TWHS Counselor Connection

We hope your family had a wonderful summer and that everyone is settling into the rhythm of a new school year. The fall season brings plenty of excitement and opportunities, but we also know that the transition back to school can come with questions, challenges, and a few bumps along the way.

Please remember that our counseling team is here to support you and your student throughout the year. Whether your student needs help navigating academics, friendships, activities, future plans, or simply needs someone to talk with, we are always happy to connect!

Over six sessions (September 22 to October), YWCA staff and trained volunteer facilitators guide participants through concepts like racism, sexism, intersectionality, and community organizing in a safe, supportive space. Interested students are asked to complete this form and attend the information session at the Old Worthington Library on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 from 3:45–4:45pm.

Questions? Reach out to Celeste Preisse (cpreisse@wscloud.org) or Kathy Starks (kstarks@wscloud.org) in the Counseling Center.

Build My Future Central Ohio is an exciting, one-day event designed to immerse high school students (9th-12th grade) in the world of residential construction careers by offering hands-on learning labs.

This field trip is on Wednesday, September 30 at the Franklin County Fairgounds. Lunch and busing will be provided.

TWHS is limited to only 60 students, so please act now if you are interested in going. If you would like to attend, please print, sign, and return the permission slip to Mrs. Dow in the School Counseling Office at TWHS!

Otterbein University will be host to the Columbus Suburban College Fair on Sunday, October 11, 2026 1-3 PM. The College Fair will be held at The Clements Center, 180 Center Street, Westerville, OH.

Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented at the fair. Please click here for more information.

Independent Electrical Contractors of Central Ohio is inviting our students to the National SPARK Exposition on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Activities for students include a chance to tour the expo hall, meet with vendors and contractors, attend a panel discussion and engage in a hands-on activity. Lunch will be provided. If you would like to attend, please print, sign, and return the permission slip to Mrs. Dow in the School Counseling Office at TWHS!

In case you missed Mr. Quart's Senior Night last week, here is the presentation that was shared. Pleaee review it and reach out to your school counselor with questions!

In addition to signing the FERPA Waiver on your Common Application, please scan this QR code and complete the Transcript Release Form.

To ensure your School Counselor can send your TWHS transcript to the colleges you are applying to, you must complete both of the following:

• Sign the FERPA Waiver on your Common Application
• Complete the TWHS Transcript Release Form
• Invite your School Counselor as a recommender on your Common Application

Juniors and Seniors are permitted to miss class, but they must notify their teacher of their absence in advance. Students are responsible for making up missed work. Students are NOT excused from tests, quizzes, etc. Freshmen and Sophomores may ONLY attend during their Academic Prep or lunch time.

Register for a college rep visit using this form. Questions? Please email the Counseling Center Administrative Assistant, Penni Dow, at pdow@wscloud.org.

Worthington Schools will be offering 10th and 11th grade students the opportunity to take College Board’s Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) at the district’s expense. Please see the information below regarding registration and testing.

WHO: Individuals who register (see link below) and are enrolled in a Worthington Schools high school as a 10th or 11th grader for the 2026-27 school year. Participants may be asked to present a picture ID upon entering the test room.

WHEN: The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered during a regular school day schedule on Tuesday, October 13. Individuals who participate in this test administration will miss regular classroom instructional time.

• Juniors and all students with accommodations will begin testing at 8:40 am.

• Sophomores will begin testing at 12:00 pm.

WHERE: The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered at Thomas Worthington High School and Worthington Kilbourne High School. Linworth Alternative and Worthington Academy students who wish to participate in this test administration will report to their home high school on testing day(s).

WHY: There are several reasons why a student may choose to take the PSAT/NMSQT:

• For juniors only, the opportunity to compete for recognition and scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

• For juniors only, the opportunity to compete for National Merit Scholar status.

• Helps to prepare individuals to take the College Board’s SAT college readiness assessment, which is widely used for college admissions.

• Worthington Schools will be paying the registration fee for all 10th and 11th graders who opt to participate in our administration, so it’s FREE to all participating students.

• Teachers can use the score information to identify strengths and weaknesses and form instruction appropriately.

• Counselors can use the score information to provide advice regarding post-high school opportunities, including college and scholarship applications .

HOW TO REGISTER:

• Individuals who will be a 10th or 11th grader in the 2026-27 school year can register to take the PSAT/NMSQT at this link: Register for PSAT/NMSQT

• Registration closes September 11th at 3:20 pm.

College Board will not accept additional registrations after the deadline.

The Pre-ACT simulates the ACT in terms of subject areas and scoring, providing predicted ACT scores and detailed performance reports to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement in college readiness.

TWHS will be hosting the Pre-ACT on Tuesday, November 17. Registration and details will be provided in our October newsletter!

Our sophomore students will have the opportunity to learn more about the Delaware Area Career Center through their ELA 2 classes again this fall. This is an amazing opportunity for our students to take advantage of during their junior and senior years. Below are the dates for this upcoming school year:

• Sophomore presentation day: Thursday, October 1

• Deadline to register for Sophomore Visit Day: Friday, October 16

• Sophomore Visit Day: Friday, November 20

Applications will be available online after the visit and due by their priority deadline in mid-January. Questions? Email Mrs. Preisse at cpreisse@wscloud.org.

Are you passionate about making a difference and building meaningful connections? Cardinal Crew is a group designed to foster friendships and support between students with and without special needs. As a peer volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:

• Build meaningful relationships with special needs students.

• Participate in fun and engaging activities.

• Promote inclusivity and understanding within our school community.

• Develop leadership and communication skills.

Who Can Join? We are looking for dedicated and empathetic students who are:

• In any grade level.

• Interested in promoting inclusivity and making a positive impact.

• Willing to commit to regular meetings and activities.

We hope to see you at our first meeting on Friday, September 18 during 4th period in the Cards Center (A200).

...that students have the first six weeks of the semester to drop a class without penalty?

Drop dates for the 25-26 school year are September 30th and February 17th for high school students in Worthington.

*Please note: this rule does not apply to College Credit Plus classes!

Have a student athlete? Please read the athletic eligibility guidelines for BOTH OHSAA and Worthington Schools listed below. These apply for all Athletics and Marching Band along with the performance and competition activities noted on our list of Clubs and Activities.

• Students must be working towards earning 2.5 credits in the preceding grading period in order to be eligible for participation.
• At the conclusion of the quarter and semester, students must be passing 2.5 credits with a 60% or higher.
• PE courses (Strength Training, Yoga, Wellness for Life, and Flex and Tone) do not count towards athletic eligibility.
• College Credit Plus, online courses, and DACC enrollment are all great opportunities but they come with responsibility. Make sure your student still meets the minimum credit requirement.
• If you are enrolled in an online Treca course, you must demonstrate that you are 50% completed with the course, and passing by the end of the 1st or 3rd quarters. You must then complete the course by the end of the 2nd and 4th quarters, which is the end of the fall and spring semester.

Please see your School Counselor, Principals, or Athletic Directors with questions.

Last Names A-D: Felicha Smith (fsmith@wscloud.org)

Last Names E-K: Kelly Swearingen (kswearingen@wscloud.org)

Last Names L & M: Celeste Preisse (cpreisse@wscloud.org)

Last Names N-R: David Quart (dquart@wscloud.org)

Last Names S-Z: Stephanie Burns (sburns@wscloud.org)

Administrative Assistant: Penni Dow (pdow@wscloud.org)

Registrar: Kate Flom (kflom@wscloud.org)

Office Phone: 614-450-6220

Office Fax: 614-450-6393