TWHS Weekly News & Updates
May 14, 2021
Weekly Calendar
Monday, May 17: Regular Bell Schedule
Tuesday, May 18: Regular Bell Schedule
- Seniors last day of classes
Wednesday, May 19: Regular Bell Schedule
Thursday, May 20: Regular Bell ScheduleFriday, May 21: Regular Bell Schedule
- MANDATORY Graduation Practice ~ 9:30 am Aux Gym
Dear Cardinal Family,
This graduation feels BIG.
One year ago, we were wrapping up filming a virtual graduation video after foregoing all in-person activities. The fact that we're now on the verge of an in-person graduation ceremony, with thousands of attendees, is incredible to me. It's certainly not without hiccups, some minor difficulties, and consternation, but it is happening!
When a reporter from ThisWeek asked me about the class of 2021, I took a long pause. As I reflect on their last calendar year, I think these kids experienced one of the most dizzying periods in history. I told the reporter I have witnessed a re-emergence of social life. I see a group of seniors who are grateful for every in-person experience they were able to have. They realize how important being together is. I believe this class is grateful for things we've collectively overlooked as mundane. I'm also sure there is some disappointment. What I've learned is that the senior year is not just the culmination of high school; it's the conclusion of a 13-year journey. I'm proud of our seniors. I think they are resilient, kind, and grateful, and they will lead with those qualities at the fore.
As we continue discussions about masks, capacity restrictions, and distancing, I'm hopeful our seniors have a chance to reflect, appreciate, and enjoy their last few days as high schoolers. They've earned it in a big way!
Looking forward to a strong finish to the school year and lots of "normal" celebrations!
Have a great weekend.
Go Cards!
Pete Scully
Principal
TWHS
**New announcements for this week**
- Seniors ~ Refund for MyPaymentsPlus
- TWHS Football Fundraiser Monday, May 24th ~ Jersey Mike's
- Commencement Ceremony Picture Information
- Textbook Collection
- COVID-19 Vaccine and Immunizations Information
- Senior Banquet Cookout Friday, May 21st
**ACADEMIC UPDATES**
There are three general behavior expectations at Thomas Worthington: build Relationships, show Respect, and be Responsible.
We define building Relationships as “to cultivate belonging”. From our morning greeting as each student enters the building to each classroom culture, we strive to create an environment that is so welcoming that all are inspired to learn.
We define show Respect as “use appropriate language”. We work towards being mindful of the words we speak and the immense power they have on our self and others.
We define be Responsible as “attend and being on time”. We certainly extend grace when life comes at us fast and heavy, but we are intentional about the importance of showing up, being on time, and being present for ourselves and others.
OPPORTUNITY FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS TO RECOGNIZE STAFF MEMBERS
Attention Parents/Caregivers- would you like to recognize the positive impact that a staff
member has had on you or your child? The PBIS Team at TWHS would like to give you that
opportunity. Please take 2 minutes and click here to complete the recognition form. Thank
You!
Return Chromebooks
If you have a loaner chromebook, please return it to Lori Poleway in the library before you leave for the summer.
Seniors must return chromebooks and hotspots before graduation practice on May 21st.
TEXTBOOK COLLECTION
Textbook return will be in Central Office on the following dates:
Senior textbook return
May 13 - 17th 7:30 - 3:15
Underclass textbook return
May 19 - 24 7:30 - 3:15
Students should bring their books to Mrs. Volpe in the Central Office for textbook check-in. All books need to be returned and should not be left in a classroom or with a teacher with the expectation that the book(s) will be returned.
Please contact Kathie Volpe, Textbook Coordinator, at 614-450-6261 or kvolpe@wscloud.org if you have any questions.
Parents/Guardians: Please Check Your Child’s Account Balance
Parents/guardians, please check your child’s current balance for any outstanding fees for current year and/or prior years. All fees and outstanding fines and fees are to be paid via the online payment system, www.MyPaymentsPlus.com.
For questions regarding an outstanding balance, please contact:
Academics/Activities: Cathy Shaw, Finance Office, at cshaw@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6272
Athletic fees/uniforms: Liz Lee, Visitors Office at elee@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6285
Textbooks: Kathie Volpe, Central Office, at kvolpe@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6261
Library books/Loaner Chromebooks/Hotspot: Lori Poleway at LPoleway@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6278
The classroom fee for grades 9-12 is $65; however, parents/guardians of juniors will find their $65 fee loaded under Linworth rather than Thomas Worthington. The Treasurer’s Office has asked that this fee be paid with the assurance that the paid fee will be redirected to Thomas Worthington High School.
