Worthingway Weekly

How we look at and reflect on our mistakes and failures greatly impacts our growth. When we take the perspective of “what can I learn from this failure” and “what can I learn from this mistake I made” then we are more likely to grow and get better from that.

Middle school is the perfect opportunity for students to experience failure or mistakes in small doses! As adults with powerful influence on young people, we need to consider how we lead them through their responses to their mistakes and failures so that it becomes a learning and growing experience for them.

I shared previously that one of my favorite questions to ask my daughter at the end of the day is “what did you do today that was hard (or something you did that you didn’t want to do)?” Another great question to try is “what did you today that you failed or didn’t see the success that you wanted and what can you learn from that?”

Something else we can consider is sharing examples from our own life. All the time when kids are in our office for private conversations, we share “I make mistakes all the time. I am not perfect.”

Finally, one of my new favorite quotes that I read recently is from author Mark Batterson. He wrote, "The cure for the fear of failure isn't success. It is experiencing failure in small doses so that you build up an immunity to it."

At Worthingway, we love mistakes in small doses. And we are grateful that we have the opportunity to partner with you to work with and guide students through those mistakes.

This Week

• This week, I saw the following:
• Families and staff members working together in conferences to support our students
• Our staff volunteered to provide extra supervision at the bus loop when our buses were running late due to traffic
• Our bus drivers stepped up and took on additional routes and helped with adding students not on their routes to get home as quick as possible and as safe as possible
• Student Council organized a spirit week - on Wednesday students dressed as teachers and teachers dressed as students - we had a good time with it!
• Students give quality feedback with care to each other on their writing in ELA class
• Students welcomed a new student

Family Conferences

• We have our Family Conferences scheduled for October 9 and 15.
• We use an online program for parent-teacher conference sign-ups. You may choose between two dates, Thursday, 10/9 or Wednesday, 10/15. Conferences are set up to meet with your student's teachers if you have questions, or concerns. Times are limited to 10 minutes, between the hours of 4:45 and 7:45. Please come prepared with specific questions and concerns, as we make every effort to stay on schedule. You may sign up starting on Friday 10/3 through Tuesday, 10/14.
• Please click here to sign up.

SCHOOL PHOTO RETAKE OR MAKE-UP INFORMATION

• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025 (during the school day)
• PHOTO RETAKES: If you would like your student to retake the school photo they previously took and you ordered, the student should bring in the original photo order package and give it to the photographer on October 24. A new photo will be taken and the same photo order package will be produced using the new student photo. If the student does not have a physical package to return because they ordered a digital download or if the parent/guardian has seen the first image and wants it to be taken again, we will photograph any of the students that present themselves for a retake picture.
• PHOTO MAKE-UPS: If your student was absent for our two previous photo days or if they are a new student who has not taken a school photo, we would like them to take a photo on October 24. Even if you do not plan to order photos, their photo will be used in the yearbook and for a student ID. You may visit the HR Imaging website: shophrimaging.com to place an order.

Worthington City Schools, in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, is providing a training for the 7th grade students called Signs of Suicide on October 27th and 28th. The Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program (SOS) is a school-based suicide prevention program supported by SAMHSA. The goal of the curriculum is to prevent and reduce suicidal behavior by expanding the safety net for students experiencing mental and emotional distress. The training uses a video to help guide classroom discussions.

Students are trained to recognize warning signs of suicide in a friend as well as an appropriate response. Additionally, students are provided the opportunity to speak to a school counselor if they are concerned about their own emotional well-being. Screening to assess for depression and suicide risk is also a part of the curriculum. In cooperation with parents, students may be referred for professional help as needed.

SOS is a nationally-known suicide prevention program that parents and schools have found to be a very positive experience. It reduces the stigma of depression and lets students and adults know that they are capable of helping students in need of support. There is clear evidence that using a prevention program like SOS lowers the risk of a child making a suicide attempt and does not put the idea in a child’s mind. However, we always respect parents’ rights to choose what is best for their child.

If you do NOT wish for your child to participate in the SOS Prevention Program, please email Lyn Whitmer at lwhitmer@wscloud.org by October 21st.

What year did you start teaching?

• 1999

What do you teach?

• Science (grades 6)

What is your favorite part about Worthingway?

• I love the people I work with and the students I teach.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

• Allowing students to experience parts of the world they didn't know existed!

What are you most proud of?

• I love to see students grow and glow!

