The Whetstone Weekly

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Upcoming Dates

• End of Quarter 1 - Tuesday, 10/21
• NO SCHOOL - Wednesday, 10/22
• Senior Night & Recognition ceremony - 10/24
• WHS Athletic Boosters and WAPA Booster Drive - Saturday, 10/25
• Winter Sports Meeting - Monday, 10/27
• Cap and Gown pictures - Wednesday, 11/12, 7:30am-1pm
• Senior Breakfast - Tuesday, 12/16, Mozart's Cafe

*See below for more info

Whetstone PTA Calendar

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

CCS District Calendars

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

FAFSA helps you pay for college, cosmetology school, and some trade programs. Whetstone is also hosting a FAFSA workshop from 3:30 - 7:00 during the Nov. 13th parent teacher conference. See https://iknowican.org/event/ for more info and below to sign up!

Whetstone Athletic & WAPA Boosters are raising funds to continue our support of Whetstone athletes, musicians, and stage performers. Of the almost 1,000 students at Whetstone, about 500 participate in athletics and more than 300 participate in music and/or theater.

The Boosters traditionally fund expenses that coaches and teams need to be successful during a season, monetary awards for graduating students, banners for senior athletes, musical instrument maintenance, uniforms, stage sound and lighting, and upgrades to facilities, among other student needs.

Please help us to continue to provide critical experiences for our Whetstone students!

How you can Help:

Parents: Students will be going door to door on Saturday, October 25, from 10 am to Noon. We need drivers to take the students out on the 63 planned routes. Parents, please sign up at this link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E49ADAA22A13-59303114-copy

Students: Athletes and WAPA students, we need you! Students, please sign up at this link to canvas Clintonville homes on Oct 25:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E49ADAA22A13-59303061-copy

Share the campaign. The Booster drive will also consist of an online campaign. Please share this link with friends and family who aren't in the area or may not be available the day of the door-to-door campaign:

https://bit.ly/46IUbQf

Lunch will be provided to all who volunteer on Saturday, October 25.

Thank you for your support!

For the latest WHS Athletics news, visit the Weekly Whetstone Athletics Roundup by AD Hannah Bleikamp at https://rebrand.ly/WhetstoneWeeklyRoundup. See below for special highlights.

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

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!

She Kills Monsters tells the story of high schooler Agnes Evans as she deals with the death of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes stumbles upon Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ’90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

Friday & Saturday, November 7 & 8, 2025

7:00 PM & 9:00 PM

WAPA Performing Arts Center

Get your tickets at https://whetstonemusic.ludus.com/index.php

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.

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

• 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.
• 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.

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

We’re looking for some help feeding the staff on conference nights!

The PTA is buying Jersey Mike’s and we’re asking for help with donations of chips and drinks. On Nov. 13 (yes, November) we’re setting up a taco bar for them. We appreciate all donations and items can be dropped on E Como if getting them to the school is too difficult. Thank you!!

More info and signup at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4AAAAD2BA20-53037237-feed#

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!

The Commission on Black Girls (COBG) Ambassador Program exists to prepare girls with the skills and support that position them to navigate opportunities with confidence— propelling them into leadership pathways where their voices drive positive change in their communities.

Want more info? Check the flyer, visit https://thecommissiononblackgirls.org/, or contact:

Nicole Harper

Senior Program Officer

nnharper@columbus.gov

614-645-1991

Ohio Farm Bureau is offering three single-day, free Fall camp experiences designed for high school students to learn about careers in agriculture, food, and STEM-related areas! The upcoming camps include:

• COLT Lineman Training Camp, Oct. 24
• Meat Processing Experience, Oct. 28

For more information, visit https://ofbf.org/community/youth-in-agriculture/exploreag/

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.

Flu season is right around the corner, and now is the best time to get vaccinated. October is considered the ideal month for flu shots because it allows your body enough time to build immunity before flu activity typically peaks in late fall and winter. Getting vaccinated now ensures you’ll be protected throughout the entire season.

