WVIA presented PBS Kids in the Classroom on at EverGreen Elementary on May 11, 12 and 17 to students in grades kindergarten through second grade. This program offered allows an educator from WVIA to come into the classroom and present a lesson about a PBS kids show. The lessons this year were based on animal habitats. Students picture here at from Miss Getz’s kindergarten class.
EverGreen Elementary hosted this year’s Title I Awards Night for our students from Robert D. Wilson Elementary and EverGreen Elementary who completed the Title 1 program. Dinner was served while our amazing speaker, Betty Lawson read a book aloud. “Ms. Betty” is the librarian at the Honesdale Library in Honesdale and became famous for her bedtime stories she read, virtually, during Covid. She also gave our families tips and tricks to get our children to talk about their day in a meaningful way that builds connections in our brains. We also learned when a child is born, they have as many brain cells as stars in the Milky Way. We had a great turnout, and the night ran smoothly thanks to our energetic, caring, and motivated Title I teachers who organized the entire event. Thank you to Mrs. Malec, Mrs. Daniels, and Mrs. Vinton for a very special evening.
The week of March 14th is designated as AG Literacy Week in the state of Pennsylvania. The program focuses on connecting volunteers from the agricultural community to local classrooms to share the story of agriculture. Volunteer readers will have the opportunity to talk about farming and agriculture through the book they read as well as their own experiences with farming. Volunteers visited all kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms at EverGreen Elementary on March 15th where they read My Family’s Soybean Farm to the students. Students pictured are from Ms. Hemmler’s first grade class.
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.”
Germani agrees whole-heartedly.
Continue reading the full article here.
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!
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:
PREK Requirements — Please bring a current physical with you if you have it.
KINDERGARTEN Requirements — Please bring a current physical with you if you have it.
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.
Chief Price and his firefighters from Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Fire Department and Ledgedale Fire Company were at EverGreen Elementary on October 8, 2021 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 different piece of equipment that was on scene, and have lunch with some of the firefighters. Students learned valuable lessons that they will be able use to in their lives.
We would like to thank Hamlin Fire & Rescue, Lake Ariel Fire Department, and Ledgedale Fire Department for coming to EverGreen Elementary today.
National Substitute Appreciation Week is September 6-10. Western Wayne is grateful for our substitute and guest teachers. Thank you for stepping in to work with students when we need you the most!
If you are interested in joining the Western Wayne team, contact the District Office at 1-800-321-9973 Option 5.
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. [...]
