Around the Schools

9th Graders Explore Outdoor Education at Varden Conservation Area

On 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.com
Facebook – Friends of Varden Conservation Area
DCNR Varden Conservation Area
• Lacawac Sanctuary:
www.lacawac.org
Facebook – Lacawac Sanctuary
• PA Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC):
www.patroutintheclassroom.org
• Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited
https://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 Games

Western 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.

Officer Thomas and Mrs. Gregorski Lead Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Lesson

On Thursday, May 29, Western Wayne High School students in Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s Child Development I classes (1st and 8th periods) participated in an impactful, STEM-based lesson on Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) made possible by the fully funded DonorsChoose project, “Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome: a STEM-Based Learning Experience.” This classroom project was generously supported by the SONIC Foundation, General Motors, and a private donor from Florida, and brought hands-on, real-world learning directly to our students.

In preparation for the activity, Mrs. Gregorski led in-depth classroom discussions and lessons on SBS. Students reviewed current research, watched powerful video clips of real-life interviews with survivors and families affected by SBS, and explored the emotional, physical, and legal consequences of infant abuse. Using the Ward Science Shaken Baby Syndrome Model, Mrs. Gregorski demonstrated how infant shaking causes severe brain trauma—providing a dramatic visual experience that deepened students’ understanding of this important topic.

To enhance the lesson, School Resource Officer Wayne Thomas—who brings over 25 years of experience from the Pennsylvania State Police, including extensive time working in criminal investigations—visited both classes to speak with students. He shared real-world experiences involving child abuse cases and opened the floor for student-led Q&A. Officer Thomas engaged students in meaningful dialogue about the importance of infant safety, the consequences of neglect and abuse, and how future professionals in education, healthcare, and mental health can help protect children.

This lesson made a lasting impression on students preparing for careers in early childhood education, medicine, social work, and counseling. 

“Seeing the Shaken Baby Syndrome model in person made it all feel so real. Mrs. Gregorski’s lessons already made us think deeply, but hearing actual stories and seeing how fragile babies are really opened my eyes,”  Gabby Bryant, a sophomore in Child Development I, shared. “I’ll definitely remember this in my future classroom.”

Jasmine Rodriguez, junior, who plans to get into law enforcement after high school, added,”Having Officer Thomas come in and talk to us made a big impact. His real-life experiences helped us understand how serious SBS is, and why it’s something we, as future teachers and caregivers, need to talk about more. It was one of the most powerful lessons we’ve had.”

Picture One, from left:  Olivia Gries, Gabby Bryant, Dakota Douglas, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Madison Forgione.

Picture Two:  Officer Wayne Thomas giving a presentation on Shaken Baby Syndrome to Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s class.


Picture Three, Students from Child Development I, pictured with Officer Wayne Thomas and the Shaken Baby Syndrome model, from left: Addriana Cangas, Jasmine Ramos, Nathalie Ramos, Giuliana Velazquez, Phoebe Schmitt, Madison Forgione, Maggie Kotchessa, Jasmine Rodriguez, Gabby Bryant, Officer Thomas, Ethan Paugh, and Mrs. Jessica Gregorski.

First Grade Hive learns all about bees from Dr. Jim Tickner. 

Our First Grade Hive at EverGreen had the opportunity to learn all about bees from Dr. Jim Tickner.  Students were given all the facts about what it takes to be a beekeeper.  They also learned that being a worker bee is not an easy job!  Students practiced their waggle dance and also had the opportunity to see all the tools and hives first hand.   Such a cool experience that the students will be buzzing about for a while!  

5th students at RDW Elementary engaged in a culminating self-portrait project

Fifth-grade students at Robert D. Wilson Elementary engaged in a culminating self-portrait project to conclude their elementary visual arts experience. Students used sculpture techniques to construct three-dimensional plaster models of their faces. Over the course of the unit, learners explored human facial proportions and studied influential portrait artists throughout art history to inform their progress. Students applied their knowledge of proportion, drawing and painting to add accurate facial features. Through the use of mixed media techniques, and creative problem-solving strategies, students personalized their sculptures with details such as hairstyles, eyeglasses, jewelry, and accessories. The 5th graders worked hard to synthesize years of art instruction to create this meaningful visual representation of their time and growth at RDW. Each student’s unique and individual personality shines through!

