Warhawk Family Update
March 22, 2026
In this Edition......
Warhawk Culture
Class of 2026 - Cedar Point Ticket Sales
GEM Awards
OST Testing Information
Class of 2026 - Pre-Order Graduate Flowers
Graduation Banners
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Career Center - Senior Only Programs - Attention Current Juniors!
Class of 2026 - Cap & Gown Pick Up Information
Clinic Updates
Upcoming Dates and Events
***PLEASE NOTE OUR NEXT WARHAWK FAMILY UPDATE WILL BE SENT ON APRIL 12, 2026!
March 23 - Regular Bell Schedule
March 24 - Regular Bell Schedule
March 25 - Extended Flytime
March 26 - Regular Bell Schedule
March 27 - Regular Bell Schedule
Warhawk Culture - Spring Break
We’ve officially hit the final week before Spring Break!
Before we trade the textbooks/chromebook for travel bags, I want to send a sincere thank you for your partnership. Our school is more than just a building; it’s a community built on our Warhawk Blueprint Beliefs.
Thank you for your daily commitment to strengthening and protecting the amazing culture we’ve built together. Whether it’s through your kids as they Pursue Excellence, the way you help us Own It in our shared goals, or the simple fact that we are always Better Together, your support is vital . We truly couldn't Rise Together without you.
Whether your plans involve a big trip or the luxury of a "staycation" on the couch, we hope this break is exactly what your family needs.
Rest up: You’ve more than earned it.
Have some fun: That’s the only homework we’re assigning.
Reconnect: Enjoy the time away from the routine.
Thank you for helping us take care of our kids and each other. We wish you a safe, restful, and sunny Spring Break. Go Hawks!
Wings Up,
Dawn Sayre
Principal
Westerville Central High School
Our Warhawk Blueprint outlines what we believe, how we behave and outcomes we hope to achieve together at WCHS. These beliefs are our guidepost that provide alignment in all we do.
Follow me on X: @dsayre32
Stay Connected to WCHS
Follow us on X: @WarhawksWCHS
Follow us on Instagram: @warhawkswchs
Class of 2026 Cedar Point Trip!
Get ready for one final thrill before graduation! We are officially heading to Cedar Point on Monday, May 18, 2026. Whether you’re a front-row screamer or just there for the funnel cakes, this is the trip you don’t want to miss.
Tickets are $65 and will be sold during lunch in the Athletic Concession Stands.
* When: Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27 (The week before Spring Break!)
Capacity: We have space for 5 buses (250 spots).
The Deadline: Sales end on March 27 OR when we sell out—whichever comes first!
Students are NOT permitted to drive themselves and be a part of this trip. They must ride the bus with the staff chaperones.
Note on Bus 5: In recent years, we’ve had fewer than 200 students sign up, forcing us to cancel the 5th bus. If you want that extra bus to run, make sure to get your group together and buy early!
To keep things simple, we are processing all sales manually. Please keep the following in mind:
Cash or Check Only: We are not able to accept credit cards at this time. Please make checks payable to the school.
Clear Your Tab: All school fees and fines must be paid in full before you can purchase your ticket.
Good Standing: This trip is a privilege! Students with significant discipline issues will not be permitted to attend.
📅 Important Dates to Remember
- March 23 - Ticket Sales Open (Lunchtime)
- March 27 - Last day to buy tickets (Unless sold out!)
- May 18 - Trip Day! 🎢
All Seniors and Parents (even if the Senior is 18 year of age) need to read, sign and return the permission slip/waiver form linked HERE. (Turn this completed form in when you purchase your ticket).
Don't wait until after Spring Break! We will only reopen sales if we are significantly short of filling the 4th bus. Secure your spot now so you don't get left behind.
Questions? Please reach out to our Senior Class Advisor - Mr. McSwords - mcswordg@westerville.k12.oh.us
Celebrating Our 2025-26 GEM Nominees & Recipients: Better Together!
At Westerville Central, we know that our strength lies in the incredible people who show up every day for our students. We are thrilled to celebrate the 2025-26 Great Educator Mentor (GEM) Award nominees and recipients!
