PowerSchool and related programs are disabled until further notice so that we may perform summer maintenance and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Wallenpaupack Area School District is proud to announce free grab and go meals for the summer. These meals are for anyone that is 18 years of age and under. Pick up times are between 4 pm and 6 pm on Monday and Wednesday each week starting June 17, 2024 through August 14, 2024 at our High School and South Elementary School. Monday's bags will have breakfast and lunch for 3 days, Wednesday will have 4 meals. Parents or children can pick up the bags. Someone must be present to sign off that they received the meals and that they will not go to another Sun Meals location to get additional meals.
Kindergarten Registration Has Begun!
Attention parents of all Wallenpaupack Area School District children who will be five years of age on or before August 31, 2024 and will be attending Kindergarten during the 2024-2025 school year: Please refer to this page for registration instructions and to download the registration forms or request a registration packet from the Central Registrar's office by calling (570) 226-4557 ext. 3000.
WAHS Students Attend FBLA National Leadership Conference,
Team of Brennan and Stratton Named National Champions!
Students from Wallenpaupack Area High School (WAHS) recently attended the 2024 National Leadership Conference (NLC) of Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA), the nation's largest Career and Technical Student Organization focused solely on business. The event, held in Orlando, Florida, (at the Orange County Convention Center) from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 15,000 middle school and high school students and educators from across the country.
"By providing our members with the ability to compete against top students in the country, network with peers and potential employers, and learn through professional development sessions, the NLC is ensuring that today's students become tomorrow's leaders" said FBLA Interim President and CEO Randy W. Fiser.
The WAHS FBLA Chapter had 9 qualifiers who flew to Orlando to attend and compete at the conference. They were: Alexis Blaszczyk in Business Plan; Darby Brennan and Hannah Stratton, the Social Media Strategies Team; Kyle Carrubba and Ben Scholl (Pennsylvania FBLA State Officer Vice President at Large #2), the Public Service Announcement Team; Lexi Kapschull, Abby Kimler and Dan Salvati, the Graphic Design Team; and Kaitlin Williams in Visual Design. Darby Brennan and Hannah Stratton advanced to the final round in Social Media Strategies and finished first in the Nation--receiving individual plaques, a monetary reward, a banner for school, as well as an offer of an internship opportunity from one of their judges from the final round.
While in Orlando, the WAHS FBLA Members were able to compete at the highest level that FBLA has to offer and experience all that Orlando had to offer. The WAHS FBLA Members, along with their Advisers Melissa Monte and Jim Winagle visited Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Sea World and Top Golf Orlando.
This year marks the tenth consecutive year of WAHS FBLA taking qualifiers to NLC. During those years, WAHS FBLA has had competitors place in the top ten, but this is the first time they have had national champs. Congratulations to all competitors on a job well done!
Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with more than 200,000 middle school, high school, and college members worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. For more information, visit fbla.org.
Fine Arts Department Names Students of the Month for July
Zachary Jantzi of Greentown is recognized for his achievements in instrumental music. Zack has been a member of the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Show Choir. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, and has won the Gold honor award for four years. He has also performed with the PMEA District and Region Orchestras, and the PMEA District, Region, and All-State Bands. He plans to attend the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester to major in music education, and accounting.
Ty Mazzga of Hawley is recognized for his achievements in instrumental and vocal music. Ty has been a member of the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Show Choir. He has also performed in the Marywood Senior Wind Band Celebration, the Northeast Tri-County Band, the PMEA District Choir, and the PMEA District and Region Bands. He is a Times Tribune Scholastic Superstar nominee, and a 3 year Gold Award winner. Ty is also a member of the National Honor Society, and is the recipient of a Colonel Emerging Leader scholarship. He is also the Wilkes University IEEE Engineering Olympics champion, and the Skills USA Electronics Tech regional champion. Ty hopes to attend the Webb Institute with a double major in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture, and to pursue a career in recreational yacht design or propulsion technologies.
Middle Schoolers Build Barn Owl Boxes for Restoration Project
Eighth graders from Mr. Ron Ezzo's second block class built 10 barn owl boxes in cooperation with The University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School (Penn Vet) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). This was part of the Barn Owl Restoration Project. Students learned and practiced valuable concepts involving measurement, reading instructions, and use of numerous tools. The boxes were placed in predetermined locations in Northeastern Pennsylvania by the PGC. Special thanks to Mr. Dan Gumble for his help and use of the Middle School Woodshop.
