s PBIS program. The PBIS initiative involves successfully creating a proactive positive school environment in which students are demonstrating their Wildcat PRIDE daily. PBIS is an ongoing effort of the Western Wayne School District to guide students in behaving and interacting with others in such a way as to promote an effective learning community. Watson is continuing to do lessons in the district with the goggles during the third quarter, and both she and students look forward to more interactive learning opportunities.
EverGreen Elementary fifth grader, Igor Barth, started a business at school this year called Creamer Coffee Cart. He developed and delivered a presentation to third grade about his business. The presentation, titled “Entrepreneurship in EverGreen”, outlines the steps to start a business and become an entrepreneur. Igor explained his decision making when choosing his target audience, which product to sell, and why he started his school business. He described the steps he took to get the business up and running, including writing letters to and meeting with Mr. Pidgeon to discuss the business, the loan, and interest. The presentation highlighted problems and obstacles he faced during operation, such as hiring and training new employees after his business partner moved. Igor has recently expanded his business to also sell hot chocolate and tea. Overall, he likes how his business is going and hopes to continue. The EverGreen third grade class enjoyed learning more about entrepreneurship and Igor’s business. Many students asked if they could be hired and some were even inspired to start their own businesses!
2022 Yearbooks can be purchased in Mrs. Piconi-Augelli’s room 105 for $65 using cash or a check made payable to WWHS Yearbook. Yearbooks can be purchased online by visiting www.yearbookordercenter.com and entering our school code: 15118 There is an additional $4.99 fee to pay with a credit card and purchase online.
RDW is excited to welcome a new group of students to the winter Kindness Club (KC). McKennah Edwards, Liam Hess, Amerlynn Nixon, Charlie Vinton and Eric Yhlen were initiated into the club in January and got straight to work on their first project. To show their gratitude for our hard-working cafeteria staff, the KC designed a poster and heart-warming messages to display in the cafeteria. “Our cafeteria staff work so hard every day to feed all of us, and we appreciate that,” notes Charlie Vinton. “This has been a great start to the beginning of our KC, and we look forward to continuing spreading kindness in our school.” – Liam Hess.
Welcome to the WESTERN WAYNE SCHOOL DISTRICT! We hope that your child’s educational experience will be wonderful in every sense.
One of our goals is to see that the parents — like the students themselves — feel at home at Western Wayne. Should you ever have any questions or concerns about your child’s education, we encourage you to call the school and talk with those who might be of help. We are glad to have you with us. We want to assure you that we will do our best to help your child experience academic, social, and emotional growth. With your help and cooperation, this will be an excellent journey,
Listed below are the dates and requirements for Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten registration: REGISTRATION OF CHILDREN WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO ENTER PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN WILL BE HELD AS FOLLOWS:
Lake, Salem, and Sterling Townships — EverGreen Elementary Week of March 14 2022.
Canaan, Clinton, South Canaan Townships and Waymart Borough Robert D. Wilson Elementary School — Week of March 14 2022 Criteria for children registering for these programs are as listed: A. Parent or guardian Proof of Residency (deed, driver’s license, tax receipt, voter’s registration, lease agreement, current utility bill, etc.). B. A child is eligible for admission to Pre-Kindergarten if she/he has attained the age of four (4) years on or before September 1, 2022. C. A child is eligible for admission to Kindergarten if she/he has attained the age of five (5) years on or before September 1, 2022.
PREK Requirements — Please bring a current physical with you if you have it.
Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid Initial series (3 doses)
Polio — 4 doses (4th dose on or after 4th birthday)
MMR-I dose
Hepatitis B Vaccine Series — 3 doses
Variceila Vaccine — 1 dose or diagnosis of disease or laboratory testing
KINDERGARTEN Requirements — Please bring a current physical with you if you have it.
DPT Series — must include booster dose after age 4
Polio — 4 doses — (4th dose on or after 4th birthday)
MMR — 2 doses
Hepatitis B — 3 doses
Varicella Vaccine (Chickenpox Vaccine) — 2 doses or diagnosis of disease or laboratory testing Also, if your child has a special condition/mental, physical, or heatth disability, please provide medical documentation from your physician and any accommodations that your child may need at school.
In addition, Pennsylvania requires a physical exam for all students upon original school entry. It may be performed by your family health care provider or by the school physician at a later date. Please bring a recent exam if you have it. You have access to current health information and forms on our website: ww3.westernwayne.org. To access this information, select departments and then health services. Please complete the form above and return it to Mrs, Muller at the EverGreen building and Mrs. Kromko at the Robert D. Wilson building by February 22, 2022. This form is necessary in order to schedule your appointment date and time, Registration will be held in-person and limited to one (1) adult and one (1) child. If you need additional information, please contact the Robert Wilson Elementary School or EverGreen Elementary School at 1-800-321-9973. IF YOUR CHILD CURRENTLY ATTENDS PRE-K, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER FOR KINDERGARTEN.
ALL NEWS
Band Performs at GDS Fair and Meets Kurt AaronAugust 29, 2024Kurt Aaron and Michael Olivo
Band and Color Guard perform at the GDS Fair.
The annual Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard performance at the GDS Fair was especially eventful this year because on the day of their performance Wednesday, August 28, WNEP’s Kurt Aaron and his infamous dog Ranger were also there doing live spots. Aaron briefly interviewed Western Wayne band member Michael Olivo, a senior. Michael proudly told the viewing audience about Western Wayne’s upcoming performance at the fair.
“It was really exciting to get to promote our band to a TV audience,” Michael said.
The students were thrilled to perform their 2024-25 Boy Bands themed field show for the audience along with playing some fan favorite stand tunes.
Drum majors this year are seniors Lia Hartman and Kalob Franko. This is Lia’s second season as drum major.
“We are all so grateful to be able to perform for the local community who is so supportive of us,” Lia said.
The Western Wayne Band is under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort who is now in her 11th season with the district.
The entire Western Wayne Band and Color Guard invite the local community to attend the first home game of the season for varsity football against Lackawanna Trail on Friday, August, 30, at the Sharkey-Rosetti stadium. Western Wayne will have the pregame show starting at about 6:45 p.m.; kick-off is at 7 p.m. [...]
Western Wayne to Host Annual Car Show Saturday, Sept. 7—NEW RAIN DATE! August 27, 2024The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2024 Annual Car Show on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium. Please note our NEW RAIN DATE is Sunday, September 15.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 student Robert Scramuzza is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the for the Car Show. He 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,” Bobby 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 president Lillian Maros 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, Sept. 7 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. Rain date is Sunday, September 15. [...]
Freshman Orientation – Save the Date!August 8, 2024August 22, 2024 – 6:00-7:30pm – Veterans Memorial Auditorium, WWHS
Western Wayne High School welcomes the Class of 2028!
Information on the high school/ 9th Grade Transition
High School Survival Guide
Student’s class schedule
Tours
Refreshments [...]
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.