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Worthingway Weekly

January 30, 2026

Worthingway Weekly January 30, 2026

Principal's Message Principal's Message

In a previous newsletter, I shared with you that our district is considering ways that AI can support teaching and learning. During this month, I have the privilege to be able to share a few of our teacher's perspectives on how they are using AI in their work with students. Today, I'd like to share with you the perspective of an administrator using AI in their work.


Abby Jinks is our fearless Assistant Principal. She has been in education for 10 years and at Worthingway for 4 years.


I actually used AI for the following blurb. I used the prompt "Use my chat history with you to draft a blurb for our family newsletter. The blurb should highlight how I use AI in my professional work as an assistant principal." I then revised and edited the blurb it gave me.


I use AI as a strategic thinking partner to enhance my effectiveness as a middle school administrator—not as a replacement for professional judgment, but as a tool that increases clarity and efficiency. AI supports my ability to support teachers by helping me analyze qualitative and quantitative data, refine teacher team structures, and translate complex initiatives into clear, actionable guidance for teachers and department leads.


In daily practice, I leverage AI to draft and refine professional communications, prepare for high-stakes meetings, and think through scenarios related to scheduling, staffing, and student support. AI also assists me in aligning lesson plans and instructional practices to state standards, supporting differentiation for diverse learners, and strengthening culturally responsive leadership practices.


At a systems level, I use AI to support long-range planning—such as multi-year improvement frameworks, student-focused decision-making, and organizational design—while ensuring that human relationships, context, and student-centered values remain at the core of every decision. Used responsibly, AI allows me to focus more time on people, leadership, and learning.


Here is an article that our staff will be reviewing and discussing together as we continue to learn more about this tool to enhance learning and creative/critical thinking.

Important UPDATES Important UPDATES

Family Conferences

  • We will host Conferences on February 5th from 4:45-7:45 and on February 11th from 4:45-6:45pm.
  • Click here to sign up
  • Click here for more information
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8th Grade Scheduling for TWHS

As a way to prepare for the high school scheduling/registration process, we thought it might be helpful to share a timeline of events as well as some helpful resources that you can review as a family. High school scheduling is essentially broken up into 3 different parts with Mrs.Todd going into ELA classes to lead each component. Please see below:


Part 1: Mrs. Todd will visit 8th grade ELA classes the week of February 2nd. She will visit Mr. Falter's classes on February 2nd and Mrs. Heydinger's classes on February 4th. In this portion, she will go over a presentation regarding high school courses and walk students through the 9th grade registration form. Each student will have their own form that she will pass out on this day. Students will have ONE week to complete their registration form and be ready to turn it into their ELA class for part 2. All students MUST have their registration form signed by a parent/guardian.


Part 2: During part 2, Mrs. Todd will go back into ELA classes (Mr. Falter's classes on February 9th and Mrs. Heydinger's classes on February 11th) to walk students through the registration process on Infinite Campus. Students will enter their courses from the registration form into Infinite Campus and turn in their registration form.


Part 3: Mrs. Todd will go back into ELA classes on February 17th (for Mr. Falter) and February 18th (For Mrs. Heydinger) to answer any additional questions students may have.

*8th grade teachers are submitting core classes recommendations and those recommendations have been shared with Mrs. Todd. Mrs. Todd will also be in the lunchroom during this period of time to answer more questions.


Here are some additional resources:

- Students interested in Linworth can email Mrs. Todd with a preferred date and time for a tour and she will be sure to connect with Linworth directly.

- For students who are inquiring about courses to "Get Ahead" over the summer, please click HERE for that information

- We will also be providing a tour day to Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) in late March so please be on the lookout for additional details around Mid-February.

- Please see the link for High School Courses & Descriptions at Thomas Worthington High School

- You will want to consult with your high school counselor regarding graduation requirements

- Please see the link for High School Courses & Registration


Linworth

  • Linworth is now accepting applications for the 26-27 school year. Apply at linworth.org.
  • To schedule a half-day student visit, contact your current school counselor or email akargiotis@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6900.
  • The Linworth Open House is Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m., at 2075 W. Dublin-Granville Rd.

  • Questions about Linworth can be directed to Amy Kargiotis, secretary at Linworth, at akargiotis@wscloud.org


TWHS STEM TEAM

  • We are thrilled to share an exciting opportunity for our students—the TWHS Freshman STEM Team! This innovative program blends rigorous academic content with real-world applications, helping students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and engaging environment.

  • While designed for students interested in STEM fields, the STEM Team prepares all students for any college or career path. Students also have access to unique opportunities, including advanced technology, internships with companies like Abbott Labs and Honda, and partnerships with universities such as The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati. We hope you’ll consider this incredible opportunity for your child!

  • This program provides a solid foundation for students’ futures, whether in STEM or any other field.

  • STEM Team Overview

  • STEM Team Flowchart

Staff Spotlight Staff Spotlight

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Ryan Faingold

What subject/grade do you teach?

  • Social Studies (grade 6)


When did you start teaching?

  • 2023


What is your favorite part about Worthingway?

  • The culture, the staff, and the community


What is your favorite part about teaching?

  • My favorite part is definitely seeing that 'click' on a student's face when they finally get a really tough concept


What are your hobbies?

  • Working out, Trivia, Building Legos, Watching the Chicago Cubs & Coaching/Playing Volleyball


What is your favorite food/drink?

  • Lasagna


What are you most proud of?

  • The 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs


What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

  • Cliff jumping


What is something unique or interesting about you that most people might not know?

  • I can say the alphabet backwards


What is your favorite corny joke?

