The Kindness Club at RDW recently performed a play for students in grades K-2. The play was called A Day in the Life of an RDW Student and included five different scenarios that a typical student might encounter. In each scene, one or more of the characters chose to demonstrate kindness in a challenging situation. The club members had questions for students to discuss between acts. At the conclusion of the play, Kindness Club members encouraged students to practice acts of kindness throughout their day and to consider joining the Kindness Club when they are in fifth grade.
Members, left to right from first photo: Ryan Nixon, Paxton Shiner-Lewis, Caden Reeger, Saga Bryden, Lillian Sorrentino, and Kelly Talarico
Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future. Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
Develop health beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthen bonds with youth.
Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors.
Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family through the teen years.
Youth attend session 4 with their parents and caregivers. The program will be held on five Tuesdays: February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 6 from 6 to 8 PM via Zoom. For more information or to register, e-mail or call Karen Thomas at kat1@psu.edu or 570-878-2385
On January 12th, Jay Amore from the Universal Technical Institute met with fourth and fifth grade students at RDW. Mr. Amore shared the different training programs that are offered at UTI and why many of these are in high-demand. He discussed the cost of technical school versus a traditional college and explained the difference between these two endeavors. He also shared his personal career journey to demonstrate the potential for success and happiness when pursuing a career in the trades.
Mr. Amore’s engaging presentation helped to expand students’ understanding of their post-secondary options, which is an important goal of the K-12 College and Career Readiness program here at Western Wayne.
“ Such a joyful time at the RDW Elementary School! Thank you to the RDW PTA for putting on a week long Santa shop and gifting books and the love of reading to all of our RDW students! We even had a very special visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause! “ All of the students LOVED the Christmas Fun and Spirit!”
Mrs. Maria Miller has been chosen to receive the 2023 Administrator Appreciation Award from the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association (PSCA). This rare distinction “acknowledges administrators who demonstrate an understanding and support of, commitment to and belief in the role of school counselors and comprehensive, developmental school counseling programs.” Miller will be formally recognized at the PSCA annual conference on December 7th at Kalahari Resorts and Conference Center. She has been an avid supporter of the school counseling program at RDW since they started working together in June of 2012. She is the reason the program has received national and state recognition; and she is a true champion of the school’s comprehensive school counseling program. Miller was born and raised in Waymart and has lived there her whole life. She graduated from Western Wayne School District in 1986. She then attended Marywood University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Early Childhood (1990) and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood (1992). Later, she received her Principal Certification in 1997 from The University of Scranton. Miller has worked at R.D. Wilson for the past 33 years. She was a classroom teacher for 10 years, serving students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Fourth Grade before entering her current role as principal. Miller is a champion of her community and has devoted her career to bettering the lives of the students and families in this area that she calls home.
Mrs. Miller spear-headed the efforts to bring the PROSPER Program to the Western Wayne School District. Based out of Penn State, this program trains local teams to lead family-based and school-based prevention program efforts on the ground in their communities. In addition to her many roles at school, Miller is Waymart Historical Society: Vice President; has her RAMP-Certification: Principal of a RAMP-Certified school (2019-2024), currently supporting the counselor in applying for Re-RAMP and the PA Black Diamond Program award. Also, R.D. Wilson received the Adequate Yearly Progress PDE achievement recognition every year from 2002 until 2011 (when PA stopped awarding this to schools) under Miller’s leadership. Miller is thrilled to represent Western Wayne at the awards ceremony to receive her great honor in early December.
Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
Develop health beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthen bonds with youth.
Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors.
Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family through the teen years.
Youth attend session 4 with their parents and caregivers. The program will be held on five Tuesdays: February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 6 from 6 to 8 PM via Zoom. For more information or to register, e-mail or call Karen Thomas at kat1@psu.edu or 570-878-2385
The students at RDW have been working hard to make Autumn inspired artwork! Students across grade level have used the changing seasons and weather, as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and collages! They have observed the environment around them and utilized a variety of techniques to create beautiful seasonal art!
