Kids of all
ages can enjoy a night of entertainment to include the reading of children’s
books, performances from the upcoming Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Once Upon a Mattress, and even a
performance by local magician David Black.
Western Wayne’s Robert D. Wilson
Elementary School PTA will host Read Across America Night on Thursday, March 5,
beginning at 4:45 p.m. The event is free of charge to the public. There will be tours of the RDW building and
opportunities to stop in classrooms to hear stories read by RDW staff and
friends from 4:45 until 5:30 p.m.
In addition, concessions will be
available for purchase from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
At 6 p.m. Western Wayne Drama Club students will perform excerpts from
their upcoming spring show Once Upon a Mattress
with performance dates set for April 17, 18, and 19. The musical is the classic story of the
princess and the pea.
Senior Sydney Peet plays Queen
Aggravain in the show. Her character is
determined to keep her son Prince Dauntless, played by senior Honour Shaffer,
from marrying an unsuitable bride.
Sydney has really been enjoying playing the role of the queen who is
quite out spoken.
“I enjoy playing a character who is
set in what she wants and not afraid to get her point across,” Sydney, who is playing her third role in a
Western Wayne musical and has played various roles in community theater,
said. “I hope the audience likes our
performance of “Sensitivity.” This is
the queen’s solo in which she tries to come up with an unfair way to test the
new princess in the kingdom suing for her son’s hand in marriage.”
“Sensitivity” is just one song from Once Upon a Mattress to be performed at
Read Across America Night.
Another Western Wayne senior who is
excited to perform is Sydney’s costar Honour Shaffer. Honour looks forward to performing in “The
Swamps of Home” at Read Across America.
“I really think the audience will find
this number entertaining because the princess tells a story about growing up in
an unconventional swamp kingdom that she and everyone else on stage comes to
find fascinating,” Honour, who is playing his fourth role in a Western Wayne
musical, explained.
Senior Andie Solimine plays the role
of Princess Winnifred. She feels very
happy to be playing a lead role for her senior year having been in two musicals
prior to this one at Western Wayne.
“I love to sing, act, and dance,”
Andie said. “I really look forward to
sharing what we have been practicing each day with the community.”
The final act of the evening will be a
performance by local magician David Black at 6:30 p.m.
The RDW PTA, cast of Once Upon a Mattress, and everyone
involved in Read Across America Night encourage the public to attend this fun
event for kids of all ages.
The 3rd & 4th grade students
at RDW learned about German cuckoo clocks and the art of clock making in Art
class. They watched videos about the craftsman of the Black Forest, and talked
about the relationship between the environment & natural resources of a
region, and the art the people of that region create. The students learned
about carving as subtractive sculpture as well as the inner workings of a
clock. Students then practiced a variety
of skills to make their own cut paper cuckoo clocks. They folded hinges to
create working doors, they used an accordion fold to make their cuckoo bird pop
out of the door. They also made an
accurate analog clock face complete with numbers and moving hands, as well as
pine cones for weights, just like the real thing! Classes discussed the importance of using
good craftsmanship to ensure a sturdy and attractive finished product. Students
then added embellishments and personal touches to their clocks using markers,
colored pencil, cut paper and cutout shapes.
“First grade students enjoyed ‘Art and Author’ event at RDW. Grandparents were treated to their grandchildren’s writings, a valentine snack and a beautiful art display. We hope you enjoy the artwork too!”
Robert D. Wilson third grade students received dictionaries from
the Wayne County Community Foundation and Forest City Rotary this month.
The children were delighted to receive these beautiful dictionaries, one for
use in school and the other at home.
Pictured representing the Wayne County Community Foundation is
Mrs. Ryanne Jennings and Mr. William Gershey. The Forest City Rotary was
represented by Mr. Richard Kresock, Ms. Ann Wolfe and Mr. Joe Smith.
A big thank you to these organizations for the wonderful gift.
Pictured are veterans demonstrating the proper folding of the flag with 13 folds.
As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne
administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Wednesday,
November 13, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event
that featured music from the high school band and chorus, wise words from a
veteran guest speaker, and this year the event had the added component of a special
presentation of the meaning of the 13 folds in the American flag.
Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne. Some of which had special connections to Western Wayne students. Marty Reingold, Vietnam veteran, attended with his wife Marsha to spend the day honoring veterans with their grandson sophomore Matt Reingold.
Marty Reingold and his wife Marsha shared the Veterans Day assembly at Western Wayne High School with their grandson. From left: Marty Reingold, Vietnam veteran; Matt Reingold, sophomore at Western Wayne; and Marsha Reingold.
Marsha
explained that they have taken part in the Veterans Day assembly at Western
Wayne for the past four years.
“Matt
is very proud of his papa,” Marsha explained.