College & Career Planning for the Class of 2022: Junior Night Presentation
Junior students and parents/guardians! College and career season is here! As a guide to the college admission process, the TWHS School Counselors have created a video titled, "College & Career Planning for the class of 2022." You can watch the video here: Junior Night Presentation.
This presentation will give you inside information on the college application process, what admissions is looking for, ACT/SAT, and how to start creating your list of potential colleges to apply to. Please watch the video and contact your School Counselor with follow up questions!
Your TWHS School Counselors,
Felicha Smith, Kelly Swearingen, Celeste Preisse, David Quart, and Stephanie Burns
**SENIOR ANNOUNCEMENTS**
Commencement Ceremony Photos
Senior Banquet Cookout!
Immediately following graduation rehearsal, seniors can join fellow students for a cookout at the senior banquet! Hang out, eat food, play games and celebrate as a class one last time before graduation. The senior banquet will be held on Friday, May 21st from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the mirolo building and the flats. Please bring your own chairs or blankets.
MyPaymentsPlus Refund for Meals Account
Seniors - in you have a balance in your MyPaymentsPlus meals account at the end of this year and your parent/guardian desires a refund or the balance to be transferred to a younger sibling's account, please contact Lynn Savage at the Food Services Department @ 614-450-6141 or lsavage@wscloud.org.
Seniors ~ Please Take This Survey
Dear Seniors,
To ensure your final transcript reaches your final college destination, please complete this BRIEF SURVEY so we know which college you have chosen to attend. Your final transcript will be sent after graduation to reflect your diploma date and second semester grades. This survey should be completed by June 1 and only list ONE college destination. This is MANDATORY for all college-bound seniors.
Questions? See your School Counselor!
Graduation Ceremony Update
We are excited to celebrate the hard work of your child and look forward to hosting the graduation ceremony for Thomas Worthington HIgh School on Monday, May 24, 2021 at 7 PM at The Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center.
As shared previously, each graduate may invite up to 4 guests to attend the ceremony in person due to COVID protocols. The Schottenstein Center submitted a safety plan to the Columbus Health Department to use this indoor space for events. The number of tickets, guest capacity, and seating layout is directed by The Ohio State University and aligned with the safety plan.
We will also provide a free live stream of the event for additional family members and friends to be able to view the ceremony. More information will be provided closer to the date and the links will be posted to our Worthington Schools District and Thomas Worthington Building webpage on the day of the ceremony.
Here are the directions to secure your seats through Ticketmaster:
Graduation Seating Instructions
You will need your student’s Infinite Campus Student ID Number to confirm the seats.
Here is the link to purchase your tickets.
The ability to reserve your seats will go “live” on Wednesday, May 12 at 10 AM and remain open until Monday, May 17 at 10 PM. Please have your directions ready along with your child’s Student ID Number. If you have any problems, you can call The Ohio State University at 1-800-GOBUCKS. Finally, please note that every graduate will have 4 seats regardless of what time you reserve them; we will not run out of seats.
We look forward to celebrating our graduates later this month! Thank you for your partnership and support!
Respectfully,
Pete Scully
Thomas Worthington High School Principal
Class of 2021 Slate Hill Reunion
Slate Hill Seniors ~ Save the Date
Wednesday, May 19th @ 3:30 pm
This event will take place outside at Slate Hill Elementary School
Class of 2021 Worthington Estates Reunion
Worthington Estates Senior Tea
Wednesday, May 19th 3:30-4:00 pm
Front Lawn of WES
Class of 2021 Colonial Hills Reunion
Back to your Roots for Colonial Hills Seniors
Monday, May 17th
2:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Colonial Hills Elementary School Outdoor Learning Space
Attention Seniors: All Outstanding Fees and Fines must Be Cleared ASAP
All final student fees/fines must be cleared in order for a senior to receive a diploma at the Commencement Ceremony, receive a final grade card by mail, and for final transcript requests to be processed. All unpaid fees and fines (which include the $65 Instructional fee, library books, textbooks, chromebooks, hotspot devices, athletic and activity participation fees, missing athletic uniforms or gear) must be settled and paid in full as soon as possible. All fees and outstanding balances are to be paid via the online payment system, www.MyPaymentsPlus.com.
