Middle School
MRS. JENNIFER BRADLEY
MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
jbradley@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
Office Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
School Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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
Middle School Band Channel
Western Wayne Girls on the Run Has Successful First SeasonNovember 29, 2023The first season of Girls on the Run at Western Wayne Middle School has been declared a success by students, coaches, and parents! Sixteen of our students joined hundreds of girls at Keystone College for a celebratory 5k event on November 15th.
Girls on the Run/Heart and Sole is a nationwide after school activity which offers a 10 week curriculum based program based around running. Western Wayne has been awarded full scholarships to make the program accessible to all. Each week’s activities have a different theme, like friendships, emotions and building connections in our community. The students play games, have discussions and then tackle a strength training and running workout as a team.
Coach Rachel Fitzmorris said, “We are grateful for the support of parents in our District, and also to the coaches, Rachel Dennis, Amanda Steinmetz, and Bernadette Metschulat for their time. We are already planning a Spring season, this time on a Saturday morning. We are also planning to offer the program to the Elementary grades 3-5. Parents have reached out to tell us the program helped their students develop confidence and make friends, as well as becoming more interested in fitness.”
For more information, or to volunteer as a coach, please email rachelcartland@yahoo.com.
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Western Wayne Celebrates Veterans Day November 28, 2023Mrs. Elaine Ort, high school band director, conducts her band at the Veterans Day assembly.
North Pocono alumni Kariem Withers, United States Marine Corp. enlistee; Nathaniel Swingle, United States Marine Corps. enlistee; Luke Janiszewski, United States Marine Corp. enlistee; and George Schaffer, United States Air Force.
From left: Western Wayne alumni Nathaniel Swingle and Luke Janiszewski, United States Marine Corp enlistees who have completed their first round of basic training.
Junior Lilly Maros plays “Taps” to close out the assembly with senior Summer Paugh, not pictured.
From left, Major Shane Grodack USMC retired, Western Wayne social studies teacher; and James English, United States Marine Corp.
Mr. Taber Starnes, high school chorus teacher, conducts his singers at the Veterans Day assembly.
Elwood Merring, who earned the Silver Star Medal; Bronze Star Medal; and three Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam.
From left: Frank DiRosa, United States Marine Corp.; and his granddaughter, sophomore, Sydney Sosa.
From left, Frank DiRosa, United States Marine Corp.; George Schaffer, United States Air Force and National Guard; and Bryan Strubel, United States Navy.
As a tradition for many years, Western Wayne administration, faculty, staff, and students joined together on Thursday, Nov. 9, to celebrate veterans in the community with a special in-school event that featured music from the high school band and chorus, a video presentation about Veterans Day, and a question and answer session with the veterans.Many local veterans attended the presentation at Western Wayne, some of which had special connections to district faculty and students.One such veteran at the assembly who has a connection was James English who served in the Marine Corps. English served with Major, USMA retired, Shane Grodack’s father, Sergeant Chester J. Grodack, USMC United States Marine Corp.Major Grodack, a Western Wayne Middle School history teacher, organizes the Veterans Day assembly each year and was glad that an old friend of his father’s could participate.English recalled that his best duty in the service was flying helicopters for the White House under presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy.He fondly remembers traveling for this assignment to places like South America, Camp David, and Venezuela.“At times we would go by sea and take the planes on ships,” he recalled. “It was amazing to get to see the world.”English is now the Deputy Commander of the American Legion 15th District.“I hope that the veterans presence at today’s assembly inspires others to go in the service and do good for others,” he said.Fellow veteran Frank DiRosa had ties to two special students at the assembly. He had the pleasure of having his granddaughter sophomore Sydney Sosa help escort him. Sydney is a member of the Western Wayne Student Ambassador Program that helps to facilitate events of this nature at the school. His granddaughter Sophie Burian, 8th grade, was also at the assembly.DiRosa left his senior year of high school early to become a Marine. He earned his GED while in the service which he spent six years in.DiRosa hopes the middle and high school students who attended the event learned something from seeing the veterans there.“Commitment is something that I think young people can learn from veterans,” he explained. “Too many times nowadays people start something and give up.”Sydney is proud of her grandfather’s commitment to the service.“I want him to be appreciated,” she explained. “I am glad that his friends who are veterans are here this morning, and I hope they all feel some joy.”Sydney really enjoys spending time with her grandfather and learning from him.