Worthingway Weekly
January 23, 2026
Principal's Message
In a previous newsletter, I shared with you that our district is considering ways that AI can support teaching and learning. During this month, I have the privilege to be able to share a few of our teacher's perspectives on how they are using AI in their work with students.
Shane Tisdale is one of our 8th grade Social Studies teachers. He has been teaching for 25 years. He is also our Student Council advisor, Student Mentor advisor, and Ski Club advisor.
In social studies we were studying the social classes of Ancient Rome...the Patricians and the Plebians. We did an assignment learning about the differences between the two groups. To reinforce their understanding, we used Magic School AI to have a debate. Students had to take a side of whether the Patricians or the Plebians should rule Ancient Rome. Students read excerpts from various text to gain an understanding of the roles each group played in society.
The reading and notes that the students were provided were loaded into Magic School so that AI could only argue from the points that the students had already been exposed to. As students made their arguments, AI would respond accordingly. Students had to enter a class debate room in Magic School to begin.
While they were working, I was able to see their responses as a class. Students were flagged for certain points such as being off task with their points or if strong arguments were made. AI also judged their arguments overall to gauge their understanding based on the points they were making. I would call out certain flags to the class as they worked, sometimes making light of their arguments and funny things they were flagged for. Students seemed to enjoy this part especially.
Overall, I could say that there was 100% engagement and some even were talking about their experience in other classes. Students grasped the key points and extended their learning through the use of AI in a safe, organized, structured setting.
Important UPDATES
This Week
- This week, we saw...
- ...six of our Worthingway students read Martin Luther King Jr's speech during the MLK celebration on Monday!
- ...a strong representation of our student body at the basketball game supporting our student-athletes
- ...students reading and learning about stanza's in poems in 6th grade ELA class and Frankenstein in 8th grade ELA class
- ...students engaging in critical thinking and dialogue about current events in Social Studies classes
- ...students preparing to get their robots for the first time in Robotics class!
- ...our staff work with families to support learners through difficult moments and transitions
Consistent Climber Award!
- We celebrated Academic Growth this week!
- 125 students earned the Consistent Climber Award. These students increased at least one letter grade in a class from Quarter 1 to Quarter 2 and did not drop in any.
- Our PTA donated donuts for each of these students and we distributed to them on Thursday during lunch.
Mentoring Opportunity
- We share our school building twice a month on Saturdays with a local mentoring group. The mentoring group, Boys To Men and Girls To Women, are open to new students joining their group. They are also in need to adult mentors to come alongside and help the youth in the program.
- Check out their website here!
WEF Gala
- Please consider supporting the Worthington Education Foundation by purchasing a ticket to the Gala event on February 6th.
- Click here to purchase a ticket.
8th Grade Scheduling for TWHS
As a way to prepare for the high school scheduling/registration process, we thought it might be helpful to share a timeline of events as well as some helpful resources that you can review as a family. High school scheduling is essentially broken up into 3 different parts with Mrs.Todd going into ELA classes to lead each component. Please see below:
Part 1: Mrs. Todd will visit 8th grade ELA classes the week of January 26th-January 30th. She will visit Mr. Falter's classes on January 26th and Mrs. Heydinger's classes on January 28th. In this portion, she will go over a presentation regarding high school courses and walk students through the 9th grade registration form. Each student will have their own form that she will pass out on this day. Students will have ONE week to complete their registration form and be ready to turn it into their ELA class for part 2. All students MUST have their registration form signed by a parent/guardian.
Part 2: During part 2, Mrs. Todd will go back into ELA classes (Mr. Falter's classes on February 2nd and Mrs. Heydinger's classes on February 4th) to walk students through the registration process on Infinite Campus. Students will enter their courses from the registration form into Infinite Campus and turn in their registration form.
Part 3: Mrs. Todd will go back into ELA classes on February 9th (for Mr. Falter) and February 11th (For Mrs. Heydinger) to answer any additional questions students may have.
*8th grade teachers are submitting core classes recommendations and those recommendations have been shared with Mrs. Todd. Mrs. Todd will also be in the lunchroom during this period of time to answer more questions.
Here are some additional resources:
- Students interested in Linworth can email Mrs. Todd with a preferred date and time for a tour and she will be sure to connect with Linworth directly.
- For students who are inquiring about courses to "Get Ahead" over the summer, please click HERE for that information
- We will also be providing a tour day to Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) in late March so please be on the lookout for additional details around Mid-February.
- Please see the link for High School Courses & Descriptions at Thomas Worthington High School
- You will want to consult with your high school counselor regarding graduation requirements
- Please see the link for High School Courses & Registration
Linworth
- Linworth is now accepting applications for the 26-27 school year. Apply at linworth.org.
- To schedule a half-day student visit, contact your current school counselor or email akargiotis@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6900.
The Linworth Open House is Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m., at 2075 W. Dublin-Granville Rd.
Questions about Linworth can be directed to Amy Kargiotis, secretary at Linworth, at akargiotis@wscloud.org
TWHS STEM TEAM
We are thrilled to share an exciting opportunity for our students—the TWHS Freshman STEM Team! This innovative program blends rigorous academic content with real-world applications, helping students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and engaging environment.
