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RDW to Host Annual Read Across America Night THURS., MARCH 5March 5, 2026Members of the local community are cordially invited to Western Wayne’s RDW Elementary School’s annual Read Across America Night starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. Guests in attendance will surely leave singing their favorite tunes from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, because the Western Wayne Drama Club will treat people in attendance to a sneak peak of their spring performance of the musical as one part of the night’s entertainment.
The annual Book Fair will take place starting at 5 p.m. Later, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sneak peek performance will begin at 7 p.m.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
All are invited to come and enjoy Read Across America Night on Thursday, March 5, at the RDW Elementary School, a free evening of entertainment and events perfect for kids of all ages.
From left, standing: Chloe Jewett, Jasmine Yamamoto, Johnathon Maxwell who plays Jerry Jubilee; Dominic Sgarlata, Jade Wetherington who plays Mrs. Bucket; Jesse Mitchell, Zachary Wilbur who plays Mr. Beauregarde; Dakota Douglas who plays Violet Beauregarde; Scott Kurent who plays Grandpa Joe; Jason Vass who plays Charlie Bucket; Owen Obloshny who plays Willy Wonka; Madison Forgione who plays Veruca Salt; Zachary Jordan who plays Mr. Salt; Molly French who plays Mrs. Teavee; Xavier Graham who plays Grandpa George; Laila Rainford, Elizabeth Bilski who plays Mrs. Gloop; Emma DeNunzio who plays Augustus Gloop; Michael Fullone, Avery Ullner who plays Cherry Sundae; Owen Capozzi, and Britney Wertman. From left, sitting: Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik who plays Grandma Josephine, Ruthann Neve, Mikayla Fullone who plays Mike Teavee; Samantha Torres Narvaez who plays Mrs. Green; Sophia Johns, and Arn Bryden. Cast missing from photo: Paityn Duprey who plays Grandma Georgina; Knight Vizcaino, Rowan Purvis, Katherine Berman, and Daria Ivakhnina.
Stage Crew students include: Luckus Balmer, Audrey Capozzi, Nathan Day, Adam Erb, Audrey Fitzmorris, Ayvari Ford-Rakosnik, Xavier Graham, Roslyn Knecht, Miley Layton, Kendall Murray, Margaret Norris, Charlotte Nutt, Milan Nguyen, Zoe Ratchford, Duke Shemanski, Lola Vertalics, Nichols Wilbur, Kaleb Zawisky, Tyler Buehring, Matthew Carlson, Cayden Clever, Coltan Davitt-Hillemann, Rachel Erb, Guinevere Homisak, Regan Lane, Gavin Lepkowsky-Polizzi, Victoria Neve, Emmett Roccella, Lylah Semon, Maria Shemanski, Patience Strocchia, and Liam VanOrden-AlSaidi.
Pit students include: Antonio Fisichella, Nicholas Fisichella, Isabella Hayden, Gideon Jezorwski, Michael Kaminsky, Makaya Moser, and Kaitlin Wargo.
Save the date for our performances of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and Western Wayne students are free with a student ID. Follow us on instagram at ww_drama_club
This year we will have pre-sale tickets available for purchase during the time of our Character Breakfast on, Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. All ticket sales will be final. Having a pre-sale ticket means you will not have to wait in line on the dates of the performances for tickets but does not reserve a certain seat in the auditorium.
Tickets also will be available at the door. There are no online sales.
Any questions, email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org [...]
Students Continue Watershed Studies Through Fall and Winter Field ExperiencesMarch 2, 2026Western Wayne Students Continue Watershed Studies Through Fall and Winter Field Experiences
Western Wayne High School students are continuing their hands-on environmental education journey through the Community Connections to Our Watershed forum. The yearlong regional initiative brings together teams of students from nine local school districts to explore watershed science, land use, ecology, and sustainability through immersive field experiences across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Western Wayne students involved include: Noah Benson, Aidyn Graci, Giana Graci, Aliyah Gregory, and Rhys Locklin.
October: Understanding Our Ecological Footprint at Lacawac Sanctuary
On October 24, students traveled to Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center for a program centered on the theme “Leaving a Footprint.” The day focused on understanding how human activity impacts lake ecosystems and how individuals can reduce their ecological footprint.
.Working with environmental educators, students explored:
Their personal ecological footprints and how daily choices affect natural resources
The impact of climate change on lake ecosystems
Methods for collecting physical and chemical data from a lake system
Techniques for detecting microplastics in bodies of water
How individual and group actions can reduce water pollution
Through hands-on lake monitoring activities and microplastics investigations, students gained a deeper understanding of how scientific data is used to assess ecosystem health. The experience reinforced the idea that while everyone contributes to environmental impact, everyone can also contribute to solutions.
Students were also challenged to collect water samples from their local communities for later analysis and to evaluate sustainability practices within their own school cafeterias.
November: Examining Land Use and Mining Legacy
On November 6, students shifted their focus to Land Use, visiting the Anthracite Heritage Museum before traveling to the Old Forge Bore Hole.
This experience examined how Northeastern Pennsylvania’s historic coal mining industry was shaped by regional geology—and how it, in turn, reshaped the landscape. Students discussed how historical land-use decisions continue to influence water quality, ecosystems, and community development today.
