Worthingway Weekly

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.

Christy Heydinger is one of our 8th grade ELA teachers. She has been teaching for 7 years. She, and her co-teacher, Caitlin Anderson, set and hold high expectations for all students - and they get them there.

This year, students are using MagicSchool Classroom as a support tool for select writing assignments. Before introducing any AI tools, we taught a direct lesson on responsible use of AI and what constitutes plagiarism. The language we use with students is: “AI should help you start to think, but not do the thinking for you. It’s a teacher, not a shortcut.”

Students have access to tools such as sentence starters, idea generators, grammar and spelling proofreaders, and writing feedback. The writing feedback tool is used most often and can be customized for each assignment, allowing students to receive targeted feedback and revise their work before submitting. This approach reinforces the writing process, especially rereading and revising, and helps students slow down, reflect on their ideas, and improve their writing.

By using consistent language and feedback, students begin to internalize editing skills, making AI feel less like a shortcut and more like an additional teacher supporting their growth.

This Week

• This week, we saw...
• ..many positive interactions between students and between students and staff
• ..our 8th grade students visited the high school to prepare for course registration as freshman
• ..sixth grade students participated in "clubs" during the assist period on Friday. Each teacher facilitates a club activity that students can sign up for. It is a great opportunity to build relationships while engaging in a preferred activity.
• ..our students welcome new students to our building
• ..our staff challenge students in the learning process through engaging in productive struggle so that we can grow

MLK Celebration

• Our school district is partnering with other organizations to organize a community celebration on January 19.
• We are proud to share that Worthingway students will be reading excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. Thank you to the following students who will be reading: Tripp Pelletier, Karina Swank, Millie Kenny, Langston Spencer, Josiah Owusu, and Akua Boateng.
• You are welcome to join us on January 19 for this community celebration.

Mentoring Opportunity

• We share our school building twice a month on Saturdays with a local mentoring group. The mentoring group, Boys To Men and Girls To Women, are open to new students joining their group. They are also in need to adult mentors to come alongside and help the youth in the program.
• Check out their website here!

WEF Gala

• Please consider supporting the Worthington Education Foundation by purchasing a ticket to the Gala event on February 6th.
• Click here to purchase a ticket.

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

What subject/grade do you teach?

• Math Interventionist (6th, 7th, and 8th)

When did you start teaching?

• 2020

What is your favorite part about Worthingway?

• What I love most about Worthingway is the community. Our staff works together with one purpose - to support our students as they grow. I truly enjoy getting to know our amazing students and celebrating every milestone as they become confident, lifelong learners.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

• I teach for the “light bulb” moments. Celebrating those small wins with students brings me so much joy.

What are your hobbies?

• Reading, Pickleball, Cooking, Exercising

What is your favorite food/drink?

• My favorite drink is a cold brew from Starbucks and I love Chipotle.

What are you most proud of?

• I am most proud of the relationships I create with my students. I believe a good relationship will lead to more learning.

What is your favorite TV show?

• Dancing with the Stars

What is your favorite corny joke?

• How much does a chimney cost? Nothing its on the house, hah!

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

Educational Travel Opportunity to Italy & Greece!!

• We are thrilled to invite you to attend a parent info session where we will dive into one of Worthington’s most exciting student travel opportunities – Mrs. Adesso’s Rome, Athens, and the Greek Isles educational tour!
• Parent Meeting Date: January 28th Time: 7:30 PM Location: Via Zoom
• Register Now: RSVP is required to get the zoom link! To confirm your attendance, please register using the link below: https://bit.ly/4pwYXGC
• Don’t miss this chance to ignite your child’s curiosity and passion for exploration. We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

The OWL (Ohio Wesleyan Learning) has a long standing tradition of offering a summer camp program of challenge and enrichment for central Ohio's gifted and talented middle school students who are currently in grades 5-8.

The program is sponsored by Ohio Wesleyan University and founded by the Junior League of Columbus, with major support from corporations, foundations, community service groups and individual contributions.

For more information about the camp, please visit the OWL website or see attached letter.

Some important information about the program:

• Application is submitted online.

• Application deadline is January 31, 2026

• Financial Aid/Scholarship Applications - due to OWL Office by March 1, 2026.

• Additional scholarship opportunities for gifted students in need of financial assistance may be available from the Ohio Association for Gifted Children ( OAGC).

• Notification of Acceptance - email notifications sent around the end of March

New in 2026:
• Residential Camp will be split by grade levels. See the website for exact grades and weeks.
• Day Camp will be offered for two weeks, instead of one.
• Both camps will consist of four days of classes, ending on Thursdays. The duration of the classes will increase daily to ensure the same amount of instruction is provided.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out via email to owl@owu.edu or Suzanne Palmer, Gifted Coordinator, at spalmer@wscloud.org

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

• 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

Monday, January 19

• No 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