TWHS Weekly News
March 25, 2022
Weekly Calendar
Monday, March 28:
- Regular Bell Schedule
- SENIORS: Pick up Cap & Gown in the Cards Center 10:30 am -1:00 pm
- Regular Board of Education Meeting 7:30 pm, WEC
- Regular Bell Schedule
- SENIORS: Pick up Cap & Gown in Cards Center 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, March 30:
- Homeroom Bell Schedule
- Student Panorama Survey
Thursday, March 31:
- Regular Bell Schedule
- Worthington Job Fair 9:30 am - 11:30 am, WEC
Friday, April 1:
- Regular Bell Schedule
- Cardinal Theatre Production of Aesop's Fables 7:00 pm
Dear Cardinal Family,
It feels like spring!
I have been repeating that idea in my head over and over this week. Some days, I could be easily convinced; others, not so much.
The truth is, in school, it does feel like spring! Ohio State tests are just around the corner. Prom planning is in full swing. Graduation logistics are well underway. (Quick aside: We're really excited to be back at the Convention Center for graduation!) We are on the brink of welcoming spring break and electing student body/class officers. Things are heating up!
The sheer busyness of this time of year can create frantic pacing and some anxiety. Please try to soak in the milestones and enjoy the ride--even if it feels fast and stressful. These are exciting times to be in a school. All kids are a few months away from a new chapter in their lives. A fresh start (even if it's as simple as a grade level change) is exciting and rejuvenating.
Spring is stressful for all of us, but it brings with it an excitement, a forward look, and hope for what lies ahead!
I hope you have a great weekend. I'm just going to remind myself that it is spring. And, through the snowflakes, I'll keep repeating it.
Go Cards!
Sincerely,
Pete Scully
Principal
Thomas Worthington High School
**New Announcements This Week**
- Wireless Changes for Personal Device
- Student Panorama Survey, March 30th
- STEM & Women in Engineering
- SENIORS: Pick up cap & gown
** ACADEMIC UPDATES**
What The Teachers are Saying
See what the teachers are saying about the TWHS February Cardinals of the Month.
The 3Rs - Cardinal Expectations at TWHS
There are three general behavior expectations at Thomas Worthington High School: build Relationships, show Respect, and be Responsible.
We define build Relationships as “to cultivate belonging”. It is our goal that 100% of our students feel connected to at least one adult that they trust enough to go to when they really need it. From our morning greeting as each student enters the building, to each teacher connecting with each student, to our Wednesday homeroom lessons, we strive to create an environment that is so welcoming - 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 ourselves and others. We learn that the words we say, along with the time, setting, and location have an impact on others.
We define be Responsible as “to attend and be on time to class”. We are intentional about the value of showing up, being on time, and being present for ourselves and others.
Recognition of Others
State-Required End-of-Course Assessments
On April 4th, 5th, 27th, 28th, and 29th, Thomas Worthington High School will administer state-required end-of-course assessments to all students enrolled in English Language Arts II (English 10), Math I, Math II, Biology, U.S. History, and U.S. Government.
We will operate on an altered bell schedule during testing (see below). Students enrolled in tested subjects are required to report to school at their regular time of 7:45 a.m. for testing; we will use a delayed start of school for any student who is not required to test. Lunch will only be served following the testing period, and classes will begin at 12:20 p.m.
Buses will run their regular routes for students involved in testing and a second route three hours later for non-testers.
Testing 7:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Classes 12:20 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.
If you have questions, please contact Brett Shaffer (bshaffer@wscloud.org) or Lou Thomas (lthomas@wscloud.org).
Wireless Change for Personal Devices
Staff and students at the high schools will have a new wireless network option to connect their personal devices starting Monday March 21, 2022. The new wireless network will be “Worth-BYOD.” You will need to download and install a Certificate from Securly for your device to function properly on this new network as well as log in with your district username and password. Detailed instructions can be found at Worthington School WIFI Access with Personal Device. These steps will ensure you have the appropriate Internet filtering level. The previous WorthingtonGuest network is not going away but we will start to adjust the websites it can access to an appropriate “Guest” level starting May 1 2022.
Panorama Student Survey Information
Dear TWHS Families,
We thank you and your family for being our valued partners as we work together to educate the children in our district. As you may already be aware, building our well-being and social-emotional learning skills is an important goal for our school this year and every year. Over the next few weeks, students will participate in several exercises to better understand these concepts and to reflect on how they perceive these skills in themselves.
