Why school start dates depend on where you live
If you’re wondering why some students go back to school in August and others in September, here’s why.
Highlights of the 2024-2025 school year in the Western Wayne School District include the launch of the district’s first planned high school career and technical education (CTE) program in computer programming.
Classes will resume on August 26.
Superintendent Matthew Barrett said they are designing the curriculum for this new program according to CTE standards. One of their instructors, Thomas Lodini, is one of the few high school teachers certified in this field in Pennsylvania, Barrett said, and will teach the program.
More: Computer science is Western Wayne’s first vocational training program
Western Wayne is also introducing a new AP (Advanced Placement) course, Psychology.
Barrett said they will build on the Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS) program. This program conducts various activities and rewards good behavior at all grade levels.
This school year, they also plan to expand their Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS), which is designed to identify early issues in student academic performance and social-emotional well-being.
More: Back to school in Wallenpaupack: New vocational/technology program, sports director
More: Wayne Highlands opens August 26 with 13 new teachers and a series of musicals
Elizabeth Watson, who served as STEAM principal, will now become principal of the Robert D. Wilson School, Barrett said.
Casey Newcomer, who has worked for the Scranton school district, will be the new principal of Western Wayne Middle School, he said.
Barrett said there are also several new teachers and the district is still looking for more positions.
The applicant pool for apprenticeships across the state is smaller than in years past, and there are very few for specialized positions, he noted. “We have been fortunate to be able to fill the positions we currently have with highly qualified candidates,” he said.
Filling transportation jobs continues to be a challenge, Barrett said. “Fortunately, we had some other contractors who were able to take over some of those bus runs and provide additional buses, which was great,” he said.
The wastewater treatment plant at the high school/middle school complex will be renovated, he said. The high school’s heating and ventilation system will be overhauled, Barrett said.
“We are very excited to have our students and staff back in action at the end of the month and look forward to a positive new school year,” said Barrett.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent and its predecessor publications since 1994. He can be reached at [email protected] or 570-253-3055, ext. 1588.