“We play chess and golf together,” she said. “He loves history, and, sometimes, we just sit and talk about it.”Fellow veteran and friend of DiRosa, Bryan Strubel also wished for the students at the assembly to feel inspired by the program.“Patriotism is what I think they should gain from today,” he explained.Strubel spent six years total in the Navy; four years active and two years reserve. He worked in a training squadron with trainer pilots. He also worked with F9s and FA4s. His job was being a jet mechanic working with A frames and quality control, among many other things.He is originally from New York and later moved to Waymart. Currently he is a member of the American Legion 889 in Waymart.His friend George Schaffer, an Air Force member, was also in attendance. Schaffer spent four years in the Air Force. He was also a part of the National Guard. In the service, his duty was a cook. Later he worked for 35 years as a Tobyhanna Army civilian doing electrical/ mechanical work. He is also a member of the 899 Legion in Waymart.“I hope that students gain a respect for service people from the presentation,” he explained. “Maybe some will go into the Marines or the guard.”DiRosa, Strubel, and Schaffer are grateful to still be friends and active in their American Legion years after their time in active service.In comparison, Western Wayne Alumni from the class of 2023 Nathaniel Swingle and Luke Janiszewski are equally grateful for their friendship that blossomed at Western Wayne and led them to joining the service as a part of the buddy system. The two recent Marine Corps enlistees completed their first round of basic training together and will go on to join a fleet at an undisclosed location some time in the near future after additional training. The two served as squad leaders at their boot camp on Parris Island, South Carolina.Swingle and Janiszewski became friends with North Pocono graduate Kariem Withers after bootcamp. The three servicemen currently are working for the Scranton Recruiting Office. They go to local high schools and interact with students to inspire them to sign-up for military service.“I joined the military to improve myself,” Withers explained. “I feel a lot more disciplined now even just having a short time in so far.”Withers explained that he really enjoyed working with Swingle and Janiszewski. “They are motivators,” he said.Janiszewski aspires to attend college after his time in the service and become a secondary social studies teacher. Swingle can see himself studying business in college and aspires to open a sporting goods store one day.A veteran at the event whose service is inspiring to all there was Elwood Merring. Merring earned the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and three Purple Hearts for what he did in combat in his service to the Army in Vietnam.Merring is a member of the American Legion 807 in Hamlin. He is an extremely humble, decorated serviceman.“I hope the students learn about the history of what veterans went through,” he explained.The Western Wayne School District is proud to host veterans on their campus in remembrance of Veterans Day as a yearly tradition since 1982. The entire District thanks all of the veterans who took the time to attend the assembly and especially sends well wishes to all Western Wayne alumni who have served or are currently serving.
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Guiding Good ChoicesNovember 16, 2023Guiding Good Choices for 4th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend thisFREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate thepressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed andachieve a brighter future.
Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
Develop health beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
Deal with anger in a positive way and manage family conflict to strengthenbonds with youth.
Protect their children from substance abuse and other problematic behaviors.
Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement in the family throughthe teen years.
Youth attend session 4 with their parents and caregivers.The program will be held on five Tuesdays: February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 6from 6 to 8 PM via Zoom.For more information or to register, e-mail or call Karen Thomas at kat1@psu.eduor 570-878-2385
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Middle School Hosts Visit From Author J. E. ThompsonNovember 14, 2023From left: Author J. E. Thompson. and Middle School Principal Jennifer Bradley.
Western Wayne Middle School students learned about the time and effort it takes to have a career as a published author on Tuesday, Nov. 14, when award-winning author J. E. Thompson spoke to them.
Upon graduation from Middlebury College with a major in English and minor in finance, Thompson had wanted to pursue a career in writing but couldn’t figure out how to make money in such a venture. Therefore, first, his life’s path took him to a 25 year career working on Wall Street instead.
Thompson greatly enjoyed the many years he spent working in finance but came to a turning point in his life in 1994 when he realized he wanted to return to his dream of becoming a writer.
“I realized that I had to find the courage to do it,” he explained. Not only did Thompson find the courage to pursue this dream, but also he has now been a successful writer for about 25 years with one of his most well-known books being Buccaneer’s Spit.
