Hello Cardinals! Another great week is in the books at TWHS! On Wednesday, we recognized our sophomore, junior and senior students at our annual Academic Honors program. This program recognizes students who have earned a 3.5 or above grade point average for 3, 5 or 7 consecutive semesters. We had more students and parents attend this program than I can remember! It was great to see so many come out before school and be a part of this great event. Special thanks to Dr. Bowers, Dr. Gupta and senior Anna Farrell for being guest speakers, to Mrs. Seiling and Mrs. Montag for putting this program together and to our PTSO for hosting the reception that followed. Congratulations Cardinals! Have a great weekend … and hopefully I will see you at 8:30 a.m. next Thursday at Panera for the next “Principal on the Go!” Congratulations to Our March Cardinal Stars! As a way to recognize students for “doing the right thing”, we have begun to issue “Cardinal Credit” to students for exhibiting our Cardinal Expectations. These expectations include respecting others at all times, taking ownership of their actions, and building positive relationships. From the “Cardinal Credit” recipients, 8 students were selected as “Cardinal Stars.”

TWHS Weekly News & Updates April 8, 2016

Weekly Calendar

Monday, April 11 Regular Bell Schedule

Tuesday, April 12 Regular Bell Schedule; PTSO Meeting, Conference Room 127 – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 13

Regular Bell Schedule; Graduation Cap & Gown order pick-up, Cards Center – 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Pre-State Band Concert, Auditorium – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 14

Regular Bell Schedule; Graduation Cap & Gown order pick-up, Cards Center – 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. “Principal on the Go” with TWHS Principal, Panera, (The Shops at Worthington Place) – 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Friday, April 15

Regular Bell Schedule; Deadline to submit completed NHS forms for senior service to Mrs. Poleway; Deadline to complete the required form under Class of 2016 in google classroom in order to attend the senior trip to Old Man’s Cave on April 29

TWHS Website

Thomas Worthington

High School

Home of the Cardinals

300 W. Dublin – Granville Road Worthington, Ohio 43085

TWITTER: @TWHS_Cardinals

Jim Gaskill, Principal Greg Garris, Assistant Principal Allie Seiling, Assistant Principal Gene Smith, Assistant Principal Scott Dorne, Athletic Director David Quart, School Counseling Chair Mary Mechenbier, Registrar

ATTENDANCE OFFICE

twhsattend@wscloud.org

(614) 450-6291

Congratulations to our March Cardinal Stars! Pictured are: (Row 1) Wyatt McGraw, Ryan Burghart; (Row 2) Zach Emptage, Leah Kehler; (Row 3) Annie Zou, Gabi Thompson, Samit Bhadra. Not pictured: Latrell Nixon. Ohio's State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies Begin April 18 Beginning Monday, April 18, 2016, state testing will resume with our end-of-course state tests for students enrolled in English 1, English 2, Math 1, Math 2, American History, American Government or Biology (you can read more by clicking here). TWHS testing schedule is below:

TWHS testing bell schedule is below:

On testing bell schedule A, students will not attend 2nd period classes. On testing schedule B, students will not attend 10th period classes. On testing schedule C, students will not attend 2nd period classes. On testing schedule D, students will not attend 9th period classes. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why do students take Ohio’s End-of-Course State Tests? A: State achievement tests tell us how well our students are growing in the knowledge and skills outlined in Ohio’s Learning Standards. These tests help guide and strengthen future teaching so we can be sure that we are preparing our students for long-term success in school, college, careers and life. Test results also allow citizens to know how their local schools are performing compared to others around the state.