CPH (Columbus Public Health) will be coming to Whetstone 10/23/25 to give flu shots to staff and students (8:30 AM in the library). Consent forms for students will be distributed to students by English teachers. Get more info and consent forms at https://drive.google.com/file/d/18J_kBW5dw1QmzLVGQNm5pkbrQYtmIm7b/view

Questions? Contact Nurse Nancy Hubschman at nhubschman8506@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Whetstone and Centennial students will be doing a food drive at the last football game, on October 24. Recommended items include sauces, soups, beans, veggies in cans, spices, pasta, peanut butter, boxed juices, and canned tuna and chicken. The PTA will be bringing the CRC van to collect donations to weigh on site and announce which school brought the most canned goods (by weight) after halftime. Help Whetstone win and support a good cause!

Did you buy too much candy for Halloween? You're in luck! The Senior Cabinet is holding a candy drive! Candy collected will be sold as a fundraiser for senior breakfast and prom. Leave donated candy at the WHS front desk (Attn: Senior Cabinet) before October 25.

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, 11/13, from 3:30pm-7pm
• 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

Bring your voice, your vision, and your values to help reimagine what’s possible for our district.

Dr. Angela Chapman and the Columbus Board of Education invite you to join us for interactive public town hall meetings with residents, parents, businesses, staff and students to discuss how to prioritize students in the classrooms while the District cuts its future budget. Topics will include the future of our buildings, college and career pathways, transportation and more.

• Mon. Oct. 27 at South HS - 1160 Ann St., Columbus, OH 43206
• Tues. Oct. 28 at West HS - 179 S Powell Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
• Wed. Oct. 29 at Mifflin HS - 3245 Oak Spring St., Columbus, OH 43219

Doors Open at 5 p.m. | Program Begins at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be prepared by Columbus Downtown High School Culinary Arts students.

These workshops feature:

• Keynote presentation by Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman
• Interactive breakout sessions with school board members
• Opportunities to talk with board members and district staff
• Learn more about district needs, priorities, and share your feedback

This is more than a conversation; it’s a call to action. Make your voice heard to help Columbus City Schools build the best possible future for our students.

For more information, visit https://www.ccsoh.us/OurFutureOurCCS.

This National Vote Early Day, we're heading to the polls—together—to show school board candidates that we are public school voters.

Start: Tuesday, October 28, 2025•04:00 PM

End: Tuesday, October 28, 2025•08:00 PM

Location:Franklin County Board of Elections•1700 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43229 US

Host Contact Info: tara@ohorganizing.org

More info and register at https://actionnetwork.org/events/early-vote-day/

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.

Halloween Haunt event is planned for October 18 at Columbus Public Health and will include activities for all ages, such as costume drive, crafts, a pumpkin patch, resource tables, and yard games. It is also a chance to connect the community with valuable safety resources in a fun, engaging way. See the flyer for more info.

Day of the Dead Columbus is hosted by the non-profit organization Latino Arts for Humanity. It is an educational, cultural, and family event to remember and celebrate our loved ones that are no longer with us.

Saturday, ​October 18th, 2025

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Green Lawn Cemetery

At this event you'll find: Ofrendas (Offerings), calaveritas literarias, grave decorations, traditional food vendors, live music with local bands and musicians, educational activities for kids, local arts exhibition, arts and crafts vendors, Catrina contest, parade with Aztec dancers, folklores dances, and much more! Visit https://www.dayofthedeadcolumbus.com/ for more info!

WestFest is an annual public engagement event that highlights STEM research, sustainability initiatives, and outreach programs at The Ohio State University and beyond. WestFest brings together STEM units from across campus and community partners to present family-friendly activities. Come for Food trucks! Brutus! Tours! Activities and fun!

The in-person component of WestFest will take place on October 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at OSU West Campus Quad (1090 Carmack Rd).

More info at https://astronomy.osu.edu/events/westfest-2025

The Christmas season brings hope, joy, and togetherness. For families in need, The Salvation Army in Central Ohio offers support through our annual Christmas Cheer Program, providing toys for children (14 and under) and hearty food boxes to make the season brighter.

Sign-ups for 2025 Christmas Assistance will start October 25th, 2025. No Appointment Necessary. Registration for Christmas Cheer is available at multiple locations across Columbus.

Please bring the required documentation to one of the locations listed in the flyer:

• for the head of household (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, employee ID)
• for all household members, including birth dates (e.g., birth certificates, shot records, Job and Family Services printout).

Electronic documents are accepted. Social Security cards or numbers are not required.

Much more info at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/cheer/

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