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.

Wayne County Responds to Presumptive COVID-19 Infection

Download the orginal release here.

Wayne County Responds to Presumptive COVID-19 Infection

Maintenance staff have stepped up disinfecting routines at county buildings.

HONESDALE (March 6, 2020) – The Wayne County Commissioners have issued the following statement on COVID-19:

As you may have heard the governor announced today a presumptive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in relationship to an individual Wayne County resident who we are told has travelled to multiple European nations recently.
The individual is being isolated in their home and is being visited multiple times a day by Department of Health officials who are also contacting others who may have come in contact with this individual.
It should be noted that this case has not been positively confirmed by the CDC at this point in time.
Please be aware that county maintenance staff are continually cleaning and disinfecting county facilities.
County officials have been in regular contact with the local school districts, the hospital, state and federal health and emergency management organizations and are continually being updated by those organizations and following their lead and guidance in implementing recommendations and protocols. We will continue to be updated by all involved agencies. There are no planned changes to county operations at this time.

As a reminder, the CDC recommends the following:
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with your elbow to avoid touching your face;
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm/hot water for at least 20 seconds;
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
• Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items;
• Avoid shaking hands and maintain a six foot distance if possible;
• If you are feeling sick, stay home. Rest, take care of yourself and don’t spread the germs.

Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, which include cough, fever and respiratory issues or if you have recently travelled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. As with any medical situation, call 911 if you or the patient is in distress and it is an emergency.

If a resident tests positive for COVID-19, the County will follow the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendations. Stay informed with updates and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and PA Department of Health.

Trina Barcarola Medals at Indoor Track & Field Meet

*Trina with Head Coach Justin Collins, and Coach Bob Amos, Pole Vault Coach.*

PTFCA Indoor Track and Field State Championship Update:
Senior Trina Barcarola cleared 12’ 0” in the Girls Pole Vault to finish 7th overall and earned a state medal. This is Barcarola’s 11th career State medal in track and field. (2 indoor/9 outdoor.

Elizabeth Watson Has Been Named a 2020 Pennsylvania STEM Ambassador

February 27, 2020 – Lake Ariel, PA. Elizabeth Watson, Principal of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics of Western Wayne School District has been accepted as one of 28 ambassadors in the Pennsylvania STEM Ambassador Program, which aims to shape the future of STEM education in the commonwealth by targeting vital policy conversations to legislative leadership in the areas of STEM Learning ecosystems, computer science, state and federal policy for formal and informal education, and workforce needs.

PA STEM Ambassadors met for an inaugural training session today at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) to receive advocacy training from state and national leaders in the field.

The Western Wayne School District, through the creation of Ms. Watson’s position, have prioritized the creation of sound STEM curriculum in grades Pre-K-12 in an attempt to best prepare their students for both future academic and career success. The district intends to focus on STEM as a cross-curricular instructional practice in grades PreK through five and through industry aligned credentials and career pathways in grades 6 through 12.

Representing leaders and emerging leaders in corporate, PreK-12 and higher education, and afterschool programs from 18 counties, PA STEM Ambassadors have agreed to invest the next nine months in training and policy development to share expertise and content knowledge with influential stakeholders to help develop a stronger voice in shaping STEM education policy issues.

“Pennsylvania is considered a leader in STEM policy across the country and, in order to maintain that, we need to develop leaders across the state to advocate for bipartisan support in advancing STEM Education policies to affect change,” said Laura Saccente, director of the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN). “PA STEM Ambassadors have been vital part in shaping STEM education and workforce policies, such as PAsmart and the landscape of STEM Learning Ecosystems.”

“PreK-12 Education is a service industry where we work to prepare our students for what comes next for them, both academically and otherwise. The heart of STEM education is creating a system where student academic programs are directly correlated to where they are going after graduation, particularly in the direction of the most available and lucrative careers that exist in tomorrow’s career market,” Elizabeth Watson, principal of STEAM.

PSAYDN collaborated with the Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC), the national STEM Education Coalition, the Afterschool Alliance, 2018 National STEM Ambassador Jeff Remington and staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of Labor to provide training support to the ambassadors. This year, STEM Ambassadors will have an option of a leadership track as well.

About PSAYDN

Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) promotes sustainable, high-quality out-of-school time youth development programs through advocacy and capacity building to enhance the welfare of Pennsylvania’s children, youth and families. PSAYDN believes all children and youth deserve access to programs that encourage positive youth development and support the successful transition to adulthood. PSAYDN is managed by the Center for Schools and Communities. More information is available at www.PSAYDN.org.

Matt Leslie off to Hershey!

Matt is pictured here with coaches Scott Rush on the left and Kevin Roginsky, right.

Matt Leslie, (152lbs) a Junior, with a record of 39-3 and a District 2 Champ title, was seeded #1 in the North East AA Regionals. They were held at Williamsport High School on February 28-29, 2020.