High School Watershed Group Leads Fourth-Grade Environmental Education Program with Support from Community Grants 

Lake Ariel, PA — Western Wayne High School’s Watershed Group is proud to announce the successful completion of a student-led environmental education initiative originally planned as a field trip to the Varden Conservation Area. This spring, thanks to grant funding and outstanding community partnerships, fourth-grade students at RDW and Evergreen Elementary Schools experienced a day filled with hands-on watershed education, led by professionals and high school mentors.
This project is part of the long-standing Community Connections to Our Watershed program, which for over 20 years has connected students in northeastern Pennsylvania with local environmental experts and conservation educators. Each year, students explore watersheds, learn about clean water initiatives, and participate in forums alongside professionals from agencies committed to preserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources. More information about the program can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/CCTW2025
This year’s participating schools include:
• Lackawanna County Teams: Carbondale, Forest City, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands
• Luzerne County Teams: Crestwood, Hanover, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area
Western Wayne High School students participated in several preparatory field trips, including visits to Lackawanna State Park, Keystone College, the Old Forge borehole, and the Alliance Landfill, the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. These experiences helped students learn how to assess watershed health and explore solutions to protect local water resources. Support for these programs was provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania American Water Company, and the DCNR Watershed Education Program.
The culminating event was presented at a student showcase held at Montage Mountain on May 6, 2025, where Western Wayne students unveiled their vision: an interactive field trip experience for all district fourth-grade students. They designed original ecology-based activities and coordinated programming with outside agencies to bring their vision to life.
Originally planned for the Varden Conservation Area, the field day was quickly relocated indoors due to cold, wet weather. Thanks to the flexibility and determination of teachers, administrators, and partners, the program was successfully delivered on-site at both elementary schools—retaining all core educational experiences.
Participating Agencies and Presenters
The program featured presentations and hands-on stations from a wide range of environmental organizations, including:
• Lacawac Education Department: Nichole Seul
• Lacawac Sanctuary PLEON Department: Theresa Black
• Promised Land DCNR Environmental Education Specialist: Joshua Heath
• Trout Unlimited: Don Strathy, Paul Guinnane
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (National Park Service): Anna Grismer
o All participating 4th graders received a free National Parks pass good for unlimited admission for them and their families during their 4th-grade year
• Wayne County Conservation District: Olivia D’Amore
• Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Rachel Morrow
• Western Wayne High School Science Faculty: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D.
• Community Connections to Our Watershed High School Student Leaders: Dakota Douglas, Aliyah Gregory, Giuliana Velazquez
High school students acted as presenters, group leaders, and support staff, working closely with fourth graders during each 45-minute station rotation. Activities included a watershed model demonstration, casting skills with Backyard Bass, and a water chemistry/biology interactive lesson.
Funding and Community Support
Funding for the program was made possible through two generous sources:
• A mini-grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF), reviewed and awarded by the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, which supported transportation and programming costs.
• Additional funding for both the Varden classroom education and the in-school field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the Western Wayne Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting innovation and opportunity in the district.
o For more information, contact Christine McClure, President, at 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.
Both the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Western Wayne Education Foundation play a crucial role in building long-term educational opportunities for students in the region.
A Day of Fun, Learning, and Resilience
Despite the weather challenges, the program delivered an enriching experience filled with environmental discovery, hands-on activities, and expert instruction. Students were engaged, enthusiastic, and inspired by what they learned—and most importantly, they had fun doing it.
Western Wayne High School extends its sincere thanks to all agency partners, grant providers, faculty, and students who made this unique educational day possible. The project is a testament to the power of youth leadership, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.

Picture One: Fourth grade students at EverGreen engaged in hands-on watershed education.

Picture Two: Fourth grade students at RDW engaged in hands on watershed education.