  • Why was six afraid of seven, cause seven ate nine!
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Dental Clinic

Worthington Schools is happy to be partnering once again with Ohio Dental Outreach, to offer in-school dental care. The dates for Worthington Estates and Worthingway Students are Wednesday February 11, 2026. The services will be performed at Worthington Estates Elementary (Worthingway students will walk over accompanied by school staff). Dental care includes a complete dental exam, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride and sealants when necessary, and in some cases, restorative care such as fillings, all occurring during the school day. All insurance is accepted including Medicaid and CHIP. For those without insurance, a self- pay option is available for $71 (ages 13 or younger), or you may also request donated care to cover the cost.


Permission slips are available at your school office. These need to be completed and returned as soon as possible, or you may complete the form online -- the links for each school are found below. Parent/Guardian signature is required in order to treat your student on the day of the clinic. We need as many students as possible to complete permission slip by February 4, 2026, although students will be accepted after that date.


If you have any questions please contact Joyce Casey, our School Nurse at 614-450-4300 or jcasey@wscloud.org.


Worthingway Middle School: https://www.myschooldentist.com/WNWCOH_schsrm

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Important REMINDERS Important REMINDERS

Recognize a Staff Member with a Cardinal Compliment

  • Has a teacher, counselor, or staff member made a positive impact on your child? We want to hear about it! Take a moment to fill out our form to recognize a Worthingway staff member who has gone above and beyond. Your kind words mean a lot and help us celebrate the amazing work happening every day in our school community.


Bell Schedule

  • Click here for our bell schedule


Schoology

  • Schoology is our LMS (Learning Management System). Basically that means it is the "website" that our teachers use to house and communicate learning goals, assignments, and even some assessments.
    • Parent Guide: Schoology
    • What is Schoology?


Infinite Campus

  • Infinite Campus is where you can access your students' grades, attendance, etc.
  • Parent Guide: Infinite Campus


Securly Home

  • You can download the Securly app to keep your student safe while using their school issued chromebook at home. Click here to learn more.


Best Resource!!!

  • Click here for a comprehensive document that will help you with Schoology and Infinite Campus and Securly Home.

PTA Update PTA Update

Want to Help?

There’s still time to contribute! Use our Amazon Wish List to send a game or two. Even a small purchase goes a long way in creating inclusive, shared fun:


Click here for our Wish List


Become a Cards Helper!

Whether it’s donating items, chaperoning an event, or lending your talents behind the scenes - We’d love to have you!


This is low-commitment, high-impact involvement that makes a big difference.

Sign Up to Help https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYq5-2XuC-B5j3uiXctN5hAHXyioj_MhPVYN6kYCCL4QG_8w/viewform?usp=header


More Ways to Support Worthingway PTA

Kroger Community Rewards
Link your Kroger card to Worthingway PTA (NPO #RF924), and a portion of your regular grocery spending helps support our school—at no cost to you!


Donate or Join the PTA
Every dollar and every member matters.

  • Donate to the PTA

  • Join the PTA


Stay Connected

  • Read this section of the principal’s newsletter each week

  • Visit our website: worthingwaypta.my.canva.site

  • Join the conversation: Search “Worthingway PTA” on Facebook


Jennifer Johnson
PTA President
Worthingway Middle School

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Athletics Athletics

  • All student-athletes must be registered in Final Forms in order to receive athletic communications and participate in any athletic tryouts, open gyms/fields, and practices.
  • Worthington students in grades 6-12 who provide their student ID will be admitted free into any home Worthington athletic contest.
  • You may use this link to purchase tickets for athletic events through Hometown Ticketing.
  • Check out our athletic website for more information
  • Team schedules can be found here
  • WORTHINGWAY WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULES
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Pick Up and Drop Off Pick Up and Drop Off

Students that are dropped off or picked up by car will enter via our main office entrance (Rieber Street). Buses will drop off and and pick up at our 6th grade entrance (Guyer Street side). Important notes:


  • Student Safety is our top priority. Please be mindful of our walkers and bike riders (we have bike racks on our bus drop off side). If you exit on the Guyer Street side, please yield to crossing students AND incoming buses.
  • Doors open at 8:50 for student drop off. Students will be instructed to remain in the cafeteria or gym until 9:03. Classes begin at 9:10 and end at 3:50.
  • We ask families to pull all the way forward to the end of our main lot at pick up time. Cars that stop at the front doors can create backups that extend onto Rieber St.
  • You may notice one or two cars in the bus loop at the beginning and end of the day. These vehicles have special permission to be here for their students' transportation needs.
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Upcoming Dates Upcoming Dates

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  • District Calendar for 2025-26


Thursday, February 5

  • Family Conferences (4:45-7:45)

Wednesday, February 11

  • Family Conferences (4:45-6:45)
  • Information Night (7:00-8:15) - for current 5th grade students and families

Friday, February 13

  • No School

Monday, February 16

  • No School
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Worthingway Middle School

Mr. Todd Keenan, principal (tkeenan@wscloud.org)

Mrs. Abby Jinks, assistant principal (ajinks@wscloud.org)

Ms. Lara Ruffing, mental health specialist (lruffing@wscloud.org)

Mr. Nick Wiedenhoft, athletic director (nwiedenhoft@wscloud.org)

Mrs. Paula Lee, administrative assistant (plee@wscloud.org)

Ms. Amanda DeBernardi, administrative assistant (adebernardi@wscloud.org)

Mrs. Jodi Hill, attendance and testing (wayattend@wscloud.org or click here)

Mrs. Joyce Casey, school nurse (jcasey@wscloud.org)


Location: 6625 Guyer Street, Worthington, OH


Phone: 614-450-4300

School Website

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