What are your hobbies?

• Reading, traveling and spending time with my cat.

What is your pet peeve?

• Lunch boxes left in lockers for weeks. I like science but not that kind of experiment.

What is your favorite food/drink?

• Diet Coke

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

• The most adventurous thing that I have ever done is going to the Bahama's and living on a sail boat for a week when I was 17 years old.

What is your favorite TV show?

• The Office

What is your favorite corny joke?

• What did one tectonic plate say when he bumped into the other? Sorry! My fault.

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.

6th Grade Camp Information

• Camp Information Meeting Slides
• Click here for the camp link
• Click here for the packet that was distributed at the meeting
• Click here for the packing video
• Questions about camp should be directed to your students' assist (period 7) teacher.

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.

Our St. Vincent de Paul conference offers a free clothing room at St. Michael Church, 5750 North High Street, Worthington, 43085. As shoppers enter the church driveway it is on the right-hand side prior to the parking lot. Shoppers will need to go down the outside stairs to gain entrance to the room. There will be a sign out on days the room is open. The room is stocked with gently used seasonal clothing for all ages. In addition, we provide a new set of underwear and socks for each family member. All we need would be identification for each family member that is being shopped for and which school is referring them. The Clothing room is open the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9:00 – 10:00 (last shopper signed in). And again, on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10:00 – 11:00 (last shopper signed in). Families may visit the clothing room every three months.

Fall Is Officially Here!

There’s a crispness in the air, the leaves are starting to turn, and that can only mean one thing - Fall is in full swing at Worthingway!

With so much happening this time of year, from fundraisers and spiritwear to volunteer opportunities, we want to make sure you stay in the know. This section of the newsletter is your go-to spot for all things PTA.

Make it a habit to check here each week so you don’t miss out on chances to get involved, support our school, and stay connected with the amazing Worthingway community. We've got exciting things ahead and would love to have you along for the ride!

Help Us Build Our Indoor Game Collection

• As the weather cools down, we want to provide options for students who stay indoors during Community Time. We’ve created an Amazon Wish List with fun, student-friendly games that will stay at school for shared use!

• Even one small purchase goes a long way in helping create inclusive fun for all!

Butter Braids: Our Biggest Fundraiser of the Year!

We’re kicking off our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we need your help to make it a success!

You should have received an email last week from Butter Braids with all the details - Including your student’s personal online store link.

Didn’t see it? Be sure to check your spam or promotions folder!

Here’s what you need to know:

• Sale runs now through Monday, October 20th

• Each item is $18 and up, and Worthingway earns up to 40% of the proceeds

• Our goal is for each student to sell 12 items

• Incentives:
  • Sell 20 items = Graeter’s gift card
  • Sell 25 items = Chipotle gift card

• Delivery Day: Tuesday, November 11th
  • Items will be distributed at school between 4pm - 6pm

Butter Braids are perfect for easy and impressive holiday hosting. Thank you for helping us make this fundraiser a success!

Spiritwear Sale: October 6th – 15th

• Show off your school spirit with brand new Worthingway gear!
• Now through October 12th, enjoy 30% off all spiritwear with code: FALL30

Want to Help? Become a Cards Helper!

• Whether it’s donating items, chaperoning an event, or pitching in behind the scenes, we'd love to have you!
• When you sign up, we’ll reach out when volunteer opportunities arise. It’s low-commitment, high-impact.
• Sign up HERE!

More Ways to Support Worthingway PTA

1. Kroger Community Rewards
   Link your Kroger card to Worthingway PTA (NPO #RF924) and a portion of your regular purchases supports our school - At no cost to you!

2. Donate or Join the PTA
   Every dollar and every member makes a difference.
   • Donation Link https://worthingway.givebacks.com/shop/items/115388
   • Join the PTA Link https://worthingway.givebacks.com/shop/items/116247

Stay Connected with Us

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

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

• Join our Facebook group: Search “Worthingway PTA”

Together, we’re building a stronger school community. Thank you for being part of it!

Jennifer Johnson
PTA President
Worthingway Middle School

• 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

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.

• District Calendar for 2025-26

October 15

• Family Conferences

October 16

• End of Quarter 1

October 17

• No School

October 24

• School Photo Re-takes

October 27-29

• 6th grade camp
• SOS for 7th grade

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

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

Mrs. Lyn Whitmer, counselor (lwhitmer@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