Around the Schools

Western Wayne Student Makes Display for 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Show

 

Snow shoes, maple leafs, and thermometers all appear carefully placed in Western Wayne senior Sadie Nahman’s display that she created for the 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Show exhibit for maple syrup.     Sadie follows in the footsteps of her art teacher, Mr. Justin Hayden, who had made the display in the past for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Maple Producers Association.  Hayden approached Sadie with the idea thinking it could be a good way for her to use her artistic talents to help the community and for her to accomplish her senior project.  All Western Wayne seniors must complete a senior project involving work in the community.

“I thought Sadie would do a really great job researching the process and applying her knowledge to this piece,” Hayden explained.

In preparation of making the display, Sadie had to research the process of making maple syrup.

“I had no idea how it worked,” Sadie explained.  “I learned you have to heat up maple syrup and basically cook it before it can be eaten.”

Having always loved the outdoors, Sadie thought she would enjoy her work creating this piece for the farm show.  She explained that the most challenging part of the project was having to do her pencil artwork for the display on a large scale to be shown behind the entire maple exhibit area.

However, Sadie felt up for the challenge since she plans to work to achieve other lofty goals starting next year when she will study forensic science in college.  She believes that her work in her art class especially with her senior project piece will better prepare her for the future.

“You have to strategically place things,” she explained.  “So this causes you to have to look ahead and plan out what you want the picture to be before you begin it.”

Sadie’s maple piece from the farm show will also be on display at the GDS Fair and Wayne County Fair this summer.

All Western Wayne administration and staff are proud of Sadie’s accomplishments and wish her the best in the future.

Western Wayne Freshman Wins Prize from PPL

 

PPL awarded Western Wayne freshman student Hailie Crown a Jackery Bolt portable charger as a prize for completing a survey about her usage of tools in the Innovation Kit that all Western Wayne 9th grade high school students got as a part of the PPL Think! Energy program this past fall.  The students were challenged to use the items in the kit such as a smart power strip, LED bulbs, and a special shower head for water conservation, among other items.  Crown and many other Western Wayne students used these items and then filled in a survey about their experiences.  Crown was the lucky winner drawn at random for the Western Wayne School District.  “I love my portable charger,” Crown said.  “I’m using it right now.”  Crown explained how she enjoyed using the items in the kit and encourages others to take steps toward conserving energy.  “We should conserve energy so there is enough for everyone,” Crown said.  “And it’s easy to do.”  From  left: Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and Crown.

Western Wayne D9 Orchestra First Chair

Western Wayne Senior Katherine Moore earned first chair at the PMEA District 9 Orchestra Festival held on Thursday, Jan. 10 and Friday, Jan. 11 at Marywood University. Pictured are Mrs. Elaine Ort, Western Wayne Band Director, and Moore.

Western Wayne High School Math Students Share Knowledge and Cheer at Julia Ribaudo

Geometry students learn about many precise elements that comprise shapes and figures in their classroom studies like points, line segments, and angles.  This holiday season Western Wayne High School geometry students had the opportunity to extend their education by sharing their knowledge of math with senior citizens and in return learned a lesson about elements that make the holiday season special like compassion, friendship, and the joy of giving to others.

Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, in Ann Sledzinkski and Laura Wojnar’s geometry classes had the opportunity to participate in this event.  The group visited the Julia Ribaudo Nursing Home in Lake Ariel on December 18 and gave presentations to the residents about handmade ornaments they created as geometry projects.

The students had to write an analysis of five geometric properties in their ornaments.  At the nursing home, students individually presented their ornaments to the seniors and discussed the mathematical concepts they learned more about in the process of making them.  At the end of the presentations, students donated their ornaments to the residents.

Students also had the chance to visit with them and have personal conversations. These intimate discussions led to the students learning more about the residents’ personal lives and helped the students to know which resident would most enjoy receiving the unique ornaments.