As we have done for the last four years, we will be asking for your child to reflect on his/her own mindsets and approaches to learning via an online survey. The survey shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to complete and will be administered on March 30th in our homeroom.
We are partnering with Panorama Education, a third-party vendor, to support us in administering these surveys. The survey content will ask students in grades 3-12 to self-reflect on School Safety, Teacher-Student Relationships, Sense of Belonging, Rigorous Expectations, and Self-Efficacy. Additionally, our students in grades 6-12 will also be asked to self-reflect on two additional topics; Diversity and Inclusion and Cultural Awareness.
Student voice matters to us and their responses will provide invaluable insights into their experiences and how we can improve and adapt our instruction to meet their needs. If a student doesn’t feel like they have enough information to answer a question, they will be able to skip the item altogether.
If you have any questions about the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) survey, please contact Todd Keenan at tkeenan@wscloud.org or 614-450-6226.
Respectfully,
Mr. Pete Scully
STEM & Women in Engineering
The Freshman STEM Team hosted Dr. Ariel Cohen and his team of meteorologists & STEM professionals for an interactive dialogue with our Women in Engineering Students. Members of the panel discussed how rapidly the workforce in the global economy is evolving, and how preparation in the science, technology and engineering fields leads to in-demand careers. The girls had many questions and benefited from the expert testimonials provided by the panel.
Dr. Cohen then facilitated all of the freshman engineering students in an engaging activity where they learned the process of predicting severe storms. The highlight came when the kids were provided with their own maps/data and all of the meteorologists in the room coached the students in making their own severe weather predictions.
Comm Tech Course Information
Are you interested in visual storytelling? Maybe learning about film, where you can see how your favorite movie characters and scenes come to life? Or does the idea of Broadcast Journalism, where you can create and tell stories about topics such as sports, human interest or important issues for teens seem interesting? If any of these sound appealing, then the Comm Tech pathway may be right for you!
In Comm Tech I, we start with the basics of storytelling, first by using technologies most of us already have with Smartphones and digital cameras. Then we’ll move on by learning the basics of camera work, equipment, and video editing. The repeatable Comm Tech II is responsible for our Friday Flock Talk show, where students plan, record, edit, and produce the stories you see each week. Here, we will learn and apply more advanced editing techniques and explore the future of social media in podcasting, TikToks, and more!
These courses you will find in the Tech Studies pathway are hands-on experiences where you will be creating throughout the semester. You will walk away with skills which can help you with careers in the video, marketing, or entrepreneurial fields. Or simply help you make better videos of your own.
If you have any questions about any of these or other Tech Studies classes, see your counselor or email Mrs. O’Leary at voleary@wscloud.org.
The Weekly Edition of Flock Talk
Classroom School Fees and Outstanding Balances
Parents/guardians, please check your child’s current balance for any outstanding fees. Classroom fee for grades 9-12 is $65. Senior fee is $35. 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: Megan Roberts at mroberts@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6272
Athletic fees/uniforms: Liz Lee at elee@wscloud.org
or call 614-450-6285
Textbooks: Kathie Volpe at kvolpe@wscloud.org
or call 614-450-6261
Library books/Chromebooks: Lori Poleway at LPoleway@wscloud.org or call 614-450-6278
College Credit Plus (CCP) Update
Students, are you interested in earning free college credit while in high school? Are you wanting to take a Columbus State class, or enroll in classes at The Ohio State University? If so, please stop by the School Counseling Office and pick up the "Intent to Participate" form. This form initiates the process of you registering for a CCP course for the 2022-2023 school year! Once you have all required signatures, turn the Intent form into the Counseling Office and check your school email for further directions.
For information on College Credit Plus, please watch the following video: Understanding College Credit Plus.
If you have any questions, please contact David Quart, School Counselor via email at, dquart@wscloud.org.
Thank you,
Your TWHS School Counseling Department
Junior Night Presentation for the Class of 2023
Junior students and parents/guardians! College and career season is here! If you were unable to attend the Junior Night Presentation in person or you want to review what was said, you can view the presentation 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 view the presentation and contact your School Counselor with follow up questions!
Your TWHS School Counselors,
Felicha Smith, Kelly Swearingen, Celeste Preisse, David Quart, and Stephanie Burns
Graduation Caps and Gown Orders Available for Pick-up on March 28 & 29
The ordering window for graduation caps and gowns officially closed on January 31. If your student is planning to participate in the Thomas Worthington High School commencement ceremony on May 22, please contact Buckeye Scholastic to make arrangements for a late order. Cap/gown orders submitted prior to the January 31st deadline will be available to pick up in the Cards Center on March 28 & 29 between 10:30 a.m. - 1:00p.m.
