Wyalusing Area School District
Ram eNews
August 2024
Parents/Guardians and Wyalusing Area Community Members:
As we prepare to welcome you back for the 2024-2025 school year, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the wonderful experiences and learning opportunities ahead. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire administration, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your support and engagement in our students' educational journey.
Please take a moment to review our newsletter, where you’ll find important updates and reminders to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming school year. We are eager to see our students return, and we wish them all the best as they embark on another year of growth and discovery.
Thank you for being a vital part of our school community. We look forward to a fantastic year together!
Sincerely,
Mr. Gary Otis
Acting Superintendent of Schools
Officer Marter continued training this summer to stay keen on new safety tactics. We are looking forward to another SAFE year at Wyalusing Area School District will all of the training and resources our campus has to offer.
We are proud and excited to welcome our new staff!
Mrs. Devanie Heft : Business, Computer, Information Technology/Math
"Hello everyone! My name is Devanie Heft, and I'm thrilled to be joining Wyalusing Area School District as a business and math teacher. I have a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Shippensburg University and a master's in Business Education from Bloomsburg University. This will be my third year teaching, and I'm excited to share my passion for business and math with all of my students.
Outside of the classroom, I love kayaking, getting lost in a good book, and trying my best to keep my plant collection alive and well. I recently married my amazing husband, James, in June 2023, and we are proud dog parents to our adorable corgi mix, Willow. I'm looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and can't wait to get to know all of you!"
Mr. Cory Hodgdon : High School Guidance Counselor
"I'm excited to introduce myself as the new school counselor at Wyalusing Valley High School. My name is Cory Hodgdon, and I am thrilled to join this fantastic community. I am passionate about helping students navigate their academic, social, and emotional journeys. I am committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
I hold a Master's Degree in school counseling from Walden University and have several years of experience working with students of all ages. Before being hired as the school counselor, I worked as the SAP liaison and School-Based Outreach Caseworker in the Wyalusing School District.
I believe in the power of open communication, active listening, and empathy in building strong and trusting relationships with students, parents, and staff. I enjoy fishing, camping, and spending time with my family in my free time. I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you. I am dedicated to supporting the well-being and success of our students. Please feel free to contact me anytime—I am here to help in any way I can."
Mrs. Kate Green : Kindergarten Teacher
"My educational journey began 12 years ago in Gettysburg. I have taught everything from headstart to fifth grade, in both rural and urban settings. While in Maine I was awarded the state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. (Currently awaiting the national results). I'm looking forward to joining the Wyalusing Kindergarten Team this school year and can't wait to meet the students!
Outside of teaching, I enjoy camping with my family, being outdoors and watching football and hockey. I am looking forward to becoming part of the amazing ram family and of course those Friday night football games. Go Rams!"
Ms. Gina Walsh : First Grade Teacher
"I am a recent graduate of Misericordia University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. While student teaching at Wyalusing last spring, I had the opportunity to be a part of this amazing learning community and knew that I found the place where I wanted to teach. I am looking forward to getting involved within the district, participating in all of the fun activities throughout the year, and working hard to ensure that my students have a great year. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and spending as much time outside as I can. I am eager to begin this school year and am looking forward to being a part of a wonderful community!"
Ms. Victoria Petrie : Learning Support Teacher
"Hello Wyalusing Community! I am delighted to introduce myself as a new member of the Wyalusing Area Elementary School team. My name is Victoria Petrie, and I’ll be joining the sixth grade teaching team this year. Although I’m new to this area, my experiences here so far have been incredibly positive and welcoming. I am lucky enough to have a little friend named Cosmo, my toy poodle, to join me on this new adventure in a new area.
Originally from Broome County, New York, where I grew up on a dairy farm, I’ve always valued hard work and community. I recently graduated from Saint Francis University, where I not only pursued my academic passions but also enjoyed playing lacrosse for four memorable years.
I am eagerly anticipating becoming a part of the Wyalusing Area community and meeting all of you. Having just transitioned from one team, I am excited to start this new chapter and contribute to a wonderful learning environment here."
Ms. Jena Griffin : Second Grade Teacher
"Hello! My name is Jena Griffin. I am new to the Wyalusing Area School District. I previously taught for the last 6.5 years in the Southern Tioga School District. I am a graduate from Lock Haven University, with a bachelor's degree in PreK-4 Education and a master's in Alternative Education.
I reside in Wyalusing and I am excited to now be part of the educational community that I live in.
Go rams!"
