The Whetstone Weekly

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Upcoming Dates

• NHS Blood Drive - Friday, 2/27
• PTA Academic Club Meeting* - Wednesday, 3/4, 6:30
• SAT for Juniors - Monday - Friday, 3/2-6
• History Day Showcase* - Friday, 3/6
• PSAT for Freshmen - Monday - Friday, 3/9-13
• Franklin County Job and Family Services Mobile Unit @ WHS - Wednesday, 3/11
• Q4 Start - Monday, 3/16
• PTA Meeting* - Wednesday, 3/25, 6:30
• 30 Minute Early Dismissal - Thursday, 4/2
• Spring Break - 4/3-10

*See below for more info

Whetstone PTA Calendar

https://www.whetstonepta.org/home/calendar

CCS District Calendars

https://www.ccsoh.us/calendars.aspx

WHS has 2 NATIONAL QUALIFIERS in the BPA State Leadership competition: Gillian Martin (Extemporaneous Speech 1st place at states), and Kamya Smith (Business Law and Ethics 4th place). Congratulations!

Attention families of students in Cohort 2029 and Cohort 2027:

To ensure your student is fully prepared for upcoming assessments and college readiness activities through the College Board, please have your student update the College Board app on their school-issued Chromebook as soon as possible.

Keeping the app updated is essential for:

• Smooth access to testing tools

• Avoiding login or technical issues

• Ensuring compatibility with upcoming assessments

Students can complete the update directly through their Chromebook. Students do not need to log in to their Chromebook. They will click on APPS in the bottom left corner and select Bluebook. Once the screen loads, the application is successfully updated. If your student experiences any issues during the update process, please contact Mrs. Lewis in Room 210.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important update and for helping us keep our students prepared and ready!

Questions? Contact Allison Lewis at alewis3@columbus.k12.oh.us

Our girls wrestling team took 1st place in the first ever Girls Wrestling City League Championship on Saturday. It was/is an honor and privilege to witness the teams journey to solidifying a league championship experience and win. If you were not able to be at the championship this past Saturday, I can say that witnessing the first-ever girls wrestling walk-out was empowering and near tear-jerking. I am so beyond proud of our coaches for investing into the girls program and advocating for their needs. Our girls earned a spot at the top over the last several years and to see it come to fruition represents one strong step forward for girls wrestling. I look forward to seeing this program continue to grow but in the meantime, please congratulate all of our girl wrestlers on their commitment, performance, and passion for the sport. They will begin their OHSAA Tournament run on 3/1 @ Jonathan Alder.

-AD Bleikamp

Some of our volunteers will no longer have students at Whetstone next year, so we need your help to continue to make our great Athletic Boosters programs possible. We are looking for people to fill the following roles:

• Recruit a committee to score applications using a rubric
• Update the application and deadlines, promote the opportunity, monitor submissions
• Compile applications and remove the candidate names for the committee's review
• Compile committee scores; prepare for honoree announcement in May

• Monitor inventory and purchase items needed for concession sales
• Create/update Signup Genius for volunteers to staff concession stand
• Coordinate opening/closing of stand and train volunteers in their duties (Athletic Boosters officers help with this, as well)

• Coordinate with Athletic Director and photographer to capture senior and team photos
• Verify seniors' preferred names and spellings for banner production
• Assist with setup, props, and directing student athletes on picture days
• Organize digital photo files from photographer and send to banner vendor
• Proof banners, pickup from local vendor, deliver to school

Thank you for your support!

The Athletic Boosters Board

Show your Whetstone pride and support your Whetstone athlete! There are many options and sites to support WHS Sports and Cheer.

Visit the Athletic Booster Spirit Wear store at https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/OH/Columbus/Whetstone%20High%20School to browse and buy hoodies, t-shirts, hats, blankets, drinkware, and more. Personalization is available on select items. There are Parent/Family, Alumni, and Teacher/Staff logos, too. And most importantly, all proceeds benefit our kids!

