wmchc.net – We help enroll uninsured children in CHIP, Medicaid & WMCHC’s Sliding Fee Scale!
Contact WMCHC’s Outreach and Enrollment office at 570-251-6569 or 570-251-6554 to discuss options for your child’s healthcare coverage. Convenient appointments between 7 am and 6 pm at 630 Park Street, Honesdale, PA.
Gavin Chapman, Lilly Horton, Mayson Aleckna, Harlie Schneider, Keira Hauenstein, Matthew Carlson and Machaela McGrady were elected class representatives for their 5th grade classrooms at EverGreen Elementary. These students were voted in based on their exemplary leadership skills, both academically and socially. EverGreen Elementary is thankful to have such wonderful Wildcats leading our pack!
This fall semester Western Wayne 8th grade Family Consumer Science students worked on a sewing project called a “Monster Project” to be collaboratively created in a fun and creative way with Western Wayne students in Kindergarten classes at Evergreen Elementary School.
The Kindergarten students actually drew designs of a “monster” they wanted to see come to life, and the middle school students in Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s Family Consumer Science classes recreated these designs in the form of a soft sculpture (stuffed animal).
Through this process, the middle school students learned how to do a running stitch, backstitch, overstitch, and blanket stitch to create a 3-D model of the elementary students’ monster questionnaire responses along with their own creativity and decorative elements such as favorite foods, colors, and facial features! Each monster even had a unique name, some of which included: Sparkle, Scary Larry, Shimmer, Happy Bestie, Snowflake, Kitty Monster, and Twinkle, among many others.
On Friday, Oct. 28, the middle schoolers presented their finished products to their kindergartners to keep and enjoy!
“We were so excited to create these special projects for elementary students,” Mrs. Gregorski said. “We hope the children and families enjoyed this collaborative project.”
Eighth grader MaKenzie Chearney really enjoyed making her monster called Spot for her kindergartner. Spot is half red and half black. Its eyes and tongue are pink. The mouth is black. The shape of the monster is a rectangle with arms, legs, and little ears on top.
“I used the back stitch for the red in the front and the eyes,” MaKenzie explained. “I then did the running stitch for the mouth and tongue. Lastly, I used the blanket stitch for the mouth and tongue. I changed the eyes and tongue to pink because it is my monster’s favorite color.”
MaKenzie was so happy to make a project to brighten the day of a younger student.
“When I look at my completed monster it makes me smile, when I know that I made a Kindergartner’s monster drawing into a stuffed animal that they get to have.”
Fellow eighth grade classmate Raegan Fox also had an enjoyable experience with this project.
“When I look at my completed monster, I am happy when I see it, because I didn’t expect for it to turn out better than expected.”
Raegan’s monster named Dinosaur is light blue and has bright neon orange pants, a red necklace, and four red eyes.
“His teeth remind me of a vampire, because they are sharp and red,” Raegan explained.
Raegan’s monster and the ones created by her middle school classmates were the perfect treat for the elementary students for the Halloween season.
A wonderful time was had by all involved when the middle schoolers and elementary students met and got to experience their collaborative projects together for the first time.
Picture One: Mrs. Tickner’s Kindergarten class
Front Row from Left to Right:
Celia Cawley, Skylar Davis, Emma Dennis, Lillian Dougherty, Case Carlson, Dennis Smith, Lincoln Salak, Anabella Rodas
Second Row from Left to Right:
Emma DeNunzio, Makenzie Chearney, Molly French, Wyatt Weist, Khale Black, Eleri Strocchia.
Third Row from Left to Right:
Matthew Patuto, Calista Gregorski, Dominick Esposito, Piper Fontana, Nolan Rock, Liana Proppe, Zara Levano, Arabella Propes, Amelia Kolodzieski
Back Row from Left to Right:
Aliyah Gregory, Mia Bentler, Lauren Geisheimer, Aubrey Bersch, Raegan Fox, Abby Bell
Picture Two: Mrs. Yedinak’s Kindergarten class
Front Row from Left to Right:
Rayanne Worzel, Alexis Freeman, Quinn Robeson, Gage Puckett, Brady Bozym, Dane Clowers, Kylie Hardwick, Daisy VanGorden, Mia Mahnke.
Middle / 2nd Row from Left to Right:
Owen Ackerman, Teagan Kraszewski, Thomas Cappozi, Kendall Natskakula, Madison Dalessandro, Katie Hertzog, Harley Pifcho.
Back Row from Left to Right:
Michael Kaminsky, Noah Hennessy, Michael Barna, Damian Glackin, Elisa Gallinot, Carl McCane, Corey Deitz, Jordyn Goebel
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.
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.
On Homecoming Day, September 30, 2022, we are planning a school-wide event to assemble students at the Sharkey Rossetti Stadium to form the letters “WWHS” on the field. We will use a drone to take a photograph of the student body in formation as a fundraiser for our high school PBIS team. PBIS is a nation-wide evidence-based program that is used in all Western Wayne buildings. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and it is a team of students and teachers that function to support our student body by rewarding good behaviors to improve the climate of the school.
The cost of the photo will be $15.00 for an 8×10 image. All checks can be made out to WWHS PBIS. Cash will also be accepted. Please send your cash or check to the high school Guidance Office to complete your purchase. Checks can be mailed to: WWHS Guidance 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.
If you are interested in purchasing an image, please pre-order it using the Google form: https://forms.gle/tvoUckBg6Bi6rHvE6
All money is due prior to your order being placed. Orders will be accepted and money collected until November 1, 2022. An email will be sent to the address you provide when the orders have arrived. Orders are expected to be fulfilled in November.
EverGreen’s first grade was buzzing with excitement when we had our beekeeper presentation from Dr. Jim Tickner. He not only showed photos from his own hives, but he also brought in a real hive for students to see, along with other beekeeping materials. He encouraged the students to follow paths that they are interested in and maybe even one day become a beekeeper!
On May 25th the Pre-Kindergarten classes at EverGreen Elementary had a bus safety presentation. Students learned about safety while boarding and exiting the bus along with proper behavior while being on the bus. Students picture are from Mrs. Hoch’s morning and afternoon classes and Miss Sposto’s morning class. The presentation was by WW School Police Officer Marty Robbins and bus driver Mark Peet. Thank you to Officer Robbins, Mr. Peet and Mr. Henwood from Henwood Bussing for allowing the use of one of his buses.
The Cat Pack Games were held on Tuesday, May 24 at Sharkey Rosetti Stadium. Students from EverGreen, RDW and Middle and High Schools were greeted by the Western Wayne Marching Band. Student volunteers from the Middle and High Schools assisted in the games. The day was a perfect highlight of some of the many talents of our students-running, jumping, throwing, and playing! Thank you to everyone who helped make it a great day!
5th students at RDW Elementary engaged in a culminating self-portrait projectMay 28, 2025Fifth-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 May 28, 2025Lake 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/CCTW2025This 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 AreaWestern 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 PresentersThe 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 Grismero 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 VelazquezHigh 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 SupportFunding 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 ResilienceDespite 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 EnvirothonMay 28, 2025Western 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 TrainingsMay 23, 2025Mental 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. [...]