Q: What are the testing graduation requirements for my child? A: For the classes of 2018 and beyond – Ohio’s end-of-course state tests in English 1 and 2, Math 1 and 2, Biology, American History and American Government. A: For the classes of 2016-2017 – Ohio Graduation Tests. Q: When can a student retake an end-of-course state test? A: Under current law, all students are eligible to retake an end-of-course state test from the 2014-15 school year if they would like, or need, to earn more points. Students who earned a 1 or 2 on last year’s end-of-course state tests have been contacted and provided with an opportunity to retest. Opportunities for retakes will be available during the spring testing window between April 18 and May 6, 2016 and if needed, throughout your student's high school years. If a student who had not previously scored proficient on the exam retakes it, the new score will count on the school’s Indicators Met measure on the report card. In this situation, the score would count if it was higher or lower than the original score. Still, students may always count their highest scores toward graduation points. Contact Kathy Montag at kmontag@wscloud.org or 614-450-6292 if you would like to retest during the spring testing window. Q: Are this year’s seniors taking American government and American history included in the end-of-course exam for American government and American history? A: Yes. Per state law, districts and schools must administer the end-of-course state test to juniors and seniors taking American government and American history. Q: How do I know if a student needs to take a science end-of-course test this year and which science test should the student take? A: Students enrolled in Biology will take the end-of-course test. The Ohio Department of Education has completed and posted a handout explaining which state tests in science students in grades 6-12 should take, depending upon which science courses they have enrolled in. Additional Resources: Parents and students are encouraged to ask questions about the end-of-course state tests, the testing process, and graduation requirements. Please contact your student’s guidance counselor or principal for questions related to state testing and graduation requirements. For additional questions related to testing and graduation requirements please click here. It is also important to practice and prepare for each end-of-course state test. Click here to find sample test items and practice tests on the Ohio Department of Education website. Worthington’s Assessment Newsletter provides additional information regarding testing. Click here to view the newsletter. Community Members Invited to Meet and Talk with Superintendent Dr. Trent Bowers

Dr. Trent Bowers is planning a number of Friday morning coffees to meet with the public and discuss Worthington School issues. Click here for a list of dates and locations.

Summer School Registration Summer School is offered to Worthington students as well as students from other districts. Unless stated otherwise, enrollment is based on the student's 2015-16 grade level. Classes are subject to cancellation due to insufficient enrollment. Click here for more information and to register for classes.

District Assessment 2015-16 Newsletters and Calendars Available on Website The Academic Achievement department publishes a monthly parent assessment newsletter designed to help students and parents stay informed. Click on the December 2015 Newsletter to learn more about “Overview of Ohio’s CURRENT Graduation Requirements for current Grade 9 and Grade 10 Students.” Please refer to the article on page 2 of the newsletter for important information about students retaking an Ohio End-Of-Course Test: “Under current law all students are eligible to retake any End-of-Course State Test if they would like, or need, to earn more points. Students who earned a 1 or 2 on last year’s test will be contacted by their school to schedule them for retesting. Students earning a 3 or 4 should contact their school counselor if they would like to retest during the Spring (April 11-May 6) window.” Click here to access the district assessment calendar.

Gifted Advocate Newsletter Click on the Gifted Advocate Newsletter to access the 2016 winter edition. The newsletter can also be found under Gifted Services on the district website by clicking the “Academics” tab. Topics in this edition of the newsletter include various summer programs, Invention Convention, Advanced Placement exam information, upcoming Parent Transition Nights dates and other resources for parents.

FROM THE CLASSROOM …

TWHS PLTW students attended the first National Biomechanical Day 2016 at OSU where they learned about Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and engaged in performance-optimizing and movement analysis activities.

SENIOR ANNOUNCEMENTS TWHS Senior Web Page: Important Dates, Reminders & Upcoming Events in April & May The Senior Web Page has been designed for TWHS senior students and their families. All information regarding dates and times of senior events, deadlines, mandatory graduation requirements and ordering various senior items can be found here. Click on Class of 2016 Commencement Newsletter for additional information about the upcoming ceremony on May 29, 2016. Senior Members of National Honor Society April 15th is fast approaching! Forms for senior service (20 hours) should be completed and returned by April 15th in order to ensure you receive your gold cord at graduation. Please see or email Mrs. Poleway for more information.

TWHS theater students perform in the

Children’s Show for elementary students.

Señora Eldridge's Honors Spanish 4 students are playing Headbands to practice new global health vocabulary.

Senior Trip to Old Man’s Cave Set for Friday, April 29 The leaders of the class of 2016 would like to invite all seniors to join them on a class trip to Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills on April 29th. We will meet in the main gym of the school at 8:00 a.m. for the senior class panoramic photo and will load buses immediately after. Upon arriving at the Old Man’s Cave Shelter area, students will be free to enjoy the scenic views and hiking trails in the park. Lunch will be provided but students are welcome to bring extra snacks and water bottles. We will load buses to leave the park at 12:30 p.m. with plans to arrive back at school by 2:00 p.m. All students who plan to participate in the trip need to sign up by April 15th so that we make appropriate plans for lunch and buses. Seats on the buses are limited based on the number of students expressing initial interest in the trip and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. In order to be eligible for the class trip, students must be in good academic and behavior standing at school. To sign up go to the google classroom for the class of 2016 and complete the brief form. FAQs: What does this trip cost? This trip has been paid for with “Class of 2016 funds”. Am I guaranteed a seat on the bus? No. It will be first-come first-served based on the order of the sign-up list. Can any senior participate? Only senior in good academic and behavior standing. What time do I need to be at school on April 29th? 8:00 a.m. Can I drive down with my friends and meet you there? No, all students attending this trip will be required to ride the bus to and from Old Man’s Cave. No exceptions. What should I bring with me? Water bottle, comfortable hiking shoes/socks, rain gear--maybe, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen. Who can I contact with additional questions? Senior Class Advisor: Lori Poleway (lpoleway@wscloud.org)