Interested in Whetstone Bowling Spirit Wear? Get some at https://whetstone-bowling.square.site

Get your Softball-specific sportswear at https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/stores/whetstone-softball#/lockers/whetstone-softball

See past and upcoming matches for all WHS sports at WHS Athletic Schedule and buy your tickets at WHS Athletic Tickets.

WHS Boys and Girls Bowling Info, Schedule, and more can be found at https://www.cohsbc.com/index.aspx

The WHS Athletic Boosters provide team support - paying for various expenses that coaches and teams need to be successful during a season and annual monetary awards for graduating student athletes that have demonstrated excellence in academics. Visit whetstoneathleticboosters.com for more info.

• Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21, 2026
• Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28, 2026
• 7:00 PM 9:00 PM
• WAPA Performing Arts Center

Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau.

An exciting new musical featuring irresistible characters and magical music, this deep-sea pearl of a show is set to make a splash with audiences young and old. The future is bright, the future is bold, the future is The SpongeBob Musical.

Tickets on Sale NOW at https://www.wapa.net/performances-gashZ

Currently there are groups for Whetstone Band, She Kills Monsters, Jazz Ensemble, Whetstone Vocal Music, Whetstone String Orchestra and WAPA Volunteers. Your student *should* already be a member and can send you an invitation to join via the app. If not, reach out to the directors or you can email wapaboosters@gmail.com and we will do whatever we can to help get you connected.

Get the Band App at https://www.band.us/en

WAPA IS...A place to experience inspiring music and theater. A place for students to grow. A place for instructors to shine. A place for our community to come together. WAPA is here to inspire.

WHETSTONE. ACADEMY. of PERFORMING. ARTS.

For more info, visit wapa.net.

Are you a history buff or the slowest person at the museum because you read every placard?

Then come have your mind blown by the 9th grade Humanities students at the WHS History Day Showcase! This year's theme is Revolution, Reaction, Reform. The school Showcase is closed to the public, but the WHS PTA has you covered. We're seeking 3 parent volunteers to serve as judges on Friday, March 6th, from 12:15 - 1:40 pm in the school library. Sign up here by Monday, March 2nd.

Mark your calendars for the regional History Day event at the Ohio Statehouse on March 14th, fully open to the public!

The Whetstone PTA is seeking parents and caregivers interested in serving as an officer or committee chair for the upcoming year. If you’d like to learn more or share your interest, please complete the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lG8pEmfLVELWZFDH9ILGo4mOuyCbqtxIhpbo3Cmp1WI/viewform?ts=69951a94&edit_requested=true. Questions? Email nominations@whetstonepta.org -we’d love to hear from you!

New year, new gear! Get some WHS merch! We have hoodies, mugs, t-shirts and even stadium seat cushions for those exciting basketball games!

https://whetstonepta.givebacks.com/shop?category=35618

Interested in getting involved? Our PTA holds open meetings each month:

• PTA Academic Committee - 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the school library
• Come to learn and help grow and recognize the academic elements at WHS.
• PTA - 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the school library
• Join to hear what’s going, get updates from Principal Rodriguez, and learn how you can contribute to our wonderful school community.

All are welcome but in order to be a voting member, you need to pay $10 for a membership. Click here for membership options.

If you're not already participating, take three minutes and enroll your Kroger Plus card with their Community Rewards program to benefit Whetstone PTA. Visit whetstonepta.org/home/kroger-community-rewards-for-whs-pta for more info.

The Whetstone Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a community of parent volunteers, working to provide scholarships for students, grants for teachers, connect school leadership with parents, and enrich the high school experience for ALL the students at Whetstone High School. See below for selected PTA-related information, and visit whetstonepta.org to join and get even more!

New this year: We’ve started a group on the Band app to better facilitate communication. Join us here!

See below or click here to purchase Cap & Gown Senior Photos. Make-up date is March 5, 2026, 12-3pm.

