Greyhound Connect (August 25)

Hello Greyhounds,

What a fantastic start to the school year! As we begin week two, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support and partnership in making these opening days such a resounding success.

Walking through the hallways this week, the energy and optimism across our campus have been contagious. From our ninth graders navigating their new schedules to our seniors stepping confidently into their final year of leadership, our students have brought enthusiasm, focus, and school spirit to Grove City High School.

Our students represented themselves well in our student section at our first home football game last Friday (what a win, go Dawgs!). We encourage students to continue to represent the Grove City Greyhounds with pride and respect as we travel to Westland HS this Friday.

Now that students have had an opportunity to learn their schedules and get to know the building, we will begin fully enforcing our campus tardy policy this week. Students are expected to be inside their classrooms before the bell rings and those arriving late to class will be issued a demerit.

Additionally, cell phones, ear phones, and smart glasses must be put away during the school day. If a student has a device out during the instructional day, the device will be collected and held safely in the main office where the student can retrieve it at the end of their school day. For a second offense, a parent or guardian will need to collect the device. Thank you for partnering with us to help communicate the expectations.

Looking forward to continuing this incredible year,

Tara Thompson

Principal

Mr. Stewart primarily works with our 10th- and 12th-grade students. He also supports state testing and MTSS. Before coming to Grove City, Mr. Stewart taught Social Studies at Canal Winchester and served as an administrator in Chillicothe. He is a graduate of the University of Akron and the American College of Education.

Mr. Todd primarily works with 11th-grade students and oversees the Athletics Department. He also assists with SAT and AP testing. Before becoming an administrator at Grove City High School, Mr. Todd taught Career Tech in South-Western City Schools. He served as the head baseball coach at Central Crossing for 20 years and played baseball for The Ohio State University. Mr. Todd is a graduate of The Ohio State University, Nova Southeastern University, and the University of Dayton.

Jessica Wilson is the School Counselor for students with the last names A-D. This is her 13th year in the SWCS district. Before coming to Grove City High School, Miss Wilson worked as an Intervention Specialist at Jackson Middle School. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree from The University of Akron and her Master's Degree from The University of the Southwest. Here at Grove City she is also one of the facilitators for Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) groups, helps facilitate the Reset Room and manages the schools NCAA Clearinghouse account.

Kaitlin O'Hara is in year 18 at SWCS. Originally from Akron, Ohio, Mrs. O'Hara attended Ohio University to study Science Education. After teaching science for 10 years at GCHS, she moved into the School Counseling role after completing her School Counseling masters program through the University of Dayton. Mrs. O'Hara is one of two Student Council Advisors and works with students with the last names E-Le.

Rachel Rendle is the school counselor for students with last names Li-R, as well as students in the cross-categorical and STACK programs. She is a proud graduate of Ohio University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Dayton. This year marks Rachel’s 28th with South Western City Schools—a community she loves being a part of. Before becoming a school counselor, Rachel taught high school math. Along with her counseling role, she is the advisor for the Grove City Best Buddies program, co-graduation coordinator, and co-Senior class advisor.

Valerie Williams is the School Counselor for students with the last names S-Z and students in the behavior program. Mrs. Williams is an advisor for Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), oversees College Credit Plus at GCHS, and is also a volunteer GCHS softball coach. This is her 24th year in education. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Education at Marietta College (where she also played softball for the Pioneers) and her Master's Degree in School Counseling from the University of Dayton.

Parents or guardians can submit Absence Requests through the Campus Parent Portal.

The Absence Requests feature in Infinite Campus is a digital tool that allows parents or guardians to report a student's absence directly through the Campus Parent portal or mobile app. This streamlines the process, replacing the need for phone calls or paper notes and provides a clear, documented record for the school's attendance office.

For parents and guardians, the process is designed to be simple and accessible 24/7.

Submitting a Request:

1. Navigate: to "More" and then "Absence Requests."

2. Enter Details: You will be prompted to fill out a short form with the necessary information

3. Comments: Add a brief note with more details.

4. Attachments: You can upload supporting documents, such as a doctor's note.

5. Submit: Once submitted, the request is sent directly to the school's attendance office for processing.

Parents can also view the status of their requests (Pending, Approved, Denied), and delete a request if it has not yet been processed by the school.

24 Hour Attendance Line- (614) 801-8859

Please remember to use the Attendance Hotline when calling your student tardy or absent for the day, 614-801-8859. If your student will be late, please call before school starts to report the tardy. Be sure to call if your student will be absent all day.

