HONESDALE – On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, fifteen (15) new teachers completed their Wayne Highlands School District orientation in order to begin the new school year. Those teachers and their assignments are as follows: Ms. Jessie DiPuma (Special Education – Wayne Highlands Middle School), Miss Ashley Flederbach (Speech and Language Pathologist - Stourbridge Primary Center (Early Intervention) and Preston Area School), Miss Jalenna Gibbs (Special Education – Damascus School), Mr. Anton Gilpin (Metal Technology – Honesdale High School), Mrs. Katie Kingston – (Special Education Life Skills at Stourbridge Primary Center), Mrs. Amy Kuta (Special Education Emotional Support – Wayne Highlands Middle School), Mr. Brian McCormack – (Special Education at Honesdale High School), Mr. Benjamin Monahan – (Math at Wayne Highlands Middle School), Miss Gabrielle Pranzo (3rd grade at Preston Area School), Mr. Pat Radice (Special Education – Preston Area School), Mrs. Alyvea Rawlins (Special Education and Social Studies at Preston Area School), Miss Madeline Spinelli (4th/5th grade – Preston Area School), Ms. Myranda Strada (Special Education – Damascus School), Mrs. Emily Watral (Special Education-Partial Hospitalization/Emotional Support-Mid Level – Wayne Highlands Middle School), and Miss Carley Zielinski (Special Education - Lakeside Elementary).

Mr. Timothy Morgan, Assistant Superintendent, stated that the new teacher orientation is a vital part of the Teacher Induction Program. New teachers are paired with experienced mentor teachers who volunteer from their grade level or content area. The district provides professional support through mentoring for teachers in their first and second years. Mr. Morgan noted that the main purpose of the day is to explain the educational philosophies, policies, and methods the new teachers will need in providing an exemplary educational program. Also participating in the orientation were: Mr. Gregory Frigoletto, Superintendent; Mr. Elliot Zackoski, Wayne Highlands Education Association; Mrs. Amanda Kerna, Director of Special Education; Mrs. Erika Cavanaugh, Assistant Director of Special Education; and Mr. Scott Miller, District Technology Supervisor.