The Whetstone Weekly

Para leer en español: haga clic o seleccione "Translate" en la parte superior de la pantalla.

Upcoming Dates

• PTA Meeting* - Wednesday, 8/26, 6:30, WHS Library
• Football, WHS @ Grandview Heights - Friday, 8/28, 7:00
• Athletic Booster Meeting - Monday, 8/31, 7:00, WHS Library
• Football, WHS @ Briggs - Friday, 9/4, 7:00
• NO SCHOOL (Labor Day) - Monday, 9/7
• Open House - Thursday, 9/10, 6-7:30
• Football, WHS @ Beechcroft - Thursday, 9/10, 7:00
• Homecoming Game - Friday, 10/9
• Homecoming Dance - Saturday, 10/10

*See below for more info

CCS WHS Calendar

https://whetstonehs.ccsoh.us/calendar

CCS District Calendars

https://www.ccsoh.us/our-district/calendars

Login to Infinite Campus to check your schedule: https://columbusoh.infinitecampus.org/campus/columbusCity.jsp

If you have any questions or want changes, please contact the appropriate counselor:

• Freshmen (Cohort 2030):
• Mrs. Fiascunari | mfiascunari9064@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Sophomores (Cohort 2029):
• Ms. McClain | mmcclain415@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Juniors (Cohort 2028):
• Mr. Agee | magee@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Seniors (Cohort 2027):
• Mrs. Schwab | aschwab6520@columbus.k12.oh.us

Some Score Recaps of this past week's events:

• Girls Varsity Soccer went 2-0

• 5-1 win vs Grove City Christian, 7-0 win vs Franklin Heights

• Boys Varsity Soccer went 1-1

• 9-0 win vs Bishop Ready, 1-4 loss vs Thomas Worthington

• Boys JVA Soccer went 2-1

• 6-0 win vs Wellington, 6-1 win vs Bishop Ready, 0-1 loss vs Thomas Worthington

• JVB Boys soccer went 2-0-1

• 3-0 Win vs Hilliard Bradley, 4-1 Win vs Central Crossing, 1-1 tie vs Bexley

• Football was defeated 10-47 vs Western Reserve

Introducing Our Monthly Athlete Recognition

Each month, we will recognize two male and two female athletes who exemplify what it means to be a Brave—through their effort, leadership, performance, and commitment to their team. Our 4 featured athletes will be showcased on the TV screens throughout the school and will receive an exclusive piece of Braves athletic swag available only to monthly honorees. We’re excited to celebrate the athletes who make Whetstone Athletics something special! There is no level required; they can be JVB, JV, or varsity, any age, etc. AOTM will be announced beginning of the 2nd week of the month. A selection committee will choose honorees based solely on their athletic accomplishments and accolades. Committee members will not be provided with the athletes’ full profiles or identifying information.

The Whetstone Athletic Boosters organization exists to enhance the experiences of our student-athletes. Selling concessions at football and soccer games is our largest source of income, and the money raised benefits athletes in all sports! To make it happen, we need YOU to volunteer for a shift in the concession stand. In addition to helping our athletics programs, it’s a great way to meet new people. Plus, it will get you into the game for free!

Please follow this link to our website, where you will find links to sign up for shifts for either football or soccer games. https://www.whetstoneathleticboosters.com/about-1

Celebrate your fall sports athlete and show your pride with a yard sign! Available for purchase here: https://www.whetstoneathleticboosters.com/shop

Show your Whetstone pride and support your Whetstone athlete! There are many options and sites to support WHS Sports and Cheer.

Visit the Athletic Booster Spirit Wear store at https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/OH/Columbus/Whetstone%20High%20School to browse and buy hoodies, t-shirts, hats, blankets, drinkware, and more. Personalization is available on select items. There are Parent/Family, Alumni, and Teacher/Staff logos, too. And most importantly, all proceeds benefit our kids!

Interested in Whetstone Bowling Spirit Wear? Get some at https://whetstone-bowling.square.site

Get your Softball-specific sportswear at https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/stores/whetstone-softball#/lockers/whetstone-softball

See past and upcoming matches for all WHS sports at WHS Athletic Schedule and buy your tickets at WHS Athletic Tickets.