School Board Honors Three Seniors at June Meeting
As the 2023-2024 school year draws to a close, the Wallenpaupack School Board took the opportunity to recognize the achievements of three Seniors at their June 10th meeting.
Nicholas Bajadek has been a member of the National Honor Society, a Museum Docent at Masker Museum, a Volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank, a WAHS News Camera Operator and Anchor, a Paupack Hills Grouns Worker, a member of the Local History Club, and a member of the Dunkin' Crew. He has also been a Silver Award recipient for Academic Honors. After graduation, Nicholas plans to attend the University of Scranton to pursue a degree in Secondary Education in order to become an English Teacher.
Emma Cykosky has been a member of the National Honor Society and its Executive Council, Historian for and member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), a member of the Protective Services CTE and a student member of its Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC), WASA Vice President and Program Developer, a member of the Hawley Hub Advisory Board, and a member of the Basketball team. She has also served as a Firefighter, EMT, and Dive Rescue Member with the Tafton Fire Company. Emma has been a Gold Award recipient for Academic Honors, received a WAI Flight Training Scholarship, and earned her Pilot Student Helicopter certification and her Interior Fire 1 Certification. Emma plans to attend Millersville University to major in Emergency Management and minor in Military Science, Army ROTC, active duty to become a helicopter pilot volunteer firefighter and EMT.
Elijah Peifer has been both a Gold and Silver Award recipient for Academic Honors, a member of the National Honor Society, the Baseball Team, the Football Team, and the Athletic Council. He has also volunteered for the Hawley Library and the Lackawanna Challenger League. Elijah plans to attend the University of Scranton to major in Political Science with a minor in Business and to continue his baseball career there.
The School Board, Administration, Faculty, and Staff of the Wallenpaupack Area School District wish these Seniors continued success in the future.
WAHS Juniors and Sophomores Receive Awards
Seven Sophomores were awarded the Assessment of Civic Knowledge Award. The recipients include Rylan Downey, Liana Lucchese, Sean McGarry, Genevieve Neenan, Joseph Pettinato, Logan Petroski, and Samuel Urevich.
Immanuel Caufield is the 2024 recipient of the Rensselaer Medal. The Medal is awarded to Juniors who have distinguished themselves in math and science. If Immanuel applies and chooses to attend Rensselaer, he will receive $40,000 per year in scholarships, guaranteed for four years.
Alexis Blaszczyk is the 2024 recipient of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Women in STEM scholarship. This scholarship waives the application fee and is in the amount of $76,000 if Alexis chooses to attend RIT.
Five students received the Junior Awards from Wilkes University. The Award is for $8,000. The recipients include Alexis Blasczyk, Immanuel Caufield, Loralie Love, Xaiden Schock, and Owen Wolff.
Sophomores Joseph Pettinato, Sara Kovacs, and Samual Urevich all received a certificate for participating in the 'Senator for a Day' program. Also appearing in the picture are State Senator Rosemary Brown, and Mrs. Melissa Monte, College & Career Counselor.
WAHS Students Participate in Poster Presentation at Geisinger CSOM
Several WAHS students participated in a Poster Presentation for the Biomedical Science Program at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton on May 23rd. Students shared their research on specific types of cancers including Colorectal Cancer, Kidney Cancer, and Medulloblastomas. During the presentations, students highlighted symptoms, risk factors, prevalence, treatments, and survival rates for each type of cancer.
In addition, students presented their research findings to Dr. Caruso and Dr. LaCoe at the High School to demonstrate their enhanced skills gained from the poster presentation process including improved research, documentation, and presentation skills.
NHS Collects Tabs for Ronald McDonald House
The WAHS National Honor Society chapter launched their group service project in early 2024. Having decided to collect aluminum pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House, the Chapter Group Service Project Committee involved the entire school district in the drive. According to the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton (RMHS) Web site, "RMHS keeps families with sick children together and close to the medical care their child needs at leading local hospitals." Donating collected aluminum tabs for recycling is a great way for everyone to support this worthy charity. In the brief time the chapter has been collecting, they have stockpiled approximately two hundred pounds of tabs. Pictured (left to right) are the committee members: Olivia Karp, Michael Paltzer, EhrenKeller, Xaiden Schock, Drew Kiesendahl, and Payton McCue. "We welcome the community and area businesses to collect tabs, which may be dropped off at any school district building main office."
