Worthingway Weekly
October 15, 2026
Principal's Message
In this podcast episode, the host explores why students frequently and increasingly struggle with everyday challenges and offers practical strategies for building resilience.
This particular episode, though geared for educators, applies and relates very well to what we deal with as parents.
Guiding middle school students through the balance between "toughing it out" and "honoring every feeling" is very tricky territory for adults. For example, our staff want/need students to remain in class but also never want to deny a student from a legitimate request to use the restroom or get a drink.
Sometimes the response from a student who is running low on distress tolerance isn't just to request to leave the classroom, it could also come in the form of off-task behavior within the classroom.
Feelings are a gauge, they are not a guide. Our feelings tell us what kind of response we are having to whatever stimulus is happening but it may not be the best guide for our next steps. This is the coaching focus we often have with students - guiding them through their feelings so that we can get to a productive next step.
As always, we appreciate doing this work alongside you.
UPDATES
School Photo Retakes and Makeup Information
- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026 DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
- PHOTO RETAKES: If you would like your student to retake the school photo they previously took and you ordered, the student should bring in the original photo order package and give it to the photographer on October 23. A new photo will be taken and the same photo order package will be produced using the new student photo. If the student does not have a physical package to return because they ordered a digital download or if the parent/guardian has seen the first image and wants it to be taken again, we will photograph any of the students that present themselves for a retake picture.
- PHOTO MAKE-UPS: If your student was absent for our two previous photo days or if they are a new student who has not taken a school photo, we would like them to take a photo on October 23. Even if you do not plan to order photos, their photo will be used in the yearbook and for a student ID. You may visit the HR Imaging website: shop.hrimaging.com to place an order.
Staff Shoutouts from our Families
- Camp Team: I want to reach out and give a BIG thank you to all of you for going above and beyond for our students at camp this year. It is not lost on me how much hard work goes into teachers attending camp, and I know many of you have done it year after year. You take time away from your own families to ensure that our children have a fun, safe, educational experience away from home. It is only possible through incredible, devoted, and loving educators like you. You are making a huge difference in the lives of so many children and their families. I feel incredibly lucky that my kids have the privilege of attending Worthingway and that they are surrounded by trusted, caring teachers and administrators. Middle school can be a really tough time, and you all are making it a safe place for these kids to grow. Please know that there are so many other parents who feel the same way as I do - we are indebted to you for everything you do for our kids and our community!
- Has a 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.
Butterbraids Update from the PTA!
- We are SO close to our fundraiser goal and Monday, October 19th is the LAST DAY to place orders! Let’s finish strong! Every order makes a direct impact on our students and teachers. In fact, this fundraiser is part of how the PTA was able to provide dinner for our teachers this week during conferences!
- A reminder that pick-up is Thursday, November 12 from 4:00–6:00 PM in the school cafeteria. If you are unable to make it that day, please arrange for someone to pick up on your behalf. Any orders not picked up within 5 days will be donated to the Worthington Resource Pantry - we will not be able to hold orders beyond that window, so please plan accordingly. Thank you for your understanding!
Worthington Connects
Dear Worthington Families,
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.
Click here to make a monetary donation.
Staff Spotlight
Olivia Adolph
What year did you start teaching?
- 2014
What is your educational background and accomplishments?
- The Ohio State University - Bachelor's degree
- The Ohio State University - Master's degree
- K-12 Gifted Endorsement
What is your favorite part of Worthingway?
- It's amazing to work alongside so many teachers who genuinely love what they do.
What is your favorite part about your job?
- I love getting to know my students and encouraging them as readers.
What are your hobbies?
- I love to travel, read and spend time with my family (husband and three kids) and friends!
Ohio SAVE Act
State law requires school districts to provide annual lessons for students in grades 6–12 on Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Safety Training and Violence, and Social Inclusion. This law is known as the Safety and Violence Education (SAVE) Students Act. To meet these requirements, schools must use a state-approved curriculum. Worthington Schools will utilize materials from the Sandy Hook Promise program. Below is Worthington School’s implementation dates:
Suicide Prevention Week (10/5-10/9): Say Something: Prevent Suicide
Start with Hello Week (10/12-10/15): Start with Hello
National Anti-Bullying Week (11/16-11/20): Say Something
Although Ohio law requires these lessons, we recognize the sensitive nature of the topics. Families may choose to opt their student out of participation. If you prefer for your child not to receive this instruction, please contact your student’s principal or school counselor. Students who do not participate will be provided with an alternative activity.
If you have any questions about the SAVE Act requirements or the instructional materials, please contact Mr. Keenan at tkeenan@wscloud.org.
REMINDERS
Free & Reduced School Meals for Students
- Worthington Schools offers Free & Reduced-Price Meals for students who qualify. A new application must be submitted each school year—eligibility does not carry over from the previous year. If you haven’t yet applied for the 2026–2027 school year, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible to avoid any interruption in benefits. For more information and to access the online application, click HERE. Paper applications are also available in the school office.
Student Lunch Accounts
- Families can add money to their student's lunch account through My Payments Plus by clicking HERE. You can also use MPP to track your student's account and see much money remains on it. My Payments Plus is also used to pay other fees, like high school parking permits and AP testing fees.