WHS Boys and Girls Bowling Info, Schedule, and more can be found at https://www.cohsbc.com/index.aspx

The WHS Athletic Boosters provide team support - paying for various expenses that coaches and teams need to be successful during a season and annual monetary awards for graduating student athletes that have demonstrated excellence in academics. Visit whetstoneathleticboosters.com for more info.

• The performing arts do not receive regular financial support from CCS so we typically have four main fundraisers throughout the year that need adult support

  • Fall Booster drive we do with athletics
  • Fall Mum sale
  • Winter Greenery sale
  • Spring plant sale

• In addition to the fundraisers, we also need adult support throughout the year for a variety of thing including helping with concessions, special events, theater meals, etc. More information on these as we go through the year

• We also welcome corporate and personal sponsorship. Please visit the store front on wapa.net for more information

The Band App helps keep WAPA families and students connected and informed. Access to the WHS Band group on the Band App requires an invitation. Reach out to the directors or you can email wapaboosters@gmail.com and we will help get you connected.

Get the Band App at https://www.band.us/en

WAPA IS...A place to experience inspiring music and theater. A place for students to grow. A place for instructors to shine. A place for our community to come together. WAPA is here to inspire.

WAPA is the umbrella structure for all the performing arts at Whetstone. It is not a separate entity from Whetstone High School and there is no application to join. If a student participates in any of the performing arts at Whetstone, they are in WAPA.

For more info, visit wapa.net.

Interested in getting involved? Our PTA typically holds open meetings on the 3rd Wednesday each month from 6:30-7:30 PM in the WHS library. Join us to hear the latest news, get updates from Principal Rodriguez, and learn how you can contribute to our wonderful school community.

The next PTA meeting is Wednesday, 8/26.

All are welcome but in order to be a voting member, you need to pay $10 for a membership. Click here for membership options.

• Join the WHS PTA as parent/guardian or community member for $10/school year
• https://whetstonepta.givebacks.com/shop
• Link your Kroger card to WHS through the Kroger Community Rewards program
• https://www.whetstonepta.org/home/kroger-community-rewards-for-whs-pta
• Donate throughout the year but especially for Homecoming (Oct 9) at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUgYdrCGWYcOCyi04gcIkZanWxMZj5b5565dYFV3O6x6S9MQ/viewform
• Volunteer with the PTA (email us at whetstonepta@gmail.com, link coming soon)
• Purchase your WHS Spirit Wear from the PTA here and at each of the home football games

The Whetstone Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a community of parent volunteers, working to provide scholarships for students, grants for teachers, connect school leadership with parents, and enrich the high school experience for ALL the students at Whetstone High School. See below for ways to keep informed and connected on the latest PTA info!

• Website
• https://www.whetstonepta.org
• Social Media
• Facebook PTA page
• https://www.facebook.com/whetstonehighpta
• Facebook PTA Family group
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/472994289728615 (be sure to answer the questions)
• Instagram
• https://www.instagram.com/whetstone_pta
• Join us on the Band App
• https://www.band.us/band/99715157/post
• Bookmark our Linktree (which will also have the above links)
• https://linktr.ee/whetstonepta
• View and/or download our PTA calendar to your Google calendar (click on the "Add to Google Calendar in the bottom left corner)
• https://www.whetstonepta.org/home/calendar

Please provide student immunization records a.s.a.p.

Nationwide Children's Hospital will coming to Whetstone to give immunizations on Tuesday, 9/8. The district Immunization Exclusion Day is Thursday, 9/10. If you do not have all of your required immunizations, by law you cannot return to school starting Friday, 9/11. Please contact Nurse Nancy at nhubschman8506@columbus.k12.oh.us if you are unsure of your students' immunization status or need consent for the vaccine clinic.

The American Diabetes Association and current Ohio Law deems that it is medically necessary to allow diabetic students to have access to their cellular devices when using a continuous glucose monitor.

On Friday, 8/21, each grade level was presented with school expectations and reminders, including:

Dress Code

• Dresses, skirts, or shorts shall be within the bounds of decency and good taste and not shorter than mid-thigh.
• No sleep wear.
• No bare midriffs. As a test for appropriate length, no bare midsection shall be exposed when arms are raised above the head.
• Hats, caps and other types of head covering (other than for religious/cultural purposes) shall not be worn inside school buildings.
• Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops, slippers/bedroom shoes and beach shoes are not permitted.
• Clothing may not be “see through.”

