Wyalusing Area School District
Ram eNews
March 2021
Scholarship Challenge
The WVHS Scholarship Challenge Team participated in the afternoon matches of the Scholarship Challenge at Sayre Theater on February 27. They played Troy in a close match, but lost 180 to 140. They did a fantastic job representing WVHS.
In the photo, the team members are from left to right: Logan Carter, Madison Armitage (Captain), Catherine Brown, and Carina Beebe. Their advisor is Nick Marbaker.
Recognizing FBLA Accomplishments
The FBLA membership is 34 members strong this year. Although the chapter has been unable to conduct their Haunted House fundraiser or sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts, they did an outstanding job with their performances for the regional competition.
All 34 members placed within the top ten of the region. Twenty-five members of the chapter have advanced to compete at the FBLA State Conference. All FBLA conferences, (regional, state, & national) are virtual this year. Students have already begun to compete in their respective events for states. Currently, one member, Tiffany Newton, has placed in the top ten of the state in the Impromptu Speaking category. Results of other members are still coming in.
Wyalusing FBLA has had to make many changes, just like many other organizations this year. Although these changes have had an impact on the chapter, the advisers, Karen Potter and Kay Doerner, are very proud of the members’ efforts.
Congrats to a fine group of young men and women!
FBLA Members Pictured Above:
Front row: Taylor Spencer, Priscilla Newton, Erin Salsman, Pearl O’Connor, Olivia Spencer, Madelynn Muench, Ellie Pisula, Nick Kelly, Catherine Brown, and Cheyenne Anaya.
Second row: Ethan Lewis, London Edwards, Emilee Otis, Alex Hunsinger, Emily Girven, Marissa Johnson, Sage Superko, Mitchell Burke, Logan Carter, and Emalie Caccia.
Missing from picture: Riley Smith, Karley Chamberlin, Tiffany Newton, Shane Malinowski, and Kadence Carey.After School & Summer Program
The After School Program has had many success stories this year. The program will be continuing through the summer, with a few details still to be developed. Students in grades K-8 learn about a variety of topics including:
Service Learning
STEAM/STEM
Fitness/Wellness
Nutrition/Health
Art/Music/Drama
College/Career Exploration
If you are interested in seeing how your child may benefit from this summer opportunity, please contact Ms. Alicia Kirkpatrick, or call the HS Guidance Office at 570-746-1600.
Special Education Teachers Develop Virtual Field Trips to Give Students a Valuable Experience
Google Meet technology allows Mrs. Schloder and Mrs. Kilmer to bring all of their learners together for field trips, no matter where they are learning from! Though the platform was different and the students can’t physically leave the school grounds, virtual field trips have allowed the students to “visit” places that they would not have been able to otherwise and participate in activities that were off the beaten path. So far this year, students have been able to dig their own real fossils during a paleontology-based trip, grow their own crystals while virtually visiting Crystal Caves, learn about holidays around the world and send virtual Christmas carol greetings to local nursing homes, view the Aurora Borealis and utilize “blubber” to stay warm in the Arctic and Antarctic, and experience the excitement of the Big Top as they had their faces painted and enjoyed snowcones and popcorn (thanks to the PTO!).
Mrs. Kilmer and Mrs. Schloder have a few more tricks up their sleeves for the upcoming months and are looking forward to adventuring to new locations and trying new activities this spring!
Wyalusing Students Support VFW Sign Design
Mrs. Katrina McMahon, a 5th grade teacher, made a connection with the New Albany VFW Post 384 who were looking to "jazz up" their front sign. The high school and elementary art teachers assisted with a VFW art contest to support the cause. There were more than 100 entries between all students, who are supported by our art teachers, Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Case.
Five lucky students were selected to have their drawings placed on the VFW sign. Congratulations to the following students:
Callen Pickett (5)
Alysha Botts (6)
Josie Ferris (6)
Addi Vanderpool (6)
Rebekah Newman (HS)
Pictured below are a few of the lucky winners. The VFW hopes to have the sign revealed on Memorial Day.
Elementary Life Skills Students Get Creative!
Celebrating Dr. Suess Week!
