The Whetstone Weekly

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Upcoming Dates

• Senior Breakfast* - Tuesday, 12/16, 9am-11am, Mozart's Café
• Winter Music Concert - Wednesday, 12/17, 7PM
• PTA meeting* - Wednesday, 12/17, 6PM
• 30 Minute Early Dismissal - Friday, 12/19
• No School (Winter Break) - Monday, 12/22 - Friday, 1/2
• End of Quarter - Friday, 1/16
• No School (MLK Jr. Day, PD day, Records day) - Monday, 1/19-21
• Parent-Teacher Conferences* - Thursday, 1/29, 3-6:30PM
• Parent-Teacher Conferences* - Tuesday, 2/3, 3:30-7PM
• Brave The Future* - Tuesday, 2/3, 5:30-7PM
• No School - Monday, 2/16-17

*See below for more info

Whetstone PTA Calendar

https://www.whetstonepta.org/home/calendar

CCS District Calendars

https://www.ccsoh.us/calendars.aspx

Sign up to volunteer for winter concessions!

It's a fun way to support all the athletes at Whetstone. The more people that sign up the more times we can open the concession stand.

Get info and Volunteer at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044AAFA62EA20-60943086-coachteam#/

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

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.

Show your Whetstone pride and support your Whetstone athlete with Spirit Wear! The Booster store has options to support WHS Sports, Band, and Cheer. There are Parent/Family, Alumni, and Teacher/Staff logos, too. And most importantly, all proceeds benefit our kids! Visit the Athletic Booster Spirit Wear store to browse and buy hoodies, t-shirts, hats, blankets, drinkware, and more. Personalization is available on select items. There is something for everyone!

In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived!

Friday, December 12, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Saturday, December 13, 2:00 - 4:00 PM, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

studio133 (map)

More info and tickets at https://www.wapa.net/performances-gashZ

The Manilow Music Project empowers underfunded school music programs to provide quality music education. By donating instruments and equipment and providing scholarships nationwide, we give disadvantaged young people the opportunity to experience community, passion, and creativity through the gift of music.

How can you help? Click the link below and vote for Mr. Mitchell. You can vote once a day for only 5 more days.

https://tradablebits.com/tb_app/535090

The top vote getter receives $5000 in case and another $5000 toward musical instruments!

Watch for Mr. Murray's class in and around Whetstone as they learn and create! Check out this wonderful work from students Diego, Julius, Milly, Ruiz, Tiffany, and Sophia.

Only a few weeks left to check out the wonderful and creative Bug Sculptures created by WHS students and displayed at the Whetstone Library!

WAPA has offered corporate sponsorships for several years now, but new this year is individual or family sponsorships. These sponsorships can be purchased at https://www.wapa.net/shop

The levels are as follows:

• Opening Act - $50 - your preferred name will be listed in the two theater production programs as well as on a poster outside the theater
• Feature Act - $100 - your preferred name will be listed in the two theater production programs as well as on a poster outside the theater.
• Headliner - $250 – all the benefits of a Featured Act sponsorship as well as early access to purchase tickets to the fall play and spring musical
• Director - $500 – all the benefits of a Headliner as well as 2 complimentary tickets to the fall play and spring musical
• Executive Producer - $1,000 – all the benefits of a Director as well as 4 complimentary tickets to the fall play and spring musical
• WAPA Patron - $2500+ – all the benefits of an Executive Producer as well as a verbal shout out at the beginning of the fall play and spring musical by Mr. Ray

Currently there are groups for Whetstone Band, She Kills Monsters, Jazz Ensemble, Whetstone Vocal Music, Whetstone String Orchestra and WAPA Volunteers. Your student *should* already be a member and can send you an invitation to join via the app. If not, reach out to the directors or you can email wapaboosters@gmail.com and we will do whatever we can to 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.

WHETSTONE. ACADEMY. of PERFORMING. ARTS.

For more info, visit wapa.net.

You know what makes great holiday gifts for the Whetstone students in your life? WHS merch! We have hoodies, mugs, t-shirts and even stadium seat cushions for those exciting basketball games!

Order at the link below by 12/16 for free & friendly local delivery by 12/20!

https://whetstonepta.givebacks.com/shop?category=35618

Interested in getting involved? Our PTA holds open meetings each month:

• PTA Academic Committee - 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the school library
• Come to learn and help grow and recognize the academic elements at WHS.
• PTA - 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the school library
• Join to hear what’s going, get updates from Principal Rodriguez, and learn how you can contribute to our wonderful school community.

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

If you're not already participating, take three minutes and enroll your Kroger Plus card with their Community Rewards program to benefit Whetstone PTA. Visit whetstonepta.org/home/kroger-community-rewards-for-whs-pta for more info.