For questions regarding an outstanding balance, please contact:
Academics/Activities: Cathy Shaw, Finance Office, at cshaw@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6272
Athletic fees/uniforms: Liz Lee, Attendance Office at elee@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6285
Textbooks: Kathie Volpe, Central Office, at kvolpe@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6261
Library books, Chromebooks and Hotspot Devices: Lori Poleway at LPoleway@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6278
**School Community Connection**
TWHS Football Fundraiser ~ Jersey Mike's ~ Monday, May 24th
Facilities Task Force Survey
This survey is being used to gather community feedback on our latest update on Phase 2 of the Worthington Schools Master Facilities Plan.
Please take a moment to complete the survey.
TWHS Girls Volleyball Fundraiser
Show your Cardinal Pride by purchasing a Garden Flag from the Girls Volleyball Team for $25. Email lcvbpres@gmail.com today to place your order!
Suicide Awareness and Education Mural
Andrea Nadolny, a Junior here at Thomas Worthington, has been working on her Girl Scout Gold Award on suicide awareness and education. She has partnered with the Worthington Libraries to create an interactive handprint mural to promote mental health and suicide awareness here in Worthington. Come paint your handprint on the mural on June 5th, June 19th, and July 17th from 2-4pm. For more details see the flyer!
Worthington Alliance for Black Families and Education Update
Here is the latest WABFE Update: May Newsletter
Attendance Office Procedures for TWHS Students
Please notify the Attendance Office if you know your student will be absent from school. Call or email ahead to pre-excuse for appointments and ask your student to pick up a pass in the Attendance Office ahead of time – we prefer not to interrupt classes by calling rooms.
Call the 24-hour recorded line to leave a message at
614-450-6291, or you may send an email to twhsattend@wscloud.org.
Click Attendance Philosophy & Procedure for important information regarding your child's absence from school.
**From the Health Office**
Covid Vaccines and Immunizations
Attention Parents and Guardians:
If your child has missed any routine vaccinations this year due to the pandemic or any other reason please see the following for general vaccine clinic information to get them back on schedule. This clinic is able to administer the Meningococcal (serogroup A,C,W,Y) vaccine that is required for all 12th graders in August 2021. The COVID-19 vaccine clinic information is also listed below. COVID-19 vaccines are now available for anyone age 12 and older.
Columbus Public Health Immunization Clinic **Please take a copy of the vaccine record, a parent ID and insurance card (if applicable). No one is turned away due to the inability to pay.
Contact Info: 614-645-7945 Email: shots@columbus.gov
Location: 240 Parsons Avenue Columbus 43215
Hours: Monday 8 am - 4:15 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 6:15 pm
Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm
Thursday/Friday 8 am - 4:15
Columbus Public Health is also offering the COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 years old and older.
Contact Info: 614-645-1519
Online registration for appointment: Columbus Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Info
Location: Drive through at the Celeste Center 717 E 17th Avenue Columbus 43211
Ohio Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for 12 years old and up
Walk in only (no appointments) Parents must be with child for consent and provide insurance information/card
Hours: Thursday until 8 pm
Friday 7 am - 8 pm
Saturday 8 am - 2 pm
Location: 3430 Ohio Health Parkway Columbus 43202 (across 315 from Riverside Hospital)
Free parking in garage near building location
Please be sure to provide a copy of the updated immunization record to the school. Records may be sent to jfrank@wscloud.org or faxed to 614-450-6393 or dropped off in person!
Immunization Clinics Opening Up May 10th!
The Columbus Health Department is reopening the Immunization Clinic for all routine or missed childhood vaccines.
Notices will be sent out to families from the school nurse who are missing vaccines. Please make arrangements to have those completed over the summer to meet State compliance.
16 year olds: If your child is or will be 16 this summer please be sure they receive the Meningococcal vaccine required by the State of Ohio.
Seniors: All seniors are required to have a meningococcal vaccine on file received on/after age 16. This requirement needs to be on file in August 2021 for all 12th graders.
Covid 19 vaccines: a walk in clinic is now available for the Covid 19 vaccine for age 16 and over. Vaccines may soon be available for 12 and up! Please check with Columbus public health for availability.