Please contact Kim Forman at kforman@wscloud.org if your senior is NOT participating in the ceremony so their name can be removed from the list.
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, $35 Senior fee, library books, textbooks, athletic and activity participation fees, missing athletic uniforms or gear) must be settled and paid in full as soon as possible.
For questions regarding an outstanding balance, please contact:
Academics/Activities: Megan Roberts , Finance Office, at mroberts@wscloud.org or call 450-6272
Athletic fees/uniforms: Liz Lee, Attendance Office at elee@wscloud.org or call 450-6207
Textbooks: Kathie Volpe, Central Office, at kvolpe@wscloud.org or call 450-6261
Library books: Lori Poleway at LPoleway@wscloud.org or call 450-6278
Order Your TWHS Graduation Yard Banner Today!
The TWHS Band Boosters will again host a Graduation Banner sale.
Graduation banners are now available to order online until May 4th, 2022. You can place your order at Gradbanners.com.
Graduation Banners will be ready for pick up on May 9th from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm 300 W. Dublin Granville Rd. Worthington, OH at Door 16. Email Addi McElroy with questions at amcelroy15@gmail.com. The TWHS Boosters will receive a donation from each banner sold. Thank you for your support!
ATTENTION SENIORS: Diploma Presenters for Graduation
Every year, each graduate is given the opportunity to choose a diploma presenter who has been influential in his/her life. The special person that each senior selects must be a current or former Worthington City Schools employee. The person you select will be invited to present your diploma to you at Commencement on Sunday, May 22, 2022.
In order to request the person you would like as your diploma presenter, you must turn in your request using this Diploma Presenter Request Form no later than Friday, April 8, 2022.
There is NO need to ask the person you are requesting ahead of time. The diploma presenter coordinator, Mrs. Wilson, will do that for you. Due to the time and effort involved in inviting these individuals and in organizing this addition to the Commencement ceremony, your cooperation in meeting this deadline is imperative. If you do not request a guest presenter, a member of the Worthington Board of Education will present your diploma. Please see Mrs. Wilson, Room 198, or email her at mwilson@wscloud.org, with any questions concerning this process.
Local Scholarships Now Available!
Dear Senior Families,
Apply now for Local Scholarships! Local scholarships worth over $50,000 are now posted on the TWHS website under the School Counseling tab. Click Local Scholarships under College Planning to review the list of scholarships and download applications. You can also click the link below to access our local scholarship page:
https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/Page/3292
Generally, (though not all) applications are due back to the School Counseling office by Friday, April 1st, 2022 by 3:15 PM. Respectfully, late applications will not be accepted. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Preisse or Mrs. Swearingen in the School Counseling office!
Sincerely,
Your TW School Counselors
Don't Forget to Purchase your Yearbook!
Click HERE for more information and to place your order.
Buy A Senior Ad!
Deadline: Wednesday, May 25th, 2022
Send a special message to your senior! Show how much you care by surprising your senior with a personalized note and photos in their yearbook.
- Baby photos
- Childhood memories
- Accomplishments
Questions? Contact: service@buckeyescholastic.com
Parents/guardians of seniors are encouraged to purchase a Senior Ad Page to feature their child in the yearbook. This page can include baby photos, childhood memories, and/or other accomplishments for your child. Click senior ad page examples for ideas.
⅛ page senior ad: $40
¼ page senior ad: $75
½ page senior ad page: $125.
Buy a Senior Baby Ad!
Submit a baby photo for your senior along with a message of congratulations.
Cost: $20 for a 1/8 page ad.
Deadline: Wednesday, May 25th, 2022
Click here to purchase and submit your baby ad!
Thank you for your interest in purchasing a baby ad in the 2022 TWHS Cardinal Yearbook! The cost is only $20 and proceeds help us create a quality yearbook that you'll enjoy for years to come.
** SCHOOL COMMUNITY CONNECTION**
Cardinal Theatre Production of Aesop's Fables April 1st & 2nd 7:00 pm
Today is the day that Aesop will induct new scholars into his fabled stable of storytellers...but what he does not know is that these new storytellers are going to tell his classics with a twist! Aesop's Fables recounts the classic tales of the Tortoise and the Hare, the Lion and the Mouse, and many others with some modern flare for the hip and cultured modern masses!