The day included:
Continued microplastics research (Part II)
Discussions on how communities make modern land-use decisions
Chemical water analysis at the borehole site
Exploration of how abandoned mine lands still impact present-day watersheds
By connecting history, science, and civic decision-making, students gained a clearer understanding of how environmental stewardship requires both scientific knowledge and community engagement.
January: Exploring Winter Ecology
On January 16, students returned to Lackawanna State Park to study Winter Ecology. Despite cold temperatures, students rotated through hands-on learning stations led by professionals from Pennsylvania State Parks, the Bureau of Forestry, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Students:
Participated in Project FeederWatch, contributing to winter bird population monitoring
Studied how forests adapt to winter stressors
Learned about Snowshoe Hare population dynamics and ecosystem shifts
Examined how climate change is altering winter weather patterns in the Northeast
Strengthened their observational skills through structured nature journaling
The winter session also encouraged students to reflect on the human dimension of climate action, discussing both the scientific and psychological challenges associated with environmental change.
Preparing for Stewardship in Action
Through these fall and winter experiences, Western Wayne students have examined environmental impact from multiple perspectives—personal responsibility, historical land use, ecosystem science, and climate change.
The forum will culminate this spring with a regional showcase, where each school team will present a stewardship action project designed to improve their campus or local community.
Western Wayne High School is proud of its student participants for their continued leadership, curiosity, and dedication to understanding and protecting our region’s natural resources.
Pictures One and Two: Western Wayne students participating in October Watershed activities.
Picture Three: Western Wayne students participating in November Watershed activities.
Pictures Four and Five: Western Wayne students participating in January Watershed activities. [...]
The Western Wayne Inclusion Club Raises Over $1,400 for Special OlympicsMarch 2, 2026The Western Wayne High School Inclusion Club proudly participated in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, with 28 students attending the event and raising over $1,400 to support Special Olympics athletes across the region.
The Polar Plunge is an annual fundraiser that challenges participants to brave the winter cold in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Funds raised directly benefit Special Olympics programs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, providing opportunities for training, competition, and inclusive athletic experiences.
Western Wayne’s Inclusion Club is part of the school’s commitment as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, promoting inclusion, leadership, and meaningful participation for all students. Through service projects, awareness initiatives, and Unified Sports, the club fosters a culture where every student belongs.
Students fully embraced the spirit of the event, wearing colorful costumes, tutus, and even polar bear outfits to bring fun and excitement to the day. Their enthusiasm added to the energy of the event and reflected the joyful, inclusive atmosphere that defines the Polar Plunge.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania supports Unified Sports programs that bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates. At Western Wayne, the Unified Bocce team had a particularly strong season this year, advancing to the regional playoffs, a testament to the power of teamwork and inclusion. Students were also excited to see the WW Athletic Director, Mr. Tyler Jakes, greet them at the festivities today, as Mr. Jakes is a constant supporter of the WW Unified Bocce program.
The Inclusion Club is advised by high school teachers Rebecca Banik and Christine McClure, along with elementary teacher and WW Unified Bocce Coach Siena Cardamone. Through the leadership of teachers and coaches, students coordinate service initiatives, school-wide engagement activities, and Unified athletic programming that extends beyond any single department and is embedded in the broader student experience.
“The Polar Plunge is more than just a fundraiser,” said advisor Christine McClure. “It represents our students’ commitment to inclusion, empathy, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of the 28 students who participated and the generosity of our community in supporting this cause.”
Student Joey Roses shared what made the experience most meaningful to him: “My favorite thing about the day is watching kids jump into the cold water together.”
The Inclusion club is excited about continuing its mission to support Unified and inclusive opportunities within the school community.
First row, from left: Andrew Locker, Oliver Harty, Phoebe Schmitt, Madison Forgione, Joseph Roses, Khloe Mistishin, Grace Moser, Cassidy Levens, Maggie Kotchessa, and Nathaniel Amberg.
Second row, from left: Logan Pauler, Liam Pauler, Kyle Matthews, Vinny Baldini, Aiden Matthews, Paul Borowski, Kaylee Fischer, Madelyn McClure, Aliyah Gregory, Eric McGrath, Grace Owens, Audrey Agnello, Raeleigh Kromko, Hannah DeStefano, Donovan Gregorski, Quinn Swartz, and Norman Phillips. [...]
Scholarships & Career Opportunities – March EditionMarch 2, 2026The March 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/2026/03/Scholarships-and-Career-Opportunities-March-2026-2.pdf [...]
Drama Club Now Accepting Reservations for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Character BreakfastFebruary 17, 2026The cast and crew of The Western Wayne Drama Club’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will host a Character Breakfast on Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m. in the High School cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. You can reserve tickets by using the following Google Form.
Form link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuwhV-VKgseCmHiNPJVzo_A-Gu7YjvbZ-NsmeIc9pcaWJ1XA/viewform
TICKET ORDER DEADLINE IS MARCH 13. Any questions, email jmclaughlin@westernwayne.org
Save the date for our performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. [...]
