Golden Bear News: October 9, 2026
10/12/26-10/16/26
Message from the Principal
October 9, 2026
Dear Students and Families,
As the first quarter comes to a close, we have a great opportunity to reflect on our progress, learn from our challenges, and refocus on our priorities. Our students continue to inspire us with their dedication to academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. As we support their passion and hard work, let’s also make sure we take time to prioritize our own well being.
Have a great weekend!
Tom Lombardi
Principal
Our Mission: Challenge and support every student, every step of the way.
Upcoming Events
Columbus Suburban College Fair
Sunday, October 11 | 1:00pm-3:00pm
Otterbein UniversityPTO Meeting
Tuesday, October 13 | 8:30am-9:30am
College Center Conference Rooms C2101 & C2102
End of First Grading Period
Thursday, October 15Senior Panoramic Photo
Thursday, October 15 | Gold Period
Competition GymNo School for Students
Friday, October 16No School for Students (Teacher Work Day)
Monday, October 19Altered Schedule for Sophomore Career Center Presentation
Wednesday, October 21
Period 1: 8:05 – 8:45
Period 2: 8:50 – 9:30
Gold Period: 9:30 – 10:31 (presentation)
Period 3: 10:36 – 11:16
Period 4: 11:21 – 12:03
Period 5: 12:08 – 12:50
Period 6: 12:55 – 1:35
Period 7: 1:40 – 2:20
Period 8: 2:25 – 3:05
College Planning Meeting for Juniors
Wednesday, October 21 | 7:00pm
Performing Arts CenterAltered Schedule for PSAT/NMSQT & Digital Learning Day
Note: No bells. No regular classes on Tuesday, October 22.
Grades 10 & 11: PSAT 8:05am-12:00pm
Grades 9 & 12: Digital Learning DayBear Essentials Community Shopping Hours
Thursday, October 22 | 3:15pm-4:30pmParent-Teacher Conferences
Thursday, October 22 | 5:00pm-8:15pm
Upper Arlington High SchoolAltered Schedule for Fall Pep Rally
Friday, October 23
Period 1 ~ 8:05-8:48
Period 2 ~ 8:53-9:35
--Kickin’ It ~ 9:35-9:49
Period 3 ~ 9:54-10:36
Period 4 ~ 10:41-11:24
Period 5 ~ 11:31-12:14
Pep Rally ~ 12:14-12:42
Period 6 ~ 12:49-1:31
Period 7 ~ 1:36-2:18
Period 8 ~ 2:23-3:05
Columbus Suburban College Fair
Planning for life after high school? Don't miss the upcoming Columbus Suburban College Fair hosted at Otterbein University! Meet with representatives from top colleges and universities, explore academic programs, and get answers to your admissions questions.
Location: Otterbein University (180 Center St, Westerville, OH 43081)
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
PSAT Information
As we prepare for the upcoming PSAT/NMSQT, we want to ensure you and your student have all the details needed for a smooth and successful testing day. Please click HERE to review the important logistics, timing, and guidelines in our detailed overview.
PSAT Study Guide
Attention: Sophomore and Junior Students!
As you prepare for the upcoming PSAT at UAHS on Thursday, October 22, we want to share the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide with you. This guide includes key information about the test, tips for success, and an overview of what to expect in the Reading/Writing and Math sections.
You can download the PSAT Student Guide by clicking HERE.
While reviewing the guide is not required, it’s a helpful resource if you're looking for extra support. You'll find explanations on the types of questions and topics covered in each section, which can help you feel more confident on test day.
Note: You will receive specific information about your testing location in a communication that will be shared closer to test day.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Amburgey at wamburgey@uaschools.org.
PSAT & Digital Learning Day
- Students taking the PSAT will report to school at the regular time and will be dismissed at the conclusion of the test administration, approximately 12:00pm.
- Students with a digital learning day will not report to school, as teachers will provide online instruction through Canvas.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences will take place Thursday, October 22. For details and sign-up instructions, please review this letter.
Food donations needed!
The UAHS Parent-Teacher Conference Night is coming up on Thursday, October 22 and the PTO is having a meal catered by HobNob pizza; however, we also will need some easy to grab fruits, vegetables, desserts and drinks. If you prefer to make a monetary donation towards food or tipping the HobNob staff, please Venmo @Julie-Kolibash. Any help is appreciated! Click to donate now!
Items can be dropped off or delivered to Julie Kolibash, 4132 Mumford Court, prior to 12:00pm on the 22nd. Or feel free to drop off at the UAHS front office and label "Staff Meal".
