WAHS Juniors and Seniors and their families are invited to attend a Free Financial Aid Presentation (Financial Aid Night followed by FAFSA Completion Workshop) hosted by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) on Tuesday, December 3rd from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm in the High School Library. Please contact Mrs. Susan Sullum, WAHS College & Career Counselor ([email protected]) to RSVP.
Zipper Junction Holiday Toy Drive is Under Way!
THE HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE, now in its 8th year, brought to you by The ZIPPER JUNCTION Project™ is once again in partnership with "The Wayne County Ford & Bold Gold Media Holiday Toy Drive Challenge". THE HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE is excited to join
forces again with the Wallenpaupack Area School District, providing an opportunity for mentoring, hands-on experience,
and the power of community contribution, all in alignment with the mission of The ZIPPER JUNCTION Project™. In addition
to the community at large, THE HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE enjoys support from Wayne and Pike County officials, businesses,
school districts, and even collaborates with other toy drives. Together, they will strive to ensure Wayne and Pike County
children in need are served by this local community effort.
"It's hard to believe, but 2024 marks the 8th consecutive year for The Holiday Toy Drive. As a community we have all rallied
time and time again, coming together to pull off an amazing feat, bringing joy and smiles to hundreds and hundreds of
kids that may otherwise not have that experience around the holidays. We know we can do it because the good people
of Wayne and Pike Counties have always stepped up. Always! Monetary donations are still needed though and would be
greatly appreciated, especially this year! If you can, please donate early to aide in our planning to once again help spread
joy throughout our community", said Jim Zumpone, Chief Visionary and Founder of The ZIPPER JUNCTION Project™.
In addition to their main sponsor, "The Wayne County Ford & Bold Gold Media Holiday Toy Drive Challenge", The ZIPPER
JUNCTION Project™ hopes to again partner with individuals and businesses who will host their own events that will help
generate toy and monetary donations. Some examples include Bring-A-Toy for free entry to an event; birthday parties or
family events; Stuff a Truck, Tractor, Jeep, or Train; Pictures with Santa; or a single or multi business toy collection event
like the giant red mailboxes at both The CAR WASH On Route 6 & The CAR WASH on Hamlin Hwy. Some partners use an
official Collection Box onsite at their events with all proceeds, both monetary and in the box, donated to THE HOLIDAY
TOY DRIVE. Donations will also be accepted at the train stations during The Stourbridge Line Santa Express excursions.
The ZIPPER JUNCTION Project™ is always looking for new event ideas to fill Collection Boxes and/or provide funds.
Everyone is encouraged to visit www.ZipperJunction.org and click on the official logo of the Truck carrying the Big Bag of
Toys. Toy request applications can only be submitted online from October 1st through 31st, 2024.
Anyone interested in making a Monetary Donation, becoming a Sponsor, or to Be a Toy Drop-Off Site or Event Partner
can also visit the website for details. Toy and Gift donations can be made at the many Toy Drop-Off Sites hosting collection boxes from October 1st through December 2nd, when the boxes will begin being collected; all locations will be listed on
the website when each is available to receive toys and gifts. Additionally, Toy and Gift donations can be made at Wayne
County Ford in Honesdale during "The Wayne County Ford & Bold Gold Media Holiday Toy Drive Challenge" which runs
from November 1st through December 11th. When donating, look for the official logo to insure your donations are going
to the official program of The Zipper Junction Project™, The Holiday Toy Drive.
Fine Arts Department Names Students of the Month for November
Briana Blaszczyk of Lords Valley is being recognized for her achievements in choral music and drama. Briana has been a member of the Color Guard, Concert Choir, Show Choir, Chamber Choir, WAHS Players, the National Honor Society, the Local History Club, the Paupack Press, the WHS News team, Student Ambassadors, and the Leadership and Diversity Committee. She has also performed with the PMEA District and Region Choirs, and serves as a Choir Section leader, and as the Class of 2025 Vice-President. Briana plans to attend a 4-year university in New York City to pursue acting.