Thompson told the students about this best-selling book. In the novel, two teenagers work to save a spit of land in South Carolina from a developer who wants to take it over.
Thompson explained that his books are mystery, thriller stories. He told the students about the process he goes through to write a novel. He explained that he likes to start by creating characters that readers will care about. Then he creates a large problem for those characters to overcome, and, as he writes, he discovers how his characters will overcome the obstacles they face. Thompson explained to the students the many times a writer has to edit, revise, and rewrite a story before it is finally published.
“If you think what you have written as a first draft is the best way to express yourself, you are wrong,” Thompson explained when discussing how he would advise students to go about the process of writing good quality work. “If I were ever to enter a first draft to my agent or publishers, they would surely ‘cancel’ it.” He quipped thinking about the youth of today’s connection to the word ‘canceled.’
Thompson further explained how when he discusses the writing process with young aspiring writers he tries to relate it to how athletes spend a lot of time working on their craft.
“The first time you throw a pass it might not be as good as how the throw will be after a lot of practice,” he said. “The same is true for your writing. Practice through the form of revision and editing is what makes the writing better.”
The students had the chance to purchase a signed copy of one of Thompson’s novels after the presentation. Many of them are excited to read a book from an author they have met. Two of Thompson’s other published novels are The Girl From Felony Bay and its sequel Disappearance at Hangman’s Bluff. Both of these books have recently been republished with Pelican Publishing.
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Girls on the Run program is now ‘up and running’ on our campus!September 22, 2023Western Wayne Middle School is excited to announce that the popular national Girls on the Run program is now ‘up and running’ on our campus!Girls on the Run is a non Profit organization which offers a running based after school program to Elementary and Middle School students. The 6th to 8th grade program is called Heart and Sole. Each week our students play team building games, followed by a strength workout AND a running workout…phew!Our Fall season is underway, and there will be a Spring season too…both lasting 10 weeks. At the end of each season, students will take part in a celebratory, non-competitive 5k with hundreds of other GOTR members. Girls on the Run has awarded Western Wayne 15 full scholarships, so there is no charge for our students.The program is coached by Rachel Fitzmorris, who is a Paraprofessional at the MS and by Rachel Dennis, MS secretary. They are assisted by Amanda Steinmetz from our District Office and parent coach Bernadette Metschalut. Mrs Fitzmorris said “This program offers students who may not be in organized sports a chance to participate and discover the joy of movement. It also helps them build connections and self confidence.”Mrs Jennifer Bradley, Principal, said “I am very excited about the opportunities that the Girls on the Run will provide for our Middle School students. GOTR empowers Middle School girls to lace up their sneakers, chase their dreams, and build resilience, proving that the journey to self -confidence and success begins every step they take together😊”Any parents or staff interested in volunteering with Girls on the Run, or helping as ‘Running Buddies’ for our students in the 5k on November 18th are invited to email rfitzmorris@westernwayne.org
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!! – GUIDING GOOD CHOICESSeptember 21, 20235th and 6th grade parents – Attend this FREE program to help your youth navigate the pressuresand expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future
Five sessions will be held on Tuesdays,October 3– November 7, 2023, from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.(No program on October 31.)
Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:➢Promote health and well-being during the teen years.➢Develop healthy beliefs and clear standards for behavior.➢Deal with anger in a positive way and manage familyconflict to strengthen bonds with youth.➢Protect their children from substance abuse and otherproblematic behaviors.➢Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement inthe family through the teen years.Youth attend session 4 with parents and caregivers and will learn skills theycan use to avoid peer pressure.The program is open to all parents and caregivers and their 5th and 6th gradechildren in the Western Wayne and Lake Ariel community. It includes a FREE dinnerfor the entire family and childcare for younger family members
For more information or to register, contact by September 25: E-mail: prosper@westernwayne.org;Call: (570)878-2385; Or return registration form below to your principal.
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GUIDING GOOD CHOICESAugust 15, 20235th and 6th grade parents – Attend this FREE program to helpyour youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life duringtheir teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by learning how to:
-Promote health and well-being during the teen years.
-Develop healthy beliefs and clear standards for behavior.
-Deal with anger in a positive way and manage familyconflict to strengthen bonds with youth.
