Worthingway Weekly

"You can't be brave without first being scared."

I overheard one of the Camp Nuhop counselors tell one of our sixth grade students this after the student took a risk and and went on the Big Swing. For some students, just attending camp was an act of bravery and courage as spending a night away from home is new and different. For other students, it was enduring an hour of moving through the high ropes course and getting the reward of the zip line at the end.

I am grateful to our Worthingway staff that spent time away from their families, the high school students who missed three days of school (resulting in lots of makeup work!), and our families for supporting this endeavor.

This Week

• This week, we saw:
• sixth graders at camp:
• engage in a variety of activities
• encourage each other
• try new things
• take risks
• persevere through a challenge
• work together to accomplish a goal
• and build new positive relationships with others
• students welcome two new students to our building (give them tours, ensure they are sitting with someone at lunch)
• Worthingway staff sacrifice time with family to go to Camp
• teachers collaborate to ensure high levels of learning for all their students

Veterans Day Recognition

• We are celebrating Veterans Day at Worthingway by honoring the Veterans who are in our lives. Please complete this Google Form for each Veteran. Share details about their service to the Armed Forces and include a photo. These photos will be displayed at Worthingway during the week of Nov. 11. Please complete forms by Friday, November 8th. Thank you!

Resources for Families

• We are always looking for ways to ensure our students and families have resources if they are experiencing food insecurity. Whether your family can help or is in need of help, you have come to the right place!

  
  

  If you can help:

  We will be holding a food/household item drive in November, and if you can donate, it would be greatly appreciated! You may also make a donation to the Worthington Resource Pantry online OR collect items to have your child bring to school in November, if you can.

  
  

  If you need support:

  Worthington Resource Pantry and Resource Center

  Smoky Row Food Pantry

  Worthington Buddy Boxes

  
  

  Note: There are currently NO changes to the free and reduced lunch (and breakfast) program for families who qualify.

Our motto at Worthingway is to “Be Kind, Work Hard, Own It.” We have embedded this motto into the conversations we have with students in the classrooms, hallways, and common areas. We define Being Kind as "be kind with your words to and about others."

One of my least favorite parts of my job is when a student says something hurtful to someone else. However, one of my favorite parts of my job is helping students to grow and become better during those teachable moments. We have an obligation to teach students that our words matter.

On November 13th and 20th, we will facilitate a special lesson with our 6th grade students in their Social Studies classes. Our goal is to focus on harmful language and the impact it can have on people. Even if done unintentionally, the harm can have far reaching effects. The purpose of this lesson is to help students understand the history and impact of slurs, how to respond in situations in which slurs are used, and to set clear expectations that harmful language is not acceptable in our building.

Middle school is a formative time in the development of young adults. We want to partner with you to equip them with the knowledge and skills to make positive choices and properly navigate difficult situations with others. When we have these lessons in school, we will be providing supplemental materials ahead of time for you to process some of these concepts at home. We want to make sure we're all working together and transparently to make this school a safe and supportive space for all our students.

This year, Worthington City Schools is excited to launch a new student survey: the Portrait of a Learner Survey. This tool is designed to help us understand and measure the durable skills our community values most, skills students carry with them throughout their time in Worthington and beyond.

Since 2017, we’ve partnered with Panorama to gather survey data. While Panorama has served us well, moving to an internal survey gives us more flexibility, control, and connection to the work that matters most in our district. Our new survey is designed to:

• Align directly to the Portrait of a Learner, highlighting the skills our community wants students to develop.

• Connect to our ongoing focus on executive function skills, including response inhibition, flexibility, task initiation, emotional control, sustained attention, and organization.

• Provide actionable insight for teachers, principals, and staff, helping us support students’ growth in these critical areas.

The survey is age-appropriate, tiered, and includes a lesson plan teachers will share with students prior to the survey.

• Grades 3–5: 15 questions

• Grades 6–8: 20 questions

• Grades 9–12: 25 questions

Our goal is to use the Portrait of a Learner Survey to create a clear picture of student growth in durable skills, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and connect this information directly to instruction and intervention. This survey isn’t just about data—it’s about understanding our students and supporting their continued growth in the skills that matter most to our community.

