Thank you to everyone who participated in the Special Olympics.
Special Olympics
Evergreen Elementary School
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Thank you to all who participated in the Special Olympics!
Ag Literacy Week
EverGreen Elementary participated in Ag Literacy Week with 4H Penn State Extension of Wayne County. Students in grades kindergarten to second grade participated with classroom readers. Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week is an important annual event that aims to educate young students about the significance of agriculture in their daily lives. In essence, Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week is a valuable educational endeavor that fosters a greater understanding of agriculture and its vital role in society. This year’s book is “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” and will teach children the importance of gardening, soil secrets and the magic of composting.
Read Across America Pictures at EverGreen Elementary School
The second-grade students at Evergreen Elementary teamed up with Kindergarten during Read Across America week on March 4, 2025. The second-grade students partnered up with kindergarten students to read a book to them. Second grade students also made a bookmark for their kindergarten reading buddy to take home, along with the book that they read and colored together.
Thank you to the EverGreen PTA
Thank you to the EverGreen PTA for providing our students in grades K-5 with the opportunity to experience Kindness Quest. An exciting and educational laser show presented by Prismatic Magic. This 40-minute interactive assembly focused on the values of kindness, empathy, and teamwork through an engaging storyline filled with superheroes, a treasure map, and an outer space robot. Guided by the animated laser character Max Bravado, students participated in puzzles, games, and optical illusions designed to reinforce the importance of caring for others. With dazzling special effects, high-energy music, and a powerful message about community and friendship, Kindness Quest left a lasting impression, encouraging students to practice kindness in their daily lives. Parents can ask their children about their favorite part of the show and how they plan to apply what they learned to help build a more compassionate school environment.
Internet Safety Matters: Empower Yourself to Protect Your Child Online
Jesse Weinberger, former programmer, nationally recognized speaker and author of The Boogeyman Exists: And He’s in Your Child’s Back Pocket, 2nd ed., will be presenting to Parents/Guardians Only on March 26th from 6-8 PM at the Wallenpaupack Area High School Auditorium!
Mental Health First Aid Virtual Trainings Cost: FREE
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.
Participants complete a 2.5 hour online self-paced course prior to the virtual training. The next training is on: Thursday, January 16 from 6-9 PM AND Thursday, January 23 from 6-9 PM.
Download the full flyer below.
Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregivers
Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
- Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
- Develop health beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
- Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthen bonds with youth.
- Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors.
- Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family through the teen years.
Youth attend session 4 with their parents and caregivers.
The program will be held on five Mondays: February 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3 from 6 to 8 PM via Zoom.
For more information or to register, e-mail or call Christy Tomascik at cat127@psu.edu or 570-814-2392.
Elementary Students Celebrate First- Ever Girls on the Run Season!
On Sunday November 17, twelve students from Evergreen Elementary and two students from R.D. Wilson participated in the Girls on the Run 5k at Keystone College. The three mile run capped off the first ever ten week season of Girls on the Run at EverGreen Elementary.
Girls on the Run is a national non-profit which hosts after school programs promoting healthy habits, life skills and running based activities. Coach Rachel Fitzmorris said, “We are so proud of the 14 girls who completed this program. Watching them run three miles while cheering for each other was so inspiring. The whole mission of Girls on the Run is to show girls that they can do hard things. Seeing them come through the tunnel and get their medals was incredible. I want to thank coaches Mark and Beth Staples and Tanya Metschulat for all their hard work this season.”
Apple Crunch Day held at EverGreen Elementary
Members of the Hamlin Rotary Club were at EverGreen Elementary on Thursday, October 24th to participate in in Apple Crunch Day. They read Andy and Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure to the second grade classes. This is a day for learning about local farms and where food comes from, and to celebrate local produce while supporting local farmers. We appreciate the individuals from the Hamlin Rotary Club for taking the time to visit our second grade classes!
ALL NEWS
High School Students Explore Cutting-Edge Medical Science at Penn State College of MedicineMay 20, 2025 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. [...]
High School April Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for April. 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, Sadie Booths is our selected freshman. Sadie is a dedicated triple-sport athlete participating in track, soccer, and wrestling. In addition, Sadie is part of Science Olympiad and Envirothon. Her favorite subject is math. She aspires to get her teaching degree and come back to Western Wayne as a math teacher who also assists with sports.
“One of my inspirations is my middle school math teacher Mr. Hodorawis,” Sadie said, because he teaches math and coaches at the district.
Next, Emaan Tanveer is our chosen sophomore this month. Emaan has become highly involved in the district this year after moving here from New Jersey. She participates in wrestling, FBLA, NAHS, Spanish Club, and CATS Club. In addition, she takes a boxing class once a week in New Jersey to help enhance her athleticism for wrestling. Her favorite class is English, in which she especially enjoys writing fiction such as short stories and poetry. She also loves to draw with her preferred mediums of pencil and paper and paint.
Emaan wishes to be an entrepreneur when she gets older or to be a part of the FBI. She wants to attend either Boston University or Princeton University.
“I believe the stamina and discipline that I am learning through, especially my sports, is preparing me for my future dreams,” Emaan said.
In addition, Ian Ensley is this month’s featured junior. Ian is a member of the Chess Club and History Club. He greatly enjoys studying history and wishes to become a history teacher, welder or both when he is older.
“I really like to soak up details about the past, and I want to teach them to others one day,” Ian said.
Finally, Noah Vail is our senior spotlight this month. Noah has a variety of interests including music and cooking. He takes the advanced cooking class at Western Wayne this year. In addition, he is a member of both the Volleyball Team and Chess Club. He has played piano for six years and has been accepted to Marywood University to study musical therapy after graduation.
