Administration

MR. CASEY NEWCOMER

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
cnewcomer@westernwayne.org

MR. MATTHEW BARR

MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
mbarr@westernwayne.org

1970B EASTON TURNPIKE
LAKE ARIEL, PENNSYLVANIA 18436

TEL: (800) 321-9973 OPTION 2
FAX: (570) 341-1223

MSattendance@westernwayne.org

 

Office Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
School Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

School Supply List

The following is a list of school supplies our classes use throughout the year and we would appreciate the donation of any of the following items to add to our community classroom supplies. They are inexpensive and can be found readily at local retailers.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education.

 

 

Parent Tips:

• When purchasing single subject notebooks and folders, it is helpful if they coordinate. For example, a green notebook and a green pocket folder can be designated for Science class.
• Students will be using their lockers throughout the school day. Backpacks and cellphones will remain in the locker throughout the school day.
• Students may use a laptop sleeve to carry/additionally protect their laptop.
• Using a carrier binder with a shoulder strap is helpful when carrying materials to each class. These are also now available with built in sleeves to hold laptops.
• Pencil carriers with a zipper closure help to keep them contained and can be purchased with 3 ring binder compatibility.
• Students will receive a planner in the first week of school. It includes a calendar for writing down assignments, the school handbook and the school calendar (dates of holidays, planned early dismissals and breaks).

SIXTH GRADE

• One (1) 3-ring carrier binder (typically zips up) to carry notes and materials in during the day
• One (1) 2 inch, 3 ring binder and one (1) pocket folder for math only
• Three (3) single subject notebooks and three (3) pocket folders for ELA, Social Studies and Science.
• Pencils and Erasers
• Highlighters
• A box of crayons or colored pencils
• Index cards
• Dry erase markers

SEVENTH GRADE

• One (1) 3-ring carrier binder (typically zips up) to carry notes and materials in during the day
• One (1) 2 inch, 3 ring binder and one (1) pocket folder for math only
• Three (3) single subject notebooks and three (3) pocket folders for ELA, Social Studies and Science.
• Pencils and Erasers
• Highlighters

EIGHTH GRADE

• One (1) 3-ring carrier binder (typically zips up) to carry notes and materials in during the day
• One (1) 2 inch, 3 ring binder and one (1) pocket folder for math only
• Three (3) single subject notebooks and three (3) pocket folders for ELA, Social Studies and Science.
• Pencils and Erasers