Bell Schedule
Parent Resources
- 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
- Infinite Campus:
- Infinite Campus is how you can access your students' grades, attendance, etc
- Parent Guide
- 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.
- Click here for a comprehensive document that will help you with Schoology and Infinite Campus and Securly Home.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
- If you have questions or are unable to complete the steps and need technical support, please complete this google form.
PTA Update
DINE OUT FOR WORTHINGWAY - Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern!
Our first restaurant fundraiser of the year is almost here and it could not be easier to participate! Head to the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern in Worthington on Monday, October 26th and 15% of your bill comes back to Worthingway PTA!
7800 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Dine in or order carryout here is all you need to know:
It is a great excuse to skip cooking on a Monday night and support Worthingway at the same time! See you there!
HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR PTA MEMBERSHIP?
Quick reminder - PTA membership renews every year! If you were a member last year, thank you so much - but you will need to sign up again for the 2026–2027 school year to keep your membership active.
Not sure if it’s worth it? Here is what PTA membership gets you:
A vote on how PTA funds are used - including our budget, events, and programs
A seat at the table at our monthly meetings where decisions are made
The ability to share your ideas and opinions on what happens at Worthingway
The knowledge that your $7.00 goes directly toward supporting our students and teachers
Membership is just $7.00 for the entire school year and it makes a real difference. Every member counts - and every voice matters! Join or renew HERE!
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!
We have a brand new Instagram page and we would love for you to follow along! Find us at the link below and stay connected to everything the PTA has in store this year!
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worthingwaypta
And don’t forget - you can also join our Facebook group by searching “Worthingway PTA” and clicking join!
LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR WORTHINGWAY TEAM?
Kroger Community Rewards - costs you nothing! Simply sign in to your Kroger account, click on Community Rewards, and enter the name (Worthingway Middle School PTA) or NPO number (RF924). Every grocery run helps our school!
Make a Donation - your donation directly funds the programs, events, and initiatives that make Worthingway such a special place to learn and grow. From student recognition to teacher appreciation to community events - it all happens because of YOU!
Donate HERE!
ATTENTION CARDS HELPERS!
First of all - THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered their time as a Cards Helper. You are the heart of this community and we are so grateful for you!
One small but important update this year - Cards Helper sign ups reset annually! If you signed up last year and would like to continue volunteering, you will need to sign up again for the 2026–2027 school year. There is absolutely no obligation just for signing up - we will simply reach out when opportunities arise and you can decide what works for you!
Sign up HERE! We would love to have you back - or welcome you for the first time!
Shop Spirit Wear - 10% of sales come back directly to Worthingway! Shop HERE!
Volunteer at the Concession Stand - easy, fun, and a great experience for you and your student! Sign up HERE!
As always, thank you for being part of the most wonderful school community. We could not do any of this without your support, your energy, and your willingness to show up for Worthingway!
Warmly,
Jennifer Johnson
Worthingway PTA President
worthingwaypta@gmail.com
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
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.
- No cars should be in our bus loop before or after school. Thank you
Upcoming Dates
Worthingway Middle School
Mr. Todd Keenan, principal (tkeenan@wscloud.org)
Mrs. Kami Novak, assistant principal (knovak@wscloud.org)
Mrs. Cerita Todd, counselor (ctodd@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. Shawna Barrett, 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
This October we will be introducing a new series for our Middle school students who are interested in trying and/or joining the amazing sport of Colorguard. During these clinics students will join a fun environment led by Colorguard coaches Mack Reay and Michaela Bateman. Here they will learn how to spin, learn dance basics, meet new or old friends, and gain a new skill!
These will be held in the Thomas Worthington High School Band Room on Monday's in October from 6pm-8pm. Students will receive a short break during this time to have snack that can be brought from home.
Equipment will be provided all they need is a water and snack, comfy shoes (sneakers, running shoe that laces), and themselves.
Students who make it to our last clinic 10/26 can look forward to a special prize at the end of the series!
For any questions we can be reached at mreay@wscloud.org (Mack), mbateman@wscloud.org, or through Director Scoles dscoles@wscloud.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
Adventure awaits: Worthingway is going abroad in 2028!
To learn more about the travel opportunities available to Worthington students in 2028. Fill out the form below to RSVP to our parent informational meeting taking place on 10/20 in the Worthington Kilbourne HS commons at 6PM. If you are interested but can't make it, click "no but send more info" and we will follow up. We are excited to see you there!
St. Vincent de Paul offers a free clothing room at St. Michael Church, 5750 North High Street, Worthington, 43085. As shoppers enter the church driveway it is on the right-hand side prior to the parking lot. Shoppers will need to go down the outside stairs to gain entrance to the room. There will be a sign out on days the room is open. The room is stocked with gently used seasonal clothing for all ages. In addition, we provide a new set of underwear and socks for each family member. All we need would be identification for each family member that is being shopped for and which school is referring them. The Clothing room is open the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9:00 – 10:00 (last shopper signed in). And again, on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10:00 – 11:00 (last shopper signed in). Families may visit the clothing room every three months.