WASD Group Travels to Fort Drum
On Tuesday, June 4th, WASD Superintendent Keith Gunuskey, WAHS Teacher Sara Rosencrance, and Operation MOUNTAIN MENTOR student team members traveled to the home of the United States Army's 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) in Fort Drum, Watertown, NY, as guests of Lieutenant Colonel Keith R. Benoit. The WASD team proudly represented the Wallenpaupack Area School District at LTC Benoit's Change of Command Ceremony. Daniel Marcus, Class of 2024, designed and fabricated the plaque, which was generously donated by Valley Glass and Copper Works, and presented to LTC Benoit. The 6-6 Air Cavalry Squadron and its Soldiers have been terrific community partners for the past three years. We welcome LTC Keller as the incoming commander and look forward to our continued partnership.
WAHS FCCLA Spreads Kindness
WAHS FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) sponsored Kindness Week from May 6th -May 10th. Daily Kindness Challenges encouraged students to positively interact with peers and school staff. Activities included: writing positive affirmations to themselves or others, completing kindness tasks (share a kind word or deed), and writing appreciation cards for friends and staff. In addition, students signed a Kindness Banner and committed to spreading kindness around the building. At the end of the week, FCCLA worked with the WAHS Cafeteria Staff to treat the entire student body to Ice Cream Sundaes.
WAHS FCCLA Sponsors "Let's Glow" Dance Party
On May 10th, WAHS FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) sponsored "Let's Glow" an inclusive Spring Dance. FCCLA members planned the party, so students from a variety of backgrounds could interact and have an opportunity to participate in a spring celebration. Mr. Knisely, WAHS School Counselor, kept the tunes playing while students danced the day away. In addition, Cove Haven Resort generously catered the event and served an amazing meal featuring a taco bar and ice cream sundaes. FCCLA members scheduled the Spring Dance Party during Kindness Week to highlight the importance of inclusion.
A special "Thank You" goes out to Mrs. Rosencrance's 2nd Block Human Growth and Development Class for all of their hard work with decorations and set up! As evidenced by all of the photos of this event, a good time was had by all!!!
WAHS Lifters Make Good Showing at Abington Heights Powerlifting Meet
Three Wallenpaupack athletes traveled to Clarks Summit for the 36th Annual Abington Heights Bench Press and Deadlift Championships. The Buckhorn lifters did not disappoint as they were tested in the following events: Bench Press - bringing the bar down to their chest, waiting for a press call, then pressing it until their arms locked; and Dead Lift - picking the bar off the ground and straightening their back and legs.
Although only 3 Buckhorn lifters attended this year, they all competed well against very good competition. Each competitor put up personal best numbers during the event.Ben Ostroski, competing in the 220 lb class, completed a 270 lb bench and a 410 lb deadlift. Tyler Gallo, competing in the 242 lb class, completed a 265 lb bench and a 415 lb deadlift. Jamie Stiner, competing in the Heavy Weight class, completed a 300 lb bench and a 440 lb deadlift.
WAHS Auto Tech CTE Students Compete at UTI Top Tech Challenge
On Saturday, April 27th, Dr. Mark Watson, Automotive Technology Instructor, and 3 teams of two students each headed to Exton, Pa. to compete in Universal Technical Institutes' Top Tech Challenge. Wallenpaupack has sent students to this competition 6 times, placing in the top 6 every time and enjoying 4 first place wins.
A written exam narrowed the field of teams from 45 to 20, with all 3 Wallenpaupack teams earning the right to proceed to the hands-on phase of the competition. The exam topics included Automotive Electrical Systems, Braking Systems, Steering & Suspension Systems, and Engine Performance. The hands-on competition involved workstations in naming automotive gas and diesel parts, braking systems, computer diagnostics, electrical systems, and precision measuring.
Scholarship awards were given to the top 6 teams qualifying for the hands-on portion of the competition. In addition, scholarships were given to the top 6 finishers, with 4th through 6th place getting a 25% scholarship, 3rd place getting a 50% scholarship, 2nd place getting a 75% scholarship, and 1st place getting a 100% scholarship.
The Senior team of Jimmy Kellogg and Damien Riedermade it to the top 20 competition, but did not place in the top 6. Seniors Austin Earl and Lukas McConnell took 3rd place, earning a 60% scholarship to attend UTI, while Seniors Jack Duggan and Clayton DeFebo placed 2nd and earned an 85% scholarship. In addition, the winning teams were awarded tools and tool boxes for the automotive shop. Our students earned an extra 10% in their scholarship prizes because Wallenpaupack is a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)-approved program.