Please see Ms. Ottey for assistance.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 7-10

Where: Hilton Columbus at Easton (3900 Chagrin Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43219)

Class of 2026 Requirements to attend Prom:

• Have ALL 120 Internship hours completed AND entered in School Links.
• Have passed all of your courses for 1st semester AND 3rd grading period.
• Have100% of your required VCAP/EDMENTUM courses completed by May 1, 2026.
• NO suspensions, this is including ISS and OSS from October 1 - May 6, 2026

Class of 2027 Requirements to attend Prom:

• Have a minimum of 90 Internship hours completed AND entered in School Links.
• Have passed all of your courses for 1st semester AND 3rd grading period.
• Have 100% of your required VCAP/EDMENTUM courses completed by May 1, 2026.
• NO suspensions, this is including ISS and OSS from October 1 - May 6, 2026

Questions can be sent to Ms. Ottey, Mr. Eagle, Mr. Haffele or your student's counselor.

Student Appointment Registration Is Now Open! ✨
Fairy Goodmothers is excited to welcome students to Cinderella’s Closet Boutique, where high school students can shop for prom dresses and accessories at no cost.

Appointments are strongly encouraged and space is limited.

💙 Register at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4BACAA2C7-61698071-2026#/

Curious how the Boutique works and who can attend?

Fairy Goodmothers, a Central Ohio non-profit since 2005, opens Cinderella’s Closet Boutique each spring to provide high school students with the opportunity to find their dream prom dress and jewelry at no cost. Assisted by their very own Personal Shopper, the young person can choose from thousands of dresses between sizes 0-36.

This year, the Boutique will be held at The Shops at Worthington Place, 7227 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43085 (West Entrance, Near Amano's Pizza).

The shop is open during these dates and times:

• Saturday, February 21st from 9:00am-3:30pm
• Sunday, February 22nd from 9:00am-3:30pm
• Saturday, February 28th from 9:00am-3:30pm
• Sunday, March 1st from 9:00am-3:30pm
• Saturday, March 14th from 9:00am-3:30pm
• Sunday, March 15th from 9:00am-3:30pm

What to Know:

• Please sign up for only one appointment per student.
• Registration will request the student’s name and email and then a parent/guardian’s name and email (if the parent/guardian is completing the sign-up).
• Proof of high school attendance (or home schooling) will be needed during check in – virtual proof is accepted.
• No proof of need is required.
• Student requiring translation assistance or other special accommodations should include that information in the comment section of the sign-up form or contact info@fairygoodmothers.org.
• Only one family member or friend can attend per student. This person will stay in a waiting area while the student shops with a personal shopper.
• Dress comfortably with appropriate undergarments for changing. We do not have individual changing areas so tanks or sports bras are suggested.

If you have any questions, please email info@fairygoodmothers.org.

Graduation will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 12:00 PM in the Battelle Grand Ballroom at the Columbus Convention Center.

More info to come...

Sponsored by the Whetstone’s Black Student Union - Join us as we celebrate culture, history, pride, and unity all week long! Students and staff are invited to participate and honor the rich contributions, style, and legacy of Black history.

🎶 Monday, 2/23 – Soul Train Day-Step back in time! Dress in your favorite 70s, 80s, or 90s inspired outfit and bring the vibes.

👑 Tuesday, 2/24 – Crown Celebration-Your hair is your crown! Make it your statement piece and celebrate Black fashion, beauty, and self-expression.

📚 Wednesday, 2/25 – Historical Figure Day-Dress as or wear clothing featuring an influential African American leader, artist, scholar, activist, or innovator who inspires you.

✨ Thursday, 2/26 – Sunday Best-Show up dressed in your finest! Celebrate excellence, pride, and tradition in your Sunday best attire.

🌍 Friday, 2/27 – Unity Day-Wear cultural attire and represent your heritage. Bring your flags, your pride, and your unity as we celebrate the diversity of our Whetstone community.

The Franklin Country Board of Commissioners Mobile Unit will be at Whetstone on Wednesday, March 11 from 11AM - 3PM.

