Worthingway Middle School Updates
10/9/2020
Dear Families,
In the last two weeks we gained access to our new parking lot (our bus lane) which has helped with traffic congestion. When our project is complete, we will also have additional parking in our front lot. Our new entrance area and office spaces are moving along. You will notice plastic coverings on our new windows. New windows are slated to be installed around Thanksgiving. The next 'big' project will be the addition of a service road in the rear of our building near our football field. Construction on this area will start in mid to late October. We will not lose access to our field for Wellness classes or Community Time while this work is being done.
In terms of our overall project, the current timeline is for our teachers and staff to move into our new academic wing in February. This includes our new second floor, library, tech lab, and cafeteria/entrance area. We will not have access to our kitchen at this time, but students will no longer have to eat in our gymnasium. Once we move into the new wing, the current front of the building will be demolished and construction will begin in this area. As you drive through our new parking lot, picture an imaginary line in the middle of what is currently Door 16. From that line forward to the current front of our school will be demolished and additional parking will be added to our current front parking lot. Updates and construction will also begin at this time on the building area from the imaginary line back, toward the new addition.
The entire project is scheduled to be complete in mid to late July, just in time to welcome our first class of 6th grade students along with our 7th and 8th graders! Please don't hesitate to send me any questions you may have about our construction project. Have a great weekend!
7th Grade Families: Signs of Suicide Program Information
Each year we partner with Nationwide Children's Hospital to provide our 7th grade students depression awareness and a suicide prevention program called Signs of Suicide (SOS). The program aims to increase help to students seeking support for themselves or a friend. SOS is listed on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. More information is provided at the link provided, including an informational video, and a family opt out letter.
Leadership Worthington Student Mentor Program Returns
Leadership Worthington and Worthington Schools are happy to announce that the student mentoring program will be moving forward for the second semester of the school year (January, 2021). In addition, we are also excited to have Phoenix Middle School join us, thus bringing the program to every middle and high school in the district.
Now, more than ever, we need caring individuals who are willing to give one hour, once a week, to provide a listening ear, guidance, and encouragement to a student who may be struggling with school and/or life’s many challenges.
To be a mentor, all you have to do is be willing to obtain a background check through the school district (paid for by Leadership Worthington), spend up to an hour a week during the school day, and provide empathy, coaching, and inspiration to a student with whom you will be matched.
Training will be provided as well as ongoing support through the program coordinator as well as a building coordinator. Check out this video to learn more about the program, its goals and its benefits. Mentors will need to adhere to the Worthington Schools safety protocols, which may include a health self-assessment prior to coming to school, social distancing, and wearing a mask while meeting with their students in their assigned school.
If you are interested, please complete the Mentor Application by clicking on the link below. If you have any questions please contact the Program Coordinator, Jennifer Wene, at mentoring@wscloud.org.
Conference Sign Up Information
Yearbook Update
Book Bags
The number one concern I have heard from students (and experienced with my own daughter) is the weight of our book bags. Students have to carry book bags from class to class and to lunch and back which can be a challenge if the bags are full. I am working with teachers to communicate what students have to actually carry on a daily basis. My hope is that teachers are able to communicate that to students and families next week.
School Fees
School fees have now been uploaded to MyPaymentsPlus. Middle school fees are $38 and are due by 10/2/20. Students that are free and reduced do not pay full fee amounts. If you feel the amount listed in MyPaymentsPlus is in error, please contact Val Swearengen at Worthingway (614-450-4300). Please be aware that free and reduced lunch forms must be completed yearly. If your student was free or reduced last year, that status will not carry over to the new school year.
Athletics
Worthingway Middle School
Dean/Athletic Director: Bill Mosca (wmosca@wscloud.org)
Counselor: Natalie Fei (nfei@wscloud.org)
Secretaries: Amanda DeBernard (adebernardi@wscloud.org)
Val Swearengen (vswearengen@wscloud.org)
Email: nkellenberger@wscloud.org
Website: https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/worthingway
Location: 6625 Guyer Street, Worthington, OH, USA
Phone: (614)450-4300
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/WWPTA
Twitter: @nkellenberger1