The GEM Award recognizes those who go "the extra mile" to make a positive impact in our schools. This year, Central was represented by an outstanding group of teachers, volunteers, and parents—some of whom received multiple nominations from our appreciative community.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Zach Mason has been named a 2025-26 GEM Award Winner! Zach’s nominators highlighted his extraordinary commitment to our school, noting that he consistently puts students first and impacts lives across the building and the entire district. In the words of those who nominated him, Zach has truly made Central "a better place to learn and grow." Congratulations, Zach, on this well-deserved honor!
We also want to celebrate these amazing individuals who were nominated for their dedication, time, and effort given to our students:
Lori Wilson
David Harchar
Amy Farris
Erin Biles
We also want to give a special shout-out to Suzi Badawi, our dedicated health aide who supports us every Thursday, and a familiar face to the Warhawk family: Kendel Dargenio. Kendel is a recent Central graduate who has returned to the district as a new nurse serving Minerva Park and Fouse this year!
These individuals embody what it means to be BetterTogether. Their energy and love are what make us a true Warhawk Family. To all our nominees and recipients: thank you for everything you pour into our community every single day. You are the "gems" that make Westerville Central shine!
Want to see the full list of winners? Check out the official announcement here: Westerville Parent Council GEM Award Recipients
🎓 Celebrate Your Class of 2026 Graduate!
Make graduation day even more special for your senior! Westerville Central High School is now offering pre-orders for beautiful flower bouquets and custom class apparel (featuring every graduate's name!)
Why Pre-Order?
Guaranteed Selection: Don't worry about items selling out before you arrive.
Faster Pickup: Skip the lines and focus on the ceremony.
More Support for WCHS: Our school earns a 25% commission on all pre-orders, compared to only 15% on sales made at the event.
Order Here: thecommencementgroup.com/westervillecentralhs/
OST Testing Information
Ohio State Testing Information:
Academic Enrichment Center
336 S. Otterbein Avenue, Westerville, OH 43081
Main Office (614) 797-7750 Fax (614) 797-7751
Mr. Nicholas S. McIlwain
Director, Assessment & Alternative Education
Visit us at www.westerville.k12.oh.us
English - Important school information. Please have someone translate.
Spanish - Informacion importante de la escuela -- por favor que alguien traduzca.
Nepali - �ु लको मह�पुणर्जानकारी हो- कृ पया कसैलाई अनुवाद गनर्लगाउनुहोस्
Somali - Akhbaar muhiim ah oo ka socdaa dugsiga. Fadlan qof haa ku turjumo.
March 2026
Dear High School Parents/Guardians,
As indicated in previous district communications, the State of Ohio has specific graduation requirements consisting of two components:
• The Credit Component, which requires all students to earn a minimum of 20 high school credits in specific subjects; and
• The Competency and Readiness Components, which offers students several ways to become eligible for their high school diploma.
For a list of current graduation pathways specific to your student’s graduation cohort year, please visit this link:
If your student is currently enrolled in a tested subject or has not yet met the required competency for graduation in that tested subject, your student is expected to take one or more of the State’s upcoming End-of-Course Assessments, also referred to as Ohio’s State Test (OSTs).
OSTs will be administered on the following dates:
• Tuesday, April 14 – English Language Arts II
• Wednesday, April 15 – Biology
• Tuesday, April 21 – Algebra I / Geometry
• Wednesday, April 22 – American History / American Government
Ohio’s State Tests are produced by Cambium Learning (formerly American Institutes for Research) and taken online. For additional information and resources on State assessments, please visit
https://tinyurl.com/State-Test-Resources.
On each day of testing, there will be a late start schedule with a double bus run available for those that need transportation. If students are not scheduled to be in the building for an assessment, they can anticipate being picked up 3 hours later from their usual pick-up time.
WCHS OST Spring 2026 Bell Schedules
With the passage of House Bill 96, Ohio law now requires all school districts to provide advanced learning opportunities in mathematics for students who demonstrate an advanced level of skill on a state mathematics achievement assessment or end-of-course exam. This requirement applies to students in grades 5–7, as well as students enrolled in Algebra I and Geometry. As a result, students who meet the advanced performance level will be offered appropriate advanced mathematics learning opportunities in the following school year to ensure continued academic growth and challenge. If you have any questions regarding the scheduling process, please contact your child’s school counselor or building administrator.