February

mon16febAll DayNo School -Presidents’ Day

March

fri20marAll DayTeacher In-ServiceNo School for Students


Middle School Band Channel

Middle School
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  • Featured News / Guidance / High School / Middle SchoolJanuary 28, 2026
    Curriculum Night – Postponed to February 3, 2026Curriculum Night has been postponed to Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Around the Schools / Featured News / Guidance / High School / Middle SchoolJanuary 6, 2026
    Curriculum Night – January 28th – 6:00 – 8:00 PMCurriculum Night will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00. Administration, Guidance and the Department Heads will go over the curriculum, graduation requirements and the scheduling process. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Around the Schools / Featured News / Middle SchoolNovember 21, 2025
    Mental-Health Awareness Speaker Presents to Middle School StudentsTacos and bananas  don’t necessarily go together at mealtime, but they do connect to an initiative for mental health awareness at the Western Wayne Middle School through their involvement in the Avedium program called the “Wear Your Care” campaign.  Avedium is a US-based, student-led mental health awareness and suicide prevention program active in schools across the country. Created by students for students, its mission is to “shatter the silence” surrounding depression, suicide, and other youth issues. The name Aevidum means “I’ve got your back”.  As a follow-up to mental health awareness month students are “wearing their care” in the month of November to provoke discussion about emotional well-being.  Members of the middle school Avedium group wore taco costumes to gather data on how many people who interacted with them during the day would sincerely check in on their mental state.  Of the over one hundred interactions the students recorded, they reported only two remarks of genuine concern. Western Wayne Middle School principal Casey Newcomer introduced the guest speaker at the Avedium mental-health awareness assembly on Thursday, November 20, and encouraged the student body to continue to strive to care about others in the school community as a priority. Dr. Matthew Spott, local entrepreneur and suicide prevention counselor with the Crisis Line, Scranton, spoke to the students about his personal journey through mental health struggles.  He is the Vice President of U.S. Sales for Uniphar, a global healthcare company that helps pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers connect with patients and healthcare professionals through education, medical information, and digital engagement.  Over his 17-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Spott has worked with some of the world’s leading life science companies.  In addition, he owns The Lovelton Hotel, a family-friendly sportsman bar, hotel and restaurant in Wyoming County; leads SpoSho Investments, a real estate company with more than 80 residential units and several community redevelopment projects; and through Spott Inc., he’s opening three new Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop locations throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.  Spott also has several ongoing development projects focused on repurposing abandoned and historic buildings across NEPA into modern, luxury condominiums. He serves on the Board of Directors for NAMI — the National Alliance on Mental Illness — the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental health conditions.  Furthermore, he is the founder of Total Game Changer (TGC) — a mindset and motivation platform that challenges people to take control of their lives and reach their potential. Through TGC, he authored his first book, Game Changer: The Seven Mindsets of Solution-Based Selling for Life-Changing Results, which explores how adopting the right mindset can transform not just how you sell, but how you live.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), an MBA in Strategy and International Business from Wilkes University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Development from the University of Southern California (USC).  Above all, Spott is a husband and father first. He lives in the Scranton area with his wife, DeAnna, and their three children, Matthew, Gianni, and Sicilia. Spott started his presentation by telling a story about a seventeen-year-old young man who one day stood on a bridge contemplating suicide because he felt that his home situation was so terrible.  Spott explained how the teenager decided to flip a coin to decide his fate.  He later revealed that the struggling teen was himself. Due to his own battle with mental health issues, Spott decided to dedicate his life to helping others who also struggle and face situations that he did as a teen.  He explained that at sixteen he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  After his almost suicide attempt, he coped by being a bully to others until he was 23 years old.  At 25 he had to enter a program for substance abuse, and he states that the experience saved his life.  “My life has turned around,” he explained.  “It wasn’t easy.  When I was younger, I didn’t know how to receive love and kindness.  It felt better to make someone else feel horrible.” After going to therapy for many years, Spott better understands how to handle his anxiety and other emotions.  He explained revelations he had in therapy to the students. “Everyone needs to find coping mechanisms,” he explained.  “Talking is the number one thing we can do.” He encouraged students to find positive outlets for their emotions.  Spott recognized that the modern day is an incredibly difficult time in history for teens with the age of social media.  He discussed how dopamine rushes are everywhere in the form of short videos, text messages, etc. “The biggest joy I get right now is giving back,” he explained, encouraging the students to find outlets not connected to the internet to help make their lives more meaningful as his closing remarks.  “There are resources all around if you need help.  Be kind to each other.  It costs nothing to be nice or to just not be mean to others.  Be kind to yourselves first then you can be kind to others.” Pictured is Dr. Matthew Spott speaking to the Western Wayne Middle School student body on Thursday, November 20. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Around the Schools / Featured News / High School / Middle SchoolNovember 21, 2025
