WEATHER UPDATE: Breakfast and lunch Program

Due to the impending weather, the breakfast and lunch program will not be available on Monday, March 23rd. Service will resume on Tuesday, March 24 and continue until further notice.

Important Notices

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has canceled this year’s PSSA, Keystones, and PASA exams for all school districts.

Pre-K and Kindergarten registrations are postponed until further notice. 

UPDATE: Closure of Schools

The school districts in NEIU 19 have been working under the legal guidance to consider the current 10 day closure of schools as days off similar to snow/weather emergency days. The expectation is that the days will be made up in June, or other times if built in to a district’s calendar, so that the 180 day requirement may be met and continuity of educational services may be fulfilled. Typically, school work is not required during these days, although we are awaiting clarification from PDE on to what extent we may provide instructional and educational resources to our students. We will continue to operate under these conditions unless further guidance or mandates are provided from federal and/or state authorities. We also continue to maintain communication with NEIU 19 districts, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Department of Health, and other agencies to ensure we are following all recommendations and legal requirements. Should we receive information that dictates otherwise, we will inform you as soon as possible and implement the necessary requirements for the betterment of our students and staff.

Please see the following information that was distributed today by the Department of Education and the Department of Labor:

https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/Pages/AnswersToFAQs.aspx

https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/Pages/AnswersToFAQs.aspx

https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/file/Pages/File%20an%20Initial%20Claim.aspx

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time of uncertainty. Please stay healthy and safe.

Matthew Barrett, Ed.D.
Superintendent

FREE MEALS AVAILABLE WHILE SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED

Schools closed due to the coronavirus are able to provide free meals to all students through the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option. These meals are available for all families and to any child age 18 and younger.

The Western Wayne School District invites families and care-givers to drive through* and pick up meals for their children beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Lunch and breakfast for the following day will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Children must be present in order for meals to be provided. Please stay in your car and meals will be passed through based on the number of children in the car.

Pick up is available Monday through Friday at:

Evergreen Elementary Student Drop off area   
                                  11:00 am – 12:30 pm

 Robert D. Wilson Bus Loop
                            11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Lunches will include sandwiches, fresh vegetable and/or fruit, milk and a dessert treat. Breakfast bags will include fruit, juice, milk, cereal and assorted cereal bars.

We encourage families to continue to be proactive in reducing the risk of coronavirus by not congregating at the pick-up site once meals have been distributed, continue to wash your hands often, sneeze or cough into a tissue, and stay home if you are sick.

Contact the Western Wayne School District Food Service Department at 570-937-3085 or mliptak@westernwayne.org if you have questions about this service or if you need to make arrangements for medically necessary meal accommodations.

*Families who live in Waymart may walk to pick up their meals but are asked not to congregate at the pick-up site.

Governor Wolf Announces Closure of Pennsylvania Schools

Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that all K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for 10 business days effective Monday, March 16. The administration has been working with school districts as well as state and local officials to gather input on this decision. The Wolf Administration will continue to monitor Covid-19 in the commonwealth, and at the end of 10 days will reevaluate and decide whether continued closure is needed.

Please read the full article here.
https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-closure-of-pennsylvania-schools/

Western Wayne – Closure Notice

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Western Wayne School District, along with all Northeast Intermediate Unit school districts will be closed during the week of March 16 through March 20, 2020. The rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the spread of Coronavirus require this response. The decision is made out of concern for all staff and students in our schools, especially those who are most vulnerable. Each school district will monitor developments closely and consult with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies. Western Wayne and all NEIU districts recognize the impact school cancellations can have on families and communities. Timely and transparent updates will be provided by each district to its local communities.

