Western Wayne Students Continue Watershed Studies Through Fall and Winter Field Experiences

Western Wayne High School students are continuing their hands-on environmental education journey through the Community Connections to Our Watershed forum. The yearlong regional initiative brings together teams of students from nine local school districts to explore watershed science, land use, ecology, and sustainability through immersive field experiences across Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The Western Wayne students involved include:  Noah Benson, Aidyn Graci, Giana Graci, Aliyah Gregory, and Rhys Locklin.

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October: Understanding Our Ecological Footprint at Lacawac Sanctuary

On October 24, students traveled to Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center for a program centered on the theme “Leaving a Footprint.” The day focused on understanding how human activity impacts lake ecosystems and how individuals can reduce their ecological footprint.

.Working with environmental educators, students explored:

• Their personal ecological footprints and how daily choices affect natural resources
• The impact of climate change on lake ecosystems
• Methods for collecting physical and chemical data from a lake system
• Techniques for detecting microplastics in bodies of water
• How individual and group actions can reduce water pollution

Through hands-on lake monitoring activities and microplastics investigations, students gained a deeper understanding of how scientific data is used to assess ecosystem health. The experience reinforced the idea that while everyone contributes to environmental impact, everyone can also contribute to solutions.

Students were also challenged to collect water samples from their local communities for later analysis and to evaluate sustainability practices within their own school cafeterias.

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November: Examining Land Use and Mining Legacy

On November 6, students shifted their focus to Land Use, visiting the Anthracite Heritage Museum before traveling to the Old Forge Bore Hole.

This experience examined how Northeastern Pennsylvania’s historic coal mining industry was shaped by regional geology—and how it, in turn, reshaped the landscape. Students discussed how historical land-use decisions continue to influence water quality, ecosystems, and community development today.

The day included:

• Continued microplastics research (Part II)
• Discussions on how communities make modern land-use decisions
• Chemical water analysis at the borehole site
• Exploration of how abandoned mine lands still impact present-day watersheds

By connecting history, science, and civic decision-making, students gained a clearer understanding of how environmental stewardship requires both scientific knowledge and community engagement.

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January: Exploring Winter Ecology

On January 16, students returned to Lackawanna State Park to study Winter Ecology. Despite cold temperatures, students rotated through hands-on learning stations led by professionals from Pennsylvania State Parks, the Bureau of Forestry, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Students:

• Participated in Project FeederWatch, contributing to winter bird population monitoring
• Studied how forests adapt to winter stressors
• Learned about Snowshoe Hare population dynamics and ecosystem shifts
• Examined how climate change is altering winter weather patterns in the Northeast
• Strengthened their observational skills through structured nature journaling

The winter session also encouraged students to reflect on the human dimension of climate action, discussing both the scientific and psychological challenges associated with environmental change.

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Preparing for Stewardship in Action

Through these fall and winter experiences, Western Wayne students have examined environmental impact from multiple perspectives—personal responsibility, historical land use, ecosystem science, and climate change.

The forum will culminate this spring with a regional showcase, where each school team will present a stewardship action project designed to improve their campus or local community.

Western Wayne High School is proud of its student participants for their continued leadership, curiosity, and dedication to understanding and protecting our region’s natural resources.

Pictures One and Two: Western Wayne students participating in October Watershed activities.

Picture Three:  Western Wayne students participating in November Watershed activities.

Pictures Four and Five:  Western Wayne students participating in January Watershed activities.

The Western Wayne High School Inclusion Club proudly participated in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, with 28 students attending the event and raising over $1,400 to support Special Olympics athletes across the region.

The Polar Plunge is an annual fundraiser that challenges participants to brave the winter cold in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Funds raised directly benefit Special Olympics programs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, providing opportunities for training, competition, and inclusive athletic experiences.

Western Wayne’s Inclusion Club is part of the school’s commitment as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, promoting inclusion, leadership, and meaningful participation for all students. Through service projects, awareness initiatives, and Unified Sports, the club fosters a culture where every student belongs.