- Monday's book was Oh, the Places You'll Go. Teachers helped guide students to search for places they would like to visit and explore their world.
- Tuesday's book was Cat in the Hat. Students wore their favorite Dr. Seuss hat!
- Wednesday was deemed Wacky Wednesday. Students wore crazy face masks.
- On Thursday, teachers shared a presentation with interesting facts about Dr. Seuss. Students emailed their principal, Mrs. Lantz, their favorite facts and Mrs. Lantz responded, thanking them and handing out prizes.
- Friday's book was Green Eggs and Ham. WVES celebrated this book with Funny Food Friday. Miss Dickson's 1st grade class reported that they tasted and loved the green eggs and ham their teacher served them.
Mrs. Cockcroft's 4th grade class celebrated Dr. Seuss week by virtually reading to Mrs. Moser's 3rd grade class at Athens Elementary. A nice virtual connection was made with the other side of Bradford County.
Elementary Book Club
The first novel, The One and Only Ivan, is a story about a Silverback gorilla who was taken very young and brought to a mall circus. The story is told from Ivan's point of view. The class is really enjoying this activity.
Fourth Graders Go SLEDDING!
Kindergarten Registration is a Success!
The kindergarten teachers did a quick evaluation of students to identify their abilities and strengths. Parents also received a Kindergarten Readiness Packet, which included books, crayons, scissors, Play-Doh, and materials for parents to use while working with their to prepare them for kindergarten.
Pictured below is incoming kindergarten student Megan Pieszala. This is very exciting!
Pennsylvania State Testing Requirements
The annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment that provides students, parents, educators, and citizens with an understanding of student and school performance related to the attainment of proficiency of the academic standards. These standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science and Technology identify what a student should know and be able to do at varying grade levels. School districts possess the freedom to design curriculum and instruction to ensure that students meet or exceed the standards' expectations.
Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 is assessed in English Language Arts and Math. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 4 and 8 is assessed in science. Individual student scores, provided only to their respective schools, can be used to assist teachers in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities, and school scores provide information to schools and districts for curriculum and instruction improvement discussions and planning.
Upcoming State Assessment Dates: Be sure your child is in attendance on these dates!
Elementary
PSSA
Grades 3-6 ELA: Tuesday, May 4 and Wednesday, May 5
Grade 3-6 Math: Tuesday, May 11
Grade 4 Science: Wednesday, May 12
High School
PSSA
Grades 7-8 ELA: Tuesday, May 4 and Wednesday, May 5
Grades 7-8 Math: Tuesday, May 11
Grade 8 Science: Wednesday, May 12
Keystones
Algebra: Tuesday, May 18
Literature: Wednesday, May 19
Biology: Thursday, May 20
Girls Basketball
The Rams also beat Athens in a close battle in their first meeting of the season. In the playoffs, the Rams earned the #5 seed and traveled to Northeast Bradford, where the girls battled the entire game, but ultimately came up short, ending the season. Great season ladies!
Boys Basketball
Wrestling
To say the wrestling season was different than normal would be an understatement. The wrestlers did an amazing job of focusing on what they could control and doing their best to make the most of a less than ideal situation.
The team started the season off with a 48-20 win over Tunkhannock. Over the next 4 weeks, they would compete in 11 dual matches and end with a 9 and 3 overall record; 6 and 1 in the league. The highlight of the dual meet season was the 47-12 victory over Towanda, returning the Standing Stone trophy back to Wyalusing.
In the postseason, the wrestling team advanced 5 wrestlers from the North Section to the District 4 Championship. Nick Woodruff was Wyalusing's sole sectional champion at 152 lbs. CJ Carr, Hunter Manahan, and Zach Shaffer earned sectional runner-up finishes, and Skyler Manahan took 3rd. At Districts, Nick Woodruff qualified for the Northeast Regional Championships by finishing 5th. Zach Shaffer narrowly missed qualifying and finished 6th place at Districts.
The coaches are all very proud of the way our young men handled the constant adversity this season. Great season boys!
Softball
Baseball
There’s a lot of buzz about the upcoming season! The preliminary number of participants reflects the optimism for a great season. We’re looking forward to watching these players continue to develop to their full potential in the years to come. With the senior leadership we have this year, along with our depth not only offensively, but also defensively, we are poised to be in playoff contention and springboard our program to the status of a perennial contender.
