Front row, from left, Western Wayne Middle School students: Daniel Hall, Logan Pauler, Judah Strocchia, Annie Williams, Aveah Drelich, Kiernan Herlihy, (online – Lilli Maros and Reina Gomez), and Laylah Epstein.From left, row one, seated: Alexandra Butler, junior; Jennifer Hall, sophomore; and Rebecca Boots, junior. From left, row two: Mrs. Megan Rush, advisor; and Mrs. Starlah Robbins, advisor. From left, row three, standing and on Promethean Board: Hudson Malinowski, junior; Hailey Robbins, senior;, Keyly Robinson, senior; Ivan Knecht, sophomore; Bernard Roedel, sophomore; Riley Pongracz, sophomore; and Kaiden DeNunzio, sophomore.From left: Elizabeth Wasylyk, sophomore; Emily Brophy, sophomore; Cheyenne Haney, senior; Josefine Vizcaino, junior; Lillian Morcom, sophomore; Tommi Vizcaino, sophomore; Ash Mangieri, sophomore; Angelina Salvatore, sophomore; Alyson Buchinski, sophomore; Mrs. Amanda Jenkins, advisor; Cassia Sheehan, sophomore; and Mackenzie Weist, sophomore.
Western Wayne Middle and High School students participated in the NEIU-19’s Virtual Reading Relay this past May. The students got the chance to virtually participate with students from other local districts in a book competition similar to how they had done so for years when the competition had taken place in person on Western Wayne’s campus. Students read books from a shared list and competed in rounds on their knowledge of the stories. The students were thrilled to share their love of reading with students from other districts in this new virtual format and look forward to many reading competitions in the future. Back row, from left, Western Wayne Middle School students: Luckus Balmer, Katelyn Nunez, Kayelin Martin, Audrey Agnello, Maggie Kotchessa, Samantha Duval, Grace Moser, Jeremy Brophy, John Catania, and Brooklyn Sutton.
More than 7,400 students in six area school districts received a treat with a message this month: snack packs with two lifesaver candies, resource cards listing organizations offering help for mental health issues, and a note that said “Be a lifesaver, let someone know help is within reach.”
The packs, distributed for Mental Health Awareness Month by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Wayne/Pike Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI), went to students in grades 7 through 12 in Wayne Highlands, Western Wayne, Wallenpaupack Area, Delaware Valley, Forest City Regional and East Stroudsburg school districts.
Western Wayne students received their snack packs the week of May 24. The students were glad to get their treat and this important information.
“This past year we saw so many changes in our daily lives, it was hard for everyone, but especially for young people,” said Carol Kneier, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, manager Wayne Memorial Community Health, a member of NSPI.
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, between April and October 2020, at the height of the pandemic, hospital emergency departments saw visits from children for mental health needs rise sharply from the year before – up 24% for children aged 5-11 and 31% for young people 12-17.
“Our goal is to increase awareness about mental health and let students know that they are not alone and help is always available. The resource cards were designed to be handy – to fit in pockets and wallets—and to be conveniently accessed if and when needed.”
From left: Mrs. Jennifer Bradley, Western Wayne Middle School principal; Jean Tuttle, assistant to manager Wayne Memorial Community Health; Carol Kneier, manager Wayne Memorial Community Health; and Mr. Paul Gregorski, Western Wayne High School principal.
NSPI groups involved in the effort also included the Wayne County Office of Behavioral and Developmental Programs and Early Intervention and Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services.
Kneier reiterated the national message of NAMI, “Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives — a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle.”