Graduation Caps and Gown Orders Available for Pick Up on April 13 – 14, 2016 The ordering window for graduation caps and gowns officially closed on February 15. If your student is planning to participate in the Thomas Worthington High School commencement ceremony on May 29, please visit www.nrpgradohio.com to make arrangements for a late order. Cap/gown orders submitted prior to the February 15th deadline will be available to pick up in the Cards Center on Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14 between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Please contact class adviser Lori Poleway (lpoleway@wscloud.org) if your senior is NOT participating in the ceremony so their name can be removed from the list. Forms Available to Apply for President’s Award for Excellence or Achievement The School Counseling department would like to invite your students who may be eligible to apply for the President’s Award for Excellence or Achievement. The President's Education Awards Program (PEAP) honors graduating elementary, middle and high school students for their achievement and hard work. The program has provided individual recognition from the President and the U.S. Secretary of Education to those students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of excellence. The deadline to submit completed forms for the President’s Award for Excellence or Achievement to the Counseling office is 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22. Click here for additional information and forms that are available on the TWHS website under the School Counseling tab.

Where to Go for Yearbook Information Too busy to surf the web or don't know where to go for yearbook information? Follow us on Twitter @CardsYearbook or Like Us on Facebook (The Cardinal Yearbook) to receive up-to-date information, reminders, deadlines, and submit photos for next year's edition! TWHS Graduation Yard Banners!!! Let your family and neighborhood know how proud you are of your TWHS graduate! Order your graduation yard banner today! Very reasonably priced and very good size and quality!! Click here for more information. Fundraiser benefits the TWHS Band Boosters!! Thanks for your support! GO CARDS!! Senior Tag With only 40 school days remaining in the school year, we have begun to hear rumors that many of our students are engaging in “Senior Tag.” If you’re not familiar with Senior Tag and you have a high school age student you need to understand what is potentially occurring in the community.

Senior Tag is a popular game played at many Ohio high schools near the end of the year. If you are soaked with a water gun outside of school you are out of the game. The only way to be safe is to strip naked when you are out in public. Thus every year there are reports of high school students running naked through yards, reports of aggressive driving, reports of social media hostility and other questionable practices. I found a previous year’s Senior Tag page. Click here to see it. In recent years, Dublin canceled their senior tag after a student was in a car accident. In 2014 WBNS 10tv posted a notice about senior tag on their website and parent comments and perspectives on the game were split.

As a school district we do not condone senior tag and we do not allow any senior tag activity on school grounds. While we believe our students should be able to have fun and enjoy special events throughout their senior year, we believe this particular game does create incentive for students to participate in activities that can be risky and potentially even illegal. Our best hope is that our students will create other more productive outlets for their energy this time of year. We would urge our parents of high school students to discuss senior tag with your children. Please make sure they understand the risks involved and understand the potential consequences in respects to participation in this game. We want all of our students to be able to participate in year-end activities and make it to graduation on May 29th safe and without police charges.

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 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: Academic/Activity: Cathy Shaw, Finance Office, at cshaw@wscloud.org or call 450-6272 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 Athletic fees/uniforms: Athletic Office -Susan Heberling at sheberling@wscloud.org or call 450-6288, or -Pat Stegman at pstegman@wscloud.org or call 450-6285

PARENT TEACHER STUDENT ORGANIZATION (PTSO) PTSO Meeting Dates Set for 2015-16 – Please Join Us! All PTSO meetings are on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the TWHS Principal's Conference Room (Room 127). Everyone is welcome - please join us! The 2015-16 meeting schedule for the school year is: September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 8, April 12 and May 10. Join TWHS Principal Jim Gaskill for “Principal on the Go” on April 14 at Panera, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. The Thomas Worthington Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is proud to sponsor “Principal on the Go” on April 14! Join Principal Jim Gaskill at Panera, located at The Shops at Worthington Place, on Thursday morning, April 14, from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. for complimentary coffee and bagels and an opportunity to talk about Thomas Worthington High School. This is the third stop of several this spring for Mr. Gaskill to gather feedback from parents/guardians and community members regarding curriculum and program offerings, operations, school and community connections, and more! Please stop in and join the conversation! Hope to see you at Panera’s on April 14th!