If you are calling for an Out Of Building Pass, remember the call must be received before 10:00 a.m. Otherwise, a parent/guardian will need to come into the building to sign the student out.

Infinite Campus (IC) is the District’s Internet-based student information system. Important features of IC are the Parent Portal and Mobile App. Through the IC tools, parents are able to access their child’s information, such as class schedules, attendance, academic reports, transportation information, coursework, and put funds in their child’s food service account online. Parents can also designate how and where they wish to receive emergency communications, attendance calls, general announcement messages, and e-mail messages from teachers, the school, and the school district. New accounts need an activation key. The district will be mailing those out in August, so save the letter if you need to create a new account.

To create an IC account, please go to: https://www.swcsd.us/InfiniteCampus.aspx

If you already have an IC account, please update your emergency contact information at: https://www.swcsd.us/OnlineAnnualInformationUpdate.aspx

BREAKFAST: $1.00

LUNCH: $3.00

Reduced price is 30¢ for breakfast and 40¢ for lunch.

Parents can make school food service payments through their Infinite Campus (IC) Parent Portal. The 'Payments' tab and tool provides Portal users with the ability to pay fees and deposit food service money online using a major credit card, checking, or savings account. This tool eliminates the need to send cash or checks with a student to school and provides parents a simple way to stay on top of school fees and services.There is a 'Food Service' tab within your Parent Portal. The Food Service screen allows parents and students access to the following information:

* Current account balances
* Transactions (purchases and deposits)
* Account history
* Account adjustments (debits/credits)

Parents/guardians who may qualify for Free and Reduced Meal prices are required to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application in order to be eligible. Free and Reduced Meal prices afford several district and external benefits for students.

Parents can complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Paper applications are also available in all school buildings and at the Food Services Department. Your child’s application is only good for one school year and the first few days of the start of the next school year. Thus, applications must be completed every year.

For the 2026–2027 school year, locker assignments will be offered on an “opt-in” basis. Over the past several years, we have found that the majority of students no longer utilize their lockers on a regular basis. In an effort to better align with student needs and streamline our processes, lockers will only be assigned to students who request one. Please use the opt-in form below if you would like a locker for the upcoming school year.

Students are responsible for the care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the school.

District-owned Chromebooks should never be taken to an outside computer service for any type of repairs or maintenance.

General Precautions

• No food or drink should be next to Chromebooks.

• Chromebooks should not be used or stored near pets.

• Chromebooks should not be used with the power cord plugged in when the cord may be a tripping hazard.

• Chromebooks must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, and labels. Only district-provided Chromebook covers are allowed.

• Heavy objects should never be placed on top of Chromebooks.

• Chromebooks should never be loaned to another student or individual.

• Always transport Chromebooks with care.

• Students should hold the Chromebooks (cover closed) with two hands if they need to carry the Chromebook anywhere inside or outside of the classroom during instructional time.

• Never lift a Chromebook by the screen.

• Never carry a Chromebook with the screen open.

• Open the Chromebook only when it is resting on a flat surface such as a table or desk.

• To open the Chromebook, use one hand to hold the keyboard against the table. Use the other hand to open the screen by grasping the screen’s edge (in the middle) and gently moving the screen to the open position. (Figure 1. Opening a Chromebook.)

• The hinge of the screen will only allow the screen to be open to a slight angle. Do not attempt to open the screen beyond this stopping point as the screen will break if forced.

• Before closing the screen, make sure there is nothing on the keyboard to prevent the full closure of the device. Obstacles on the keyboard could cause broken screens or damaged hinges.

• Close the screen only when the Chromebook is resting on a flat surface such as a table or desk.

• Close the Chromebook using two hands–one at either corner of the screen (Figure 2. Closing a Chromebook.)

• Close the screen gently.

Screen Care

• The Chromebook screen can be damaged if subjected to heavy objects, rough treatment, some cleaning solvents, and other liquids. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure.

• Do not put pressure on the top of a Chromebook when it is closed.

• Do not store a Chromebook with the screen open.

• Do not place anything in the protective case that will press against the cover.

• Make sure there is nothing on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens, pencils, or disks).

• Never lift the Chromebook by the screen.

• Only clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth.

• Asset tags may not be modified or tampered with in any way.

• Students may be charged up to the full replacement cost of a Chromebook for tampering with a Chromebook.

Cleaning and disinfecting Chromebooks

• Turn off and unplug the charger or any components before cleaning.