Elaine Ort, band director for Western Wayne High School, will join band directors from across the country next January 1st in the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Rose Parade. A custom-designed animated float will lead a “marching band of band directors” up to 300 strong from across the country. The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio, is the sponsoring organization behind the project. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for more than 38 years. The parade entry will convey the theme, “We teach music. We teach life.” The extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors are well known to their students, to parents and to school teachers and administrators. No matter where they teach and work—public and private schools, colleges and universities, the military, community bands—dedicated music educators and leaders work long hours to not only teach and direct music, but to teach life itself. Students’ lives in particular are positively changed by a motivational leader who taught, inspired and mentored them. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to march in the parade,” Ort said. “It is an honor to represent Western Wayne.” Elaine Ort has devoted much of her life to the study and performance of music. A native of New England and graduate of Marywood University, Elaine is a member of the Scranton Brass Orchestra, the Providence Brass, the Schützengiggles Oompah Band, the Marywood University Wind Symphony, and performs often in musical pit orchestras throughout the region. As an educator, Elaine serves as the director of instrumental activities in the Western Wayne School District since 2014. At Western Wayne, her teaching responsibilities include sixth grade brass instruction, eighth grade band instruction, and the Pride of Western Wayne, the Wildcat High School Band. Under her direction and guidance the school continues to invest heavily in its music program, and was recently named a KHS America Academic Alliance Platinum school for its investment in instrumental education. It is the only school in Pennsylvania, and one of only 39 in the United States to have received that honor. Complete details on the project are available on the Saluting America’s Band Directors website, BandDirectorSalute.org.
The Department of Social Work at Kutztown University is conducting a statewide study titled “Access to Mental Health in Rural Pennsylvania” and is seeking parent of school age children to complete and online survey which should take about 15 min. The survey explores the demand for and access to mental health services. You can enter a random drawing to win a $25 Walmart or Target gift card by completing this survey.
We are also seeking parents to speak more in-depth about their experiences.
Online Parent Interview:
We are also looking to interview parents of school-age children about their experiences seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment for their children. The interview will last about an hour and you are paid $10 for your time.
You are eligible to participate in the interview process if: 1) You are a parent of youth 18 2) You have experience accessing mental health services for your child 3) You live in rural Pennsylvania.
If you are interested in participating in an individual interview, please contact the Juliana Svistova at 610-683-4330 to schedule a date and time to complete the interview.
FREE MEAL BUNDLES FOR STUDENT PICKUP TODAY: WWHS – GYM ENTRANCE 11:30 AM -12:30 PM COMPLETE GOOGLE FORM TO PRE-REGISTER BY 9 AM OR EMAIL: MLIPTAK@WESTERNWAYNE.ORG
Saturday, March 27th 10:30am-1:30pm Pick Up at High School Band Doors
The Western Wayne Drama Club will host Cinderella’s Teatime Drive-Through Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, with a rain/ snow date of Sunday, March 28. The public is invited to join the cast and crew of our upcoming spring production of Cinderella at this event by driving through to get their meals.
Brunch will be served with a pick-up location of the high school band room doors. All guests are asked to wear face masks for the entirety of their magical experience with our cast.
Guests have their choice of three meals which include either a chicken-salad sandwich, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or ham and cheese sandwich. Meal, also, includes fruit, chips, drink, a beautiful souvenir teacup, and other special Cinderella-themed souvenirs. Meals cost $8 dollars apiece with all proceeds benefiting the students of the Western Wayne Drama Club. The Western Wayne Drama Parents Club are working to organize and run this event along with the students.
Orders are being taken in advance by emailing Mrs. McLaughlin, musical director, at jmclau@wwsd.io . Include your name, number, type of meals needed, and phone number. Please place orders by Friday, March 19.
The students will be in costume at the event to give a socially distanced greeting to guests. Young students and their family members may also participate in a socially distanced parade around the high school parking lot with members of the cast starting at 11:30 a.m. Students are encouraged to dress up as little princesses and princes. Cinderella will, of course, lead the parade! Following the parade, socially distanced pictures can be taken with cast members by a castle backdrop outside in the parking lot.
In addition, handmade Cinderella-themed face masks will be available for purchase in the drive-through line. There are beautiful sparkly blue and silver masks for ladies and royal blue masks for gentlemen. There are child-sized masks for four dollars apiece and adult sized masks for five dollars apiece with all proceeds also benefiting the students of the Western Wayne Drama Club.