Students fully embraced the spirit of the event, wearing colorful costumes, tutus, and even polar bear outfits to bring fun and excitement to the day. Their enthusiasm added to the energy of the event and reflected the joyful, inclusive atmosphere that defines the Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania supports Unified Sports programs that bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates. At Western Wayne, the Unified Bocce team had a particularly strong season this year, advancing to the regional playoffs, a testament to the power of teamwork and inclusion. Students were also excited to see the WW Athletic Director, Mr. Tyler Jakes, greet them at the festivities today, as Mr. Jakes is a constant supporter of the WW Unified Bocce program.

The Inclusion Club is advised by high school teachers Rebecca Banik and Christine McClure, along with elementary teacher and WW Unified Bocce Coach Siena Cardamone. Through the leadership of teachers and coaches, students coordinate service initiatives, school-wide engagement activities, and Unified athletic programming that extends beyond any single department and is embedded in the broader student experience.

“The Polar Plunge is more than just a fundraiser,” said advisor Christine McClure. “It represents our students’ commitment to inclusion, empathy, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of the 28 students who participated and the generosity of our community in supporting this cause.” 

Student Joey Roses shared what made the experience most meaningful to him: “My favorite thing about the day is watching kids jump into the cold water together.”

The Inclusion club is excited about continuing its mission to support Unified and inclusive opportunities within the school community.

First row, from left: Andrew Locker, Oliver Harty, Phoebe Schmitt, Madison Forgione, Joseph Roses, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, Cassidy Levens, Maggie Kotchessa, and Nathaniel Amberg.

Second row, from left: Logan Pauler, Liam Pauler, Kyle Matthews, Vinny Baldini, Aiden Matthews, Paul Borowski, Kaylee Fischer, Madelyn McClure, Aliyah Gregory, Eric McGrath, Grace Owens, Audrey Agnello, Raeleigh Kromko, Hannah DeStefano, Donovan Gregorski, Quinn Swartz, and Norman Phillips.

The cast and crew of The Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will host a Character Breakfast on Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. You can reserve tickets by using the following Google Form.

Form link

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuwhV-VKgseCmHiNPJVzo_A-Gu7YjvbZ-NsmeIc9pcaWJ1XA/viewform

TICKET ORDER DEADLINE IS MARCH 13. Any questions, email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org

Save the date for our performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

The following students were recognized by the Student Council as students of the month for January. 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, is our selected freshman McKinnley Churmblo.  McKinnley is called sweet and respectful by her teachers. They note she always says thank you and advocates for herself. She is active in many activities but prioritizes her academics as well.  She is a bright student with a lot of potential who is driven to success in sports, extra-curricular activities and course work. In addition, she is always kind to her peers and teachers.  She consistently puts forth best effort in class and exudes positive energy.

 Next, Maha Tanveer is our chosen sophomore this month. She is called polite, determined, inquisitive, intelligent, respectful, goal-oriented, and hard-working by her teachers.  Maha is an extremely respectful and driven student who strives for success in all she does.

  In addition, Cody Jones is this month’s featured junior.  He is called hard-working, driven, determined, kind, and determined by his teachers. Cody is currently in sound academic standing in all classes and has demonstrated consistent academic engagement. He has shown increased resilience when faced with challenges and has shown sustained positive decision making and a determination to be the best version of himself. 

  Finally, Aiden Matthews is our senior spotlight this month. Aiden’s teachers say he is helpful, honest, hard-working, courteous, hard-working, kind, friendly, polite, and gracious.  He has integrity in all he does and demonstrates strong character in all of his academic and extra-curricular activities. In addition, he is an excellent academic student who looks forward to continuing to learn and achieve for the remainder of his senior year.

The Western Wayne School District congratulates these January students of the month and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

From left: Maha Tanveer, McKinnley Churmblo, Cody Jones, and Aiden Matthews.