We look forward to seeing what they can accomplish this year on the diamond!
Track & Field
This is Coach Schools' 14th season as Head Coach and he is looking forward to getting back out there and working with our athletes!
Wyalusing School Employees COVID-19 Vaccination Project
We anticipate that this vaccination opportunity will position our schools to remain open for the long-term and keep kids learning in the physical classroom!
Natural Gas Arriving Soon at the Wyalusing School Campus!
We anticipate the project to be completed and school be fully operational with natural gas at the beginning of the 2021/2022 school year. This will include the elementary & high school kitchens, hot water heaters at both buildings, along with all boilers. Conversion projects for all boilers occurred in June of 2020, in preparation for the natural gas project.
Mr. David B. Holdredge 1975 - 2021
Wyalusing has lost an incredible educator. Dave's passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. He had a creative approach to motivate and inspire students to succeed. Dave's passing has been rough for everyone who knew him as an educator, but even more difficult for those who called him a friend.
You may share a comment about Dave or pay tribute to his legacy by visiting the link below:
https://sheldonkukuchkafuneralhome.com/tribute/details/2783/David-Holdredge/obituary.html#tribute-startMr. Henry Laboranti, School Social Worker
As a licensed PA Social Worker, Henry has worked extensively with clients of all ages and backgrounds through individual, group, and family counseling opportunities. With over a decade of experience working in schools both as an educator and counselor, Henry utilizes a humanistic/client-centered style of counseling to help people reach their full potential in an empathetic and non-judgmental environment.
Mr. Laboranti began his work with our district on Monday, March 22.
Ms. Laura Klym, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
We are pleased to announce that Laura Klym has been selected to serve as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. Laura brings a wide range of communications, public relations, and special project experience to this position.
Laura joins our District from BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 where she was the School Outreach Specialist for the last five years. Prior to that position, Laura recruited substitute teachers and school personnel for an educational staffing agency. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Criminology from Lycoming College and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Misericordia University.
“I look forward to engaging the Wyalusing community and collaborating with the administrative team through various initiatives. This district has so much to celebrate and sharing the many successes on behalf of our students, faculty, and staff is one of my primary goals.” said Laura.
Laura is originally from Baltimore and currently resides in Williamsport. When she is not working, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Laura will begin with our district on Monday, May 3rd.
Marlene Hulszier, Retiring Special Education Teacher
Marlene is a native of New Jersey and moved to Towanda when she was in first grade. She graduated from Towanda High School in 1981.
Teaching was not her original career path, as she was a business student, but when she was a junior she was asked to volunteer for the Special Needs Adaptive Program (SNAP) as a Physical Education Assistant. She instantly fell in love with the program’s vision as well as the students who attended. Marlene shares that teaching was "one of the best life decisions I have made."
After a few years of working for the IU, she became an official RAM. During her years here at Wyalusing, she has had the privilege to work with some of the finest teachers and students.
Marlene shares, "I am so grateful for all the support, friendships, and successes I have had while teaching at the Wyalusing Elementary School and could not have thought of a better career path many years ago. I look forward to continuing my love of teaching through volunteering."
“Hail to the Green and the Gold” and thank you for the privilege and honor of being part of the Wyalusing community!
Carol Madill, Retiring Music Teacher
Carol Madill is a native of Pittsburgh, PA where she began piano lessons at the age of six. In high school, she studied piano with Dr. Ralph Zitterbart of Carnegie Mellon University. She attended and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from West Virginia University. She has also studied choral conducting with Dr. Brady Allred at Duquesne University and Dr. Peggy Dettwiler of Mansfield University. In 2007 she completed a Master of Fine Arts in Music Education from Mansfield University.
Mrs. Madill taught elementary music in Pittsburgh prior to moving to the Wyalusing School District, where she is in her 34th year of teaching. She resides in Monroeton, PA with her husband, Drew, and has two children, Evan and Whitney.