Picture Four, from left: Elijah Sledzinski, Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, Ella Yedinak, and Calista Gregorski.Picture One, from left, Western Wayne Band Members: Will Dwyer, Makayla Walton, Lillian Maros, Nicholas Fisichella, Anthony Redmond, Zach Wilbur, Logan Jezorwski, Kalob Franko, Caden Wilson, Joey Regalbuto, and Brad Miehle. Band students at the event, not pictured: Adrianne Waller and Xavier Graham.Picture Three , from left, the 2023 Homecoming Court: Carter Mistishin, Brooke Kellogg, Frankie Leyshon, Lexi DeSiato, Rhayni Carroll, Allie Pauler, Vinny Tomasetti, Taylor Maiocco, and Ethan Grodack (absent from photo Gunnar Minor).Picture Two, from left: Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, and Ariana Marsan.
Members of the Western Wayne Marching Band, Homecoming Court, some varsity athletes, and beloved school mascot Westie visited both EverGreen Elementary and RDW Elementary on Oct. 3 to perform songs, do meet and greets, and invite the students and their families to the Homecoming Game and ceremony on Friday, October 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. A fun time was had by students of all ages during the elementary school visits!
Picture Two, from left: Amelia Kosciuk, Avery Orloski, and Ariana Marsan.
Picture Three , from left, the 2023 Homecoming Court: Carter Mistishin, Brooke Kellogg, Frankie Leyshon, Lexi DeSiato, Rhayni Carroll, Allie Pauler, Vinny Tomasetti, Taylor Maiocco, and Ethan Grodack (absent from photo Gunnar Minor).
Lleft to right: Maria Shemanski, Coltan Davitt-Hillemann, Annabelle Decker, Makayla Franckowiak, Lylah Semon, and TJ McClure)
Nationwide, buddy benches are used at playgrounds as a place where students can go when they have no one to play with. When other students notice someone sitting on the buddy bench, they are encouraged to ask that student to join them. The RDW buddy bench was established by a group of kindness club students years ago. The bench has since been worn down, and the current group of kindness club students decided that it needed a facelift. Their goal was for it to represent Wildcat PRIDE and inclusion. We are very proud of their work, and they certainly captured what it means to be a student here at Western Wayne.
4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Girls on the Run Summer Camp a SuccessJuly 18, 2024 The first ever Western Wayne Girls on the Run summer camp has been declared a “runaway success!!” Twenty-three students from EverGreen and R.D. Wilson Elementary schools spent a week running, playing, creating arts and crafts, and team building at the EverGreen campus in June.
Well-deserved thanks to coaches Bernadette Metschulat, Taryn Vitris, Dr. Stephanie Major, Kristin Rock, and Sara Orlosky.
The group would also like to recognize our junior coach, high school student Annie Williams. High School students earn volunteer hours by coaching with GOTR!
Finally, thanks to our unbelievably supportive Western Wayne Administration and the United Way for fully funding all twenty-three students.
Rachel Fitzmorris, GOTR site liaison and middle school staff member said,
“We are focused on growing this wonderful program, and we would love to recruit more coaches! We are hosting a fall season of GOTR starting in September. Practices will be held on Wednesdays after school at the Middle School for 6th to 8th grade. We are firming up a location and time for the Elementary school students (3rd through 5th). The program culminates with a celebratory 5K at Keystone College (transportation provided) with dozens of schools in attendance.
Coaches only need to be willing to pitch in and support the students. No running experience is needed.”
Student sign-ups will start on our return to school. For more information or to volunteer, please email rfitzmorris@westernwayne.org. [...]
Join our food service team!July 18, 2024Join our food service team!
Part-time position opening at Western Wayne High School
Work when you student is in school 9:30 am -2:30 pm, no weekends, holidays or snow days
Starting rate $14.00 per hour
Please contact Western Wayne District Office for an application packet @ 800-321-9973 option 5 or email mliptak@westernwayne.org. [...]
Wayne Pike/Shriners Club receive monetary donation from fashion students and teacherJuly 1, 2024A monetary donation was made to Treasurer, Roger Dirlam of Wayne Pike/Shriners Club on behalf of the Western Wayne fashion students and teacher Colleen Carmody. This year’s proceeds were collected at this year’s show, titled “Fashion is Daunting” held on May 21, 2024 in WW Veterans Memorial Auditorium. While raising funds to help our community; this annual charitable event also allows for a display of students’ senior collections, competitive pieces, yearly projects and the continued support of the sewing and design vocation. [...]
High School Hosts Graduation for Class of 2024June 11, 2024The Class of 2024 celebrate at the end of their graduation ceremony
Western Wayne Class of 2024 Salutatorian Jacob Schott
Western Wayne Class of 2024 Valedictorian Adrian Agnello
President of the Class of 2024 Taylor Maiocco makes a speech at graduation.