All the students enjoyed the experience of competing against teams from the best Career Technology Centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia, and were very happy to be the only school to have more than two teams make it into the final 20.
School Board Newsletter for the May 6th 8th Meeting
Please click here for information from the May 6th School Board meeting.
WAHS Group Explores the Education Department at ESU
Over 40 WAHS students from the Child Care CTE and the Education Pathway Program visited the Education Department at East Stroudsburg University in February. Students visited with preschoolers at the Mekeel Childcare Center on campus and learned about the methods utilized in the program. They also visited the CREATE Lab and engaged in hands-on activities that promote creativity with children. Finally, students sat in on an Education Class and participated in discussions with ESU students regarding ways to accommodate the special needs of economically disadvantaged students in the classroom.
WAHS Students Explore Healthcare Training Programs at Lackawanna College
WAHS students visited Lackawanna College in Scranton and learned about the many Healthcare Training Programs at the college. Students followed a simulated case study with a patient who received treatment at the following programs: Medical Sonography Lab; Surgical Technology Simulation Lab; Physical Therapy Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant Labs; and Medical Assisting Program. The students were able to gain hands-on experience in the Physical Therapy Lab and were able to assist each other with simulated rehabilitation activities.
Dr. Katie Schkolenko Named Special Olympics North America Outstanding Coach of the Year!
Wallenpaupack has been participating in Unified Sports for the past 6 years. Unified Sports bring Special Education students and Regular Education students together to compete athletically in an inclusive way. Currently, we have Unified Track and Field and Unified Bocce Ball. We also have intramural bocce in the Intermediate and the Middle School.
Coach Katie Schkolenko has been coaching with our Unified Teams since the start of our program. We are honored to announce that she has been named the Special Olympics North America Outstanding (SONA) Coach of the Year! The SONA Outstanding Coach of the Year Award recognizes the coach who best demonstrates the true ideas of the coaching profession in a local program or school. The person leads by example and expects athletes to set and strive to reach goals. During this selection process the nominated coach will be judged on 4 things: Contribution to Sport in Special Olympics, Coaching Effectiveness, Personal Development, and Leadership.
We are proud to have Coach Schkolenko as our Unified coach here at Wallenpaupack!
HOSA Students Attend Workshop at Lehigh Valley Health Network Center
Over 25 WAHS HOSA Members (Health Occupations Students of America) attended a workshop at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Center for Healthcare Education near Bethlehem, PA on May 2nd. Students were able to tour the high-tech education and training facility which includes a state-of-the-art medical simulation center, an actual size training operating room, and educational opportunities for medical students, residents, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
WAHS Students Visit OT, PT, and Biomechanics Labs at University of Scranton
Nick Tigue is using the Motion Analysis System. The system studies an individual's posture, gait, and movement control.
Josephine Leighton, Michael Passenti, Cameron Troch, and Ehren Keller are using Platform Swings in the Pediatric Occupational Therapy Lab which assists children with gross motor skills, balance, and coordination.
Olivia Karp, Alexa Kapschull, and Aubrey Folk are enjoying the ball pit which is used to improve sensory integration, coordination, imagination, balance, and social skills.
Aubrey Folk is taking in the benefits of relaxation and improved motor coordination on the Platform Swing.
Sarah Niemec is displaying a Dynamometer which she used to measure her hand strength.
Olivia Karp is utilizing the Vertical Jump Tester to assess how high an individual can jump, as well as leg strength.
Lauren Peterman is practicing leg lifts to improve strength in joints and quads.
Cameron Troch and Nick Tigue are operating the Automotive Simulator in the Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Lab.
Michael Passenti was fitted for a finger splint during a demonstration in the Hand Therapy Lab.
Alyssa DeEsch and Julianna Lofberg are using a Dynamometer to measure each others' hand strength.
Over 20 WAHS students from the Exercise Science Sports Medicine Career and Technical Education Program visited the University of Scranton on April 16th. Students utilized equipment in the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Biomechanics Labs on campus. They learned about the function of the equipment utilized in the clinical labs and were also able to explore specialties in OT and PT.
WAMS Students Excel in American Scholastic Achievement League Challenge
Each year the gifted Middle School students participate in the American Scholastic Achievement League Challenge. It is a 100-question online contest where students demonstrate a variety of problem-solving skills and knowledge in the following academic areas: general knowledge, language, literature, geography, science, and mathematics. The students compete as individuals and as members of their school's team in a unique, interesting, and educational program.