Matt beat Matty Coller a Senior from Line Mountain with a 28-9 record. The score was 11-9 by decision. Next up was Senior Logan Newton from Wyalusing with a 32-6 record. Another win for Matt by decision 4-0. That moved him to the Championship round to face Wesley Barnes, a Freshman from Southern Columbia with a 33-9 record. He would lose to Barnes, getting pinned 3:12, however he would capture the Silver Medal and a ticket to the big show in Hershey, PA, the State Wrestling Championships! They will be held at the Giant Center in Hershey beginning Wednesday, March 4, throughday, March 7, when the finals will be held.

PIAA has the brackets out and Matt will have a 1st round bye. He will then face Malachi DuVall from Penns Valley. If you would like to follow here is link for live coverage: https://www.flowrestling.org/

District 2 AA Champs!

*Coach Rush celebrating with Alex Hollister*

Western Wayne has Three District 2 Wrestling Champs for 2020! Congratulations to Matt Leslie, Alex Hollister, and Jack McAllister – they are your District 2 Champs. They, along with Silver Medalist Tom Flood, and Bronze Medalist Nathan Koch now move on to the North East AA Regional’s at Williamsport High School on February 28-29, 2020 where the competition gets a little tougher. Also Congratulations to Scott Rush and Kevin Roginsky, coaches for the Varsity Wrestling Team.

What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Download the full COVID-19 Factsheet here.

For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19?
COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China, and limited spread among close contacts has been detected in some countries outside China, including the United States. At this time, however, this virus is NOT currently spreading in communities in the United States. Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in China or people who have traveled to China. Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected are at greater risk of exposure, for example health care workers and close contacts of people who are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. CDC continues to closely monitor
the situation.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.?
Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some diseases are highly contagious (like measles), while other diseases are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading between people. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of
• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

What are severe complications from this virus?
Many patients have pneumonia in both lungs.

How can I help protect myself?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

There are simple everyday preventive actions to
help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

These include
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with
unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects
and surfaces.

What should I do if I recently traveled to China
and got sick?
If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19.
People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help
relieve symptoms.

Western Wayne Students Learning Through STEAM

Designing balloons worthy for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and constructing a house that could withstand the big bad wolf’s huffing and puffing are just two applications of STEAM that Western Wayne teachers tested out in their classrooms this year.

Elizabeth Watson, Western Wayne principal of STEAM, explained how STEAM is working at the district this year. Watson was recently selected STEAM Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“I have been working in the classrooms with teachers and designing lessons to help them come up with other ideas on their own,” Watson said. “It all boils down to project-based learning.”

Western Wayne fifth grade teacher Joanne Connolly did a STEAM project with her students at Evergreen Elementary that was a week-long problem-solving activity called “Balloons Over Broadway.”

Connolly described the event. “Due to a helium shortage, the students were then tasked with engineering a new way to keep the balloons afloat without helium,” she said. “We incorporated science by learning about the properties of helium and its importance in many applications other than balloons. Students learned that helium is used in the cooling process for the magnets in an MRI machine, for example.”

Connolly gave more information about the week-long event. “Students then worked in small groups to engineer a design to keep their balloon afloat,” she said. “Next, a parade was held, and students then voted for the most creative balloon and the most functional design.”

Connolly and her students were both very excited about the results of their STEAM project.

“As a teacher it is exciting to watch the students problem-solve and work collaboratively for a common goal,” she explained. “The incorporation of STEAM into our classrooms has sparked a new excitement for learning, tremendous conversations, and more students getting to share their unique talents.”

Watson agrees that the STEAM lessons this year are really engaging the students.

“Kids are loving the things we are doing,” Watson explained. “It is good motivation for them to work hard in class.”

Another Western Wayne elementary school teacher Sarah Wood, from Robert D. Wilson Elementary, has also been incorporating STEAM in her classroom.

Wood explained how the students did a The Three Little Pigs unit and used STEAM. “We start each unit reading the book, then identifying a problem or science element,” she explained. “After The Three Little Pigs, we talked about wind and what made the different materials in the book hardier to the wolf’s attempts at knocking them down.”

Wood further explained the students’ STEAM work. “The students then experimented with hay, sticks, and bricks to see which were more easily blown away by their breath. Their final project was to build a house that could stay standing when blown with a hair dryer.”

Wood’s students also completed another STEAM project.

“The second unit was the Gruffalo. Students programmed robot mice to make their way through a maze and past the characters that wanted to hunt it down,” she explained. “We started the programming with paper arrows, then gradually introduced punching code into the mice.”

In addition, Wood described another STEAM project in her class.

“Another unit was on the Gruffalo’s Child. In this unit, we looked at shadows,” she explained. “We experimented with making shadows on the wall and then built a shadow box theater from cereal boxes and wax paper to retell the story to the parents.”

Wood truly believes that her students benefit from STEAM.