“We are so happy to be here with our grandson. It is very rewarding to see the school do
things for our service men and to witness the camaraderie.”
Matt
agreed with his grandmother.
“The
best part about today is being able to honor the veterans,” Matt
explained. “Especially my grandfather.”
Another
veteran that felt proud to be at the event with his grandchildren was Roger
O’Brien, a United States Navy veteran. O’Brien explained that it was his first
time at the Veterans Day event at Western Wayne. However, he had heard about it from his
granddaughter Rebeccah King, who is a senior this year, and performed with the
chorus and band at the event.
O’Brien also had a number of other grandchildren at the event who have attended Western Wayne. His grandchildren Johnathan Robbins, 7th grade, and Summer Schaal, granddaughter, were with O’Brien before the presentation to welcome him to the school.
Roger O’Brien shared the Veterans Day assembly at Western Wayne High School with his grandchildren. From left: Johnathan Robbins, 7th grader at Western Wayne; Roger O’Brien, United States Navy veteran; and Summer Schaal.
“I am a
very proud grandfather,” O’Brien said.
“I promised them I would come.”
O’Brien
traveled to Western Wayne from New Jersey for the event, and he was happy to
discuss his time in the service with his grandchildren.
“I
practically traveled around the world as a gunner on a cargo ship,” O’Brien
explained. “I was in Russia twice. I was shipped to the West Coast and was
headed to Okinawa, Japan, but they surrendered before we got there. We saw plenty.”
O’Brien
discussed how he received many honors for his military service.
“I have
a number of medals and ribbons for my time in the service which I have shown to
my grandchildren,” O’Brien explained.
Reingold,
O’Brien, and many other veterans processed into the auditorium to begin the
event.
Highlights of the event include some beautifully performed patriotic pieces by the Western Wayne High School chorus and band. The veterans also were treated to a breakfast and lunch prepared by students in Mrs. Stephanie Zoppi’s culinary classes. In addition, during the assembly, a group of local veterans demonstrated and explained the meaning of the 13 folds in an American Flag when it is presented to a loved one at a military funeral service.
Students in Western Wayne’s FCCLA Club helped to greet Veterans for the event. From left: Paige Bell, Zoey Goldman, Kennedy Mistishin, Jaquelyn Morris, and Jaden Gregory.
The symbolism of each of the folds was explained in a very moving presentation. They represent a variety of meaningful parts of military service, faith in God, and faith in America. For example, the second fold signifies a belief in eternal life; the seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces; and the final fold, when the stars are uppermost, is a tribute to our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Pictured are veterans demonstrating the proper folding of the flag with 13 folds.
As a
closing to the assembly, the students, veterans, and faculty in attendance
heard from guest speaker Officer Robert Robbins. Officer Robbins served in the United States
Army in the 101st Airborne Division as a Light Wheel Vehicle
Mechanic at Fort Campbell Kentucky for two years. He earned the Army Achievement Medal, Good
Conduct Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.
Upon the conclusion of his active service, Officer Robbins joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and served in Alpha Co, 1st Battalion of the 109th Infantry Regiment. In this unit, he served as a Squad Leader, Vehicle Commander, was promoted to Sergeant and was awarded the General S. J. Stewart Medal for service and NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon.
Pictured is Guest Speaker Officer Robert Robbins. Officer Robbins serves as a School Resource Officer at Western Wayne since 2013.
In 1991, Officer Robbins
joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and served with the Security Police
Flight at Willow Grove Naval Air Station.
He was responsible for base security, Flight Operations Security, and
the protection of aircraft and missile weapons sites. He earned the Rank of Staff Sergeant.
He then attended the
Security Police Academy at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in which he earned
the title of Honor Graduate and was awarded the Pennsylvania Commendation
Medal. Officer Robbins received an
Honorable Discharge from all three branches he served in.
Officer Robbins is a
retired Pennsylvania State Trooper, who served for 23 years and spent his
entire career in the Patrol Unit. He was
promoted to Corporal in 1999 and was responsible for nearly every facet of daily
operations in a State Police Troop. He
was stationed all over the State from Bucks County to Wayne County.
Today, Officer Robbins
serves as a School Resource Officer here at the Western Wayne School District
and has diligently done so since 2013. Robbins
is beloved by Western Wayne students and faculty alike. He has a very meaningful presence throughout
the school keeping it safe and helping to guide students.
Robbins also has the honor of being the newest
voice of the Western Wayne Wildcats at their football and basketball games
where he has taken over as announcer after the passing of Western Wayne’s beloved
veteran teacher Mr. Jim Rebar.
As
Robbins talked to the students, he discussed his upbringing in Honesdale where
he was one of seven children in what he described as an average family. Robbins went on to marry his high school
sweetheart and have three children. He
then explained his journey through the military. Next, Robbins told the students what the
military had done for him and how it shaped him as a person.