If you have any questions about the Portrait of a Learner survey, please don’t hesitate to contact us in the office at 614-450-4300.

What year did you start teaching?

• 2019

What do you teach?

• 7th grade Math

What is your favorite part about Worthingway?

• I love the community amongst the Worthingway staff

What is your favorite part about teaching?

• Seeing concepts click in students' brains!

What is your pet peeve?

• When people load the dishwasher differently than I do.

What are your hobbies?

• I recently got into crocheting!

What the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

• Repelling in southern Israel

What is your favorite snack?

• Extra Toasty Cheeze-Its

What is your favorite corny joke?

• Why is 6 afraid of 7? Cause 7 ate 9!

Recognize a Staff Member with a Cardinal Compliment

• Has a teacher, counselor, or staff member made a positive impact on your child? We want to hear about it! Take a moment to fill out our form to recognize a Worthingway staff member who has gone above and beyond. Your kind words mean a lot and help us celebrate the amazing work happening every day in our school community.

Bell Schedule

• Click here for our bell schedule

Schoology

• Schoology is our LMS (Learning Management System). Basically that means it is the "website" that our teachers use to house and communicate learning goals, assignments, and even some assessments.
• Parent Guide: Schoology
• What is Schoology?

Infinite Campus

• Infinite Campus is where you can access your students' grades, attendance, etc.
• Parent Guide: Infinite Campus

Securly Home

• You can download the Securly app to keep your student safe while using their school issued chromebook at home. Click here to learn more.

Best Resource!!!

• Click here for a comprehensive document that will help you with Schoology and Infinite Campus and Securly Home.

Looking to give your child the adventure of a lifetime while providing them a unique educational opportunity outside of the classroom? Discover the world through an educational travel experience!

Join us for a family information session where we’ll unveil the life-changing experiences awaiting Worthington. These trips are guaranteed to broaden horizons and create lasting memories. The 2027 trips will travel to a wide variety of countries including: Iceland, Peru, Japan, Costa Rica, Italy & Greece, London, Paris & Rome, and The Netherlands, Belgium, France & England.

Date: Monday, November 17th

Time: 7 - 8 PM Location: WKHS Commons/Cafeteria

Please register to attend the info session here: https://eftours.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cZT4x8BXuqG0kwm

See what Educational Leaders say about the impact of an educational tour.

As the holiday season approaches, we warmly invite you to join Worthington Connects, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in need within the Worthington community. Our mission is to provide essential resources, spreading joy and hope to those facing challenges.

There are several meaningful ways you can give back this holiday season:

• Sponsor a Family: Provide gifts and essential items directly to a family in need.
• Donate a Laundry Basket of Essentials: Items like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and non-perishable food are always appreciated.
• Contribute to a Family Stocking: Gift cards, small gifts, and other stocking stuffers are wonderful ways to brighten someone’s holiday.
• Monetary or Gift Card Donations: Your financial contributions or gift cards help us address families' unique needs.

To learn more or to make a donation, please fill out this Google Form to let us know how you'd like to contribute.

Visit our website to make a financial contribution which will go towards supporting families in need this holiday season!

https://worthingtonconnects.org/

Thank you for your generosity and for helping make the holidays brighter for those in need!

Warm regards,
The Worthington Connects Team

Can you believe we’re already deep into fall? Between homework, sports, cooler weather, and the countdown to the holidays, things are moving fast! As a fellow Worthingway parent, I know how full your days are - And I just want to say THANK YOU!!! Thank you for showing up, signing up, reading these updates, and for continuing to support our school in so many small and meaningful ways.

There’s a lot happening this month, and we want to make sure you’re in the know! From exciting fundraisers to ways you can stay connected, here’s what’s coming up at Worthingway:

Help Us Build Our Indoor Game Collection

• As the weather cools down, we want to provide options for students who stay indoors during Community Time. We’ve created an Amazon Wish List with fun, student-friendly games that will stay at school for shared use!
• Even one small purchase goes a long way in helping create inclusive fun for all!

Butterbraids Fundraiser – THANK YOU!!!!