Services provided include Food, Medical, and Childcare assistance, Re-entry support, Aging resources, and much more. Visit https://forms.office.com/g/uBC4hdJxPQ or scan the QR code in the flyer to sign up before Friday, March 6.

Dear Columbus City Schools Families,

We’re excited to invite you to share your thoughts and experiences as part of the Spring 2026 administration of the Panorama Family Survey. Let’s reflect on how we’ve grown and how we can continue improving together!

The survey window will be open from March 2 – March 13, 2026.

This survey focuses on school perceptions and student support. It’s an opportunity for us to better understand your needs and preferences and enhance our services. You can find more information about the survey by clicking HERE.

Students in grades 3–12 will also have the opportunity to participate in a survey about their experience in Columbus City Schools, unless they have been opted out by a parent/guardian. Families may click HERE to opt their child out by Friday, February 27, 2026.

All responses are anonymous and will help guide programs and resources that support your child and our school community. Your voice is essential, and we appreciate your partnership.

Look out for the survey link when the Family Survey opens on Monday, March 2.

The Columbus Education Justice Coalition - the community arm of CEA - is having a campaign to have conversations about the state of our schools all throughout the month of March. More info can be found at https://www.cbusedjustice.org/nothing-about-us-without-us

Also, check out their interesting and informative video on the school closures on the Southside - more than anywhere else in our city: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fegIEjojvk0

This summer, CCS Summer Learning opportunities will be provided for students performing below grade level in reading, writing, and or math. Summer Learning is meant to replace Summer Experience and will be available to students based on grades and test scores. Transportation will be provided for Elementary and Middle school students. High school students must provide their own transportation.

CCS Summer Learning is FREE. Registration begins March 2, 2026. Please visit https://www.ccsoh.us/academics/summer-learning for more information and list of available Summer Learning Locations.

Columbus City Schools wants your input on the upcoming school year calendars, visit https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/995789830/welcome or scan the QR code to take the survey!

CCS is actively engaging our community in developing a Portrait of Family Partnership. Its purpose is to create a shared understanding among families, educators, and community partners about what strong family partnership looks like in practice in Columbus City Schools. The Portrait Design Team will meet three times to design the Portrait of Family Partnership, and each meeting builds upon the other.

Time: 5:00pm-5:30pm Dinner, 5:30pm-7:30pm Portrait Design Team Meeting

Dates:

• February 24, 2026
• March 25, 2026
• April 29, 2026

Visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckE48ek0aV39O95bnUvb5vCfyxNeax8_z9m1gtG-v6aPYMKg/viewform to learn more and participate!

Join the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods for a special Black History Month community screening of Genius: MLK/X (Rated TV-14), hosted at COSI’s Giant Screen Theater. Free snacks and popcorn will be provided.

Black History Month Film Screening: Genius: MLK/X

Saturday, February 28, 2026

2-5pm

COSI (333 W. Broad St.)

This limited series explores the formative years and intersecting paths of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Episodes 1 and 2 will be shown, featuring pivotal moments such as Malcolm’s release from prison, MLK’s university graduation, and the foundations of their ideological differences - all set against the backdrop of a changing America.

Pre-registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-columbus-black-history-month-film-screening-tickets-1981787244998

The Ohio State University Student Life Disability Services is proud to announce two webinars for high school students preparing for college. These sessions will explain the key differences between high school and collegiate services and how to register for accommodations. The webinars are open to any students who plan to attend college.

Our upcoming sessions, “Next Stop: College! Navigating Disability Supports After High School,” will guide students through the changes to expect after high school graduation. Students will learn:

• How to choose a campus that fits their needs
• How disability is broadly defined
• The steps to register for accommodations (including key resources and documentation tips)
• The importance and value of self-advocacy in college
  

This is a great opportunity for students to learn how they can transition successfully to college with confidence and clarity!

Register Below!

April 16 @6pm

Overview ⋮ Next Stop: College! Navigating Disability Supports After High School ⋮ : Blackthorn Even…

​​​​​

Questions? Email us at slds@osu.edu.