Worthington Pools Membership Raffle WORTHINGTON POOL FAMILY MEMBERS!! PTSO is currently selling raffle tickets for a family of 4 membership to the Worthington Pool!! Raffle tickets are $5.00 or 3 for $10.00. Tickets can be purchased at the two main entrances to the school, West End office and the Attendance office. The winner of the pool membership will be

announced before Memorial Day, just in time for the pool to open!!! The value of this membership is $350. Thank you for your support and Go Cards! PTSO to Elect New Officers It's that time in our school calendar that we say farewell to some of our PTSO officers. Cristina Brandt and Jeannette Haunty have been Thomas Worthington's Co-Presidents since the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. As with all PTSO positions, each lasts for two years. We are also seeking a member(s) to volunteer as Vice-President, also a two-year position. Elections for these two empty positions will be held at the May PTSO meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 6 p.m. in room 127. If you are interested in knowing more about PTSO and filling one of these positions, please contact Cristina Brandt at cissieb64@yahoo.com for more information. PTSO Memberships Available Our PTSO needs your support! Please consider joining our organization and help our parent volunteers with fun activities for students and staff, supplies for teachers and scholarships for seniors at the end of each year. Click on the following link to access the membership form: PTSO Membership Form.

Sign Up for Kroger Community Rewards® and Help Support PTSO! Shop at your favorite Kroger store and support the TWHS PTSO at the same time! Click Sign In or Create an Account to Enroll. Once you have created your account, Go to Community Rewards. Click Enroll. In the box under Find your Organization, enter “Thomas” to locate and select the Thomas Worthington H.S. PTSO button. Click Enroll. Thank you for your support!

SCHOOL COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Attention 11th Grade Parents/Guardians: Important Immunization Change for 2016-2017 The Ohio Department of Health has recently updated the immunization requirements for students. Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, Ohio Law (ORC 3313.671) requires all 12thgrade students 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 student may have already had these immunizations. Please check with your student’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 student 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. Ohio law also requires schools to exclude students who do not have documentation of the immunizations. Please go to www.odh.ohio.gov/, or contact me if you have questions. BEAT THE SUMMER RUSH AND HAVE YOUR CHILD IMMUNIZED NOW! Gretchen S. Hancock RN, MSN TWHS School Nurse Email: ghancock@wscloud.org

Attention to all Kroger Rewards Customers!! If you are currently enrolled in Kroger Rewards you will need to renew your enrollment starting Friday, April 1. Please go to Kroger.com and renew your account under the "Community" tab. This tab will enable you to sign-in, if you currently are a member, or create an account. When renewing or creating a new account, please sign-up under the organization "Thomas Worthington HS PTSO" or Organization # 43959. This is a very easy way for the TWHS PTSO to earn money quarterly.

Vaccine Clinic for Worthington City Schools 6th and 11th Graders Set for May 9 at TWHS

Click here for more information about the upcoming TDAP & Meningococcal Vaccine Clinic for 6th & 11th Graders at TWHS on Monday, May 9 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. in the library.

Cardinal Theatre Production, Alice in Wonderland – April 8, 9 – 7:00 p.m. Alice in Wonderland By Jason Pizzarello From the Stories of Lewis Carroll After Alice tumbles down a mysterious rabbit hole, she finds herself in a strange land where everyone is raving mad. A more faithful version of Lewis Carroll's classic tale that reimagines the experience of Wonderland, and ends with an unexpected excitement. Click here for the 2015-16 Thomas Worthington High School Theatre Repertory. Where to Go for Yearbook Information Too busy to surf the web or don't know where to go for yearbook information? Follow us on Twitter @CardsYearbook or Like Us on Facebook (The Cardinal Yearbook) to receive up-to-date information, reminders, deadlines, and submit photos for next year's edition! Attention Parents/Guardians of 17 and 18-Year Old Male Students Federal law requires all men living in the U.S. to register with Selective Service within a month of their 18th birthday. Registering keeps males eligible for federal student grants or college loans, job training benefits, many state and federal jobs, citizenship for immigrants, and driver's license renewal in most states. You can register online at www.sss.gov, at any post office, or by using your smart phone. If further information is needed, you may contact the school’s Registrar at mmechenbier@wscloud.org.