    Western Wayne Celebrates Veterans Day As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Monday, Nov. 10, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event that featured music from the high school band and chorus, a presentation by a keynote speaker, and a question and answer symposium. Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne, some of which had special connections to district faculty and students.  Western Wayne teacher and veteran Shane Grodack, USMC retired, acknowledged the Marines 250th birthday in his opening remarks and introduced the Western Wayne High School chorus and band. One of the band’s musical selections this year featured Western Wayne senior Scott Kurent playing the role of Abraham Lincoln and reading parts of the Gettysburg address.  Scott has played many roles in Western Wayne musical productions over the years and was glad to take on this new role for the Veterans Day assembly. “I was glad to get to relive history for my classmates in this unique way,” Scott said. After the musical performances, Grodack introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Casey Newcomer, Western Wayne Middle School principal.   Newcomer served for six years in the United States military–four years with the Army National Guard and two years on active duty.  His service included an 18-month deployment as an infantry soldier in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning home, Newcomer continued to serve others– this time in the field of education.  He graduated from West Chester University, taught biology for several years at a large school outside of Philadelphia, and later earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University. Seeing a need in his district, Newcomer worked to open and lead an alternative school for underserved students. After a decade of service there, he returned with his family to Wayne County where he now serves as the principal of the Western Wayne Middle School. In his speech, Newcomer called the Western Wayne High School and Middle School study body to action. “Real strength isn’t about what you achieve yourself, but what you give of yourself to others,” he explained. Newcomer described a time in his service where he provided food and other necessary goods to a family in need in a developing country.  That moment was an eye-opening experience for him in which he realized just how powerful the work of the military is for others in need and what a military presence means in the lives of those struggling in countries greatly affected by war. “Veterans are living examples of service, sacrifice, and something bigger than themselves,” he said. In his speech, he challenged the students to live like soldiers no matter what path they choose to take in their lives. “Choose respect over disrespect.  Stand up for what is right,” he encouraged the students. “Your life has purpose when you live it for others.” Following Newcomer’s address, the annual Veterans symposium took place on stage.  The following veterans took part in this year’s panel:  Shane Grodack, USMC retired; Gary Sereno, sergeant Army; Robert Smerdon, United States Air Force; Josh Harrison, United States Army; the late George Schaffer, Air Force; Clay Cole, United States Air Force; John Gaudenzi, Sergeant First Class Army, 39-year educator of the Western Wayne School District, who originated the Veterans Day festivities at Western Wayne in 1982 with fellow teacher Marie Casper;  Michael Urban, Army CSM retired; Casey Newcomer, Army National Guard; and Kent Swartz, United States Air Force.   Questions were read by Grodack and created by Western Wayne High School history class students. The veterans discussed how difficult it is to leave family and friends behind to serve along with discussing the many highs and lows of their experiences in various branches of the military. One of the final questions asked was if the veterans would advise students in the audience to join the service. Michael Urban, Army CSM retired and father of Western Wayne foreign language teacher Melissa Urban, commented, “The military is a good career, but you really have to prepare yourself mentally and physically for it.”   “There are a lot of advantages to being in the military like seeing and doing things other people would only read about in books,” Urban continued. “ It is a decision you have to make in your heart.  Your heart is going to be the key to your success.” Picture one, kneeling, from left:  Mia Arcadipane, Ella Kieva, Kaelyn Chearney, Kamila Rivera, and Bella Kolp.  Standing, from left:  Shane Grodack, Western Wayne history teacher, USMC retired; Cameron Press, Madison Trapanese, Sydney Sosa, Olivia McGlone, Leah Reeger, Audrey McHugh, Makenzie Chearney, Meghan Rath, Alicia Wertman, Emma Spewak, and Casey Newcomer, Western Wayne Middle School principal, Army National Guard.  All students pictured as members of Western Wayne’s Student Ambassador Program who help to serve the community at events such as the Veterans Day Assembly. Picture two, from left:  Shane Grodack, USMC retired; Gary Sereno, sergeant Army; Robert Smerdon, United States Air Force; Josh Harrison, United States Army; the late George Schaffer, Air Force; Clay Cole, United States Air Force; John Gaudenzi, Sergeant First Class Army;  Michael Urban, Army CSM retired; Casey Newcomer, Army National Guard; and Kent Swartz, United States Air Force.   Picture Three:  Scott Kurent, senior, reads the part of Abraham Lincoln. Picture Four:  Senior Antonio Fisichella plays “Taps” to close out the assembly with junior Jason Vass, not pictured. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Around the Schools / Featured News / High School / Middle SchoolOctober 28, 2025
    Middle and High School Students Attend Girls in STEM SymposiumWestern Wayne Middle and High School students attended the Girls in STEM Symposium on October 16. Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation’s Girls in STEM Symposium is a one day event designed to inspire and empower middle and high school girls (7th grade through 12th grade) to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Through engaging conversations, panels, and workshops, the Symposium highlights the professional and life experiences of accomplished women in STEM fields, encouraging students to discover new interests, exchange ideas, and envision themselves as future STEM leaders. Our Western Wayne students had a very positive experience learning about science-related topics and are excited to apply what they have learned. Row One, from left: Aubrey Hendricks, Lyanah Shay, Makenzie Hoke, Mia Padula, Jereni Strocchia, Molly Gifford, Mila Morozova, Linden Nugent, Frankie Fedoryk, Emma Schott, Gabrielle Klimczak, Aliyah Gregory, Cecille Sic, Maria Shemanski, and Daria Ivakhnina. Row Two, from left: Katherine Berman, Rachel Enslin, Mr. Vince Tomasonni, Middle School science teacher; Giuliana Velazquez, Mrs. Trina Collins, high school science teacher; Mr. Josh Rowe, middle school science teacher. Picture Two From left: Linden Nyguen, Frankie Fedorchak, Emma Schott, and Gabrielle Klimczak. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Around the Schools / Featured News / Middle SchoolJuly 29, 2025