From left, standing:  Caitlyn Burdick, Mrs. Sledzinski, Kendra Oliver, Nick Kassen, Alex Taylor, Trinity Solivan, Madison Weinczyk, Allison McCarthy, and Brandon Kellogg.  From left, second row:  Duane Myers, Delaney Valinski, Jorge Correa, Hunter Schmitt, Daniel Kassen, Jackson Press, T.J. Pope, Rachel Tuman, Julien Walck, and Mrs. Wojnar.  From left, front row: Bridgette Flannery, Miesha Cunningham, Betty Klim, Justina Rastello, Kaitlyn McDermott, and Vivian Sloss.

Wildcat World Open Mic Night

Western Wayne’s Drama Club invites the public to join them for an Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Friday, January 11, in the Western Wayne High School Auditorium located at 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.

The club will host a basket raffle as part of the event.  Some of the baskets include a movie night basket and a coffee/ tea book lovers’ basket among many others. Refreshments will also be served in the high school cafeteria with all proceeds benefiting drama club students.

Admission to the event is free!

The show will be family-friendly with Masters of Ceremonies junior Honour Shaffer and sophomore Alex Taylor.

“I’m excited to be an MC for the second year,” Honour said.  “I enjoy hosting the evening for everyone and it’s always fun to make everyone laugh with the bits I say in-between acts.”

The show will kick off with a show-stopping opening number “All for The Best” from the musical Godspell performed by R.J. Clemens, drama club president, and Sydney Peet, drama club public relations officer .

“We want to make the audience excited right from the start of the show,” R.J. explained.  “We are excited to sing, dance, and use some special props.”

Other acts include original poetry readings by eighth grade student Larissa Ellsworth and a monologue read by freshman Nick Valentin about staying hopeful in the face of bullying.

The night will also showcase a variety of musical selections.  Some performances include: Amanda David, “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from Grease, Lily Visceglia, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, an acoustic guitar version of “Ain’t it Fun” by Andie Solimine, and a breath-taking finale by R.J. featuring a song from a very popular musical currently on Broadway  among many other lively numbers.

“We are very excited to get the community out to see these talented Western Wayne students,” Mrs. Jessica McLaughlin, drama club advisor and musical director, said.  “We look forward to seeing them shine on Friday night along with raising some money to support our drama club students.”

The Drama Parents Club will be selling a variety of treats this evening.  There will be coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water along with a variety of sweets and snacks available for sale.

Tonight is the first event that the Drama Club will host in 2019.  The group was formed at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year as an effort to have a year-round performing arts organization for Western Wayne students in grades 8 through 12.

Earlier this school year, they hosted a car wash as a kick-off fundraising event.  The students also had a table at Western Wayne’s Annual Craft Fair in October.  Other fall events included having a presence at Western Wayne High School’s Open House and Parent Teacher Conference nights along with hosting gift wrapping events to raise funds at both the high school and Tractor Supply in Hamlin.

The students plan to have other events this year to serve as performance opportunities and fundraisers including a possible character breakfast in early April at the high school to promote their upcoming spring production of Annie the musical.

Western Wayne’s performances will be Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m. on the newly renovated Western Wayne Veterans Memorial Auditorium stage.  Students and senior citizens $3 dollars for tickets and adults $5 for tickets.  Western Wayne students are admitted free with a student ID.

Some of the performers from Open Mic Night will also be featured leads in Annie including Amanda David who plays the title role, R.J. Clemens who plays Daddy Warbucks, Andie Solimine who plays Grace Farrell, Sydney Peet who plays Miss Hannigan, Lily Visceglia, who plays Lilly, and Honour Shaffer who plays Bert Healy among others.

Please join us at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 11, to celebrate the talents of all of our Drama Club students who are participating in Open Mic Night.  Again, admission is free!

The show should last about two hours.  Come out and have a hot drink, a sweet treat, and an excellent experience watching our students shine!

