Middle School

High School Students Explore Varden Conservation Area.

Picture Caption for PICTURE ONE: From left: Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, President, Paul Ranello; Western Wayne High School, Dr. Mark Nebzydoski; and Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, Youth Advisor, Don Stathy.

On May 26, 2022, Western Wayne 9th grade High School Students visited the Varden Conservation Area and participated in ecology activities presented by Lacawac Sanctuary. Students participated in three different activities, which involved the topics of macroinvertebrates in a pond environment, topographic mapping, and chemical water testing and pollution.
Students also released rainbow trout as a conclusion of the Pennsylvania Trout in the classroom (PA-TIC) program. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission provided rainbow trout eggs that were hatched and raised by Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and his classes this school year. The trout release was assisted by the Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited, President, Paul Ranello and Youth Advisor, Don Stathy.
Lacawac Sanctuary instructors included, Jamie Reeger, Environmental Educational Manager, who explained water quality health through identification of macroinvertebrates found at the pond. Natalie Wasilchek, Environmental Educator, explained topographic mapping and orienteering with compasses and maps of the area. Jamie Bryan, Environmental Educator, explained chemical testing and water quality at the stream.
Prior to the field trip students engaged in a classroom presentation on water quality and the environment. Students participated in activities that model ground water and surface water and how they fit into a concept of a water shed. These activities lead to discussions about the local area and incorporate the concept of a water table and common water resources shared by all.
Funding for the Varden classroom education as well the field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the nonprofit Western Wayne Education Foundation. Christine McClure, President, 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436
Accompanying the students were instructors Dr. Mark Nebzydoski and Mrs. Maria Phillips, Helene Tscheschlog, and Michael Bershefsky. For more information on
Varden Conservation area
http://www.vardenconservationarea.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofVCA/
http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/VardenConservationArea/Pages/default.aspx
Lacawac Sanctuary
https://www.lacawac.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Lacawac/
Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA-TIC)
https://www.patroutintheclassroom.org/
Pike – Wayne Chapter #462 Trout Unlimited
https://pwtu.org/

Middle School Chorus Performs in Catholic Choral

Western Wayne Middle School Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, performed in the Catholic Choral Society’s annual Spring Concert in Scranton on May 22, 2022. Students received a standing ovation for their performance!

Western Wayne School District Participates in Virtual Reading Relay 

In the first picture is the high school team coached by Mrs. Amanda Jenkins. Mrs. Jenkins’ team earned white ribbon status. From left students in Mrs. Jenkins’ team included: William Dwyer, Aurora Morris, Lilly Bernardi, Elizabeth Wasylyk, Lillian Morcom, Tommi Vizcaino, and Josefine Vizcaino. Back, from left: Kailea Sekelsky, Summer Paugh, Emily Brophy, and Ash Mangieri.
In the third picture is the middle school team coached by Ms. Starlah Robbins and Mrs. Jessica McLaughlin. This year the middle school team won a yellow ribbon status. From left, back row, standing, middle school participants included: Haley Dougal, Britney Wertman, Grace Owens, Marlee Gifford, and Marilyn Sutton. From left, front row: Liam Pauler, Audrey Capozzi, team captain Audrey Agnello, Oliver Harty, and Annie Williams.
In the second picture is the high school teach coached by Mrs. Rebecca Banik and Mrs. Megan Rush.  From left, back row, students in Mrs. Banik and Mrs. Rush’s team included:  Daniel Hall, Alexis Whitfield, Stephanie Maxwell, Riley Pongracz, and Xenia Gauvain.  Front row, from left: Ryleigh Mahon, Zariah Edmunds, and  Cailey Fullone.

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.

Middle School Holds Spirit Week

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.

Students Present Research at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Virtual Regional Meeting

Madelyn McClure working on her research. 
Alex Chapman, Adrian Agnello, and Bridget Oppelt working on their research.
Annie Williams working on her research.

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

Middle School Select Chorus will Perform at 73rd Annual Spring Concert

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.

Middle School Students Enjoy Spring PBIS Activities

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.