    Middle School 6th Grade Orientation– AUGUST 19th 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – – Level Up to 6th Grade with GRIT! – New to 6th Grade? New to our school? This night is for you! Orientation Night will help you kick off a year full of Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity! AUGUST 19th 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Featured News / Guidance / High School / Middle SchoolJune 9, 2025
    Summer School 2025Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Around the Schools / Featured News / Middle SchoolJune 3, 2025
    Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony At the annual 8th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, held at the Sharkey Rosetti football stadium on Tuesday, June 3, Western Wayne Middle School Principal Casey Newcomer talked to the students and families about the importance of hard work and determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks, a term he called “grit.”“Grit is what comes into play when you have many things on the to-do list,” Newcomer, who is new to the district this year, said.He told the crowd about a recent tug of war competition held during the middle school’s annual end-of-year field day event.“The advice I gave students during tug of war is applicable to the advice I want to give them as they move forward to high school,” he explained. “Dig in. Do your best. Persevere and believe in yourself.”Mrs. Joyce Covaleski, middle school chorus teacher, then had select 8th grade chorus singers perform the National Anthem and alma mater. Ruthann Neve and Reyna Weaver sang the National Anthem; and Elizabeth Bilski and Ayvari Ford sang the alma mater.The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was many of the 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence in all academic and unified arts classes. In addition, students received awards for good citizenship, excellent work habits, and for a variety of high academic achievements such as making the honor roll for 11 quarters in middle school from 6th through 8th grade. Some also received the new Grit Award instituted for the first time this year by Newcomer for students who showed outstanding qualities of hard work in the face of adversity and hardships.It is also a Western Wayne Middle School tradition for many years that two outstanding students, one male and one female, are recognized for their patriotism and leadership among other qualities. The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the local American Legion present these awards.The Daughters of the American Revolution Award was presented to 8th grader Kaelyn Chearney.Kaelyn received the good citizenship medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor and honesty, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.George Schaffer presented the American Legion Award to 8th grader Charles Vinton.Charles received this annual award for being an outstanding student in the 8th grade class who exhibits the qualities of honor, scholarship, Americanism, leadership, and courage.Both Kaelyn and Charles felt extremely honored to receive their respective awards. They also both, at first, felt shocked to learn the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion had chosen them for these high honors.Kaelyn, an honor roll student and member of NJHS, is a hard-working young woman who especially loves to study science and social studies and participates in soccer and track at Western Wayne. She also studies a variety of dance styles at the Honesdale Dance Studio.Kaelyn aspires to be a meteorologist one day.“All of my activities and academic achievements in school so far have taught me that hard work does pay off,” she explained.Fellow classmate Charles Vinton is also a hard-working honor roll student in NJHS. He enjoys studying math and science the most. Charlie is a member of the soccer and track teams along with being involved in PJAS.“I am most looking forward to participating in high school sports next year,” Charlie said.To close the ceremony, Newcomer reminded the parents not to miss a moment of their students’ upcoming high school experience.“The next time they will be in these seats will be in four years,” he said. “Don’t blink, because you don’t want to miss a minute of what is to come for your students.”Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2029 the best on their new journey to the high school. Picture one, from left: Matthew Barr, middle school assistant principal; Charles Vinton, winner of the American Legion Award; Kaelyn Chearney, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; and Casey Newcomer, middle school principal. Picture two, from left: Charles Vinton, winner of the American Legion Award; and Kaelyn Chearney, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award. Picture three, from left: Charles Vinton, American Legion Award winner, with George Schaffer who presented this prestigious award on behalf of the American Legion. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Around the Schools / Featured News / High School / Middle SchoolMay 14, 2025
    Band Director Receives PMEA District 9 Citation of Excellence AwardMrs. Elaine Ort formerly received thePennsylvania Music Educators Association District 9 Citation of Excellence award at the school board meeting on Wednesday, May 7. Mrs. Ort is the only band director in District 9 to be chosen for the award this year. This award is given to music educators who demonstrate high musical standards both inside and outside the classroom.   She attended an awards banquet at the PMEA State Conference in April to receive recognition for this award as well. In addition, Mrs. Ort has had the honor of being a member of America’s Bands Directors with her most recent appearance with this group at the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The district is proud of Mrs. Ort’s past and most recent accomplishments. Pictured is Mrs. Ort, PMEA District 9 vice president, shaking hands with and receiving her framed award from PMEA District 9 President Dr. Thomas Bassett. Second picture is of Mrs. Ort with her well-deserved award. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...
  • Around the Schools / Evergreen Elementary School / Featured News / High School / Middle School / RDW ElementaryApril 23, 2025
    Special OlympicsThank you to everyone who participated in the Special Olympics. Like this:Like Loading... [...] Read more...

Middle School Downloads

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2023-2024 Middle School Student Handbook DownloadPreview
2019 - New Pickup and Dropoff Procedures DownloadPreview
2023-2024 Late Bus Information DownloadPreview
Alternative Learning Day Details DownloadPreview
Bus Transportation Regulations DownloadPreview
Flu Notification DownloadPreview
Medication Permission Form DownloadPreview
Talking to Children about Violence DownloadPreview
Western Wayne SD Comprehensive Plan DownloadPreview

Lunch Menus

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