Aryanna Carrube of South Sterling is being recognized for her achievements in the Fine Arts. Aryanna has been a member of the Art Club and the Environmental Club, and earned the Silver academic award. She plans to attend college to study environmental science and art, and to pursue a career as a science illustrator specializing in the environmental sciences.
Competitive Cheer Scores Big at Northampton Cougar Challenge
Congratulations to the Wallenpaupack Varsity Coed Cheerleading Team for kicking off their competition season in style, bringing home a 1st Place trophy in the Coed Division and an impressive 3rd Place overall at the Northampton Cougar Challenge! With a strong base score of 82, they're off to an incredible start. Good luck as you head toward Districts, Regionals, and States! GO BUCKS!
Jennifer Leary Wins Raffle Basket at Family Fun Night
The winner of the North Primary School Family Fun Night raffle basket was third-grader Jennifer Leary. Family Fun Night and the North Primary Book Fair were held on Wednesday, October 30th. Attendance for the event this year was 1,039 members of the Wallenpaupack community. Students and families enjoyed pizza, hot pretzels, snow cones, games, dancing, face painting, guest readers, and of course the book fair!
Breanna Conklin Job Shadows with Dr. Cara Dougherty
Breanna Conklin, WAHS Senior, shadowed Dr. Cara Dougherty, WAHS DEI SEL SAP Counselor, on Tuesday, October 29th . Breanna is very interested in the field of Psychology, and she said she wanted the shadowing opportunity to compare the role of a Psychologist with the role of a Social Worker. Breanna was able to draw upon Dr. Dougherty's extensive knowledge of the counseling field to learn about preventative approaches to mental health issues and clinical interventions that are appropriate for some individuals, as well as review resource materials in her office. Many thanks go out to Dr. Dougherty for sharing her expertise in the counseling field with Breanna!
WASA Students Visit Stewart International Airport
Wallenpaupack Aeronautical Science & Aviation (WASA) students recently traveled to the Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, NY. While there, students visited the 105th Airlift Wing of the NY Air National Guard and the Textron NY service center. WASA students who are preparing for careers as professional pilots and aviation maintenance technicians had the chance to tour facilities, aircraft, and speak with civilian and military crews. These experiences provided valuable opportunities for students to learn about aviation professions, equipment, and credentials required for employment. Program developer, Eric Greenberger, and High School Principal, Dr. Christopher Caruso, were in attendance to discuss plans for future aviation coursework and career opportunities for our aviation students.
The Wallenpaupack Aeronautical Science and Aviation program is Pennsylvania's premiere high school aviation program. Students in our program are preparing for lucrative careers in the aviation industry through specific pathways, including professional pilot, air traffic control, aviation maintenance, and aviation management. For more information about the WASA program, please click here.
Kaiya Kampf Job Shadows at North Primary School
Kaiya Kampf, WAHS Sophomore, shadowed in Ms. Megan McGinnis' Classroom at the North Primary School on October 16th. Kaiya has expressed an interest in teaching at the Elementary Level, so arrangements were made to have her shadow at North Primary School. Kaiya said she enjoyed shadowing Ms. McGinnis and assisting students in the classroom.
"During my job shadow, I really enjoyed my time and being able to understand how a classroom works from the perspective of a teacher. Though I am in a classroom every day, this was a different type of experience because I was focusing on a different point of view, rather than focusing on my class work from my desk. I really enjoyed getting to meet each of the kids and get a general understanding of why and how they need supported learning."
Health Sciences Exploration Day at Lackawanna College
WAHS students attended the Health Sciences Exploration Day at Lackawanna College in Scranton on October 25th, which showcased each of the colleges Health Sciences Programs including the following: Nursing; Surgical Technician; Diagnostic Medical Sonography; Physical Therapy Assistant; and Occupational Therapy Assistant. Students were able to learn about each health sciences program offered by the college including the prerequisites for the program, the role of each professional in the healthcare setting, and the multiple employment opportunities in the field. WAHS students are pictured in the Physical Therapy Lab enjoying some hands-on activities with the specialized equipment in the lab.
