Wyalusing Area School District

June 2020

Welcome to the next edition of RAM eNews, a product of the Wyalusing Area School District. This publication will be produced quarterly during the school year to keep community stakeholders engaged in our schools.

The Class of 2020 participated in commencement ceremonies on Friday, June 5th, 2020. The event was recorded and can be viewed through the link above. A special THANK YOU to PS Bank for sponsoring the Wiggle 100.3 live radio broadcast.

A special Thank You to Cabot Oil and Gas who donated $1200 to assist families with their internet bills during the COVID-19 Pandemic. More than 70 families were able to receive their share of the financial assistance that supported the continuity of education for students.

Wyalusing Valley High School students were able to participate in dual enrollment courses through a partnership with Corning Community College. The dual enrollment relationship allows students to earn both high school credit and college credit that is transferable to many higher education institutions. This year, Wyalusing may have a set a record with some of the highest participation in the region. Just as important, this relationship saved parents approximately $1Million in college tuition costs. Now that's impressive!

A student with special needs provides the following praise for their teacher. ...."for art I'm picking to make something for you to cheer you up since the quarantine."

Your son is having tremendous success with online schooling. He and I have been meeting every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to work one-on-one on his assignments. He has been very positive, cooperative, and fun to work with. We have had many laughs!

In addition to our one-on-one time, He has attended all book studies which also take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He has participated in each one by listening attentively and answering and asking questions.

Finally, he is also completing assigned work on his own to the best of his ability. Kudos to his grandfather who sits with him the entire time and offers assistance as needed.

I brought home her school Chromebook today and she has been working on the tests. Thank you for all the effort in trying to get it on her home computer. Thank you and we are blessed to have you!

Mrs.Kilmer is my superhero. she helps me do school work.

I was able to teach a parent how to do something they needed to do for a class and the learning process this is for us all. I let parents know we are a team and we will work through this together. It has reinforced the rapport that was built. For me, it is also the compassion and cooperation to assist our students, during this huge transition, from our regular education teachers and working together as a team.

Wyalusing is doing way more for our students than any other local district.

I have been posting STEAM challenges for my elementary gifted kids. It's been so neat for me to see how creative they have been in solving these problems with household items at home. They have really been thinking outside the box and are so excited to show me their projects during meets, etc.

Students are excited for the activities and engaged in the "trip" answering and asking questions, making comments, and sharing their completed activities. I have had really great feedback from my groups on the online games I am using. Many parents have mentioned that their kids are asking to work ahead of the assigned lessons.

A student's father shared thanks for holding his son accountable to the appropriate use of the Chromebook while learning remotely.

I have loved the challenge of having to learn a new way to deliver my services. I’ve had to become creative in a tech world.

One of my favorite sessions so far has been watching one of my students make a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich during teletherapy. Listening to that student talk me through the process was so good for that student in so many ways.

I have a student who has been really struggling with k, g sounds. During one of our teletherapy sessions, the parent and I were able to discuss exactly what is happening when the child tries to produce k, g. The mother was able to see what I meant by watching and looking for what I was explaining. The student has since said their first great k sound!!!! Mom, the student, and I were THRILLED! Now the student is beginning to use k, g in conversation independently already!

...if it wasn’t for you and all the teachers believing in him and setting him up to be successful as well make BIG differences in his life. We honestly couldn’t have done without all your love and support.

A parent responds to a teacher who writes personal letters to students: "Yes, keep it up. He loves getting the letters and writing back to you."

What an exciting opportunity for Wyalusing Elementary Sixth Grade reading class! Charlotte Jones Voiklis, granddaughter of the beloved author, Madeleine L'engle, joined our Google Meets to talk with the students about how they can influence others by their writing. Charlotte showed the students the room where Madeleine L'engle wrote the novel, A Wrinkle in Time. Students were able to see the attic, brass bed, and book shelves of Meg Murry. Students were given an opportunity to ask her questions about her grandmother, and gained inspirational encouragement to become writers. Unfortunately, Madeleine L'engle passed away in 2007, however, Charlotte and her sister continue her legacy. This opportunity was a great way to motivate our sixth graders to continue to read and write as well as provide a positive perspective to inspire others.

A special note of gratitude has been earned for the entire WASD staff. When the Governor's original order to close schools was received late in the day on March 13th, no one could have anticipated the significant change to our learning environment that was about to take over.

Nevertheless, every staff member rolled up their sleeves and dug in, teachers quickly adjusted to a remote learning platform, support staff made special connections with students individually and in group sessions, and school counselors supported with adjustments that guided mental health resources as well as academic support. For this unprecedented adjustment that was completed with fidelity, rigor, and accountability, I applaud the efforts of our entire staff for a job well done!

On a special note, thank you to the parents and guardians for supporting the continuity of education and ensuring your children were engaged with learning during this public health crisis.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bottiglieri, Superintendent of Schools

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to work with my students online. This experience has allowed me to build stronger relationships with the parents, make different types of connections with my students, and help me grow professionally by learning new ways to reach the learning styles of my students, virtually. Back in April, right before we started planned instruction, I decided to use the flat teacher idea. I never realized what it could really do for the kids. I have now learned that she is not just a piece of paper. She has been a pal during the quarantine, a confidence booster while completing assignments, and an opportunity for me to complete my special end of the year gift for my students (a class video of their second grade journey). I have decided to include a Flat Mrs. Felker with the student's back to school letter in August. Seeing the face of their new teacher may help them feel better about returning back to school and be excited about second grade. I am also looking for ways to include a Flat Mrs. Felker in the classroom.

In these special edition Youtube videos, Mr. Lutzkanin shows off his woodworking hobby and makes connections to his Math lessons. He also incorporated Geometry topics that students were studying as well as additional Math concepts, and connections to History, Geography, and Science.

Mr. Bill Lutz was hired as a Long-term substitute for the 1989-90 school year then was hired full-time for the 1990-91 school year and assigned to 4th grade at New Albany Elementary. After the retirement of Mrs. Corson, he was employed as the Head Teacher beginning with the 1997-98 school year. Bill was also a Volleyball Coach for 18 years, Baseball Coach for 9 years, and Girls Basketball Coach for 23 years. Bill is pictured below in this throwback picture to the 1994 girls' volleyball season.

Congratulations Mr. Lutz on a long successful career, we will miss you!

Ms. Lisa Strunk was hired in June 1990 for the 1990-91 school year for High School Math. She also served as the SADD Advisor for many years, which is a group geared for Students Against Destructive Decisions. Lisa has impacted the lives of many students during a long career with WASD and she will be missed. Featured below in this throwback picture is Lisa during her early years.

Congratulations on your retirement and an excellent career in education, you will be missed!