• Sanitize the keyboard by using a disinfectant wipe or a soft, linen-free cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. The wipe or cloth should be moist and not saturated. If the disinfectant wipe is saturated, wring out before using on equipment.

• Rub the cloth or wipe on the top and sides of each key and then clean the surface and bottom of the keyboard thoroughly. Use a new disinfectant wipe or cloth to clean the tracking pad or mouse. Do not clean the screen with this cloth or regular disinfectant wipes.

• The screen should be cleaned only with approved screen cleaning products. Regular disinfectants and bleach can damage the screen. There are disinfectant wipes designed specifically for LCD screens and glasses that can be used.

• Do not pour or spray liquid directly on the screen or keyboard.

• Do not use sanitizer gel on the devices as it can also cause water damage.

• Do not use excessive force when cleaning the keyboard, tracking pad, mouse or screen.

All Ohio public schools are required to enforce updated expectations for student electronic device use. In alignment with state law and SWCS Board of Education policy, GCHS is fully enforcing these expectations during the 26/27 school year to support focused, respectful, and safe learning environments. This policy includes cell phones, AirPods, wireless headphones, Meta glasses, and smartwatches (when used for purposes other than telling time).

What families should know:

• If students need to contact home during the school day, they should do so through the school office. Families who need to contact their child may call 614-801-3300.

• The policy is in effect daily from 8:00–3:20 and applies to students on lockout while still in the building.

• To support our electronics policy, the following enforcement steps will be implemented:

  • First offense: The device will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.

  • Second offense: The device will be confiscated, and a guardian must come to the school to pick it up. The office is open from 7:30–4:00 for guardian pick-up.

  • Third offense: A personalized electronics plan will be created with the student and their guardian to address ongoing concerns and ensure future success in maintaining a focused learning environment. Guardian pick-up of the device is also required. The office is open from 7:30–4:00 for guardian pick-up.

8/25- Boy's Soccer vs. Thomas Worthington - 7:15

8/25- Girl's Volleyball @ Hamilton Township- 7:00

8/25- Girl's Soccer @ Thomas Worthington - 7:15

8/26- Girl's Tennis vs. Jonathan Alder - 4:00

8/27- Boy's Soccer vs. Westland- 7:15

8/27- Girl's Volleyball @ Hilliard Darby- 6:45

8/27- Boy's Golf @ Medallion Country Club

8/28- Football @ Westland

8/29- Girl's Golf @ Vernon View Golf Course

8/29- Boy's Cross Country @ Pickerington North

9/2/26- SchooLinks Onboarding

9/11/26- Preparedness in Action Day

10/7/26- Career Goals

11/4/26- TBD

12/2/26- Ohio Graduation Requirements

1/27/27- Scheduling Focused

2/17/27- Scheduling Focused

3/3/27- Resumes

4/28/27- Exit Survey

5/14/27- Senior Sendoff

2026

9/2- Extended Homeroom Schedule

9/7- No School (Labor Day)

9/11- Extended Homeroom Schedule

10/3- Homecoming Dance

10/7- Extended Homeroom Schedule

10/15- End of 1st Nine Weeks

10/16- No School (Professional Day)

10/22- PSAT Testing

11/3- No School (Election Day)

11/4- Extended Homeroom Schedule

11/19-11/22- Fall Play

11/25-11/27- No School (Thanksgiving Break)

12/2- Extended Homeroom Schedule

12/16-12/18- 1st Semester Exams

12/21-1/1- No School (Winter Break)

2027

1/8- End of 2nd Nine Weeks

1/18- No School (MLK Day)

1/19- No School (Professional Day)

1/27- Extended Homeroom Schedule

2/15- No School (Presidents Day)

2/17- Extended Homeroom Schedule

3/3- Extended Homeroom Schedule

3/12- End of 3rd Nine Weeks

3/22-3/26- No School (Spring Break)

3/29- No School (Professional Day)

4/28- Extended Homeroom Schedule

5/4- No School (Election Day)

5/14- Senior Sendoff

5/14- Prom

5/26-5/28- 2nd Semester Exams

5/28- End of 4th Nine Weeks & Last Day of School for Students

5/30- Graduation for the Class of 2027

Principal: Tara Thompson

Assistant Principal: Brittany Kimbleton

Assistant Principal: Brady Stewart

Assistant Principal & Athletic Director: Scott Todd

Main Office: (614) 801-3300

Fax: (614) 871-6563

Website

Location: 4665 Hoover Road Grove City, Ohio 43123