Western Wayne Wins Wayne County Envirothon

Western Wayne High School students recently  won The Wayne County Envirothon.  These students include: Paul Borowski, Aiden Matthews, Logan Pauler, Robert Carrelle, and Phoebe Schmitt.

Envirothon is a hands-on environmental education and competition program for high school students, focusing on natural resource conservation and problem-solving. It involves students working in teams to demonstrate their knowledge of aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and a current environmental issue. Back row, from left:  Aiden Matthews, Paul Borowski, and Robert Carrelle. Front row, from left:  Logan Pauler and Phoebe Schmitt.

Mental Health First Aid Virtual Trainings

Mental Health First Aid training is an 8-hour evidence-based curriculum created by the National Council for Mental Well-being. This course helps adults working with youth ages 12-18 to identify, understand, and respond to the early signs of mental health and substance use challenges using the ALGEE action plan. Please download the flyer below for more details.

MHFA june 2025 flyer

Created: 23 - 05 - 2025
Preview

High School Students Explore Cutting-Edge Medical Science at Penn State College of Medicine

 Western Wayne High School science students embarked on an educational field trip to Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, this past April. The visit, made possible through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (PA-AHEC) and supported by the Western Wayne Education Foundation, offered students an immersive, hands-on experience with groundbreaking medical technologies and healthcare professions. Students were accompanied by Mrs. Christine McClure, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Mrs. Denise Johnson, and Mr. Matthew Fitzsimmons.

Throughout the day, students engaged in an array of interactive learning experiences. In the genomics lab, they explored the role of genetic sequencing in modern medicine. At the MRI and Cryo-Electron Microscope Core Facility, they witnessed the advanced imaging tools used to visualize the molecular structures of cells and tissues with astonishing precision.

A highlight of the visit was a stop at the Technology Center, where students learned how 3D printing is revolutionizing medical education by creating lifelike organ models. They also stepped into the human body—virtually—using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to take a guided tour through major organ systems and diseases that affect those systems.

  The experience extended beyond the lab as students participated in a professional panel featuring a nursing student and a public health doctoral candidate who gave students an insight into their journey from high school to healthcare and encouraged students to keep moving forward to follow their dreams. Students also had the opportunity to learn about child life services at Penn State Health’s Children’s Hospital and mental health services provided through Penn State Children’s Hospital’s Child Psychiatry and Behavioral Health department. These experts shared their career journeys, provided insights into their fields, and answered questions about working in healthcare today.

  Another exciting moment came during the tour of the Life Lion medical helicopter. Students met with the flight crew—including the flight nurse, paramedics, and pilot—who explained how rapid-response care and critical patient transport services are conducted across the region.

 “This trip opened our students’ eyes to the wide array of opportunities in healthcare and science,” said Christine McClure, who coordinated the trip. “The level of engagement, from both the professionals and our students, was truly inspiring.”

  The field trip was coordinated in partnership with PSU College of Medicine’s liaison through PA-AHEC, whose mission is to strengthen the healthcare workforce in underserved areas by connecting students to academic and professional opportunities. Additional funding from the Western Wayne Education Foundation helped ensure that students had access to this enriching experience.

For more information about education through PA-AHEC or to support future science initiatives, please visit https://www.paahec.org/.

Kneeling, from left: Maggie Kotchessa, Raegan Fox, Audrey Agnello, Abigail Washine, Madelyn McClure, and Abigail Bell.

Row one, from left: Mrs. Denise Johnson, Alana Swingle, Laylah Epstein, Roxanne Dugan, Jade Wetherington, Beja Marcel, Grace Moser, Sydney Sosa, and Grady Farley.

Row two, from left : Mrs. Christine McClure, Norman Phillips,  Jason  Vass, Jasmine Rodriguez, Hayley Cordero, Cedar Gilpin, Emaan Tanveer, Scott Kurent, Madelyn Vinton, Mia Arcadipane, Hayden Mundrake, Madison Trapanese, Logan Vinton, Logan Pauler, Mr. Matt Fitzsimmons, Khloe Mistishin, Alicia Wertman, and Dr. Mark Nebzydoski.