Should you have any questions regarding the spring administration of Ohio’s State Test End-of-Course Assessments, please contact your student’s school counselor. Thank you for your continued support and assistance as we work together to ensure that your student is prepared for these assessments.
Sincerely,
Nicholas S. McIlwain Ms. Monica Asher
Director, Assessment and Alternative Education Executive Director of Secondary Schools
Prior to testing, we are required by the Ohio Department of Education to remind our faculty, parents, and students that should they become aware of a testing irregularity or security infraction, to please contact their building principal so concerns can be
Cap & Gown Pick Up Information
Attention Seniors
It’s time to pick up your graduation items from Jostens during Lunches.
Jostens will be on campus in the auditorium lobby Tuesday, March 24th during lunches to deliver your graduation items, including your cap and gown.
- Orders must be paid in full to receive your items.
- Please have your parents check their email to confirm that your final payment has been completed.
- If you still need to place an order, please do so as soon as possible at Jostens.com.
Congratulations, seniors—your big moment is getting close.
Clinic Updates
Hello Warhawk Families!
We have officially arrived at the peak of cold and flu season, so I wanted to share a few reminders to keep our students as healthy as possible and our school running smoothly.
Under the weather? Stay home please 🙂
If your student is ill, please keep them home, even if they are scheduled to take a test or submit an assignment. Absences due to illness are excused, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Anytime there is a fever of 100.1°F or greater, students are required to stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Keeping sick students at home helps protect the health of our entire school community, and we appreciate your partnership in this effort.
If your child starts feeling unwell during the school day, they should come to the school clinic for support and evaluation. If they reach out to you first, remind them to check in with me as well.
REQUIRED Meningitis Booster for Juniors
The required meningitis booster must be completed before students return to school in August. Please plan ahead to ensure your student meets this requirement on time. Proof of vaccination or a signed exemption form is required by the 15th day of schoolAppointment information and scheduling can be found at the links below. Walgreens CVS Columbus Public Health Franklin County Public Health
Delaware General Health District
Questions? Reach out anytime!
Amanda Ward, RN
614-797-6812
WCHS Yearbook
The Westerville Central Warhawk Yearbook can be ordered at
http://www.yearbookordercenter.com/
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Deborah Jones, room 2203, Jonesd@wcsoh.org.
Athletic Information 2025-26 School Year
2025–2026 Ultimate Warhawk Season Passes for students, adults, and families are now available! These passes provide access to all Westerville Central home athletic events throughout the year
🎟️ Click here to purchase your pass now!
Fall Sports Practices officially begin at the end of July, but many teams are already holding workouts and conditioning sessions. Reach out to the coach of your sport for more details.
📬 View the Coaches Directory
📅 Click here for the complete Warhawk Athletic Schedule
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Westerville Central Athletic Department at 614-797-6827 or visit our website.
Athletic Director: Andy Ey Eya@westerville.k12.oh.us
Support Staff: Teressa Snedegar snedegat@westerville.k12.oh.us
Upcoming Dates
March 30 - April 3 - Spring Break
April 14, 15, 21, 22 OST Testing
April 24 - Arts Alive 2026
April 25 - Prom
May 13 - Senior Evening of Excellence
May 15 - Seniors Last Day - Senior Cookout and Clap Out
May 18 - Senior Cedar Point Trip
May 19 - Senior Night of Reflection
May 21 - Last Day of School 9-11 grades
May 22 - Graduation Rehearsal - 10am at the Celeste Center (Mandatory for all Seniors participating in the Graduation Ceremony)
May 23 - Graduation 2pm
Westerville Central High School Warhawks
Principal: Dawn Sayre
Assistant Principal: Max Gunn A-G
Assistant Principal: Eric Nickel H-N
Assistant Principal: Stacy Smith O-Z
Athletic Director: Andy Ey
Important Numbers:
Main Office 614-797-6800
Attendance 614-797-6820
Fax 614-797-6801
Instructional Time: 7:25 AM - 2:05 PM
Office Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Website: https://www.westerville.k12.oh.us/29/home
Location: 7118 Mount Royal Avenue, Westerville, OH, USA
Phone: 614-797-6800