Worthington Park Shark Sentinel
Family Newsletter- October 23rd, 2026
Dear Families and Park Sharks,
What an incredible, event-filled week we’ve had here at Worthington Park! I couldn’t be prouder of how our students showed up, worked hard, and celebrated together over the last few days.
First, a big shout-out to our hardworking 3rd graders, who took on the Ohio State Tests on Monday and Tuesday with focus, determination, and positive attitudes. Way to give it your best effort!
Our Kindergarteners also had an amazing time stepping out for their field trip to Lynd Fruit Farm. Seeing their excitement as they explored and learned made for a truly wonderful experience for our youngest Park Sharks.
We wrapped up the week with a fantastic celebration at our Walk-A-Thon Assembly on Thursday! Together, our students walked countless miles and raised an astounding $12,294.72 for our school. To help us celebrate, we had a very special guest stop by—Brutus Buckeye from The Ohio State University! Brutus joined in the fun as top earners got to silly string staff members and raffle prizes were handed out.
The assembly was also the perfect moment to officially introduce a new member of our family: Finley the Shark, our brand-new school mascot! Finley brought so much energy to the room, and we can’t wait to see Finley cheering on our students throughout the year.
Thank you all for your continued support, generosity, and community spirit. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable weekend!
Go Sharks! 🦈💙
-Principal Garrity
(614) 450-5500
Upcoming Celebrations at Worthington Park
Halloween Celebration & Parade
It is almost that time of year! We are excited to once again celebrate the Halloween Season with our Park Shark students and families with our annual Halloween Costume Parade here at Park. On Friday, October 30th, students grade K-5 are able to participate in a quick celebration and a parade around the outside of our building showcase their Halloween spirit and costumes. (More information coming for parents who may wish to attend.)
If students wish to participate, we ask that they bring a costume to school (not worn all day) that can go over their clothing. Additionally we ask to avoid any costume that has blood, gore, or weapons.
Special Note: Costumes with Masks will not be allowed to be worn in the building, however they can use them during the parade outside.
Veteran's Day Celebration- SAVE THE DATE
Are you a Veteran who has a child, grandchild, niece or nephew at Worthington Park?
We are so very excited to welcome the Veterans who are part of the Worthington Park Elementary Community to our school on Wednesday, November 11th. Our students and staff would be honored if you would join us for a Celebration Assembly in the morning of November 11th.
We will have light refreshments for veterans to enjoy before a joint performance from our Student Choir and our Student Council. We will send out a form to all families next week if they have a Veteran would be interested in joining us for the celebration.
🍎Kindergarten Field Trip to Lynd Farms 🍏
Worthington Resource Pantry Food Drive
Reminders about Halloween Candy
Lunchtime Reminder
It's the time of year when students may be bringing extra candy in their lunches. But as a reminder, Worthington Schools are Nut-Free - and that includes candy! Keep those Reese's and Snickers to enjoy at home!
Dismissal Reminders & Communication
As a reminder to all families who have children either dismissing to a Daycare or Care After School. Please make sure to contact both us here at Worthington Park and your child's after school care should there be a change in dismissal plans.
Thank you!
Dates to Keep on the Calendar
Friday, October 30th: Halloween Parade and Celebration
Tuesday, November 3rd: No School- Staff PD & Election Day
Wednesday, November 11th: Veteran's Day Assembly and Celebration
Columbus Zoo Joins 3rd Grade
Walk-A-Thon Update
Our Park Sharks walked countless miles and earned a total of $12,294.72 for our school! WAY TO GO, PARK SHARKS!!! Yesterday we celebrated our success with a school wide assembly led by special guest Brutus Buckeye and our new mascot Finley Shark! Top earners from our Walk-a-Thon got to silly string staff members and raffle prizes were awarded to some of our awesome Park Sharks!
SAVE THE DATE- Chipotle FUNdriaser November 4th 🌯🌯🌯🌯
Save the date! Our first restaurant FUNdraiser of the year is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Skip groceries and meal planning and order from Chipotle instead. You can order in-person or online using the code TXPMY9E at the Campus View Blvd Chipotle location.
Thank you for supporting the Worthington Park PTA!
SPIRIT WEAR BRAND NEW DESIGN!
Orders must be placed by November 20th!!! At that time, a bulk order will be placed. Orders will be distributed in student backpacks approximately 2-3 weeks after the order window closes. WE WILL NOT BE ORDERING EXTRA SPIRIT WEAR TO KEEP ON HAND FOR LATER SALE
Community and District Resources
Please take a look at the attached flyers for some great local resources, including free back-to-school supplies and free vaccination clinics.
Worthington Park Thanksgiving and December Food and Gift Support
The holiday season is a special time, but we know it can also be a difficult time for families. We know that every family's needs are different, and we all need support, at times. We are here to support you.
If your family could use some extra help with food or gifts this holiday season, please take a few minutes to complete this short Google Form. Your answers will help us understand what your family needs and how we can help.
Please fill out the form here: Park Thanksgiving and December Food and Gift Support
Please contact our Building Champions for Community Engagement (Allie Garner or Courtney Saba) with any questions regarding November and December support.
Thanks for your collaboration on these things! Let us know if you have any questions!
-Allie
Screenagers: Elementary Edition
All Worthington parents are invited to participate in the viewing of Screenagers: Elementary Edition on November 17th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Bluffsview Elementary.
Screenagers takes viewers on an in depth look at the impact of digital interaction on children and explores the challenges parents face in raising children in the digital age. Following the viewing of the film, participants will engage in discussion around navigating parenting in the digital age.
To learn more or register, view the flyer below.
Updates from the Lazelle Woods Recreation Center
The Lazelle Woods Rec Center is having our annual Fall Fest on October 30th from 5:00p-7:30pm. Come join the celebration at the center and learn more about our services and our winter sports registration windows. Our basketball league registrations just opening up!
Patrick Garrity
Principal- Worthington Park Elementary School
Email: pgarrity@wscloud.org
Website: https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/domain/25
Location: 500 Park Road, Westerville, OH, USA
Phone: (614) 450-5500
X: @WoParkSharks Instagram: @WorthingtonParkSharks