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.
From left Western Wayne sixth graders Jennifer Stump and Paige Shaffer.
From left Western Wayne eighth graders Madison Stiffler and Kennedy Scott.
From left Western Wayne sixth graders Donovan Gregorski and Zeke Hemmler.
From left Western Wayne eight graders Lizzie Washine and Lilli Maros.
Western Wayne Middle School held a Fall blowout reward day on Monday, Oct. 12, for students 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.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based three-tiered framework for improving and integrating all the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. It is a way to support everyone to create the kinds of schools where all students are successful.
PBIS is a commitment to addressing student behavior through systems change. When it is implemented well, students achieve improved social and academic outcomes, schools experience reduced exclusionary discipline practices, and school personnel feel more effective.
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.
Students in grades six, seven, and eight were treated to a rotating schedule of fun activities as a reward for their ongoing efforts in PBIS throughout the fall. They had a treat time where they could choose from a variety of flavors of Italian Ice. Students also got to a play a Kahoot interactive online game where they guessed who faculty and staff where in old photos. Another part of the day was a chance for them to watch a virtual pep rally that featured the Western Wayne High School Band and the Western Wayne Cheerleaders.
All enjoyed this opportunity to have some fun with their classmates.
Sixth grader Donovan Gregorski said he really liked the virtual pep rally.
“I knew the Wildcat rumble,” Donovan explained referencing a popular cheer done by Western Wayne football cheerleaders at every game.
Sixth graders Jennifer Stump and Paige Shaffer also enjoyed the virtual pep rally.
“Our favorite song was ‘Shut Up and Dance,’” Paige explained. Both girls thought it was neat that they knew the lyrics to some of the songs the band played on the pep rally video.
The band performance that was included in the virtual pep rally video was from their senior night performance that was performed for a limited audience earlier in October.
Overall, the students had a great time enjoying their Italian Ice treats, playing the online game, and listening to music and cheers via the virtual pep rally.
The students look forward to future PBIS activities like this one in the future.
Students who have satisfied all school obligations (including textbooks, cafeteria balances, etc.) can register for summer school on June 29th (8:00AM to 11:00AM) or June 30th (9:00AM to 12:00PM) at WESTERN WAYNE HIGH SCHOOL. A GUIDANCE RECOMMENDATION is required since all summer school students must have an average in the 55-69 range for the subject they need to make up. Any student with a grade under a 55 will not be allowed to register for summer school. Guidance recommendations are located on the Failure Notice sent out by Guidance. The cost will be $100.00 per student/per course. Checks may be made payable to the Western Wayne School District. ALL financial obligations MUST be met! If you receive Free or Reduced Lunch, financial accommodations can be made.
***COURSES WILL BE OFFERED IN AN AT HOME ON-LINE FORMAT***
Classes will be offered in from 8:00AM – 10:00AM and 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released preliminary guidance for the phased reopening of Pre-K to 12 schools. Western Wayne School District intends to consider all of the guidelines put forth by PDE, CDC, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Our goal is to welcome students back to school in the fall. Surely, the safety of our students along with continued excellence in education will by our top priorities.
We are asking all parents/guardians to complete the following survey to assist us in the planning of the reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are unable to complete the survey online, please contact the District Office at 1-800-321-9973.
Did you finish all of your school for the day? Still looking for something to do? Well, while you are at the computer, and missing sports like we do, log on to http://nfhslearn.com/courses/ NFHS has put together several courses for the athlete, and the best part is they are all FREE!
When we return to the 2020-2021 season show your coach what courses you took by printing out the certificate at the end of the course. Show your coach that during this unprecedented time, you still remained positive.
ALL NEWS
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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.
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Independent Order of Odd Fellows Freedom Lodge #88 Donates Bench to WWHSApril 15, 2025Western Wayne junior Connor Buchinski is in The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Freedom Lodge #88 in Honesdale. Connor has been a part of this organization for about a year now. Membership in The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is somewhat of a legacy in his family with his grandfather Dennis Buchinski being a member along with his father Doug Buchinski and other family members.
One of the community outreach efforts of Freedom Lodge #88 is collecting soft plastic. There is even a collection bin in the office of the Western Wayne High School. Once 1,000 lbs. of plastic is gathered the organization recycles with the Trex Bench program and donates a Bench to a non-profit organization. It was Connor’s idea to donate one of the benches this year to Western Wayne High School.
“I thought students would enjoy it during their lunch periods,” Connor said. “I really like working with this organization because of the new people I get to meet and the members of the community that I get to help.”
On Monday April 14th Freedom Lodge #88 members donated the Trex Bench to Western Wayne High School.
Freedom Lodge #88 also donated a history book to the Western Wayne High School Library on the Pennsylvania history of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Connor plans to work to collect more plastic and donate another bench to the Western Wayne High School before his senior year is over.
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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.