What to bring: recent vaccination record, insurance card and co pay if applicable, parent ID, custody or guardian papers.
No child under 18 years or under is refused for inability to pay.
Proof of all vaccines are to be turned in to the Health Office. Records can be emailed to jfrank@wscloud.org or faxed to 614-450-6393.
Columbus Health Department: 240 Parsons Ave 43215 Columbus 43215 Phone: 614-645-8180
www.columbus.gov/public health/programs/immunization-program
Hours of operation (first come first serve - plan to arrive early)
Mon 8 am - 4:15 pm
Tue 10 am - 6:15 pm
Wed 8 am - 12 pm
Thur/Fri 8 an - 4:15 pm
Updated COVID-19 Information
As we return to a normal schedule with all students attending school daily it is extremely important to NOT send your student to school if they are sick and not feeling well. A daily health check is required for parents and students to complete each morning prior to school.
Daily Home COVID-19 "Before School" Screening
Protocol for COVID-19 School Screening and Follow Up Requirements
If your child develops or reports any of the symptoms listed below during the school day they will be isolated and a parent or guardian will be called for immediate pick up. Follow up with a health care provider will be required for your student to return to school. The COVID-19 protocols will be strictly enforced to ensure a healthy environment for our students and staff.
Keep your child home if ANY of the following symptoms are present:
- Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth
- New or worsened cough
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Keep your child home if two or more of the following symptoms are present:
- Headache
- Body Aches
- Fatigue
Contact Nurse Julie Frank if you have any questions or need further instructions.
Julie Frank MSE BSN RN/ jfrank@wscloud.org/ Office phone 614-450-6215
Attention 11th Grade Parents/Guardian: Important Immunization Information for Senior Year
Ohio Law (ORC 3313.671) now requires all 12th grade students to receive two (2) doses of the Meningococcal vaccine. If the first dose was given after the 16th birthday, only one dose is required. Meningococcal vaccine helps protect against meningitis, a bacterial infection that affects the spinal fluid and lining of the brain.
Your child may have already had these immunizations. Please check with your child’s doctor to determine if they have been completed. If they have not, immunizations may be obtained from your doctor, at the health department, or at any urgent care center. Please have your child drop off the updated record in the TWHS Health Office as soon as possible, or it can be faxed directly to TWHS (Fax 614-450-6393). The required immunizations (or a valid exemption) must be obtained prior to the start of the senior year. Ohio law allows schools to exclude students who do not have the appropriate documentation on file.
Please go to Ohio Department of Health's website or contact Julie Frank, TWHS School Nurse, at jfrank@wscloud.org if you have questions. BEAT THE SUMMER RUSH AND HAVE YOUR CHILD IMMUNIZED NOW!
Before and After School Guidelines for TWHS Students
Your support in following these guidelines is greatly appreciated. The safety of our students is our number one priority.
Reminder: The gate located next to the tennis courts on Evening Street is closed during school hours.
FREE Meal Service Available for ALL TWHS Students for the Remainder of the School Year
Students at TWHS will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch service. Students will be provided a traditional meal service with modified menu selections. If you have questions, please contact the Worthington Schools Food Service Department HERE.
TWHS School Calendar
Click on TWHS School Calendar to access the TWHS website calendar
May 18: Last day of Classes for Seniors
May 21: Seniors - Mandatory Commencement Practice, AUX Gym ~ 9:30 am
May 24: TWHS Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremony, Schottenstein Center ~ 7:00 pm
May 26: Last day of Classes
Thomas Worthington High School
(614)450-6291
Principal, Pete Scully
(614)450-6206
Assistant Principal (A-D), Emilie Greenwald
(614)450-6292
Assistant Principal (E-K), Todd Keenan
(614)450-6261
Assistant Principal (L-Q), Adrienne Carr
(614)450-6284
Assistant Principal (R-Z), Megan Kirsten
(614)450-6284
Dean of Students, Scott Gordon
(614)450-6261
Athletic Director, Jen Goebbel
(614)450-6285
School Counseling Chair, David Quart
(614)450-6296
Registrar, Kate Weber
Website: https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/Domain/8
Location: 300 West Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH, USA
Phone: 614-450-6200
Twitter: @TWHS_cardinals