The Class of 2024 stand after all have received their diplomas.
Wildcat Pride was bursting from the audience at Western Wayne’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the evening of Thursday, June 6, for the graduation of the class of 2024. This is a class with a high school experience unique in many ways having had to do some of their time in school virtually for the end of their 8th grade year and in masks for their freshman and part of their sophomore years. They have learned to persevere through uncertain times and are ready for the next steps of their lives. Student speakers at graduation gave their classmates advice for the exciting, new journey that lies ahead of them.Senior Taylor Maiocco, president of the class of 2024, gave the welcome address. She left her classmates with some advice about not fearing change, “Life isn’t long enough to do something you don’t love. So don’t be afraid to change your mind or actions because your options are limitless. Live life to the fullest; be as present as you can be; and do what makes you truly happy.”Later, Taylor presented the Class Mantel to Lillian Maros, junior class president. Following the presentation of the mantle, the class salutatorian and valedictorian gave speeches. Senior Jacob Schott, Waymart, was named the salutatorian of the class of 2024 with a final overall GPA of 101.78. Jacob is the son of Daniel and Denise Schott. Along with being an excellent academic student, Jacob was involved in Western Wayne clubs and activities. He was extremely dedicated to the Robotics Club, FRC Team 4285 the Camo-Bots for four years, and served as the co-team captain. In addition, he was a member of the National Honor Society. In the future, he plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering Technology: Robotics and Automation. “My favorite high school memory is qualifying for and competing at the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston, Texas, and finishing in the top 25% overall,” Jacob said. “ I believe that it was through my participation on the robotics team that I have become most prepared for my chosen career field of automation engineering. This club taught me all about the world of robotics, but also challenged my engineering and design process skills. I learned valuable life lessons, such as public speaking, and trade skills through this club. I also believe my advanced classes, such as AP Language and Composition, AP Calculus, and AP Physics have helped me, by allowing me to earn college credit while in high school.” In his salutatorian speech, Jacob summed up the evening with a quote from Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done.”He then discussed the many seemingly impossible achievements that his classmates have achieved both academically and in their various extra-curricular activities throughout their time in high school. Jacob’ seemingly impossible achievement was helping to lead the robotics team to their great success at worlds this year which put Western Waye on the map in the world of robotics.“Four years later, here we are. We did what seemed impossible,” Jacob said. “The ball is in your court now. I challenge each and every one of you to leave here tonight doing what Nelson Mandela said. Try something new. Take a risk. You never know what kind of an outcome it could have. Leave these four walls and make a name for yourself. Change the world for the better. I know you are all capable of doing so.” Fellow classmate Adrian Agnello, Waymart, was named valedictorian of the class of 2024 with a GPA of 102.13. Adrian is the son of Jessica and Joseph Agnello.Adrian also has done numerous activities both inside and outside of the classroom at Western Wayne. He has participated in FBLA, PJAS, Student Council, Student Ambassador, Scholastic Team, Varsity Soccer and Swimming. In the future, he plans to attend The University of Scranton to attain a degree in BioChemistry and then attend medical school with hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist. “My favorite high school memory is making it to nationals for FBLA twice and getting to visit Chicago and Atlanta,” he said. “At Western Wayne, I was taught to not fear failure, and this will help me be even more successful in my future.” In his valedictorian speech, Adrian quoted successful businessman and author Robert T. Kiyosaki, “Winners are not afraid of losing, but losers are. Failure is simply a part of the process of success.”Adrian continued, “Failure can be a reminder that success is not always easy, but with hard work and perseverance it is possible.” He then asked his classmates to reflect on some of the failures they encountered in high school and what they learned from them.“High school is filled with failure and so is life,” Adrian said. “However, if these failures are taken as learning experiences, our lives can be filled with even more successes than failures. It is what you choose to take out of it that determines your outcome.”He gave his classmates more advice, “We must learn to view every mistake or failure as an opportunity to learn and to improve.” Adrian ended his speech by saying, “High school has been an incredible journey, however, the best is yet to come. Remember to never fear failure.”Following the speeches, all graduates received their diplomas and were presented as the Class of 2024 to the audience. They then sang the school’s alma mater one last time as a class on stage. The Western Wayne School District wishes all the graduates the best in their bright futures. [...]
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention
program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize
warning signs and signals, especially within social media,
from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others
and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late.