-Protect their children from substance abuse and otherproblematic behaviors.
-Strengthen family bonds and increase youth’s involvement inthe family through the teen years.
See the full flyer below.
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Guiding Good Choices – Evidence-based program DiscussionJuly 31, 2023Guiding Good Choices – Guests Karen Thomas, PROSPER field coordinator and Margaret-Ann Gager, parent participant discusses this evidence-based program and the positive changes in has made in Margaret-Ann’s family. This interactive, skill-based program is open to families with youths ages 9 – 14. A new 5-week virtual program starts June 19th and an in-person program in the fall at the area school districts. To register or learn more contact Karen at kat1@psu.edu or call 570-878-2385.
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Middle School Holds Annual 8th Grade Moving-Up CeremonyJune 7, 2023The Western Wayne 8th grade class, the class of 2027, sit together as a class after having received their awards and honors.
: Madelyn McClure, winner of The Daughters of the American Revolution Award; Grady Farley, winner of the American Legion Award; and Dr. Matthew Barrett, Western Wayne School District Superintendent.
Western Wayne Middle School Principal Mrs. Jennifer Bradleyreminded eighth grade students of the importance of completing small tasks so as not to become overwhelmed by large tasks as they prepare to head to high school. Bradley reflected on a speech that retired United States Navy Four-Star Admiral William Harry McRaven made by suggesting students “make their bed” in the morning to be able to then start a day with already one task accomplished.Bradley reminisced about how middle schoolers, when they first enter sixth grade, have many anxieties about the small task of opening their lockers. She reminded the students about how far they have come and told them to continue to rely on their family and friends for support and guidance as they prepare to move on to high school.Eighth grader Dakota Douglas, Middle School Student Council president, proudly led her classmates and all in attendance in the pledge of allegiance.Dakota said she truly enjoyed her time in the Western Wayne Middle School. She looks forward to all she will learn in high school. She is especially excited for her high school chorus class and aspires to become a chorus teacher.“I love singing and working together with my classmates,” she said.The featured event of the Moving-Up Ceremony was all 8th grade students receiving awards in various categories for excellence or improvement 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.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 Madelyn McClure.Madelyn 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 Grady Farley.Grady 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 Madelyn and Grady 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.Madelyn is a hard-working young woman who especially loves to study science and who loves to work with her horses in her spare time.She has done excellent work for her Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competitions throughout her middle school career and plans to continue her involvement in high school.In addition, she is an avid member of her local 4-H Club and Pony Club having rode horses since she was a young girl.She is an honor roll student who looks forward to her academic experiences in high school. “I am excited for my upper level math classes,” Madelyn said.Fellow classmate Grady is also a hard-working individual and honor roll student. He most enjoys his science classes in middle school. In addition, he enjoys sporting activities in his free time including both boating and skiing.“I am most looking forward to experiencing new classes and learning new things next year,” Grady said.Another special part of this year’s Moving-Up Ceremony was a special recognition given by Mrs. Bradley to retiring secretaries Bridgit Erb and Michele Rosko, who both work in the middle school office. Between the two of them, they have a combined 51 years of service to the district. Both Erb and Rosko have worked for many years to plan and organize the moving up ceremony among doing so many other tasks. Bradley had the community, faculty, staff, and students give the ladies a well-deserved round of applause.In her closing remarks, Mrs. Bradley reminded students again to not forget “to make their bed” as they get ready to enter high school letting them know that taking the first step in a new journey is quite an accomplishment in itself.On the way out and into the stadium, guests and others in attendance were treated to seeing a gallery of posters that students and their families made of favorite memories of their students to add a personal touch of their memories throughout the year to the event.Western Wayne faculty, administration, and staff wish the class of 2027 best wishes for their high school experience.
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- Guiding Good ChoicesJune 5, 20234th-6th grade parents and caregivers. Attend this FREE VIRTUAL five-session program to help your youth navigate the pressures and expectations of life during their teen years to succeed and achieve a brighter future.
Download the full flyer below.
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Middle School Downloads
Lunch Menus
| Title | Download |
|---|---|
| December 2023 Elementary Menu | Preview |
| December 2023 Middle School Menu | Preview |
| December 2023 High School Menu | Preview |