“I love to learn about mental health,” Noah explained. “I want to help people struggling with situations that I have faced. I want the knowledge I learn in college to guide me in helping others struggling with their mental health through music therapy.”
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these April students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Sadie Booths, Emaan Tanveer, Ian Ensley, and Noah Vail. [...]
Wayne High School May Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for May. 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, Tori Walton is our selected freshman. Tori especially loves music. She is a proud member of the High School Marching Band. Her instrument is the baritone. She started with the marching band her eighth grade year by participating in color guard. Her favorite thing to do is play her instrument, and she aspires to be a high school band teacher one day like her band director at Western Wayne, Mrs. Elaine Ort.“Playing music helps me forget things I am feeling stressed about,” Tori explained.Next, Aiden Korea is our chosen sophomore this month. Aiden is in both Spanish Club and Envirothon. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. His favorite class is chemistry. His dad and other members of his family have pursued careers in pharmacy, and Aiden wishes to follow in their footsteps.“I really enjoy studying science,” Aiden said. “I think my advanced classes at Western Wayne have really taught me how to study and prepare for the intensity of college studies.”In addition, Aiden Burry is this month’s featured junior. Aiden and his family just moved to the district from Elk Lake this school year. He plays both basketball and soccer. His favorite academic subject is chemistry, and he aspires to pursue a pre-med track in college. In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at his church Nativity BVM in Waymart.“I want to pursue being a doctor, because I like helping others,” Aiden said. “I feel that my time on the soccer team is teaching me what it takes to step up to the plate and do my best work to achieve my future goals.”Finally, Lillian Bronson is our senior spotlight this month. Lillian came to Western Wayne when she started high school. She is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, and CATS Club where she holds the office of treasurer. Her favorite class is Spanish, because she enjoys the challenge of learning a new language. She has been accepted to Cedar Crest College for the fall and will major in environmental conservation. She absolutely loves nature and the outdoors and wants to be a conservationist as her career path.The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Tori Walton, Aiden Korea, Aiden Burry, and Lillian Bronson. [...]
High School May Students of the MonthMay 20, 2025The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for May. 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, Tori Walton is our selected freshman. Tori especially loves music. She is a proud member of the High School Marching Band. Her instrument is the baritone. She started with the marching band her eighth grade year by participating in color guard. Her favorite thing to do is play her instrument, and she aspires to be a high school band teacher one day like her band director at Western Wayne, Mrs. Elaine Ort.
“Playing music helps me forget things I am feeling stressed about,” Tori explained.
Next, Aiden Korea is our chosen sophomore this month. Aiden is in both Spanish Club and Envirothon. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. His favorite class is chemistry. His dad and other members of his family have pursued careers in pharmacy, and Aiden wishes to follow in their footsteps.
“I really enjoy studying science,” Aiden said. “I think my advanced classes at Western Wayne have really taught me how to study and prepare for the intensity of college studies.”
In addition, Aiden Burry is this month’s featured junior. Aiden and his family just moved to the district from Elk Lake this school year. He plays both basketball and soccer. His favorite academic subject is chemistry, and he aspires to pursue a pre-med track in college. In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at his church Nativity BVM in Waymart.
“I want to pursue being a doctor, because I like helping others,” Aiden said. “I feel that my time on the soccer team is teaching me what it takes to step up to the plate and do my best work to achieve my future goals.”
Finally, Lillian Bronson is our senior spotlight this month. Lillian came to Western Wayne when she started high school. She is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, and CATS Club where she holds the office of treasurer. Her favorite class is Spanish, because she enjoys the challenge of learning a new language. She has been accepted to Cedar Crest College for the fall and will major in environmental conservation. She absolutely loves nature and the outdoors and wants to be a conservationist as her career path.
The Western Wayne School District congratulates these May students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
From left: Mr. Paul B. Gregorski, high school principal; Tori Walton, Aiden Korea, Aiden Burry, and Lillian Bronson. [...]
Students Present Research @ Pennsylvania Junior Academy of ScienceMay 20, 2025Western Wayne High School and Middle School students presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition on May 19 at Penn State University Main Campus. These students investigated a scientific question, carried out controlled scientific research, and presented their findings to a panel of professionals in the scientific fields. The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of middle and high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations. Western Wayne PJAS advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.The following students won awards in various areas.
High School:
Madelyn McClure- 1st award for her research in the field of Biology in her research on Quantifying Impact Resistance: An Experimental Analysis of Force Distribution on Equestrian Helmets Under Simulated Weight Drop Conditions.
Cassidy Zeiler- 2nd award with a perfect score for her research in the field of Biology as she studied the Effects of Statins on Tendon Elasticity.
Mackenzie Adams- 2nd award for her research in Behavioral Science as she studied the Effects of Sports Injuries on Mental Health in High School Students.
Audrey Agnello- 2nd award with a perfect score for her research in Behavioral Science, studying the Effects of Posture Reminders on Improving Posture in Students. Audrey was also named as a PSTS Talent Search Award Nominee.
Middle School:
Andraye Agnello- 1st award for his research in Microbiology as he studied the Bacterial Load found on Artificial Turf.
Charlie Vinton- 1st award for his research in Ecology as he studied the Effects of Tree Species on Heat Production.
Ryder Glasner- 1st award for her research in Zoology as she studied the Effects of Soft Drinks on Daphnia magna Heart Rate.
TJ McClure- 1st award for his research in Chemistry as he studied the Effects of Corrosion Protectors on Preventing Oxidation.
From left: Mackenzie Adams, Cassidy Zeiler, Madelyn McClure, Audrey Agnello, Andraye Agnello, TJ McClure, Charlie Vinton, and Ryder Glasner. [...]