 

Western Wayne Art Students Recognized as Artists of the Month

Creative pieces in charcoal, colored pencil, pen and ink and many other mediums can be admired in art galleries across the globe or in nearby art classrooms at Western Wayne High School.

Many Western Wayne High School artists have been recognized as 2019 Artists of the Month by the Scranton Times.  The Times chooses students for this honor from artwork entries of students across Northeast PA.

One such student who is being honored as the January artist of the month is senior Maya Black.

She created a colored pencil, pen and ink, and water color piece called “Luna Moths”.

For Maya’s senior portfolio she is focusing on transitioning pen and ink to colored pencil.

“I like how I feel when a pieces comes out really nice,” Maya explained of her artwork.  “I like to inspire people through my artwork.

Maya will graduate this year and feels she has learned patience through her art classes at Western Wayne.  She wishes to study broadcast journalism in college.

In addition, fellow senior Miriam Sheehan is being honored for the month of February.

She named her charcoal picture entitled “Merry Old Soul” as one of the pieces she most enjoys.  Miriam explained how she used multiple reference pictures for it.

“I like working in charcoal because it goes quickly and comes out how I like it,” she discussed.

Along with studio art, Miriam also enjoys writing.  She has decided to combine both of her talents for her senior project.  All Western Wayne seniors have to complete a project that causes them to work in the community in some way before graduation.

For her project, Miriam is painting portraits of residents at Wayne Woodlands in acrylic.  Along with doing the artwork, she is interviewing them and planning to write about their lives in creative ways as an additional part of her project.

“I am really enjoying my time working on this project and can’t wait to see the final outcome,” Miriam said.

Another senior Melody Gershey is proud of the work her friend and classmate is doing in the community with her art.  Melody aspires to attend Marywood University in the future and work to find ways to share her art more in the local community in the future.

Melody was recognized as the artist for September.

She is especially fond of an oil painting she created called “Southward Bound.”  Melody says she was inspired by artist Bob Ross to make it.

“This was my first time creating an oil painting,” Melody explained.  “It is a messy medium to work in and it takes time for some parts to dry and the colors to blend.  In the end, I was happy with it.”

Melody enjoyed the challenge of working with oil, but is concentrating on creating a senior portfolio for Western Wayne’s Spring Art Show that is done using acrylic.

Junior art student Kaitlyn McDonald, who was recognized for the month of August, also likes a challenge when working with her art.  She described how in creating her piece “Lilac” that she pushed herself to create contrast.

“I have learned patience the most from my art classes at Western Wayne,” Kaitlyn said.  “I know now that I shouldn’t put myself down because my artwork will turn out good in the end.”

Fellow junior art student Shailyn Pugh, who is being recognized for the month of May, also likes to make complex pieces.  She especially enjoyed her piece titled “Johnny Depp”.  Shailyn chose to represent one of her favorite actors in her art in the medium of pen and ink.  She described the rigor of the time it took for her to create so many shadows in it.

“Making art is relaxing and makes me feel good when I finish something I have been working on,” Shailyn said.  “I like to challenge myself to make any portrait I create as realistic as possible.”

Western Wayne Administration and staff are very proud of the many talented artists in the high school who have been recognized as Artists of the Month. The school community and community at large are all invited to see the student artists’ efforts in this year’s Spring art show this May at the Western Wayne High School gym.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

 

JANUARY 11, 2019
7PM – 9PM

FREE ADMISSION!
REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!

Come support Western Wayne Drama by attending a marvelous show full of talent – singing, dancing, acting, poetry, and more!
Western Wayne’s Newly Renovated
Veterans Memorial Auditorium at Western Wayne High School!

Western Wayne Counselor Named Pennsylvania School Counselor of the Year

Robert D. Wilson School Counselor, Erica Booth, was honored at the School Counselor Annual Conference hosted by the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association held at The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center on November 29.  She was selected as Pennsylvania School Counselor of the Year, the equivalent of Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

 

Booth is in her sixth year at Western Wayne School District, all of which were served at Robert D. Wilson Elementary. The PSCA SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR (SCOY) AWARDS honor professional school counselors who have made significant contributions to their students and/or school districts through the development and implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs that are based on the ASCA National Model.