During her career at Wyalusing, Mrs. Madill has taught kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade general music, music theory, and Advanced Placement music theory classes. She also conducts the elementary, junior high, and senior choruses, and a select vocal jazz ensemble, “Early Morning Jazz” that was selected in 2009 to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators State Conference in Valley Forge, PA. She is a co-director and accompanist of the high school musicals, performs with the Wyalusing Swing Choir, and teaches private voice and piano lessons.
Mrs. Madill currently serves as the President of the Bradford-Sullivan County Music Educators Association and has been the guest conductor at numerous middle and high school County Chorus Festivals. In 2017, Mrs. Madill was the recipient of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s Middle School Citation of Excellence Award for District 8.
Carol shares, "I have had the extreme privilege for the past 34 years of making music on a daily basis and working with amazing students. My students inspire and feed my passion for music-making constantly. I have had students go on to perform on Broadway, teach music and pass their love for music onto their own children. During one particularly wonderful year, I actually told my principal I didn’t need to get paid! Thank goodness he didn’t take me up on that! It’s been a great journey!"
Denise Delamarter, Retiring Elementary Teacher
Mrs. Denise Delamarter began her teaching career in 1989. She was hired right out of college to teach fourth grade at Laceyville Elementary. She was also a Head Teacher at Laceyville for eight years. She went on to teach every grade level, including IST, during her thirty-two years in the Wyalusing School District. But, her heart will always belong to Laceyville! "I loved that little school and the families we served." shared Denise.
When we all moved to the new campus, she taught fourth grade, along with her brother, Bill Lutz. They had both taught fourth grade in different, outlying buildings and they were both Head Teachers. When the schools were consolidated, she was finally able to teach with him.
Later, Denise moved to third grade and had the opportunity to teach with her best friends! Denise shares, "these last few years have been manageable because of the great group of teachers in third grade."
Denise shares, "I have been fortunate to be able to teach in a close-knit district all these years. I am a born and raised Ram. It has been my pleasure to come back home and support the education of the best group of people-our RAM family. Thank you for the honor."
Jim Schools, Retiring High School Teacher
Jim Schools is a Kutztown University graduate and began teaching at Wyalusing in the fall of 1989, after teaching for two years at Tri-Valley School District. Jim was hired as the Physics/Computer Applications teacher. He was also hired as the JV Volleyball coach and helped as a volunteer coach for Track and Field.
Throughout his 32 year career at Wyalusing he has taught Physics, AP Physics, Principles of Technology I, Principles of Technology 2, Computer Applications, and eighth grade General Science.
Jim has been the Head Cross Country Coach since 1990, Assistant Track Coach from 1998-2007, and Head Track and Field Coach from 2008-Present. He was also the 3rd Assistant Boys Basketball Coach for 4 years, the 2nd Assistant Boys Basketball Coach for 4 years, and JV Boys Basketball Coach for 2 years. Jim has had the opportunity to have coached some great athletes and great teams over the years.
Jim shares, "On a personal note, my wife Lorrie is a former Wyalusing High School teacher. We live in Herrickville and are the proud parents of four children; Colton and his wife Kaitlyn of Wyalusing; Savannah of Wyalusing; Jordan, who is finishing a Master's Degree at Colorado School of Mines; and Mitchell who is finishing a Master's Degree at Temple University. We also are blessed with two grandsons, Potter and Wyatt."
Jim plans to fill his retirement time with travel, golf, more fishing, and absolutely more running!
Kathy Trowbridge, Retiring Secretary to the Superintendent
Kathy was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and lived at the West Point Military Academy before coming to Wyalusing at the age of 4. She grew up in a noisy household as the oldest of eight
children. She is a graduate of Wyalusing Valley Jr.-Sr. High School and Williamsport Area Community College (now Penn Tech).
Kathy shares, "I was lucky to be a stay-at-home mom before I began my career with the Wyalusing Borough and then the Wyalusing Area School District in January 1994 as the Payroll & Benefits Secretary." In January 1997, she was transferred to the position of Secretary to the
Superintendent and then Board Secretary in January 2000.
She has worked under the direction of five superintendents and 36 board members during her 28-year tenure. Kathy and her husband, Ron, live in the Laceyville area and are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren.