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Western Wayne students in 8th Grade Chorus enjoyed a day of fun and team building at Knoebels Amusement Resort in May.
Western Wayne students in 8th Grade Chorus enjoyed a day of fun and team building at Knoebels Amusement Resort in May.
Western Wayne High School and Middle School students participated in the NEIU-19’s Virtual Reading Relay this past May. The students got the chance to virtually participate. 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 in this virtual format and look forward to many reading competitions in the future. There were two high school teams and one middle school team this year.
Western Wayne Middle School students couldn’t hide that Wildcat Pride during the week of May 9 through May 13. They had a variety of dress-up days such as character day and Rockstar day to show their school spirit throughout the week ending with the school’s traditional spirit games celebration for students in grades 6 through 12. Students enjoyed playing a variety of games including dodgeball, minute-to-win-it games, and musical chairs, among others. All of the students enjoyed this bonding exercise with their classmates and look forward to the rest of their end-of-year activities.
The following Western Wayne students presented scientific research at the Virtual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. 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. Team advisors are Christine McClure and Maria Masankay.
From Western Wayne High School: Adrian Agnello (10th grade) received a second place award for his work in chemistry while researching “Does SPF Clothing Really Work?.” Alex Chapman (11th grade) received a third place for his work in Ecology while studying “The Effects of Winter Road Treatment on Plant Growth.” Kailey Tickner (11th grade) received a second place award for her work in Behavioral Science studying “The Effects of a Pandemic on Behavior.” Bridget Oppelt (12th grade) received a second place while studying Behavioral Science in the area of “The Effects of Color on Student Learning.” Kailey Tickner was awarded a scholarship to continue her education by taking courses through Lackawanna College in the fall during her senior year of high school.From Western Wayne Middle School: Madelyn McClure (7th grade) received a first place award and a perfect score for her research in Ecology studying “The Effects of Tree Species on Heat Production.” Annie Williams (7th grade) received a third place award for her research in chemistry studying “Does the density of a liquid affect it’s sinking rate?”. Audrey Agnello (8th grade) received a second place award for her research in biology while studying Extraction of DNA. Madelyn McClure will be presenting her research at the PJAS State Competition in May at Penn State
Western Wayne Middle School Select Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, will be performing at the 73rd Annual Spring Concert of Scranton’s Catholic Choral Society at Holy Rosary Church, 316 William Street in Scranton, on Sunday, May 22, at 7 p.m. All are invited to this FREE concert! Please note that in spite of the Chorale’s name and the venue, this is not a religious concert but an eclectic concert of spring and patriotic music. Pictured are members of the Western Wayne Middle School Select Chorus.
Western Wayne Middle School Students enjoyed a treat of activities with their classmates including listening to songs from the high school band and middle school chorus and a treat from the ice cream truck among other activities on April 14 as a part of the school PBIS initiative. The PBIS initiative 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.
Pictures are members of the Pride of Western Wayne, the High School Marching Band, under the direction of Mrs. Elaine Ort, as they perform for the middle school in the gym.
The Western Wayne Middle School Select Chorus (grades 6, 7, 8) under the director of Joyce Covaleski will perform at the Penn State Scranton Spring Concert at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, at The Theater at North. The public is welcome to attend.
Robert “Marty” Robbins didn’t spend a lot of time playing sports as a kid. However, he was definitely a fan and really enjoyed listening to the announcers on TV and radio.
As a result, Marty began dabbling in a bit of PA work whenever the opportunity arose. Mostly though, he was just having a bit of fun amusing himself and those around him.
“I started fooling around calling the games from the stands when my children played,” Marty said. “Eventually, I began announcing Little League Baseball and then became the voice of Stingers Football.”
Marty’s efforts were well-received. His sense of humor, unique style and dedication to the job made him a fan favorite all over Wayne County.
Then, just a few years ago, Marty landed a job at Western Wayne as a member of the district’s very first School Police Force.
One day he was asked to act as emcee at a pep rally, a gig that led to an invitation to call boys varsity basketball games. Before long, Marty was behind the mike for girls basketball and football too.
“Besides working with the kids in the classrooms and hallways I get my most joy from announcing,” Marty said. “I try to make it fun for all the spectators.”
And while Marty is undoubtedly one of the most popular public address announcers in the Lackawanna League, he’s more than that … so much more.
Setting the Stage
Marty is the son of Alberta and the late Robert Robbins, Honesdale.
He attended Wayne Highlands schools, graduating from HHS in the spring of 1985. Marty was very active in extracurricular activities during his high school years, participating in everything from rifle club and cheerleading to chorus and theatre.
After graduation, Marty enlisted in the US Army where he became a light wheel vehicle mechanic, serving with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
When Marty’s hitch was up, he returned to Honesdale and pondered his next move. He worked as an orderly at Wayne Memorial Hospital and seriously considered a career in nursing. However, he eventually decided to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper, entering the Academy in January 1990.
Six months later, Marty graduated and was assigned to the Bethlehem area where he served the citizens of at Dublin and Trevose.
In 1993, he was transferred to Dunmore. After that, there were stints in Susquehanna, Pike and Wayne counties.
Marty was promoted to corporal in 1999 and retired in 2013 after serving a total of 23 years. It’s at this point in the story that Marty arrives on the scene at Western Wayne.
“I joined the newly-formed school district police working with three fellow retired troopers: Paul Semler, Danny Martin, and Wayne Thomas,” he said.
“We all take the safety of our students, faculty and staff very seriously. Each of us brings a different aspect to the table, so to speak, connecting with different students.”
On a typical day, Marty and his fellow officers patrol the parking lot, bus drop and cafeteria. They’re also a constant presence in the hallways and all over the the grounds, working hard to ensure that students, faculty and staff all remain safe.
“The Western Wayne school district is truly a second family,” he said. “Everyone here is involved and invested in the students’ lives. I enjoy being proactive and helping kids in their career development and avoiding trouble.”
Marty and his colleagues are frequently invited into the classroom to speak on a wide range of topics.
Last week, Officer Robbins accepted just such an invitation. This one was extended by RD Wilson Elementary School Counselor Erica Germani, who asked him to come and talk to a large group of students.
Marty happily complied, drawing from his experience as a sports announcer to win over a gym filled with first and fourth graders.
“Officer Robbins had a meaningful discussion with students about his career journey,” Erica said. “He surprised many by saying he got into the profession because he wanted to help people.
“Overall, I feel like he transformed students’ perception of the law enforcement field. He even spoke one-on-one with a student who was upset.”
Marty has a genuine way with children. It’s nothing less than a gift. When he speaks, he’s able to gain their trust, make them relax, and also communicate truly important information.
These traits proved crucial in helping students deal with the disruption caused by COVID.
“Kids in general are very resilient,” he said. “Especially our younger students seem to have adapted well to all the challenging circumstances of the past two years.
“They’re happy just to be back to in-person learning. Judging from the excitement I see, I don’t believe that events of the past two years have slowed them down any.”
Rave Reviews
Matt Fitzsimmons has been a fixture at Western Wayne for 23 years now.
He grew up in Forest City, but has played many roles during his tenure at Western Wayne including teacher, coach and guidance counselor. It’s in his capacity as a counselor that he helped arrange Officer Robbins’ visit with the RD Wilson students.
“Marty is fully part of the Western Wayne community,” Matt said. “He identifies with the students and they know he truly cares about them. Plus, his announcing at sporting events is the best!”
Paul Gregorski concurs.
Western Wayne’s High School Principal has nothing but praise for Marty’s role in the district.
“Officer Marty Robbins is an integral member of our school community,” Paul said. “He is caring and compassionate individual who truly cares about students.
“He’s also the best PA announcer in the area. We appreciate Officer Robbins everyday, and we thank him for his ongoing service to the students and staff at Western Wayne.”
Germani agrees whole-heartedly.
Continue reading the full article here.
Students in Mrs. Jessica Shelp’s class were treated to a unique learning experience via the use of virtual reality glasses the week of February 14. During the afternoon, the students got to move around and have a hands-on lesson with the use of VR Goggles.
The students were able to experience scenarios to help them learn how to use the goggles. They worked in scenarios where they were picking up items like virtual blocks on and off a virtual table. They also did a scenario where they would move and then a virtual reality robot would mimic them.
Shelp’s students will do future lessons now that they have learned how to use the technology.
“It was really neat watching the students get used to the virtual reality environment with their hands,” Shelp explained.
Ms. Elizabeth Watson, Principal of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics STEAM at the Western Wayne School District, explained that four sets of Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Goggles were donated to the district, with a $400 stipend to buy applications, by the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance through their SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) after school program. Watson is currently writing other grants to try to get more sets for the other school buildings.
“ The units were used during new teacher orientation and with our WW staff at an in-service to highlight the concept of redefining learning through technology usage,” Watson explained. “Once the students came back, the goggles were housed in the 3-5 emotional support classroom as a part of the student behavioral plan as an incentive for a day where they lost no points for behavior.”
Watson described the first lesson she created for the goggles. “My first lesson was for a 7th grade Social Studies class. Students were given points in the world in name only. They used the application Wander to search the locations in groups. The goal was to use the virtual visit to classify the area as one of the ten geographical landforms that they were learning about.” Watson said. “At the end, students had to write why they classified each place as which landform and then defend, based on what they saw, if it would be a desirable place for people to live. I tried to include a little writing, some geography, some critical thinking and the experience of actually seeing the landforms, something that would not be possible without the use of technology.”
In addition to experiencing lessons in the classroom, students in EverGreen Elementary and Robert D. Wilson Elementary schools can purchase an hour of goggle-use with Watson for $100 Cat Cash as an incentive for the district’s PBIS program. The PBIS initiative 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.
Watson is continuing to do lessons in the district with the goggles during the third quarter, and both she and students look forward to more interactive learning opportunities.