Restroom Policy

• No Loitering in Bathrooms — Students must enter, use facilities properly, and leave immediately.
• Zero Tolerance Policy for Misconduct — Restrooms are not social spaces; misuse will result in disciplinary action.
• Respect Shared Spaces — Keep restrooms clean and safe for everyone.
• Use Facilities Appropriately — Report any issues to staff immediately.
• Safety & Cleanliness — The expectation is that restrooms remain safe, clean, and available for all students.

Grading Policy Changes

Columbus City Schools (CCS) no longer uses quality points in middle or high school, having eliminated them prior to the start of the current school year. Secondary schools (Grades 6–12) have shifted to standard unweighted percentage scales for final course marks without any quality point calculations.

The standard percentage-to-letter grading scale for CCS is as follows:

• A: 90% – 100%
• B: 80% – 89%
• C: 70% – 79%
• D: 60% – 69%
• F : 0% – 59%

Important Updates & Exceptions:

Quality Points Removed: Middle and high school letter grades no longer receive added quality point values in GPA calculations.

Health & Safety

• Do not prop open doors
• Do not open doors for anyone
• Do not leave the building without permission
• If you see something, say something
• Immediately remove yourself from dangerous situations
• Do not partake of illicit or unknown substances
• Follow instructions during drills and emergencies

Testing Policy

• If a student is found to be in possession of a wifi/bluetooth connected device during a testing session, tests for all students in the testing session may be invalidated. ​
• You will receive a Student Testing Code of Conduct through email

Is your student a budding journalist? If so, good news: the WHS school newspaper is back online and seeking student contributions! Learn more at https://bravesmessenger.com/. Questions? Contact Mr. Smith at dsmith6840@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Columbus City Schools is unwavering in its commitment to keeping students, staff, and visitors safe. We continuously evaluate our security practices and proactively look for additional measures to ensure a safe and secure environment. As we start the new school year, these measures align with our ongoing commitment to your safety and well-being and are designed to provide a secure and protected environment for all.

As we begin our fall sports season, we want to remind you that the security measures in place apply to our entire CCS community, including all CCS personnel. These measures have proven to enhance the safety and security of all attendees. At most locations, Safety and Security Specialists will process all spectators and visitors through a single-entry point via the EVOLV High-Speed Weapons Detection Systems.

• Students must provide their school ID.
• A parent or adult guardian must accompany middle and elementary school students.
• Restrictions on bag size: no larger than 5x8 as in the past.
• No strollers or lawn chairs permitted.
• Admission or ticket purchases will be prohibited after the end of the third quarter. Spectators are also prohibited from re-entering after leaving the facility.

As always, we appreciate your support in our efforts and hope you have an enjoyable experience attending any CCS events. We understand these security measures may be inconvenient, but we ask for your understanding and cooperation. Your role in adhering to these measures is crucial, and we value your contribution to our collective safety. Please remember that good security is never convenient but always necessary.

Your Columbus Board of Education wants to hear from you! Join us for an upcoming Board meeting at 3700 S. High Street:

• Aug. 4 & 18
• Sept. 8 & 15
• Oct. 6 & 20
• Nov. 4 & 17
• Dec. 1 & 15
• Jan. 5, 2027

Board meetings begin at 6 p.m. Community members can meet one-on-one with Board members during office hours from 5:15–5:45 p.m. before each regular business meeting. Come ask questions, share your thoughts, and make your voice heard!

The 4th annual Columbus International Festival is Sunday, August 30!

Last year, more than 3,000 attendees representing 70+ countries joined us. This year, there’s even more to experience.

Come hungry. Come curious. Bring your friends and family!

• A packed schedule of live performances
• An International Fashion Show, hosted by Columbus City Deputy Chief of Staff Danius Williams
• Homemade dishes and recipes passed down through generations in our Global Tasting Room
• Treats from Bee Bubbly, Diamonds Ice Cream & East African Coffee House
• Family-friendly activities for all ages

This is your chance to meet your neighbors, experience new cultures and celebrate everything that makes our Central Ohio community extraordinary.

Visit https://www.wearefesta.org/columbusinternationalfestival for more info.

SNAP Recipients: Did you lose food during a power outage, fire, or flood? Request replacement SNAP benefits to get new food.