A South Canaan native, Booth is a dedicated educator who has spent 20 years of her life at Western Wayne including the time she was a student and later a professional.  After graduating from the district she went on to graduate from Cedar Crest College in 2006 with a bachelor’s in biopsychology. She then received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Marywood University in 2008, and later took an additional 27 credits to receive her school counseling certification in 2012.

Following her collegiate education, her career path at the district seems like it was meant to be.  While she worked as a mobile therapist for her Master’s Degree, she reconnected with Mr. John Kowalski, who was the school counselor at R.D. Wilson for over 20 years before Booth would take over the position.

“He was the one who suggested I become a school counselor,” Booth, who had Kowalski as a counselor herself when she was in middle school, explained.  “That day, I called my old advisor at Marywood and put into motion what I would need to do to get my school counseling certificate.  That same month that I received my certificate (May 2012) was the same month the RDW school counseling positon was posted.  I truly believe there was some outside force driving my career path, and I share this story often with my students.”

Once securing the job as the R.D. Wilson guidance counselor, Booth wasted no time in making the position her own and creating and running various programs to benefit Western Wayne students.

Over the past six years, she has developed a complete comprehensive guidance curriculum for all students K-5. Each classroom receives 12-14 guidance lessons each year, which target the three school counseling domains: career, social-emotional, and academic. Many of the lessons are based off of her yearly needs assessments which review data to identify gaps in student skills. Three years ago, “guidance” was added into the specials rotation at the school to guarantee that students see Booth regularly. Data reports indicate student growth as a result of their guidance lessons.

Booth also brought the Olweus Bully Prevention Program to her district, which is the most widely-used and researched bully prevention program in the world. During her first year as a school counselor, she applied for a grant that would allow her to become an Olweus trainer and consultant and also paid for the startup supplies. She trained staff at R.D. Wilson in 2013 and then EverGreen and the Middle School the following year.

At R.D. Wilson, Booth, in addition, runs a very active Kindness Club with fifth grade students. They have developed countless projects to promote kindness in the school and community. Over the past four years, they received a local grant and numerous donations from the community to help their cause (about $500 total).

Last year, she worked with a few colleagues to also start up a Student Council at RDW. Fifth grade students receive a “Job Application” guidance lesson at the beginning of the year and then have the option to fill out an application for student council as well. This year, the five student council members and six kindness club members worked together to host a school-wide assembly as one of their projects.

These efforts are just some of the reasons why Booth was an excellent candidate for Pennsylvania School Counselor of the Year.  She explained the rigorous application process for the award she would eventually win.

“The application involved numerous essays. In addition, I had to submit evidence for the items I wrote about. A major component asked how I have advocated for the school counseling profession. I shared videos of me speaking up at board meetings to share evidence and promote my program,” Booth explained.   “I showed PowerPoints from just some of the workshops I have presented at our annual state conference (PSCA). I also discussed how I was an adjunct instructor for Marywood University, teaching “Developing and Managing Your School Counseling Program” to graduate level school counseling students.”

Booth feels very proud to have won this prestigious honor, but she emphasizes that the biggest reward of her career on a daily basis is the work she gets to do with Western Wayne students.

“This award is not about me,” Booth clarified.  “It’s about the students. It is because of them and it is for them that I hold myself to the highest standard set by our state and our nation.”

Booth looks forward to a long career at Western Wayne.  She described some of her favorite memories to date and can’t wait to make more.

“My favorite moments are those that involve either humor or pride. Every day, I find myself belly-laughing with students at the wonderful wit or profoundly innocent things that they say. When they are laughing, I know that they are happy. And isn’t this our ultimate goal?”