Wappingers Junior High School

This historic site holds 85 years of memories for students, staff, and the community. From its early classrooms to the vibrant hallways we know today, Wappingers Jr. High has played a central role in shaping the lives of countless students.

This February, Wappingers Junior High proudly celebrates Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and lasting impact of Black individuals throughout history and today. From leaders and innovators to artists, educators, and activists, Black voices have helped shape our nation and the world. Throughout the month, students will engage in lessons and activities that highlight Black history, culture, and excellence—encouraging learning, reflection, and respect for the diverse stories that make up our shared community.

The Wappingers Junior High School logo reflects our commitment to excellence, unity, and Wildcat pride. Rooted in tradition yet focused on the future, it represents the strength, spirit, and diversity of our students, staff, and community. The Wildcat emblem stands for integrity, determination, and growth which continues to remind us that together, we are learning, leading, and shaping the future with pride.

At Wappingers Junior High, we take pride in fostering a supportive and engaging environment where every student can thrive. Pictured are Principal Mr. Thompson, Assistant Principal Mrs. Price, Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Lolkema and Mr. Zipp from the District Office. These leaders embody our excellence, unity, and Wildcat pride. Their teamwork and dedication make WJHS a place to learn, lead, and grow.

The Lady Wildcats put their hard work and teamwork on full display in their most recent game. From strong defensive plays to great energy and support on the bench, this team continues to represent our school with pride and determination. We’re proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and heart shown by these athletes every time they step on the court. Great job, Lady Wildcats!

Students enjoyed a night of music, dancing, and fun at the annual Snowflake Dance! The gym was filled with energy as friends gathered to celebrate the winter season, make memories, and enjoy time together outside of the classroom. Events like the Snowflake Dance help bring our school community together and create lasting moments for our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success, from organizers and chaperones to the students & DJ who brought the fun!

Huge shoutout to our incredible staff for showing up and showing OUT at the Snowflake Dance! From greeting students with smiles, to keeping everyone safe, supported, and having fun, this night wouldn’t have been possible without your dedication and heart. The joy in the room said it all—our students felt the love every step of the way. Thank you for giving your time, energy, and positivity to make this event such a special memory. This is what community looks like. #SnowflakeDance #StaffSupport #AboveAndBeyond #SchoolCommunity #MakingMemories

Wappingers Jr. was proud to celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.) by recognizing the dedication and service of those who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. We extend our sincere thanks to Sergeant Michael Rahilly for joining us in our celebration and for his continued commitment to public service. His presence made the day especially meaningful for our students and staff, and we are grateful for the time he took to connect with our school community. Thank you, Sergeant Rahilly, for your service, leadership, and support. We truly appreciate all that you do.

This photo was taken at the 2026 DCMEA Junior High All-County Music Festival, held this past weekend at FDR. The festival brought together talented student musicians from across the county, including students from WJHS and RCK. We are proud of our students for representing our school and showcasing their hard work and musical achievement.

We are proud to recognize and celebrate the following WCSD staff members who have dedicated 25 years of service to our District. Their commitment, professionalism, and positive impact on our students and school community are truly appreciated. Tammy Gehlert, Health Teacher; Kara Koretsky, Special Education Teacher; Celestine Milanese, Mathematics Teacher; Catherine E. Riecker, Special Education Teacher; and Jody Schwandner-Stahl, Special Education Teacher. Thank you for 25 years of dedication, excellence, and service to our students and families. We are grateful for all that you do!

We are proud to announce the winner of the 2026 School Spelling Bee—7th grader Zachariah Shrestha! Zachariah demonstrated exceptional spelling skills, focus, and perseverance to earn this well-deserved title. Congratulations on an outstanding achievement!

We would also like to recognize the many talented students who participated and made this year’s Spelling Bee a great success: Emilia Czauz, Juan Gonzalez, Ometh Kariyawasam, Joel James McFarlane, Peyton Santos, Angad Sekhon, Leila Sen, Kian Siddique and Roslyn Zhang. A special thank you to Mrs. Classen for serving as our judge and supporting our students throughout the competition. We are incredibly proud of all our participants for their hard work and courage in stepping up to the challenge. Well done, everyone!

Mr. Harry Ramirez shares the rich traditions of 3 Kings Day with students, teaching them about the cultural significance and joyful celebrations of this Puerto Rican holiday. Celebrated on January 6th, it marks the arrival of the Three Kings and the spirit of giving and community.

A big thank you to the Multicultural Committee of the Minds for your continued dedication to WJHS students and families. Your efforts in promoting inclusion, cultural understanding, and collaboration have helped foster a welcoming and respectful environment. We deeply appreciate the positive impact you’ve made, and we wish you all a wonderful holiday season!

A heartfelt thank you to the Multicultural Committee of the Minds for your unwavering dedication to supporting WJHS students and families. Your commitment to inclusion and cultural understanding has created a welcoming and respectful environment for all. We are grateful for your service and the positive impact you continue to make. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season!

A big thank you to Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Wells, and Mrs. Attlesey-Steger for their incredible support in making this event a huge success. Your dedication and hard work truly made it an unforgettable experience!

Wooden turkey’s Mrs. Reicker’s students made in Mr. Creeden's technology class.

Students explored a variety of careers, met professionals, and gained valuable insights during Career Day, sparking curiosity and excitement about their futures. A big thank you to the guidance department for organizing this annual event, their hard work made it possible for students to imagine and explore the many paths ahead of them.

WJHS extends a special thank-you to the Hughsonville Fire Company for their support during Career Day. Their participation gave students an exciting and informative look into the world of fire service, helping inspire future career interests. We truly appreciate their time, dedication, and commitment to our school community!

Celebrating the dedication of our educators. Kaedyn Johnson and Frank DiBattista thank Mr. Coelho and Mrs. Liberta, with special appreciation to Mrs. Price and Mr. Thompson, for making a difference every day.

We are proud to recognize Nathan Koretsky as the January Rotary Student of the Month! This honor reflects Nathan’s dedication to academic excellence, strong character, and commitment to our school community. A special thank you to Mrs. Perri for her support and guidance. Congratulations, Nathan, on this well-deserved achievement! We also thank the Rotary Club for their continued support in recognizing outstanding students.

Each month, WJHS honors students for kindness, leadership, academics, and perseverance. Rotary recognizes 8th graders: Sept: Penelopy Morris.

Each month, WJHS honors students for kindness, leadership, academics, and perseverance. Rotary recognizes 8th graders: Oct: Angad Sekhon. Beacon Elks honors 7th & 8th graders: Oct: Antony Kassas & Andrew Rollins-Montefusco.

A heartfelt thank you to our school monitors and teaching assistants for their constant support and dedication. Their hard work helps keep our school running smoothly and ensures students have a safe, supportive environment every day. We appreciate all that you do!

WJHS extends a sincere thank-you to our local law enforcement partners for their continued support, especially during school safety drills. Their guidance, professionalism, and commitment help keep our students and staff safe every day. We are grateful for their dedication to our school community.

We've compiled our most asked-for calendars on a single page: Full Year 2025-26 (PDF) Concerts and performances District events and cycle days Sporting events BOE meetings