Worthingway Weekly

Our students are doing a very, very good job at keeping their phones in their locker during the school day. This does have a positive impact on our learning environment and their individual focus. This district-wide policy is helping our students to avoid distractions and drama during the school day.

I came across a podcast a few weeks ago and thought it is relevant enough to share. Jene Twenge wrote a book called 10 rules for raising kids in a high tech world. I haven't read the book, but it certainly seems relatable. If you are interested in learning more, here is the podcast:

If you are an apple podcast user, here is the link:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/principal-center-radio/id925371726?i=1000733460275

If you prefer to listen/watch on youtube, here is the link:

https://youtu.be/H4zOyqlAZhU?si=5fsz14151S4v0Z2l

This Week

• This week, we saw:
• students welcome new students to our building by giving them a tour and making sure they have someone to sit with at lunch
• staff work diligently with families to provide reassurance but also examine and adjust the supports for their student to have the confidence to engage in academic productive struggle which leads to growth
• a few students used unkind language to each other but were able to work with staff to own their behavior and engage with each other to restore the relationship
• students stop and help others who dropped things in the hallway
• our PTA graciously pepped up our week with a Coffee Truck

THANK YOU MRS. WHITMER

• Mrs. Whitmer was our long-term guest counselor for Mrs. Todd while she was out on maternity leave. Mrs. Whitmer's last day is today and we welcome back Mrs. Todd on Monday.
• Mrs. Whitmer developed positive relationships with many students, families, and staff. She coordinated the "Friendship Program" for our 8th grade mentors to connect with our 6th grade students. She facilitated many 504 meetings and demonstrated care and concern for every child that walked into her office. We are grateful to have had her on our team for the past few months.

Veterans Day

• We honored Veterans in a variety of ways this week.
• In 6th grade Social Studies classes, students learned about the branches of military and helped to coordinate and implement the Veteran Wall of Stars in our school cafeteria to honor Veterans of Worthingway families.
• In 7th grade Social Studies classes, students wrote letters to be put in care packages for current military members deployed.
• In 8th grade Social Studies classes, students learned about a community Veterans Project in Kansas City and wrote letters of gratitude to Veterans in their lives.
• Student Council decorated the lunch tables with specific items:
• white table cloth - represents the purity of intentions of soldiers to respond to their country's call to arms
• black napkin - represents the sorrow of loss or captivity
• single red rose - signifies the bloodshed of the many to ensure the freedom of the United States

• As a Worthingway staff, our building focus is on building a positive learning culture and academic growth of all students.
• Previously, our academic recognition only aligned with achievement. Our teachers collaborated together to design recognition that honors and celebrates growth.

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.

If you have any questions about the lesson or would like your child to opt out, please reach out to building principal, Todd Keenan.

What year did you start teaching?

• This year!

What do you teach?

• 7th/8th grade Science

What is your favorite part about Worthingway?

• The staff. Everyone is so supportive, welcoming, and passionate.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

• Building relationships with everyone in the building!

What are you most proud of?

• Graduating college from THE Ohio State University.

What are your hobbies?

• Coaching/playing soccer, golfing, fishing, drinking/making coffee, and watching Cleveland sports.

What the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

• I went cliff jumping in upstate New York

What is your favorite movie?

• Remember the Titans

What is something unique or interesting about you that most people might not know?

• I have a twin brother!

What is your favorite corny joke?

• Why did the physicist break up with the biologist? There was no chemistry.

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

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

Support Our Community: Food Drive Partnership with Student Council

We know these are trying times for many families in our community, and Worthingway PTA is committed to doing what we can to help.

That’s why we’re excited to partner with the Worthingway Student Council on their upcoming Fall Food Drive! While students will be encouraged to bring in tangible items (non-perishables, pantry goods, etc.) to donate, we also know that financial contributions go a long way.

Why monetary donations?

Every $1 donated to the Worthington Resource Pantry is stretched significantly farther thanks to the pantry’s direct partnerships with vendors and suppliers. It’s one of the most impactful ways to give!

Want to join in the classroom competition?

If you make a financial contribution directly to the pantry, simply email a copy or photo of your receipt to worthingwaypta@gmail.com.

In the email, please include:

- Your student’s name

- Their grade level

- Their Assist teacher's name

For every $1 donated, your student will receive 2 points toward their class’s total in the Student Council’s friendly competition!

This is a great way to support the pantry, boost your student’s team, and show the power of our Worthingway community.

Use the following link to donate: https://www.worthingtonresourcepantry.org/donate

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!

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 26, 27, 28

• No School

December 9

• Winter MAP testing: MATH

December 10

• Winter MAP testing: ELA

December 19

• Last Day of Quarter 2

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