• We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Butterbraids fundraiser was our most successful ever - thanks to YOU! Your support helped us raise more money for our school than any previous year. Every purchase makes a difference, and we’re so grateful.
• Pickup Info:
• Be sure to pick up your Butterbraids orders on Tuesday, November 11th, in the Worthingway cafeteria from 4:00–6:00 PM.
• Please plan accordingly, especially for larger orders.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Fundraiser – Sunday, Nov. 9

• Take a night off from cooking and help Worthingway at the same time!
• When: Sunday, November 9th, from 4:00–8:00 PM
• How: Use the QR code on the flyer to place your order ahead of time or simply walk into the store!
• Where: 3590 W. Dublin-Granville Road
• Why: 20% of all proceeds go back to Worthingway PTA to support our students and staff.

Next PTA Meeting – November 4 @ 7PM

• Join us for our next PTA meeting on Monday, November 4th at 7:00 PM via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5202387416?omn=84922261543
  
• Come hear about what we’re working on, share your ideas, and find ways to get involved. Your voice matters, and we’d love to see you there!

Want to Help? Become a Cards Helper!

• Whether it’s donating items, chaperoning an event, or pitching in behind the scenes, we'd love to have you!
• When you sign up, we’ll reach out when volunteer opportunities arise. It’s low-commitment, high-impact.
• Sign up HERE!

More Ways to Support Worthingway PTA

1. Kroger Community Rewards
   Link your Kroger card to Worthingway PTA (NPO #RF924) and a portion of your regular purchases supports our school - At no cost to you!

2. Donate or Join the PTA
   Every dollar and every member makes a difference.
   Donation Link: https://worthingway.givebacks.com/shop/items/115388
   Join the PTA: https://worthingway.givebacks.com/shop/items/116247

Stay Connected with Us

• Read this section of the principal’s newsletter each week

• Visit our website: https://worthingwaypta.my.canva.site/

• Join our Facebook group: Search “Worthingway PTA”

Together, we’re building a stronger school community. Thank you for being part of it!

Jennifer Johnson
PTA President
Worthingway Middle School

• All student-athletes must be registered in Final Forms in order to receive athletic communications and participate in any athletic tryouts, open gyms/fields, and practices.
• Worthington students in grades 6-12 who provide their student ID will be admitted free into any home Worthington athletic contest.
• You may use this link to purchase tickets for athletic events through Hometown Ticketing.
• Check out our athletic website for more information
• Team schedules can be found here
• WORTHINGWAY WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULES

Students that are dropped off or picked up by car will enter via our main office entrance (Rieber Street). Buses will drop off and and pick up at our 6th grade entrance (Guyer Street side). Important notes:

• Student Safety is our top priority. Please be mindful of our walkers and bike riders (we have bike racks on our bus drop off side). If you exit on the Guyer Street side, please yield to crossing students AND incoming buses.
• Doors open at 8:50 for student drop off. Students will be instructed to remain in the cafeteria or gym until 9:03. Classes begin at 9:10 and end at 3:50.
• We ask families to pull all the way forward to the end of our main lot at pick up time. Cars that stop at the front doors can create backups that extend onto Rieber St.
• You may notice one or two cars in the bus loop at the beginning and end of the day. These vehicles have special permission to be here for their students' transportation needs.

• District Calendar for 2025-26

November 4

• No School (election day)

November 13

• Fall Family and Community Resources Fair

November 26, 27, 28

• No School

Mr. Todd Keenan, principal (tkeenan@wscloud.org)

Mrs. Abby Jinks, assistant principal (ajinks@wscloud.org)

Mrs. Lyn Whitmer, counselor (lwhitmer@wscloud.org)

Ms. Lara Ruffing, mental health specialist (lruffing@wscloud.org)

Mr. Nick Wiedenhoft, athletic director (nwiedenhoft@wscloud.org)

Mrs. Paula Lee, administrative assistant (plee@wscloud.org)

Ms. Amanda DeBernardi, administrative assistant (adebernardi@wscloud.org)

Mrs. Jodi Hill, attendance and testing (wayattend@wscloud.org or click here)

Mrs. Joyce Casey, school nurse (jcasey@wscloud.org)

Location: 6625 Guyer Street, Worthington, OH

Phone: 614-450-4300

School Website