Tickets will go on sale Monday, March 21st.
Attention Junior and Senior Families
Is your student looking for part-time employment over the summer or next school year? Are they interested in working full-time next year to save money for school? We have an awesome opportunity for them! On Thursday, March 31, we are going to host our annual Job Fair at the Worthington Education Center from 9:30-11:30 AM. We expect students to prepare a resume, dress professionally, and be ready to interview with potential future employers. We will have a wide variety of employers there including: Worthington Industries, Chic fil A, Aquatots, Columbus Zoo and more! Students will have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews as well. Students can stop by the School Counseling Office for a permission slip if they need transportation for this event. If you have any additional questions, please contact TW School Counselor Celeste Preisse (cpreisse@wscloud.org)!
Special Education Key Communicator
Worthington’s Special Education Key Communicator Committee strives to build positive, productive and collaborative relationships and partnerships amongst the educators and community of families whose children receive special education and related services. We will engage in two-way communication, with the goal being to provide a circle of influence where we can share out and learn from and with each other.
The key communicator will convey information from their building to the committee, as well as information from the committee to their buildings.
The Key Communicator for Thomas Worthington High School is Meredith Murphy (mmurphy@wscloud.org). Please reach out to her if you have questions or topics to discuss
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.
***PLEASE REVIEW*** 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.
PTSO Meeting Dates Set for 2021-22 – Please Join Us!
All PTSO meetings are on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the TWHS Principal's conference room (Room 127). Everyone is welcome - please join us! The Final 2021-22 meeting is May 17.
**ATHLETICS & CO-CURRICULAR**
TWHS Car Magnets
You can still purchase your TWHS Car Magnets for $6.00 (cash or check). A wide variety of magnets are offered. Please contact the TWHS Lady Cards Softball Program.
Athletic Passes
All 6th-12th grade students in the Worthington School District will be admitted free to home sporting events with a VALID student ID. Adult athletic passes and single game tickets are now available online by going to TWHS Ticket Page. Please note that no tickets will sold at the gate. Tickets must be purchased online.
**FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE**
Attention 11th Grade Parents/Guardians: 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!
COVID Guidelines
Covid 19 continues to have a presence in our community. Worthington Schools has adapted its policy for quarantine and removal of ill children to reflect those set by The Columbus Health Department.
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
Guidance for Daily Home Screening
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.
Your child needs to be kept home if any of the following symptoms are present.
Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth
New or worsened cough
New onset severe headache
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Vomiting or diarrhea
J. Frank MSE, BSN, RN LSN
Thomas Worthington High School
ph: 614-450-6215 fax: 614-450-6393
FREE Meal Service Available for ALL TWHS Students for the 2021-2022 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
March 28 & 29: Seniors pick up Cap & Gown Cards Center 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
March 28: Regular Board of Education Meeting 7:30 pm , WEC
April 1 & 2: Cardinal Theatre Production of Aesop's Fables 7:00 pm
April 4 & 5: OSTs Spring Testing ELA ll Part 1 & 2
April 6: Band Concert 7:00 pm
April 11 - 15: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
April 19: Talent Show Dress Rehearsal
April 20: Evening Talent Show
April 21: Talent Show
April 22: TWHS Blood Drive
April 25: Regular Board of Education Meeting 7:30 pm, WEC
April 27, 28 & 29: OSTs Spring Testing Math l & Math ll Parts 1&2, Biology 1 & 2, Am. History Parts 1 & 2, Am. Government Parts 1 & 2
May 6: Cardinal Day
May 7: Prom
Thomas Worthington High School
(614)450-6291
Principal, Pete Scully
(614)450-6206
Assistant Principal (A-D), Emilie Greenwald
(614)450-6261
Assistant Principal (E-K), Todd Keenan
(614)450-6284
Assistant Principal (L-Q), Adrienne Carr
(614)450-6284
Assistant Principal (R-Z), Brett Shaffer
(614)450-6292
Dean of Students, Scott Gordon
(614)450-6261
Athletic Director, Molly Feesler
(614)450-6288
School Counseling Chair, David Quart
(614)450-6296
Registrar, Kate Weber
Special Education Key Communicator, Meredith Murphy
Website: https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/Page/9
Location: 300 West Dublin Granville Road, Worthington, OH, USA
Phone: (614)450-6200
Twitter: @TWHS_cardinals