Ms. Carol Anderson : Elementary Special Education Teacher
Carol began her teaching career in the year 2000, after earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA, with certifications in special education, elementary, and early childhood education. Carol has since earned two master's degrees in Education and in Environmental Science Education. Her most recent teaching assignment was with the Allentown City School District, where she initially taught learning support at the William Allen High School, and then spent 8 years at the Lehigh Parkway Elementary School.
Carol recently relocated back to the Tunkhannock area, and is very excited to start in her new position here at the Wyalusing Area Elementary School teaching 3rd and 4th grade LIfe Skills/Autistic Support.
Ms. Annie Karcutskie : High School History Teacher
"Hi everyone! My name is Miss Karcutskie (Miss K. for short) and I am so excited to be joining you all this school year. I am originally from Harding, PA and graduated from Wyoming Area School District in 2018. I went on to attend Penn State University in State College, PA where I completed my student teaching and got my degree. I am really looking forward to immersing myself into the Wyalusing community and can't wait to get involved and support our students in all of their extracurricular activities throughout the year. I am a self-proclaimed history nerd in both my personal life and my professional life and plan to share that passion in my classroom! I enjoy reading, the outdoors, 90's country music, spending time with family & friends, my pets, and watching football, especially the Philadelphia Eagles (Go Birds!). Looking forward to a fun and successful year!"
Meet your High School Principal!
Mr. Jackson Green
Meet your Elementary Principal
Mr. Brent Keyes
I'm looking forward to our staff and students being back from summer break to get another school year started at WVES. We are fortunate to work amongst a group of caring, professional, and skillful adults who work tirelessly to provide a positive experience for students. Finally, we have amazing students who make each and every day at WVES meaningful and enjoyable!
Meet your Elementary Assistant Principal
Mr. Jason Gee
Jason Gee is entering his 15th year in education. Previously, he worked as a special education teacher in the Troy Area School District and Athens School District serving students Kindergarten through 12th grade.
He holds a Masters’ Degree in Elementary Education from Mansfield University and a Masters’ Degree in Special Education from Slippery Rock University. Additionally, he has administration certifications in Special Education and Principal K-12th grade.
Jason currently resides in Ridgebury with his wife Kay and two children Leah and Brennan. Outside of school, Jason enjoys reading, sports, hunting, and spending time with his family. He is excited to join the Wyalusing Family.
Student Dismissal Information
Elementary students will be dismissed at 2:55 PM.
High school students will be dismissed at 3:05 PM.
The high school Bell Schedule can be found here and on the high school webpage.
Student Bus Assignments & Emergency Dismissals
Parents Note:
If you're unsure of your child's bus assignment, pick-up time or drop off time, or if your student(s) permanent location has changed since last year, please contact Katy Stoddard via the provided contact information below.
Transportation changes MUST be received by 10am via email:
Elementary : wvesbuspass@wyalusingrams.com
High School : wvhsbuspass@wyalusingrams.com
Students will not be issued a bus pass to ride home with a friend; alternate arrangements
must be made.
Important : The assigned bus stop will serve as the routine drop off point, which
includes any emergency situation that requires an early dismissal. During
emergency scenarios, such as weather or safety incidents, school officials will not
be able to accept changes to the assigned bus stop location. Parents/Guardians
are strongly encouraged to determine and discuss a safety plan with their children.
Children must know your plan should they be dropped off at their bus stop due to an
early dismissal for emergency reasons.
Katy Stoddard : kstoddard@wyalusingrams.com or 570-746-1600 ext. 3000
Late Bus Information
AFTER SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION- ACTIVITY RUN
2024-2025 - 5:45 departure from Wyalusing Valley HS
*All times are approximate
Bus 9
Wyalusing Borough to PA Rte. 706; Turkey Path Road to Spring Hill Road; Laceyville Borough (stopping at the Braintrim Church); Champion Mtn (PA Sr 3001) to Jenningsville; SR. 4002 to Rte. 187 to Hollenback (stop at the Wilmot Twp. Building) continue through Sugar Run on Rte 187.
Times: Spring Hill Church Lot 5:50; Laceyville Borough 6:00; Hollenback 6:30
Bus 22
North on PA Rte 187 through Terrytown to Spring Lake Road; Rienze Road (stop at the Terry Twp. Building); New Era right on to SR. 2010 (Wyal./New Albany Road); Evergreen, New Albany Borough to Overton (turning around at the Overton Church) travel back Hatch Hill Rd. to Rte. 220 to Laddsburg to Marsh Road to Shaffer's Notch Road to
SR 2010 (Welles Mtn. Road) to complete the run.
