Worthingway Weekly
November 21, 2025
Principal's Message
Self-control. That's a tough one. I think I've said a few times this school year "well, our kids are really acting their age today." And that's ok - that is what we are here for. We are here to help them grow and develop into Solution Seekers, Global Thinkers, Resilient Learners, and Kind Empathetic Friends. It takes time and it takes work.
The ability to control oneself - to control our reactions/responses to events, to control our emotions, to control our words, and to control our bodies is vital to our future success.
In fact, can you identify which of the following is the best predictor of health, wealth, and happiness for adolescents in 30 years?
- grades
- popularity
- self-control
- involvement in extracurricular activities
- volunteer engagements
- literally anything else...
You got it, it is self-control. In the September 12th newsletter, I shared with you a quote that I noticed on a former students' folder "You gotta do what you have to do before you do what you want to do." It is a quote that we share and talk with our students about when they need to grow their self-control.
Most research supports that you can improve self-control with practice. Here are some other resources if you are interested in the topic:
Important UPDATES
This Week
- This week, we saw:
- our 6th grade Band students filled the gym and gave an outstanding first performance!!!!
- our students welcome new students to our building
- our winter athletes are working hard and preparing for their season
- our 6th grade students learned about harmful language and how our #1 building wide behavior expectation is to Be Kind, which we define as "Be kind with your WORDS to and about others" - our school culture is built on how we treat each other and our words have power to speak life or tear someone down. (Thank you to Ms. Ford, Ms. Bateman, and Mrs. Todd for facilitating this lesson with our students and to Mrs. Smith and Mr. Faingold for opening their Social Studies classroom for it)
- our staff engage in collegial conversations in their Collaborative Teams discussing and determining the Essential Standards for students to learn, how they will know when the students have learned them, and how they will respond if the students do/don't learn them
In The News
- Worthington Spotlight
- We are really proud of our student to student mentoring program. It is making a positive impact on our school. We are grateful for the connections these students are making with our sixth graders.
- Last week, the 8th grade mentors went into all of the 6th grade classrooms to facilitate lessons on building health friendships.
School Photo Information
- SCHOOL PHOTO RETAKE / MAKE-UP PACKETS BEING SENT HOME WITH STUDENTS BY THEIR ASSIST TEACHER ON MONDAY 11/24 OR TUESDAY 11/25. If you ordered photos, please ask your student to pull their packet out of their backpack. THANK YOU!
Lions Club Peace Poster Contest
- We are excited to share that two of our students were recognized for their artwork that was submitted to the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest!
- Isla Helinski, 7th grade, won FIRST PLACE!
- Victoria Montero Ortega, 8th grade, won FOURTH PLACE!
- Isla's poster will be moving on to the next round of competition that will take place in Chicago.
- From left to right: Ty Nisthauz (Lion's Club representative), Victoria Monetero Ortega (8th grade), Molly Patridge (Art Teacher), Isla Helinski (7th grade)
Academic Growth Recognition
- 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.
Staff Spotlight!
Kelly Wucinich
What year did you start at Worthingway?
- 2014
What do you teach?
- Cardinal Cafe Kitchen Manager
What is your favorite part about Worthingway?
- Feeling like Family as soon as you walk in the door.
What are you most proud of?
- My kids. Well, they are adults now. But, they continue to make me proud every day! Both are former WWay grads.
What are your hobbies?
- Sailing - we have a 41 foot Beneteau Oceanis in Sandusky, Ohio
What the most adventurous thing you've ever done?
- Rode the Rip Cord at Cedar Point with my daughter.
What is your favorite food/drink?
- Pancakes with Ice Cold White Milk. Yum!
What is your favorite movie/TV show?
- Jaws/Big Bang Theory
What is your favorite corny joke?
- What did Mama tomato say to Baby tomato? Ketchup!
Immunization Clinic
Worthington Schools is happy to partner with Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH) to offer an immunization clinic to our Worthingway Middle School students on Thursday December 11, 2025. With a completed consent form, students may receive Tdap, meningitis, and/or influenza vaccines while they are at school. This is a great opportunity to have your student immunized, if you desire. Tdap and meningitis vaccines are required for school attendance in 7th grade, influenza vaccine is an optional vaccine for all children.
If you would like your student to be immunized here at school on December 11, please complete the consent form at the following link: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://caps.nationwidechildrens.org/forms/form/FE99A330-F049-451A-89AF-C20DA232E242__;!!HFTne_4rJgDZ5gj8zw!gtn22J8NuByUUlry37YQDZRhczuhV_xKZXkH_zVHMTzDKXnPDwrnGn3iDZdeLq3YODZJftrCLAp4cZ25q1N_vSq0CNgOXzubB88$
The form must be completed in its entirety by the parent/guardian, including your insurance information or select “none” for insurance. If you do not have insurance, NCH is still able to vaccinate students without insurance, free of charge, under the Vaccines for Children program. Please note, on the online form, families must specifically select what vaccines you are consenting to: Influenza, Tdap and/or MCV4. Please complete the consent form by 12/5/25.
Please reach out to our school nurse, Joyce Casey, if you have any questions by phone 614-450-4315 or email jcasey@wscloud.org.
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.
Worthington Connects
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:
PTA Update
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
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!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
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
November 26, 27, 28
- No School
December 9
- Winter MAP testing: READING
December 10
- Winter MAP testing: MATH
December 19
- Last Day of Quarter 2
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