Worthingway Weekly
August 21, 2026
Principal's Message
We had a fantastic first 3 days of school!
Our focus this week was on 1) building positive relationships and 2) teaching the building-wide behavior expectations and procedures. This will help us to have a successful and enjoyable school year.
I am always impressed with how intentional and strategic our staff is with ensuring ALL of our students have a positive experience and start during their first three days of school. Students started each day in their "assist" period to help establish a sense of community and to ease into the school day. Each day during this time, students watched a short video message from Mr. Keenan and Mrs. Novak.
Mr. Keenan, Mrs. Novak, and Mrs. Todd met with each grade level for a meeting in the gym (8th grade on Wednesday, 7th grade on Thursday, and 6th grade on Friday). Click here for a look at the slides from this meeting. During the sixth grade meeting on Friday, we were joined by a 7th and 8th grader who presented on "how to be a good friend." Additionally, all students and staff wore nametags so we could better learn each other's names.
We have really awesome students at Worthingway. They never cease to make me laugh and make me proud. We are constantly preaching and teaching about "Being Kind, Working Hard, and Owning It" with our students. The moments that I get to see as their principal when they live out these expectations is really cool. Here are a few of those this week:
Be Kind - There were countless examples of students helping each other with their lockers this week but two stood out to me. I noticed two sixth grade boys - one being very patient while helping the other learn his combination and how to turn the lock. Another, an eighth grade boy stopping on his way to class to help a sixth grade boy.
Work Hard - As I visited classrooms this week, I noticed ALL of our students approach learning the building procedures and expectations with an inquiring and open mind. Our students engaged with each other and our teachers to learn things this week.
Own It - There were some minor examples of a few students not following our expectations during lunch. Our adults would simply pull them aside and reiterate the expectation. All of our students are capable of following the expectation and we will hold them to that standard. In all the situations this week, the students were great about owning their behavior and then quickly being able to resume their day in a positive way.
UPDATES
School Photo Make-Ups
- Tuesday, August 25, 2026
If your student was not here on Registration Day for a school photo, a make-up session will take place during the school day on Tuesday. If you'd like to place an online photo order please visit HR Imaging or your student may pick-up a paper order form in the office.
Open House
- We are excited to open our building to you on Monday, August 31.
- All of our teachers will be here and their classrooms will be open.
- We will operate on a true "Open House" format so you are welcome to visit anytime between 6:00-7:30pm.
- Bring your child's schedule with you so you know who to see and what classroom they are in. However, we can print a schedule off for you as you walk in if that is needed.
- If you are unable to attend, you can meet the teachers by watching their video message to you.
Sixth Grade Camp Meeting
- All 6th grade students and families are welcome to attend an informational meeting about Sixth Grade Camp on Monday, August 31 from 7:30-8:00 in our gym.
- Our sixth grade camp will be October 7-9 at Camp Nuhop. Students are not required to attend. It is an overnight camp.
REMINDERS
Medications at School:
- Students in grade 6-12 are permitted to carry and self-administer over-the-counter medications at school, only if a form has been completed and signed by their parent/guardian, and has been turned in to our School Nurse, Joyce Casey. You may find this form here. Students are never permitted to share these medications with others at school. Parent/guardians are also able to elect for the over-the-counter medicine to remain in the health office, and dosages are administered and recorded by Mrs. Casey.
- Prescription medications (with the exception of epipens and albuterol inhalers) are not allowed to be carried by students, and must remain in the health office. All medications, prescription and over-the-counter, must come to our school buildings in their original containers so they can be properly identified.
- Please take extra care to make sure your student is only bringing medications to school that have appropriate forms filed with the health office. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Casey at 614-450-4300 or jcasey@wscloud.org
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
Parent Resources
- 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
- Infinite Campus:
- Infinite Campus is how you can access your students' grades, attendance, etc
- Parent Guide
- 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.
- Click here for a comprehensive document that will help you with Schoology and Infinite Campus and Securly Home.
Annual Data Review
- All Families must complete the Annual Data Review at the beginning of each school year. This is where you update your family information, sign off on field trips, directory information, and more.
- In order to do this, you must first have set up your own username and password in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. You have been receiving emails from our District Technology Department regarding this.
- You can find instructions on how to do all of this on our district Back To School page.
