Congratulations to all our 2024 WASD Retirees!
Glen Johnston – School Psychologist – JSHS, 21 years of service
Glen Johnston worked as a clinical psychologist in outpatient, inpatient and institutional settings for 14
years before deciding to shift his career to the field of school psychology. Following an internship at
Wyomissing, Glen worked for the Ephrata Area School District before returning to Wyomissing in
2003. Glen has worked as a school psychologist in all of the buildings in the district over his 21 years,
but has always been focused on the Junior Senior High School. Glen has enjoyed working with the
Wyomissing students, families and his co-workers in special and regular education, as well as the
administrative staff during his time with us.
Margaret Shomgard – World Language, Spanish Teacher – JSHS, 23 years of service
Margaret Shomgard came to Wyomissing Area School District in 2001 with 16 years of experience
teaching ESL, HS Spanish and self-contained Sixth Grade in the public schools. While teaching ESL,
Mrs. Shomgard also worked for PA Migrant Education as a “link” to assist with the home to school
connection and teach English to adult Migrant Workers. Additionally, Mrs. Shomgard ran a private
business teaching Mommy & Me preschool Spanish classes, homeschool group Spanish classes and
children/adult Spanish & English classes. At Wyomissing, Margaret began teaching elementary Spanish at WREC and ESL and Accelerated Math in the 4th grade at the Hills. For the past 23 years Mrs. Shomgard has enjoyed teaching all levels of Spanish at the Junior/Senior High and is currently teaching Spanish I, Honors Spanish IV and AP Spanish Language & Culture. Highlights of her career include taking students to Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Costa Rica. Additionally, Sra. Shomgard has been the Advisor for the Spanish Club as well as the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (aka National Spanish Honor Society). Margaret is very grateful for the years she spent teaching in the Wyomissing Area School District and for the amazing students, families, colleagues and administrators she has had the privilege to work alongside during her time at Wyomissing. In retirement Margaret will enjoy spending more time with her family and will continue to use her teaching and Spanish skills where needed.
Colleen Vargo - Math Teacher - JSHS, 19 years of service
Colleen began her teaching career in 1990 in the Central Dauphin School District as a middle school
teacher. In addition to teaching, she coached field hockey and track. She relocated to Maryland in
1998 where she continued her career in the Montgomery County School system teaching mathematics
and running the Gifted and Talented program at Westland Middle School. After taking time off to
start a family, she moved back to Pennsylvania in 2005 to resume her teaching career at Wyomissing
JSHS. As a Wyomissing resident, Colleen has had the unique opportunity to teach each of her sons,
twice. In addition to teaching, she has been the Junior High Math Team co-advisor for 16 years where
she has had the honor over the years of working with some very talented students. She considers her
years at Wyomissing some of the best years of her life and is so grateful for the role it played in not
just her life, but in her family’s as well. It’s a special place that she will greatly miss.
Support Staff
Wendy Brent – Food Service JSHS, 17 years of service
Wendy has worked in the WASD Food Service Department for 17 years. She has done a wonderful
job ensuring that all three cafeterias are fully stocked with food to serve to the students. Wendy has
enjoyed being a part of the team and building relationships with staff and students.
Michael Hasara – Custodian JSHS, 16 years of service
Mike has served 16 years with the District, beginning with WASD as a second shift custodian at the
JSHS. He later moved to support facilities and food service as the custodian for the JSHS cafeteria and
he also supported the other schools in this position. He ended his career as a day shift custodian for the JSHS, he was well respected, known as a hard worker and as someone who cared about supporting students. He was always willing to help out.
Denise Hymes – Library Aide, WHEC, 2 years of service.
Today is a bittersweet day as we say goodbye to Denise Hymes who has been a crucial part of the
WHEC library for the past 2 years. Denise has many talents. In addition to always making sure all
15,000 books were where they should be, she also consistently brought her patience and kindness to
every situation. Denise helped everyone. She helped the younger students maintain focus, and the older students always knew they could count on her to dig up just the right book, no matter how obscure their interests. Beyond all of that, she was incredibly reliable– rain or shine, she was here, keeping our library running smoothly. Denise helped to make this place feel like home, a cozy spot where every kid felt welcomed and encouraged to explore. Her warmth and dedication have left a mark on all of us. As she heads off for retirement we wish her more adventures with her family, more time for herself, and more time to finally catch up on her own reading! Thanks for everything, Denise. You'll always be a part of our library family.
Diana Kissling – Food Service JSHS, 18 years of service.
Diana has been a member of the WASD Food Service department for 18 years. She has served as a
cook and cashier at the JSHS. Diana really enjoyed her years working in the deli and preparing
sandwiches and salads for the students.
Gail Werner – Food Service JSHS, 7 years of service
Gail has worked in the food service department at the JSHS for seven years. A few things that Gail
has enjoyed while working at Wyomissing Area School District was serving the students, having fun
with coworkers, and having time off in the summer.
Linda Wynne – Paraprofessional WHEC, 16 years of service
Linda has been a dedicated Wyomissing paraprofessional for 16 years. During this time, she has
worked at all three buildings with numerous children with a wide variety of special needs. She always
demonstrates love and compassion for her students while setting high expectations for them. If there is a student who needs to work on independence, Linda is the paraprofessional for them! She has a strong work ethic and goes above and beyond for the many teachers and other staff she has worked with over the years. She has been a stellar employee who strives to give her very best to Wyomissing every day.