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 selected PTA-related information, and visit whetstonepta.org to join and get even more!

New this year: We’ve started a group on the Band app to better facilitate communication. Join us here!

Senior Breakfast is a cherished tradition where our seniors come together to share a meal and to celebrate their own unique class (senior superlatives!).

Tuesday, December 16, 9am-11am

(Class of 2026 students only, not open to early grads; MUST ride the bus, students may not drive)

Mozart's Cafe, 4784 N. High St. Columbus, Ohio 43214

Cost: $25

Purchase tickets at https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/42731 (access code to purchase a ticket is the student number. 1 ticket per student.)

If you’re able, please donate to our Senior Breakfast Fund to help provide tickets for students who may need assistance. Together, we can make sure every senior is included!

https://whetstonepta.givebacks.com/shop/items/e0873935695d

Here is a link to purchase Senior Photos. You can use this link to view and purchase Cap and Gown pictures. We will have a make-up date in March. Information coming soon.

Please see Ms. Ottey for assistance.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Where: TBD

Class of 2026 Requirements to attend Prom:

• Have ALL 120 Internship hours completed AND entered in School Links.
• Have passed all of your courses for 1st semester AND 3rd grading period.
• Have100% of your required VCAP/EDMENTUM courses completed by May 1, 2026.
• NO suspensions, this is including ISS and OSS from October 1 - May 6, 2026

Class of 2027 Requirements to attend Prom:

• Have a minimum of 90 Internship hours completed AND entered in School Links.
• Have passed all of your courses for 1st semester AND 3rd grading period.
• Have 100% of your required VCAP/EDMENTUM courses completed by May 1, 2026.
• NO suspensions, this is including ISS and OSS from October 1 - May 6, 2026

Questions can be sent to Ms. Ottey, Mr. Eagle, Mr. Haffele or your student's counselor.

A graduation date has been set!

Graduation will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 12:00 PM in the Battelle Grand Ballroom at the Columbus Convention Center.

More info to come...

To make sure every student has reliable access to a device, we will be completing a Chromebook inventory and assignment. Tech staff will work with students during their English class period to verify that the chromebook students have is their assigned device and that it is working correctly. Students will need to bring their chromebooks with them daily.

We are also putting updated Chromebook responsibility guidelines in place. Students will be expected to take care of their device, and may be charged for Chromebooks that are lost, stolen, or damaged beyond normal wear. If a device goes missing, a replacement will only be issued after 7 days, and repeated loss or damage may result in limited access to a Chromebook. In order to minimize loss and increase responsibility, the district’s IT department is moving to these expectations for all students.

Chromebook Expectations & New Procedures

To maintain inventory accuracy and proper device care:

• Students are financially responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen Chromebooks (excluding normal wear and tear).

• Replacement devices will only be issued after 7 days if an assigned Chromebook cannot be located (1st loss only).

• Mr. Pyros will monitor IP login activity to assist with locating misplaced devices.

• Students with repeated loss/damage may lose Chromebook access unless extenuating circumstances are documented.

Chromebook Inventory Schedule

Three techs will be stationed outside English classrooms on the dates below.

• Fri, Dec 12
• 9th Grade & ELA Resource
• Room 211B (Periods 3, 5b/6)
• Room 213 (Periods 2, 4, 5/5b, 7, 8)

• Tue, Dec 16
• 10th Grade, ESL
• Room 218 (Periods 2, 4, 4b/5, 7, 8)
• Room 215 (Periods 2, 6/6b, 7)
• Room 122 (Period 3)

• Wed, Dec 17
• CCP- Junior Jumpstart & Seniors-to-Sophomores, Make-Ups for students who were absent
• First Floor Conference Room — 8:15–11:00 AM

Please remain flexible, as slight room adjustments may be made as logistics finalize

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support to ensure all students remain equipped for learning.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are here! These conferences are a great way to meet one-on-one with your student's teacher(s) and discuss their individual progress.

Upcoming Parent Teacher CONFERENCES will be:

• Thursday, 1/29 from 3pm-6:30pm
• Tuesday, 2/3 from 3:30pm-7pm.

Visit the Conference Signup Document and reserve your spot!

Need some help planning for your conference? Check out these helpful resources:

• Parent-Techer Conference Checklist - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NtgwnmkCxaadeBxeydrcPltuskaKEHFA/view
• Parent Teacher Conference Worksheet - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nAYuvraUUnxKE_4ZH9ASu3KMjpbJ2mlp/view

It is almost time for the fourth annual Columbus Journalists in Training opportunity for high school students!

There are 40 slots available for Columbus City Schools 9th-12th graders who are interested in English, journalism, creative writing, podcasting, broad-casting and similar topics. Participants will experience interactive journalism exercises while being coached by local media professionals from companies like NBC4, WBNS 10TV, Spectrum, and the Dispatch.