The students have been in rehearsals for their production for several months and are excited to perform Cinderella later this spring. The show will be live streamed for the public to view online. More details regarding the date of our performances will be released at a later date.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work on a production,” senior Rhonda Fenkner, who plays Cinderella, said. “This is my fifth year participating in musical theater at school. Although we have faced many challenges this year, we have adapted, and are very excited to have the opportunity to have our brunch and performance.”
The Drama Club expresses their gratitude to the administration for allowing them to have the drive-through brunch event and to have the opportunity to stream their performance.
From left, Rhonda Fenkner, Cinderella, student director, and Drama Club secretary; Alex Taylor, Prince Charming and Drama Club president; and Lily Visceglia, Fairy Godmother, student director, and Drama Club vice president. Please note that all students are wearing face shields in photograph.
In second photo: Rhonda and Alex model the handmade face masks that will be available for sale at the drive-through brunch.
During the holiday season Western Wayne Middle School students were treated to a visit from Santa to brighten their spirits. Students enjoyed this special surprise this past December. From left, Western Wayne Middle School students: Roxanne Dugan, Loucynthia Allen, Ema-Jade Heller, Mia Gifford, and Samantha Lee.
Western Wayne Middle School held a Turkey Trot for students on the morning of November 24 as a part of their PBIS initiative which involves successfully creating a proactive positive school environment in which students are demonstrating their Wildcat PRIDE daily.
PBIS is an ongoing effort of the Western Wayne School District to guide students in behaving and interacting with others in such a way as to promote an effective learning community.
The Western Wayne High School Cross Country Team hosted the students who completed the course. Middle School students signed up to attend the Turkey Trot. Some of the students who participated gave donations of canned goods for local food pantries.
The Middle School students who participated in the Turkey Trot did many fun activities such as participating in raffles for prizes, completing a one-mile run, and dancing with the Turkey. High School Cross Country student George Lee donned the Turkey costume for the occasion and entertained the students.
The Middle School students who participated were directed, guided, and cheered on by members of the High School Cross Country Team that included: Sydney Hutchinson, Jamie Bryan, Haley Estus, Julie Bryan, Maddie Kammer, Lucas Putman, Kris Maloney, Tarena Strasburger, and Kailey Tickner.
All the students who attended had a great time at the event. Eighth grader Raegan Palmer came in second place for the girls in her grade at the race.
“I really liked getting to see the older students and hang out with them briefly after the race,” Raegan, who plays basketball for Western Wayne, said.
Fellow 8th grader Timmy Roberts also had a great time at the event. He came in first place for the boys for the second year in a row and won a turkey.
“We plan to donate the turkey,” Timmy, who plays for the Western Wayne Soccer Team said.
Also, for the second year in a row 8th grader Hayden Romanskas came in second place for the 8th grade boys.
“It was fun to get to go outside for a while,” Hayden, who has been racing BMX bikes since he was about five years old said. “I think my experience with BMX helps to give me endurance for something like this. I thought the race was really close this year.”
In addition, on Nov. 24, Middle School students were treated to a special lunch time reward for PBIS. Beloved School Resource Officer Marty Robbins acted as D.J. for lunch periods that day. The students always look forward to occasions such as this one. Robbins also initiated a special board for students to write and display what they felt grateful for during the holiday season.
The students all had a lot of fun on Nov. 24 and look forward to other PBIS activities such as these where they can demonstrate their Wildcat Pride as the school year continues.
Winners of the Turkey Trot held at Western Wayne on November 24 are as follows.
Sixth graders: Eric McGrath, 1st place; Damian Glackin, 2nd place; Giana Tomasetti, 2nd place; and Makenzie Chearney, 1st place.
Seventh graders: Robert Carrelle, 1st place; Mia Gifford, 2nd place; Peter Race, 2nd place; and Audrey Agnello, 2nd place.
Join us online to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Join Us Online This Winter! Starting January 12, 2021 FREE of Charge!