While designed for students interested in STEM fields, the STEM Team prepares all students for any college or career path. Students also have access to unique opportunities, including advanced technology, internships with companies like Abbott Labs and Honda, and partnerships with universities such as The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati. We hope you’ll consider this incredible opportunity for your child!
This program provides a solid foundation for students’ futures, whether in STEM or any other field.
Staff Spotlight
Ryan Faingold
What subject/grade do you teach?
- Social Studies (grade 6)
When did you start teaching?
- 2023
What is your favorite part about Worthingway?
- The culture, the staff, and the community
What is your favorite part about teaching?
- My favorite part is definitely seeing that 'click' on a student's face when they finally get a really tough concept
What are your hobbies?
- Working out, Trivia, Building Legos, Watching the Chicago Cubs & Coaching/Playing Volleyball
What is your favorite food/drink?
- Lasagna
What are you most proud of?
- The 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs
What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?
- Cliff jumping
What is something unique or interesting about you that most people might not know?
- I can say the alphabet backwards
What is your favorite corny joke?
- Why was six afraid of seven, cause seven ate nine!
Dental Clinic
Worthington Schools is happy to be partnering once again with Ohio Dental Outreach, to offer in-school dental care. The dates for Worthington Estates and Worthingway Students are Wednesday February 11, 2026. The services will be performed at Worthington Estates Elementary (Worthingway students will walk over accompanied by school staff). Dental care includes a complete dental exam, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride and sealants when necessary, and in some cases, restorative care such as fillings, all occurring during the school day. All insurance is accepted including Medicaid and CHIP. For those without insurance, a self- pay option is available for $71 (ages 13 or younger), or you may also request donated care to cover the cost.
Permission slips are available at your school office. These need to be completed and returned as soon as possible, or you may complete the form online -- the links for each school are found below. Parent/Guardian signature is required in order to treat your student on the day of the clinic. We need as many students as possible to complete permission slip by February 4, 2026, although students will be accepted after that date.
If you have any questions please contact Joyce Casey, our School Nurse at 614-450-4300 or jcasey@wscloud.org.
Worthingway Middle School: https://www.myschooldentist.com/WNWCOH_schsrm
Educational Travel Opportunity to Italy & Greece!!
- We are thrilled to invite you to attend a parent info session where we will dive into one of Worthington’s most exciting student travel opportunities – Mrs. Adesso’s Rome, Athens, and the Greek Isles educational tour!
- Parent Meeting Date: January 28th Time: 7:30 PM Location: Via Zoom
- Register Now: RSVP is required to get the zoom link! To confirm your attendance, please register using the link below: https://bit.ly/4pwYXGC
- Don’t miss this chance to ignite your child’s curiosity and passion for exploration. We look forward to seeing you there!
Important REMINDERS
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
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.
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.
OWL Program
The OWL (Ohio Wesleyan Learning) has a long standing tradition of offering a summer camp program of challenge and enrichment for central Ohio's gifted and talented middle school students who are currently in grades 5-8.
The program is sponsored by Ohio Wesleyan University and founded by the Junior League of Columbus, with major support from corporations, foundations, community service groups and individual contributions.
For more information about the camp, please visit the OWL website or see attached letter.
Some important information about the program:
Application is submitted online.
Application deadline is January 31, 2026
Financial Aid/Scholarship Applications - due to OWL Office by March 1, 2026.
Additional scholarship opportunities for gifted students in need of financial assistance may be available from the Ohio Association for Gifted Children ( OAGC).
Notification of Acceptance - email notifications sent around the end of March
New in 2026:
• Residential Camp will be split by grade levels. See the website for exact grades and weeks.
• Day Camp will be offered for two weeks, instead of one.
• Both camps will consist of four days of classes, ending on Thursdays. The duration of the classes will increase daily to ensure the same amount of instruction is provided.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out via email to owl@owu.edu or Suzanne Palmer, Gifted Coordinator, at spalmer@wscloud.org
PTA Update
Want to Help?
There’s still time to contribute! Use our Amazon Wish List to send a game or two. Even a small purchase goes a long way in creating inclusive, shared fun:
Click here for our Wish List
Become a Cards Helper!
Whether it’s donating items, chaperoning an event, or lending your talents behind the scenes - We’d love to have you!
This is low-commitment, high-impact involvement that makes a big difference.
Sign Up to Help https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYq5-2XuC-B5j3uiXctN5hAHXyioj_MhPVYN6kYCCL4QG_8w/viewform?usp=header
More Ways to Support Worthingway PTA
Kroger Community Rewards
Link your Kroger card to Worthingway PTA (NPO #RF924), and a portion of your regular grocery spending helps support our school—at no cost to you!
Donate or Join the PTA
Every dollar and every member matters.
Stay Connected
Read this section of the principal’s newsletter each week
Visit our website: worthingwaypta.my.canva.site
Join the conversation: Search “Worthingway PTA” on Facebook
Jennifer Johnson
PTA President
Worthingway Middle School
Athletics
- 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
Pick Up and Drop Off
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.
Upcoming Dates
Thursday, February 5
- Family Conferences (4:45-7:45)
Wednesday, February 11
- Family Conferences (4:45-6:45)
Friday, February 13
- No School
Monday, February 16
- No School
Worthingway Middle School
Mr. Todd Keenan, principal (tkeenan@wscloud.org)
Mrs. Abby Jinks, assistant principal (ajinks@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