*Stops in New Albany Borough: Jan’s Beauty shop and Dandy Mini Mart
Times: Terry Township Bldg 6:05; New Albany Dandy 6:20; Laddsburg 6:25; Shaffer’s Notch Road 6:45 (Overton as needed 6:30)
Bus 4
Wyalusing Borough stopping on Main Street and Church Street- turn right on Route 6; travel to Route 409; Camptown Post Office, Dandy Mart, & Presbyterian Church; Herrickville Road to Herrickville / Mercur Hill Intersection; Leisure Lake Road to Stevensville;Clapper Hill Road to Silvara.
Times: Lime Hill Area 5:50; Camptown 6:00; Herrickville 6:10; Stevensville 6:30; Silvara 6:45
Effective for the 2024-2025 school year, the Elementary School drop-off line will open at 7:45 am. Pick-up time will remain the same, which begins at 2:55pm.
Please be sure to have your student number displayed in plain view in the pick-up line for efficiency. If you are missing your number or need a number assigned, please reach out to Mrs. Sands at the Elementary School Office at 570-746-1600 x1301.
- This year, students can enter the high school beginning at 7:45 am and will proceed to the cafeteria until homeroom dismissal.
- There will be two (2) available entrances for student drivers upon arrival of campus:
- Main entrance to the high school lobby.
- Side doors that enter the cafeteria directly.
*please note : there will be NO entrance into the gym lobby for arrival any longer*
- New homeroom time for attendance is 8:20 am. Any arrival after this time will be counted as late.
Attention : High School Students
For the 2024-2025 school year, high school students will not be required, but are encouraged to carry clear backpacks.
The Wyalusing Area Education Foundation has generously donated 300 clear backpacks that will be available to any student in the High School the first day of school!
Attention : High School Students
In order to maintain a focused and productive learning environment, Wyalusing Valley Jr./Sr. High School has implemented the following cell phone guidelines:
Wyalusing Valley High School
Grades 7 through 11 : Friday, September 20, 2024.
Seniors : Friday, October 04, 2024
Wyalusing Valley Elementary School
Grades Kindergarten through 6 : Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Student Device Chromebook Insurance Available
Parents/Guardians have the option to pay a non-refundable insurance fee to cover any accidental first and second occasion damage to their child’s device. The fee does not cover any intentional or negligent damage. Insurance fees are due in full by September 27, 2024. Additionally, the Insurance fee does NOT cover any damage or loss of school provided accessories such as the case or charger.
Insurance Amount:
- $30 for first student
- $20 for second student
- $5 for each additional student
Please visit the 1 to World webpage for more information. Follow this link to pay the Chromebook insurance online.
2024-2025 Breakfast & Lunch Updates
Breakfast and Lunch will remain FREE to all students for the 2024-2025 school year!
This year, Wyalusing Area School District was approved to participate in the CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) program, which allows ALL students that attend the district to receive both breakfast and lunch at NO cost.
No additional action is needed on your student's behalf. We look forward to working with The Nutrition Group this year to provide meals at no cost.
See the flyer below for more detailed information.
Summer Reading and Rising Program
This phonics and phonemic awareness program targets the building block skills of how students learn to read in an effort to eventually support a student's overall ability to comprehend what he/she reads. It was a highly successful program, and the teachers are so thankful to have been granted the funding to continue such an impactful summer program for their students!
Custodial Staff Appreciation
Driver Appreciation
JOIN US FOR Kindergarten Orientation
Join Mr. Keyes, Principal and Mr. Gee, Assistant Principal to hear important announcements and get your questions answered for the upcoming year. Kindergarten students will get a tour of their classroom and meet their teacher!
Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024, 01:00 PM
Wyalusing Valley Elementary School
JOIN US FOR 7th Grade Orientation Night
Join Mr. Green, Principal and Ms. Evans, Assistant Principal to hear important announcements and get your questions answered for the upcoming year. Students will get a tour of their classrooms and meet their teachers!
Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024, 06:30 PM
Wyalusing High School, Wyalusing New Albany Rd, Wyalusing, PA, USA
SAVE THE DATE: Open House for Parents
Thursday, Sep 12, 2024, 06:00 PM
Wyalusing Area School District, PA, USA
SAVE THE DATE: Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, Nov 7, 2024, 01:00 PM
Calling all Wyalusing Alumni!
Scan this code to donate to the Wyalusing Area Education Foundation to help students in the district with school supplies, trips and educational activities!
We are proud to provide our students with their new school supplies for the 2024-2025 school year!