“I
discovered that there were things I never thought I could be capable of doing
from my time in the military,” Robbins explained. “For example, I conquered my
fear of heights. I had to jump out of helicopters in my time in the service. My time in the military really shaped my
life.”
Robbins
quoted “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and discussed how he feels it is very
meaningful to him as a veteran. He then
told the students how important it is for them to be thankful for veterans and,
if possible, for them to try to do service for the community to give back.
“We
should live a life that we have earned from what was sacrificed for us,” he
said. “It important for us to say thank
you to veterans and to provide service to the community if we can.”
His
closing words were very meaningful and memorable.
“God
bless you,” he told all in attendance.
“God bless America.”
The National Honor
Society is conducting our annual food and toy drive for the upcoming holiday
season. Food and toy collection boxes are now in the various offices and
classrooms. Please drop off donations. Food donations go to the
Wayne County food pantry and the Ronald McDonald House. All toy donations
go to the Wayne County Christmas Bureau.
Effective September 26, 2019, all children from the age of six (6) through the age of eighteen (18) must comply with compulsory school attendance requirements. To meet these requirements, parents must ensure that their child between the ages of 6 and 18 is attending or participating in one of the following: a public elementary, middle, or high school; a public charter or cyber-charter school; a private licensed academic or private religious school; home tutoring by a certified teacher; or an approved program of home schooling. Children may be excused from compulsory attendance for documented medical or other compelling reasons as outlined in District attendance policy and procedures.
Attention Parents of Elementary School Athletes! Our annual
Elementary Track and Field Meet, open to students in Grades K-6 (ages
5-12), will be held Friday evening, June
21. Specific details are outlined in the handout below. This event is
open to students in all area schools, not just the Western Wayne School
District. Please share! This is a great way to promote Track and Field
in northeast Pennsylvania.
We are also in need of student volunteers. Interested WW T&F
athletes should contact the coaching staff via the Remind App to
indicate they are interested in helping out.
We hope to see everyone come out for a great evening of Track and Field and see the future of the Lackawanna League! Download additional information and registration form below:
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Graduation – 2025May 2, 2025Congratulations go out to our two Tomorrow’s Leaders Today graduates… Audrey Agnello and Khloe Mistishin.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program:
Leadership Lackawanna’s seven-month Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in the areas of health care, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and community service.
Each year, a class of approximately 60 students, representing various geographic areas and schools, is selected to participate. The program runs from October through May. Sessions are held one full weekday each month from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A graduation ceremony is held in the Spring. Upon completion of the program, participants will have the necessary skills to become concerned and committed citizens who participate and invest in our community. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today turns aspiring teens into future adult leaders. [...]
Scholarships & Career Opportunities – May EditionMay 1, 2025The May edition of Scholarships & Career Opportunities is now available. All grades should read this document to get information on college, careers, important dates, SAT/ACT exams and of course…scholarships!
Click here: https://ww3.westernwayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Scholarships-and-Career-Opportunities-May-2025.pdf [...]
Dr. Mark Nebzydoski Receives Prestigious Charlie Bright Award from Wayne Pike Trout UnlimitedApril 15, 2025On Saturday, April 12, 2025, during the annual Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited Banquet and Fundraiser, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski—a science teacher at Western Wayne High School and passionate participant in the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program—was honored with the 2025 Charlie Bright Award.Presented by the members of the Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited Chapter, the Charlie Bright Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and meaningful contributions to cold-water conservation. The award is named in honor of Charlie Bright, a beloved long-time Trout Unlimited member and owner of the Charlie Bright Fly Fishing Shop in Rowland, located on the banks of the Lackawaxen River, which he operated for more than 40 years.“It was truly a humbling experience to be recognized for my work in watershed education and cold-water conservation,” Dr. Nebzydoski said. “I am deeply grateful for this kind gesture.”Dr. Nebzydoski leads the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program at Western Wayne High School, where students raise rainbow trout from eggs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Throughout the school year, students care for the trout and learn about aquatic ecosystems, biology, and the importance of clean, cold water for trout survival. The program culminates in a spring field trip to the Varden Conservation Area, where the trout—now fingerlings—are released into the wild. Wayne Pike Trout Unlimited proudly partners in this annual release, helping to connect students directly with conservation in action.This recognition highlights Dr. Nebzydoski’s commitment not only to science education but also to fostering environmental stewardship in the next generation.
Picture Caption: (Left to Right: Vice President Wayne Pike TU – Tony Capitano; President Wayne Pike TU- Paul Ranello; Western Wayne Science Teacher, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski; Wayne Pike TU Youth Advisor – Don Strathy) [...]
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.