If you have any questions or need items picked up, please email juliekolibash@gmail.com or text 614-374-5969.
Tri-Village Packers: Thanksgiving and Winter Break Food Distribution
Upper Arlington Schools is partnering with the Tri-Village Packers for their Thanksgiving break and winter break food distribution programs. The Tri-Village Packers will distribute grocery items for the children of families in the Upper Arlington school district for the days out of school over Thanksgiving break (November 25-29) and winter break (December 21-January 4). The food will be provided at no cost for children who would benefit from the support.
To sign up to receive food for Thanksgiving and/or winter breaks, please complete this form by the end of the day on Monday, October 26, 2026. The school district will keep the information you provide in the form confidential unless you request otherwise.
Digital Safety Presentation for Parents/Guardians
Upper Arlington Schools invites parents and guardians of students in grades K-12 to join internet safety expert Jesse Weinberger for an evening presentation on today’s digital environment and how families can support safe and responsible technology use. The presentation will build on age-appropriate digital safety presentations Weinberger will provide to students in grades 3-6, focused on digital citizenship, responsible technology use, online decision-making and personal safety.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Upper Arlington High School Performing Arts Center
Note: In accordance with the presenter’s event requirements, this session is for adults only. Children and students ages 1–20 will not be admitted to the presentation space. Audio and video recording are also prohibited.
Reminder: Bikes and Scooters
Please remember that no bikes or scooters of any kind are permitted on tracks, grass athletic fields or artificial turf athletic fields, as they can cause significant damage to these surfaces.
Student Life
Eligibility for Fall & Winter Sports
Please click HERE for important information regarding eligibility for fall and winter sports.
Monthly Newsletter
Check out the newsletter below for updates, announcements, and information from Student Life.
Student Life Newsletter - September 2026
Spencer Smith, Director of Student Life - ssmith@uaschools.org
Emily Boerger, Assistant Director of Student Life - eboerger@uaschools.org
Class of 2027
Jostens Graduation Ordering Info
Link to online ordering: Upper Arlington High School UPPER ARLINGTON, OH - Graduation | Jostens
Questions: Call 1-800-JOSTENS (567-8367).
Attendance Procedures
Student Attendance
Attendance is a critical component to learning. Students need to show up in order to take full advantage of the education programs we offer. Student and parents/guardians will be notified of the unexcused absences. Consequences (detention) may be assigned for each unexcused absence. Be sure to check your attendance each day to ensure it is accurate.
Reporting an Absence
Pre-Planned Absence Forms
e-hallpass
Medical Notes
Please submit your medical notes to uahsattendance@uaschools.org. In order for attendance hours to not accumulate towards habitual absence triggers, medical documentation is needed.
Attendance Website
Parents/guardians may find additional information, including new attendance requirements in effect beginning the 2026-27 school year on our website.
Career Exploration
In addition to School Counselor classroom visits throughout the year, students and families have 24/7 access to College and Career information through MaiaLearning which can be accessed through ClassLink or maialearning.com.
Maia Learning is a platform that equips students with comprehensive career readiness tools and resources.
- Students can explore various career paths, develop essential skills, and make informed decisions about their future.
- Explore career readiness by discovering one's passions, strengths, and skills through assessments. These assessments help individuals gain insights into their interests, aptitudes, and abilities, enabling them to identify potential career paths that align with their unique attributes.
- Identify potential career paths and research those careers thoroughly. This includes gaining an overview of the field, exploring programs and majors, understanding demand and compensation, and identifying companies hiring, training required or colleges to attend.
- Individuals can create a list of potential careers that align with their interests and goals.
- Students can create a plan outlining the necessary steps to enter their potential careers.
Maia career resources can help students to unlock their future by providing personalized resources for education and career planning. These include pathway options in various industries, trades and military as well as careers leading to opportunities into programs such as the Peace Corps. Please login to check it out, and see your School Counselor or visit the College & Career Center with any questions.
Nutritional Services
Morning Announcements
Announcements for the current week are available on the high school website.
Helpful Links
All Call Email
Bell Schedules
Calendars
Community Service Info
HR Imaging
The website for school portraits, club photos, senior class photo
UA Mobile Learning Resources
Program of Studies
Speak Up Safety Hotline
Season Passes
Tech Support
Contact familytechhelp@uaschools.org for tech support questions or situations
Previous Weeks of GBN
Click HERE to see previous issues of UAHS Golden Bear News.
This email has been sent to you by UPPER ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL. If you received this email in error, please contact allcall@uaschools.org.