Wake Up TW!!!!! Need some extra motivation to get up for school in the morning? Subscribe to our daily text messages using the link below. Each weekday morning you will receive a motivational quote to start your day.

remind.com/join/wakeuptw

Please Check Your Student’s Account Balance at MyPaymentsPlus.com Parents/guardians, please check your student’s current balance for any outstanding fees for current year and/or prior years. All current fees and outstanding fines and/or fees are to be paid via the online payment system, www.MyPaymentsPlus.com. For questions regarding an outstanding balance, please contact: Academic/Activity: Cathy Shaw, Finance Office, at cshaw@wscloud.org or call 450-6272 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 Athletic fees/uniforms: Athletic Office -Susan Heberling at sheberling@wscloud.org or call 450-6288, or -Pat Stegman at pstegman@wscloud.org or call 450-6285

Online Application Process Available for New Volunteers in Worthington School District The Worthington City Schools District now offers an online application process for parents/guardians and community members who would like to volunteer in the school building(s). To begin the application process, click on the “School Volunteer Background

Checks” icon that is also located under “Quick Links” from either the district website or TWHS website. Once the background screening is complete, the volunteer will receive an email indicating they are approved and will be directed to come to the Worthington Education Center to have their photo taken. Existing approved volunteers are not required to complete this process until their ID Badge expires. Upcoming Events Include: April 8-9: Cardinal Theatre Production, Alice in Wonderland – 7:00 p.m. April 12: PTSO Meeting, Conference Room 127 – 6:00 p.m. April 13: Pre-State Band Concert, Auditorium – 7:30 p.m. April 13-14: Graduation Cap & Gown order pick-up, Cards Center – 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. April 14: “Principal on the Go” with TWHS Principal, Panera, (The Shops at Worthington Place) – 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. April 15: Deadline for seniors complete the required form under Class of 2016 in google classroom in order to attend the senior trip to Old Man’s Cave on April 29 April 15: Completed National Honor Society forms for senior service (20 hours) due to Mrs. Poleway April 18: Testing Bell Schedule A for Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 19: Testing Bell Schedule B for Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 20: Testing Bell Schedule C for Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 21: Testing Bell Schedule D for Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 22: Make-ups: Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 21: Talent Show, Auditorium – 7:00 p.m. April 22: Deadline for seniors to submit completed President’s Award for Excellence or Achievement forms to Counseling office by 3:00 p.m. April 25: Testing Bell Schedule A for Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 26: Testing Bell Schedule B for Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 27: Testing Bell Schedule C for Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 28: Testing Bell Schedule D for Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 28: Spring Vocal Concert, Auditorium – 7:30 p.m. April 29: Make-ups: Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies April 29: Senior Class Trip to Old Man’s Cave April 30: Gary Smith Track Invitational April 30: Deadline to order graduation banner May 2-6: Make-ups: Ohio’s State Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies May 2-6: AP Exams at WEC May 3: Orchestra East Side District Festival, Auditorium – 7:30 p.m. May 4: Bands Awards Concert, Auditorium – 7:00 p.m. May 6-7: Cardinal Theatre Production, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – 8:00 p.m. May 9: TDAP & Meningococcal Vaccine Clinic for 6th & 11th Graders, TWHS library – 3:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. May 9-13: AP Exams at WEC May 10: PTSO Meeting, Conference Room 127 – 6:00 p.m. May 10: Orchestra Spring Concert (Senior Night), WKHS – 7:30 p.m. May 12-13: Cardinal Theatre Production, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – 8:00 p.m. May 13: Cardinal Day (Bell Schedule to be announced) May 14: Prom, Columbus Athenaeum – 8:00 p.m. - Midnight May 17-19: Senior Exams (Regular Bell Schedule) May 24-26: Final Exam Bell Schedule; Final Exams for Grades 9, 10, 11 May 26: Last day of classes May 26: Deadline to turn in textbooks to CARDS’ Center

May 27: Senior Awards Program, Auditorium – 8:00 a.m. May 27: Mandatory Commencement Practice, Auditorium – 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. May 27: Professional Day – Records/Checkout May 27: Teachers 4th Nine Weeks grades due – 4:00 p.m. May 27: Baccalaureate, St. Peter's Church (6899 Smoky Row Rd) – 7:00 p.m. May 29: TWHS Class of 2016 Commencement Ceremony, Battelle Grand Hall – 4:00 p.m.