If you are a SNAP recipient and your household has experienced a misfortune (such as a fire, flood or a power outage lasting more than four hours) you have 10 days to request replacement benefits for the food that was purchased with SNAP. After four hours in a closed refrigerator without power, your perishable items are likely not safe to consume. After 24 to 48 hours in a closed freezer, your frozen items are likely not safe to consume.

You must complete the JFS 07222 form, Statement Requesting Food Assistance Replacement Benefits Submit it to your local Job and Family Services.

View the flyer below for more info.

*Replacement benefit amounts cannot exceed more than one month worth of SNAP allotments.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library has fun and educational activities going on all the time – stop in to see what’s happening! Get more info below and at https://www.columbuslibrary.org/school-age/

The 2026 HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) College Fair is Friday, September 25. Space is limited! See the flyer for more info ad contact Ms. Nicole with questions at nmartin@iknowican.org.

Stay engaged in your child's education! The Parent Portal (through Infinite Campus) is your link to real-time information on your Columbus City Schools student(s), including class schedules, assignments, grades, attendance, and more.

To access the Parent Portal, visit: https://columbusoh.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/columbusCity.jsp

For information on how to access and use the Parent Portal, visit https://secure.smore.com/3jk0e

Want even more WHS info? Visit these WHS-related groups and pages online.

• Whetstone HS (website) - whetstonehs.ccsoh.us
• Whetstone HS (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonehigh
  
• Whetstone HA PTA (website) - https://www.whetstonepta.org
• Whetstone HS PTA (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstone_pta
• Whetstone HS PTA (Facebook) - facebook.com/whetstonehighpta/
• Whetstone HS PTA Family Group (Facebook) - facebook.com/groups/472994289728615
• Whetstone HS Athletic Boosters (Facebook) - facebook.com/WHSAthleticBoosters
  
• Whetstone AD (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstone_athleticdirector
• Whetstone Football Program (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonehsfootball
• Whetstone HS Cheer (Instagram) - instagram.com/whsbraves.cheer
• WHS Baseball (Facebook) - facebook.com/Whetstone-Braves-Baseball-199500710084504
  
• WHS Baseball (Twitter) - twitter.com/WhetstoneBraves
• Whetstone HS boys soccer (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstoneboyssoccerofficial
  
• Whetstone HS girls soccer (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonegsoccer
  
• Whetstone CC/Track and Field - instagram.com/whetstonetrackandfield
• Whetstone Baseball (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonebaseball1
  
• WAPA (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstoneapa
• WAPA (Facebook) - facebook.com/WhetstoneAPA
• WAPA Boosters (Facebook) - facebook.com/groups/127079587751458
• Columbus City Schools (website) - ccsoh.us/district
• Columbus City Schools (Facebook) - facebook.com/ColumbusCitySchools

Location: 4405 Scenic Dr, Columbus, OH 43214

Website: whetstonehs.ccsoh.us

Email: whetstonehs@columbus.k12.oh.us

Hours: 7:30AM - 2:30PM

Phone: (614) 365-6060

• Principal, Kimberly Rodriguez: krodriguez@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Assistant Administrator (11th & 12th), Tara Ottey: tottey@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Assistant Administrator (10th), Daniel McElroy: dmcelroyjr4864@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Assistant Administrator (9th), Sarah Jaffy: sjaffy6286@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Leadership Intern, Ravin Pandey: rpandey@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Administrative Secretary, Martina Jakob: ejakob@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Attendance Secretary, Lisa Hord: lhord4655@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Social Worker, Diamond McCoy, dmccoy1@columbus.k12.oh.us
• I Know I Can, Nicole Martin, nmartin@iknowican.org
• Internship Coordinator, William Eagle, weagle4897@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Counselors

• Marie Fiascunari (9th), mfiascunari9064@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Marie McClain (10th), mmcclain415@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Matt Agee (11th), magee@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Annie Schwab (12th), aschwab6520@columbus.k12.oh.us

Thanks for reading!

The Whetstone Weekly is a regular, digital digest intended to help keep families informed, educated, and up-to-date on our school. If you have suggestions, questions, comments, concerns, or content, please feel free to contact me. I'm here to help!

If you missed a past issue, visit the Whetstone Weekly Archive.

For much more info, visit the WHS PTA Family Ambassador Page.

Damian Synadinos

WHS Family Ambassador

dsynadinos@columbus.k12.oh.us