SFP 10-14 promotes: – Communication – – Family Bonding – – Problem Solving – – Positive Social Skills –
– Requirements – • Families with youth ages 10-14 • Internet connection • Phone or laptop with video capabilities • Zoom capabilities
Contact by January 2, 2021 Western Wayne – Mrs. Jennifer Bradley JBradley@westernwayne.org or (800) 321-9973 – Option 2
ALL NEWS
Band Performs at GDS Fair and Meets Kurt AaronAugust 29, 2024Kurt Aaron and Michael Olivo
Band and Color Guard perform at the GDS Fair.
The annual Western Wayne Marching Band and Color Guard performance at the GDS Fair was especially eventful this year because on the day of their performance Wednesday, August 28, WNEP’s Kurt Aaron and his infamous dog Ranger were also there doing live spots. Aaron briefly interviewed Western Wayne band member Michael Olivo, a senior. Michael proudly told the viewing audience about Western Wayne’s upcoming performance at the fair.
“It was really exciting to get to promote our band to a TV audience,” Michael said.
The students were thrilled to perform their 2024-25 Boy Bands themed field show for the audience along with playing some fan favorite stand tunes.
Drum majors this year are seniors Lia Hartman and Kalob Franko. This is Lia’s second season as drum major.
“We are all so grateful to be able to perform for the local community who is so supportive of us,” Lia said.
The Western Wayne Band is under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort who is now in her 11th season with the district.
The entire Western Wayne Band and Color Guard invite the local community to attend the first home game of the season for varsity football against Lackawanna Trail on Friday, August, 30, at the Sharkey-Rosetti stadium. Western Wayne will have the pregame show starting at about 6:45 p.m.; kick-off is at 7 p.m. [...]
Western Wayne to Host Annual Car Show Saturday, Sept. 7—NEW RAIN DATE! August 27, 2024The Western Wayne Hot Rod Club and Drama Club will host their 2024 Annual Car Show on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school parking lot, 1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA, near the football stadium. Please note our NEW RAIN DATE is Sunday, September 15.Food to be sold at the concession stand. Registration fee is $10. Spectators are free. The Hot Rod Club will give prizes for best car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, and best in show.In addition, the Drama group will sell a variety of concessions. There will also be a raffle of baskets and gift certificates generously donated by businesses and families in the local community.Drama Club student Robert Scramuzza is excited to partner with the Hot Rod Club for the for the Car Show. He explained how the Drama Club students will be dressed in 50s attire for the event.“We wanted our presence at the event to go along with the variety of cars from the past that surely will be there,” Bobby said. “We hope that the public comes out to enjoy the cars and to have some good food and purchase some chances to win baskets and gift certificates.”Members of the Drama Parents Club are working to obtain a variety of items for the raffle at the Car Show from many very generous businesses and families in our Wildcat community. The students involved in the Hot Rod Club and Drama Club can use the funds raised from this event for their club activities.The Hot Rod Club meets on a regular basis to work on a variety of automotive projects after school and can use the funds for their projects among other activities.The Drama Club meets on a regular basis after school to work on a variety of projects and activities.“Drama Club gives students a place where they can express themselves,” club president Lillian Maros explained. “We are like one big family in our club and really enjoy coming together to work as a team on events such as the Car Show.”All of the members of the Hot Rod Club, Drama Club, and Drama Parents Club cordially invite the public to attend this fun-filled event on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the High School parking lot near the stadium. Come out and see some great vehicles, take some chances on our basket raffle, enjoy some food, and enjoy some time socializing. Rain date is Sunday, September 15. [...]
Freshman Orientation – Save the Date!August 8, 2024August 22, 2024 – 6:00-7:30pm – Veterans Memorial Auditorium, WWHS
Western Wayne High School welcomes the Class of 2028!
Information on the high school/ 9th Grade Transition
High School Survival Guide
Student’s class schedule
Tours
Refreshments [...]
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.