Stay engaged in your child's education! The Parent Portal (through Infinite Campus) is your link to real-time information on your Columbus City Schools student(s), including class schedules, assignments, grades, attendance, and more.

To access the Parent Portal, visit: https://columbusoh.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/columbusCity.jsp

For information on how to access and use the Parent Portal, visit: https://www.ccsoh.us/parentportal.aspx

or

https://secure.smore.com/n/3jk0e-ccs-infinite-campus-parent-portal

Parent Portal App info is available at: https://secure.smore.com/3jk0e

The Pathway Express program is back for another year with three unique destinations for students and families to explore!

Pathway Express demonstrates how learning extends beyond the classroom walls. These transformative experiences shape and empower our students for success, as they align with our goals of increasing math and reading proficiency and help close opportunity gaps. Create lasting memories with engaging hands-on learning experiences at each of our Pathway Express stops!

The next Pathway Express is at Indian Village Outdoor Education Center in April. These learning opportunities will lead us through the 2025-2026 school year, right up to our 2026 Summer Experience. See event details below.

April 25

• Saturday, April 25, 2026

• Location: Indian Village Outdoor Education Center (3232 Indian Village Road)

• Time: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

To learn more visit the Pathway Express page at https://www.ccsoh.us/pathwayexpress

Want even more WHS info? Visit these WHS-related groups and pages online.

• Whetstone HS (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonehigh/
  
• Whetstone HS PTA (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstone_pta/
• Whetstone HS PTA (Facebook) - facebook.com/whetstonehighpta/
• Whetstone HS PTA Family Group (Facebook) - facebook.com/groups/472994289728615
• Whetstone HS Athletic Boosters (Facebook) - facebook.com/WHSAthleticBoosters
  
• Whetstone AD (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstone_athleticdirector/
• Whetstone Football Program (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonehsfootball/
• Whetstone HS Cheer (Instagram) - instagram.com/whsbraves.cheer/
• WHS Baseball (Facebook) - facebook.com/Whetstone-Braves-Baseball-199500710084504
  
• WHS Baseball (Twitter) - twitter.com/WhetstoneBraves
• Whetstone HS boys soccer (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstoneboyssoccerofficial/
  
• Whetstone HS girls soccer (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonegsoccer/
  
• Whetstone Baseball (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstonebaseball1
  
• WAPA (Instagram) - instagram.com/whetstoneapa/
• WAPA (Facebook) - facebook.com/WhetstoneAPA/
• WAPA Boosters (Facebook) - facebook.com/groups/127079587751458
• Columbus City Schools (website) - ccsoh.us/district
• Columbus City Schools (Facebook) - facebook.com/ColumbusCitySchools

Location: 4405 Scenic Dr, Columbus, OH 43214

Website: ccsoh.us/WhetstoneHS

Email: whetstonehs@columbus.k12.oh.us

Hours: 7:30AM - 2:30PM

Phone: (614) 365-6060

Principal, Kimberly Rodriguez: krodriguez@columbus.k12.oh.us

Assistant Administrator (11th & 12th), Tara Ottey: tottey@columbus.k12.oh.us

Assistant Administrator (10th), Daniel McElroy: dmcelroyjr4864@columbus.k12.oh.us

Assistant Administrator (9th), Sarah Jaffy: sjaffy6286@columbus.k12.oh.us

Leadership Intern, Sibyl Barber: sbarber@columbus.k12.oh.us

Administrative Secretary, Martina Jakob: ejakob@columbus.k12.oh.us

Attendance Secretary, Lisa Hord: lhord4655@columbus.k12.oh.us

Thanks for reading! If you missed a past issue, visit the Whetstone Weekly Archive.

For much more info, visit the WHS PTA - Family Ambassador Page. And, as always, if you have suggestions or content for inclusion - or any other questions, comments, or concerns - please feel free to contact me. I'm here to help!

Damian Synadinos

WHS Family Ambassador

dsynadinos@columbus.k12.oh.us