- If you have any questions, please complete this google form and someone will be in touch to support you.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
There has been an update to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please see the following information from our District Technology Department:
- On July 20, you should have received an email containing a unique URL. Simply click the link and follow the prompts to create your new username and password. Once logged in, it will look the same as before.
- You can complete this setup on a computer or mobile device in a couple of minutes.
- If you use the Infinite Campus Mobile App, you will need to sign in again with your new account.
- Once you establish your new account, please be sure to set a security email to allow self service for your account and password recovery. Details were included in your Welcome email July 20.
- This change only impacts parent accounts. Student accounts will continue to be established by the district.
- To ensure you receive the email, please review our Parent Guide: Email Safe Senders guide.
- Please complete this process promptly to have access to next year's classroom and schedule information in August.
- If you have questions or are unable to complete the steps and need technical support, please complete this google form.
PTA Update
Dear Worthingway Families,
Welcome back!!
Some of us spent the summer traveling, some relaxing, and some of us, let's be honest, were VERY ready for that first day of school bell to ring. However you spent your summer, we are so glad you are back! The halls of Worthingway are full again, the backpacks are packed, and a brand new school year full of possibilities is officially underway. The Worthingway PTA is so excited to be a part of this school year with you and your student, and we’re ready to make this an incredible year!
A few things to share with you!
COME CHECK OUT OUR NEW INSTAGRAM PAGE!
Simply click HERE and follow to stay connected to all the PTA has in store this year!
And as a reminder - you can join the Worthingway PTA Facebook group by searching “Worthingway PTA” and clicking ‘join’!
SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS
If you ordered a school supply kit and did not pick it up on schedule pick-up night, they are located in the front office. You or your student can get them anytime during school hours.
FALL CANTEEN - DATE UPDATE
We have an update on Fall Canteen! The date has changed from September 11th to Friday, September 18th from 4:00–6:00 PM at Worthingway Middle School. Mark your calendars, this is always such a fun afternoon for our students and we cannot wait!
Stay tuned for more information and ticket sales coming soon!
LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR WORTHINGWAY TEAM?
We have attached a flyer with QR codes linking to everything listed below - just scan and go!
Enroll in Kroger Community Rewards - one of the easiest ways to give back, and it costs you absolutely nothing! A portion of your regular Kroger purchases goes directly to support PTA programs.
Sign in to your Kroger digital account
Go to your account and click on Community Rewards
Enter the name (Worthingway Middle School PTA) or NPO number (RF924)
Select the organization from the list and click "Save"
That's it - every grocery run helps our school!
Donate or Become a PTA Member - every dollar goes directly to programs that support our teachers, students, and school community.
Make a Donation HERE
Join the PTA Today HERE
As a PTA member, you are also welcome to attend our monthly meetings, vote on decisions the PTA makes, and share your ideas and opinions. Your voice matters and we would love to have you at the table!Sign Up as a "Cards Helper" - from chaperoning events to donating items, our volunteers make everything possible! Click HERE to add your name to our list. There is absolutely no obligation just for signing up - we will simply reach out when opportunities arise and you can decide what works for you!
Shop Spirit Wear - show your Worthingway pride AND support the PTA. 10% of sales come back directly to our school community! Shop the Spirit Store HERE
Volunteer at the Concession Stand - this one is a hidden gem! Our concession stand serves up popcorn, packaged snacks, and drinks during sports seasons - no hot food, no complicated prep, just good fun. It is an easy and enjoyable way to support the school, and we love it when volunteers bring their students along to help. It is a great experience for kids and parents alike! Sign up HERE
As always, thank you for being part of the most wonderful school community. We could not do any of this without your support, your energy, and your willingness to show up for Worthingway!
Warmly,
Jennifer Johnson
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
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.
- No cars should be in our bus loop before or after school. Thank you
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, August 25
- School Photo Make-Ups
Monday, August 31
- Fall MAP Science testing
- Open House (6:00-7:30pm)
- 6th grade camp informational meeting (7:30-8:00pm)
Tuesday, September 1
- Fall MAP Reading testing
Wednesday, September 2
- Fall MAP Math testing
September 18
- Fall Canteen (4-6pm)
October 7-9
Worthingway Middle School
Mr. Todd Keenan, principal (tkeenan@wscloud.org)
Mrs. Kami Novak, assistant principal (knovak@wscloud.org)
Mrs. Cerita Todd, counselor (ctodd@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. Shawna Barrett, 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