This year approximately 3800 sixth grade students and 9000 seventh/eighth grade students in various school districts competed in the contest. We had eight sixth-grade students, eight seventh-grade students, and five eighth-grade students who participated from the Wallenpaupack Area Middle School. Our WAMS champions this year with the highest scores are Alexa Ezzo from sixth grade and Reilly Buselli from eighth grade. Reilly won the school's champion medal for the second time; she achieved the highest score in 2022 during her sixth-grade year.
WAHS Students Attend Health Science Day at King's College
Over 40 WAHS students attended a Health Science Day at King's College in Wilkes-Barre on April 3rd. Students rotated among the following Health Science Programs at the College: Nursing (Visit to the Cadaver Lab); Physician Assistant; Athletic Training; and Occupational Therapy.
WAHS students are featured engaging in hands-on activities at each station to help them improve their understanding of clinical skills.
WAHS Student Council Raises Money for PA Breast Cancer Coalition
The Wallenpaupack Area High School Student Council raised $1500 from the Pretty in Pink basketball game in February to be donated to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Pictured are Student Council members giving the check to Kelly Kyzer, representative of the coalition. From left to right, they are: Lauren Peterman, Nina Duprey, Kelly Kyzer, Erika Badner, Kyle Carrubba, and Joe Pettinato.
Our Kids Food Pantry on BRC-TV13
Information Regarding Robo-Calls and Robo-Texts
As inclement weather approaches, Wallenpaupack will continue to utilize the SwiftK12 messaging system to notify families of school delays and cancellations. Please note that as parents/guardians, you can maintain the contact phone numbers used by the system by using the PowerSchool Parent Portal. These phone numbers are maintained separately from the student database by design and are not automatically updated when you inform the school of a changed phone number. Information regarding setting up and configuring your account through the Parent Portal can be found in this document.
It is our intent to begin sending SMS text messages regarding delays and cancellations to families in addition to our normal communication avenues of TV, radio, website, Facebook, etc. We will not robo-call families in the morning except in unusual or unexpected circumstances. We ask that you maintain accurate contact numbers in the SwiftK12 system to facilitate this.
If clicking on the SwiftReach SwiftK12 link causes a 'Log in. Your session may have expired.' message, please follow these instructions.
Notice Regarding Student Insurance - Revised for 2023-2024 School Year
Please be advised that it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians, in the event of a student accident, to provide for accidental injury expenses either through insurance or cash payment to health care providers. For this reason, the School District would like to make you aware of the availability of a low cost, standard school approved insurance policy.
The School District does not provide insurance coverage for students. If you do not have insurance or the financial ability to cover potential injury expenses, we encourage you to review this Student Accident Insurance document.
If you choose to purchase insurance through this program, please have your child return the completed insurance form with your payment to their school and it will be forwarded to the insurance company to process.
We hope this program can be a valuable service for you and your family.
On-line Learning Resources and Information for Students and Parents
In 2018, the General Assembly passed Act 44 mandating the establishment and use of the "Safe2Say Something" (S2SS) anonymous reporting system by every Pennsylvania school entity by January 14, 2019.
S2SS is a life-saving and life-changing school safety program that teaches students, educators, and administrators how: (1) to recognize the signs and signals of individuals who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others, and (2) to anonymously report this information through the S2SS app, website, or 24/7 Crisis Center Hotline.
For further information, please refer to the following documents:
Vaccination Requirements for 2018-2019 School Year Onward
In the 2018-2019 school year, there are requirements that students in 7th and 12th grade must adhere to. On the First Day of School in the fall of 2018, unless the child has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption, a child must have had the vaccinations as described in this pamphlet, or risk exclusion from school. Students at any grade, Kindergarten through 12th, including all public, private, parochial or nonpublic school in this Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must show proof of immunization before they can attend school. This pertains to vocational schools, alternative education programs, intermediate units, special education, home education programs, charter and cyber charter schools. For more information, please refer to this pamphlet.
Highmark Insurance - Transparency in Coverage Compliance
The Transparency in Coverage Rule issued by the federal government requires health insurers and group health plans to provide detailed pricing data for all covered items and services to the public in the form of Machine Readable Files (MRFs).
Highmark Insurance has provided the following documents to explain and comply with this rule.
Athletics