WAHS Students Visit the PA Program at King's College
Giada Blume and Julia Mrowka, WAHS Seniors, visited the Physician Assistant Program at King's College on October 23rd. Both students wanted to explore the five-year BS/MS Physician Assistant Program at King's, since it is among their top choice schools. Eric Grego, King's Director of Undergraduate Recruitment provided a tour of the Physician Assistant Program including the clinical labs, private exam rooms, as well as a visit with the coordinators of clinical rotations. Giada and Julia are pictured in the gross anatomy lab, where they shadowed students during their lab session.
School Board Newsletter for the October 14th Meeting
Please click here for information from the October 14th School Board meeting.
Senior Job Shadows at Pike County Emergency Management Center
Jordan Palumbo, WAHS Senior, shadowed a Public Safety Dispatcher at the Pike County Emergency Management Center on October 15th. Jordan is enrolled in the Protective Services Career and Technical Education Program at the High School, and she will be considered a "Completer" of the program at the end of this school year. Jordan has indicated she is very interested in becoming a Dispatcher once she graduates from high school, and she utilized the job shadow to gain answers to any questions she might have regarding the role of a Public Safety Dispatcher. Jordan is pictured with John Sweeney, Deputy Director of the Pike County 911 Center who provided a tour of the facility and an overview of the operations.
Three Seniors Feted at October Meeting of Wallenpaupack School Board
As the leaves begin to change color and fall, the Wallenpaupack School Board continues one of its favorite traditions by honoring three outstanding Seniors at their October 14th meeting.
Immanuel Caufield is the recipient of the Rensselaer Medal, a $40,000 per year scholarship opportunity at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute(RPI). He is also a member of the National Honor Society, and a High Honor Roll honoree. He is a member of the Engineering CTE, earning a $5,000 scholarship at the Wilkes University Engineering Olympics, the Wrestling team, taking a 3rd place at the PIAA District 2 Wrestling match, and the Track and Field team. Post graduation, Immanuel plans to attend either RPI or Penn State to study Chemical Engineering or Materials Engineering.
Dakota Harkey has been a High Honor Roll recipient, Student Ambassador, Aevidum Member, Paupack Press Writer, a Dancer, and a JV and Varsity Cheerleader, winning First Place in the Regional Cheer Championship and Second Place in the District Cheer Championship. After graduation Dakota plans to study Business Administration or Finance in South Carolina and pursue an MBA.
Julianna Lofberg has been a member of the National Honor Society, a Gold Award Recipient for achieving High Honor Roll, Captain of the Girls' Soccer Team (also earning her athletic letter), and a member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the Prom Committee, Volunteers in Paupack (VIP), the Executive Council, and the Track and Field Team. Julianna plans to study Mathematics in college in order to become an actuary.
The School Board, Administration, Faculty, and Staff of the Wallenpaupack Area School District wish these Seniors continued success in all their future endeavors.
WAHS Select Choir Performs in Italy During the Summer
In July, the Wallenpaupack Select Choir traveled to Italy. The group of 25 students visited Rome, Vatican City, Assisi, Florence, and Venice, where they gave multiple choral performances. They got to see incredible works of art like Michaelangelo's statue of David and the Sistine Chapel as well as experience the ancient historical architecture of the Colosseum and Pantheon. From singing at St. Peter's Basilica to riding in gondolas, it was a truly memorable trip filled with music, history, and art.
FCCLA Students Attend National Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA
Jewel Dickerman, Nina Duprey, and Vivian Yetter represented Pennsylvania and WASD at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Seattle, Washington from June 29th through July 3rd. Finalists in their PA FCCLA STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events at the State Leadership Conference in March, the students earned honors for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and occupational preparation.
Dickerman competed in the Professional Practice STAR Event and focused on adolescent alcohol prevention. Duprey competed in the Teach and Train STAR Event by developing lessons and programs for pre-school age children. Yetter competed in the Teach and Train Star Event and designed music education-based lessons.
In addition to participating in their competitive events, students attended a variety of workshops to improve their leadership skills like networking , communication, time management, team building, and recruitment and retention of new members.
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.
Our Kids Food Pantry on BRC-TV13
Notice Regarding Student Insurance - Revised for 2024-2025 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