Students will be placed on a team of students paired with sets of at least two journalists from print, digital, and broadcast media. The professionals will serve as mentors and help students complete a final project that may be published by Columbus City Schools and/or Dispatch.com.

Interested students should apply online at: https://forms.gle/WsFLkjQwDru4HJ3g6 .

Applications will be accepted through January 7 and the program will begin at the end of January.

The Office of Whole Child Supports is excited to announce…

December–January Challenge: “Restart. Refocus. Rise!”

Promotion Begins: December 9
Challenge Dates: December 15 – January 9
Key Message: A new year means a new chance to rise!

High School — No-Skip Streak

Recognition for daily attendance between Dec. 15–Jan. 16.

At home:
• Prepare the night before
• Connect attendance to future plans
• Reinforce accountability

January Acknowledgments: January 19–23

Thank you for helping your child restart strong, refocus routines, and rise into the new year with confidence. Every day counts!

Take advantage of opportunities to earn valuable college credit before graduating from high school!

Why wait for your future? With Ohio's College Credit Plus (CCP) program, students can explore rigorous academic opportunities through a wide variety of course options. The purpose of this program is to offer dual enrollment in high school and college courses for Columbus City School students as an accelerated pathway towards college and career readiness.

Click the flyer for more information. Questions? Contact Nicole Martin at nmartin@iknowican.org.

Tis the Season!

There are several ways to volunteer this holiday season to help support our CCS students and families. Please see ways to do more good below:

🤝 Volunteer:

• Thursday, December 18 3:00-6:00pm: Sort and organize food and essential item donations and pack for giveaways for CCS students and families @ Fort Hayes, Building 110

• Friday, December 19, 3:00 - 6:00pm: Sort and organize food and essential item donations and pack for giveaways for CCS students and families @ Fort Hayes, Building 110

• Friday, December 19, 3:00-6:00pm: Set up for the community meal event @ Fort Hayes, Building 110

• Saturday, December 20, 11:00am-12:00pm: Set up for the community meal event @ Fort Hayes, Building 110

• Saturday, December 20, 12:00-3:00pm: Sign up as a general volunteer for the community meal event @ Fort Hayes, Building 110

• Saturday, December 20, 3:00-6:00pm: Clean up the space after the community meal event @ Fort Hayes, Building 110

🎁 Donate

• Please see the attached PDF for the full list of requested items.

• Donation Deadline: End of day, December 17
• Drop-Off Locations (during business hours):
• 3700 S. High Street – HR Main Entry & Hallway Outside of Theater
• Food Service Production Center – On the Loading Dock
• Columbus Global – Cafeteria Hallway
• Downtown HS Cafeteria
• Duxberry ES – Cafeteria
• Ft. Hayes HS – Building 110, Cafeteria next to Vending Machine
• Linden STEM – Cafeteria

• South Mifflin – Cafeteria

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://www.ccsoh.us/parentportal.aspx

or

https://secure.smore.com/n/3jk0e-ccs-infinite-campus-parent-portal

Parent Portal App info is available at: https://secure.smore.com/3jk0e

The Pathway Express program is back for another year with three unique destinations for students and families to explore!

Pathway Express demonstrates how learning extends beyond the classroom walls. These transformative experiences shape and empower our students for success, as they align with our goals of increasing math and reading proficiency and help close opportunity gaps. Create lasting memories with engaging hands-on learning experiences at each of our Pathway Express stops!

The next Pathway Express is at the Lincoln Theatre in December followed by Indian Village Outdoor Education Center in April. These learning opportunities will lead us through the 2025-2026 school year, right up to our 2026 Summer Experience. See event details below.

December 13

• Saturday, December 13, 2025

• Location: Lincoln Theatre (769 E. Long St.)

• Time: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

April 25

• Saturday, April 25, 2026

• Location: Indian Village Outdoor Education Center (3232 Indian Village Road)

• Time: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

To learn more visit the Pathway Express page at https://www.ccsoh.us/pathwayexpress

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

• Whetstone HS (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonehigh/
  
• 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 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: ccsoh.us/WhetstoneHS

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, Sibyl Barber: sbarber@columbus.k12.oh.us

Administrative Secretary, Martina Jakob: ejakob@columbus.k12.oh.us

Attendance Secretary, Lisa Hord: lhord4655@columbus.k12.oh.us

Thanks for reading! If you missed a past issue, visit the Whetstone Weekly Archive.

For much more info, visit the WHS PTA - Family Ambassador Page. And, as always, if you have suggestions or content for inclusion - or any other questions, comments, or concerns - please feel free to contact me. I'm here to help!

Damian Synadinos

WHS Family Ambassador

dsynadinos@columbus.k12.oh.us