“I believe that STEAM can give different students a chance to shine,” Wood explained. “I did a coding lesson with first grade this year as part of the Pennsylvania CS grant initiative, and it was fun to see students who struggle with reading or math discover that part of learning that comes naturally to them. They became the experts to their friends and were able to be the ones who shared knowledge instead of being the receiver.”

Watson is thrilled that students in Wood’s classes and so many others in the Western Wayne School District are benefiting from learning through STEAM. She explained that thinking through STEAM lessons can be helpful to students in today’s day and age.

“Today’s students understand what ‘debugging’ means,” Watson explained. “Through STEAM students learn that stumbling blocks are part of the process of learning. They essentially learn about revision and how sometimes the only way to fix or improve something is by toiling and persevering through it. Creating inventions in the real world is a process that takes years, and students can learn this concept through STEAM.”

Watson feels excited that so many Western Wayne students are being exposed to lessons and projects associated with skills needed for possible careers in STEAM areas that they may want to pursue.

“There are so many jobs that are available in technology fields, engineering fields, etc.,” Watson said. “The sooner they get a feel for what they like then we can tie it in other places and set them on a career path early on.”

Coronavirus Guidance and Resources

Please take a moment to read the following regarding the Coronavirus and visit the enclosed links.

February 28, 2020

Dear Education Partner,

You are likely aware of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, that has become prevalent in other countries around the world. I’d like to provide an update of what has been done to prepare, in the event an outbreak occurs in Pennsylvania, and where you can access additional information.

Earlier this month, the state Department of Health (DOH) activated the Health Emergency Operations Center to streamline cross sector coordination. DOH also continues to update factsheets and information about the virus on its website. You can find the most current information for schools by visiting DOH’s Coronavirus website or by connecting through PDE’s website (under the “Schools” tab).

The best way to prepare for an outbreak in Pennsylvania continues to be ensuring you and your education community are practicing good hygiene, including washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping surfaces clean, and encouraging people to stay home if they are sick.

As school leaders you should also take the opportunity to review your existing pandemic plan, and work with local health and emergency officials to update those plans to address a potential virus outbreak in your community.

Additional resources to aid in your planning can be found below.

Sample Checklist for Pandemic Influenza (PEMA)
Get Your School Ready for Pandemic Flu (CDC)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC)
Coronavirus Resource Website (DOH)
All-Hazards Toolkit (PEMA)

Please note that school nurses, who are under the jurisdiction of DOH, will receive school health information directly from DOH as it becomes available. I will forward this information to you as the Department receives it.

Also, please remember to include any on-site educational partners (i.e. early childhood providers, community partners, etc.) in development and communication efforts related to your plan.

The Department of Education will continue to coordinate with DOH and others to ensure that Pennsylvania is prepared should there be an outbreak of COVID-19 here. I encourage you to check DOH’s website regularly for the most up-to-date information and to work with your local officials to ensure your community has a plan suited to meet your needs.

We are in the process of developing additional guidance to address topics we know you will be considering as you move forward in your planning. Look for weekly updates for this information as it becomes available.

-Pedro

Pedro A. Rivera II | Secretary of Education
Department of Education | Executive Office
333 Market Street | Harrisburg PA 17126
www.education.pa.gov

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PADepartmentofEducation
Twitter: @PADeptofEd

Western Wayne High School Student Earns President’s Volunteer Service Award

Western Wayne senior Alyssa Iovacchini has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to service their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. Western Wayne nominated Alyssa for national honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service.

Throughout Alyssa’s four years in high school she volunteered at Arrowhead Bible Camp in Brackney, PA. She found out about this opportunity through her pastor at the Waymart Church where she is an active member.

Alyssa described the service work she does each summer at the James Project held at Arrowhead Bible Camp. The James Project, named after the Book of James in the Bible, is a summer camp for mentally disabled adults. Alyssa and other volunteers work to clean the camp, so that the camp counselors can more focus their time on working with the campers.

In addition, Alyssa works at the camp in the winter doing the same jobs when youth groups and church retreats are at Arrowhead.

“I really enjoy this type of volunteer work because I am putting others before myself and making sure they have the most enjoyable time they can at the camp whether they be adults or other campers,” Alyssa explained.

She also participates in other various service activities in Waymart with her church throughout the school year.

“The faculty, staff, and administration at Western Wayne feel very proud of Alyssa’s accomplishments,” Western Wayne High School Principal Paul Gregorski said. “We hope our other students look up to her as a role model.”

In its 25^th year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.

“Across the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Prudential Chairman CEO Charles Lowrey. “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer too.”

“Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”

Prudential Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout Councils, County 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Points of Light Global Network members. These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact, and personal growth.

Alyssa feels honors to have been given this service award and to be able to represent the Western Wayne School District’s commitment to excellence through this honor. Along with her service activities, Alyssa also is involved in other activities at Western Wayne which include the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and FBLA. After graduation, Alyssa aspires to attend a four-year college to pursue her teaching certificate in secondary education English.

“I think that my service work is preparing me for when I will one day work with students in my own classroom,” Alyssa said.

Time