The School Districts in the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit include:

Abington Heights School District
Blue Ridge School District
Carbondale Area School District
Dunmore School District
Elk Lake School District
Forest City Regional School District
Lackawanna Trail School District
CTC of Lackawanna County
Lakeland School District
Mid Valley School District
Montrose Area School District
Mountain View School District
North Pocono School District
Old Forge School District
Riverside School District
Scranton City School District
Susquehanna Community School District
Susquehanna County CTC
Valley View School District
Wallenpaupack Area School District
Wayne Highlands School District
Western Wayne School District

-Matthew Barrett, ED. D., Superintendent

Early Dismissal – Reminder

As a reminder, tomorrow March 13th is a 12:00 PM early dismissal for our teacher in-service. Also, as a precautionary measure over the next 2 weeks, there will be several events postponed or cancelled, such as field trips and large community events. You will receive further information about schedule changes as we move forward. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Department of Health have scheduled a press conference tomorrow morning to provide updates for school districts across the state. We will continue to inform you of any pertinent information or developments. Thank you and have a good evening.

– Message regarding the Coronavirus –

Dear Western Wayne Community,

As we continue to communicate with our local emergency management agency, the Department of Health, and other organizations in relation to the Coronavirus, the District will keep you informed of any developments or changes in school operations.  While the current recommendation is to maintain appropriate and preventative hygiene, our custodial staff has also been working diligently to thoroughly clean and disinfect our facilities.  Our school nurses and faculty are also aware of proper protocol to ensure a healthy school environment.  Additionally, it is also important for families to be mindful of preventative measures and practice them at home.  We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the recommendations from local, state, and federal authorities.  The safety of our students and staff is our top priority and we will exercise necessary precautions for their well-being.  Please contact us with any questions or concerns. 

Coronavirus Attachment 1
Coronavirus Attachment 2
Coronovirus Attachment 3

LOOKING FOR PROM ATTIRE?

AURORA’S CLOSET – LOOKING FOR PROM ATTIRE?
Need the perfect dress, shoes, handbags, etc.?

Come to visit Aurora’s Closet on Friday, March 20, 2020 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Held at Calvary United Methodist Church, Belmont St., Waymart

Shop for gently used articles to complete your wardrobe for your big event!

SPONSORED BY AURORA ASSEMBLY,
INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF RAINBOW FOR GIRLS

All proceeds will be donated to the Waymart Area Food Pantry!

Western Wayne Students Present Research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science

           The Western Wayne School District congratulates the following students who presented scientific research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science at Wilkes University recently.  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.

Adrian Agnello received a first award for his research in Botany as he studied the effects of pine tree needle decay on undergrowth plants.  Allie Pauler received a first award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of OTC drugs on the heartrate of Daphnia magna.  Olivia Cottell received a first award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of vape juice on the heartrate of Daphnia magna.  Brooke Kellogg received a first award for her research in Microbiology as she studied the effects of age on the oral microbiome of piglets.  Samantha Sharp received a first award for her research in Ecology as she studied the effects of saltwater on straw biodegradation.

Kennedy Mistishin received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of alcoholic beverages on the degradation of bone mass. Kailey Tickner received a second award for her research in Behavioral Science as she studied the effects of music on memory. Stephanie Soom received a second award for her research in Botany as she studied the effects of water temperature on plant germination. Emily Romanowski received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of supplements on the heartrate of Daphnia magna. Rhayni Carroll received a second award for her research in Botany as she studied the effects of soft drinks on plant germination. Lilly Bernardi received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of soft drinks on the heartrate of Daphnia magna. Addison Purvis received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of flour type of gluten content. Weston Nugent received a second award for his research in Ecology as he studied the effects of sampling location on stream water quality. Anita Vanyo received a second award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of cleaning products on plant germination.

Abigayle Pavlicek received a third award for her research in Botany as she studied the effects of classical music on plant germination. Lexi DeSiato received a third award for her research in Biology as she studied the effects of soft drinks on tooth decay.

          Congratulations to all of these students for their hard work!

Adrian Agnello, Allie Pauler, Olivia Cottell, Brooke Kellogg, and Samantha Sharp are eligible to present their research at the PJAS state meeting at Penn State Main Campus in May.  The club is advised by Western Wayne High School teachers Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.