"Dig Deep"

NOVEMBER 2016

Dear Worthington Kilbourne High School Family,

Have you ever taken the time to really “dig deep” into your thoughts to better understand “WHY” you do what you do?  Why are you a teacher?  Why are you a doctor? Why are you a secretary?

Why are you a hairdresser?  Why are you a parent?

Why do you do what you do?

What is your purpose and why does it matter?  

We started our 2016-17 school year with this conversation starting at our District Convocation and continuing throughout the school year.  During the month of October, I challenged our staff to take the time to dialogue with one another and then to actually document their “WHY?” on a piece of paper.  They could hand write this statement, use pictures or even quotes to describe their purpose. This assignment was just turned in last week and I am elated with the results although not surprised. Here are just a few of the responses:

“To create a school environment and culture that sets up equal opportunities for ALL students to succeed in school and in adulthood-not just those students who are gifted or born into privilege. ANYONE can change the world.”

“I teach to open minds.”

“It’s all about the kids and their future, and the preservation of our democracy.”  

“Because I love what I do and the students keep me coming back every day to do it all over again.”

“The kids!”

“To help build healthy bodies for healthy minds.”

“To make a positive impact on someone’s well-being.”

“I am passionate about empowering my students and helping to make their lives happier and healthier.”

 

“If you do what you love (working with our youth), you’ll never work a day in your life.”

“Light bulb moments!”

“I teach because it isn’t about having power over someone...it is having the power to help someone...by giving a hand up and not a handout.”

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, these words from our WKHS Staff made me dig a little deeper into my purpose or my why.  As I did this, I realized that I am where I am today because of the difference others have made in my life.  It was necessary for me to take some time to do what I should do more often and that is to thank those people in my life who have helped me to grow and achieve.  We didn’t get to where we are without the help and guidance of others.  Often times, our life purpose is sparked from others.  Those outside influences, which could certainly be the educators or coaches in our lives, make a difference in the minds of our impressionable youth.

During this season of “THANKS”, I encourage you to take the time to reflect on your purpose and give thanks to those that have guided you through the process.  We are so fortunate to live in a community that supports each other and puts our students first in what we do each and every day.  

Thanks for all that you do for our school community.  Wishing you a Thanksgiving Holiday Season full of rich conversation and personal connections with family and friends.  

Your WKHS Principal,

Angie Adrean

"Happy vs. Crappy"

To be a successful administrator in Worthington, we believe that we must all be able to
"Connect, Communicate, Care and Lead!" 

 For me, the best way to do all four of these and do them well, is to create an intentional forum where I have the opportunity to listen and learn from our students. Certainly, my intention and hope is that our school community can speak positively about these four qualities happening as an integrated part of what we do each and everyday, however, for me, the invested time away from my typical day with the Principal's Advisory Council is a time I cherish. 

Just last week on Wednesday evening, I reviewed my calendar before leaving for the evening (something I do every night as I walk out of my office) and quickly realized that I had not prepared for my Principal's Advisory Meeting (PAC) which was scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday morning...the next morning.  Ugh!  What should I plan? Or maybe I should just cancel?  I then remembered that I had just written a short piece to our WKHS Families in the October Newsletter that spoke to the start of our school year and amazingly,  how we were only 10 days from the end of the first nine weeks.

That's it...I would spend some time in focused dialogue with our PAC student leaders in grades 9-12 and we would title this focus, "HAPPY and CRAPPY."  It is true for me that there have already been events in the start of my school year as the principal that have been "happy and crappy" and I am sure the students have also experienced these same feelings.  Better yet,  I knew I could learn so much as a leader if I took the time to listen to their conversations.  It would be great if our students experienced only happy events, but we all know that is not the case.  While I know I cannot avoid all crappy events in high school, I believe I can do my fair share to help reduce some of these feelings for our students.

So the conversation started and before I could share my "Why?" and intended outcomes for this mini- lesson, the students had already started sharing with one another in their small group settings.  It was so fulfilling to listen to their heartfelt "happy" conversations about their classmates, their teachers, and their Athletic/Co-curricular coaches because of their ability to CONNECT with these adults in their life.   It was evident that our students know these adults, including our academic assistants, secretaries and custodians, in their life CARE about them as individuals. They respect each other and lean on each other in good and difficult times.  Friendships mean the world to our high school students.  They appreciate the time to COMMUNICATE and share stories in their 50 minute lunch period.  We get to celebrate The 2016 Homecoming Week this week and they are very excited about the multiple spirit activities that are traditions at our school. Our students take pride in the multiple opportunities to LEAD in our school.  They care about their learning, their growth as a learner and they care about the overall success of our school and the people in it.  For all of these things, I am a Proud Principal.

After about 15 minutes of "happy" conversation and documentation on the dry-erase board, the "crappy" conversations started.  It was amazingly similar dialogue among all table groups;  waking up early for school, stress of schoolwork, homework without purpose and the application process when preparing for college admission.  It's now been 4 days of reflection for me and overall, I am not surprised by our student reflections.  I do ask myself, "So what?  Now what?"  Well, my first response was to document in this blog and begin sharing these responses with our teachers and staff.  It's not enough for me to just listen to student voice.  In fact,  I believe their voice is what we need to create a positive and meaningful partnership in education.  We live, grow and work in the same environment each and everyday and there are days were we spend more time with each other than we do with our own families.  It's important that we are all active partners in the educational process.

Our students need for not just administrators but all staff to Connect, Communicate, Care and Lead.  I am confident that our students will "Change the World," but we must create an intentional forum for their voice to be heard and acted upon.  

  

The True Meaning of...

The true meaning of...

has been clearly defined by our entire community these past few days.  Several schools, businesses, athletic teams, news organization and individuals shared their love and support for our Worthington Kilbourne High School Girls Water Polo Team.  Our girls volleyball team started the Heart Project which was trending on Twitter with #OneTeamToAnother and #WorthingtonStrong. The Thomas Worthington High School Football team presented flowers to our team at the Candlelight Vigil.  Flowers, food and cards have all been sent to our school along with handmade ribbons to represent strength for our school community. This outreach has certainly provided much strength for all of us, especially the young ladies and families in our Water Polo community.  And just yesterday, our young ladies demonstrated much resiliency by jumping into the water hand-in-hand to compete.  Our coaching staff, water polo teams, families and school community applaud the strength of these young ladies.

They will forever hold a special place in our hearts!

Our Purpose > Our Challenges

As we begin the new school year in Worthington, we are all focused on helping our customer better understand our district and school Mission and Vision Statements.  Understanding and being able to share our "Why?" is critical to the success of our students and our school community.  Recently, at our first district new teacher meeting, our Superintendent, Dr. Trent Bowers, shared the importance of all employees being the most important communicator of the "Why?" in our work.

This meeting caused me to reflect on my "Why" as the principal.   Five years ago, when I interviewed for the principal's position, I first spent some time in the Worthington Kilbourne community.  I attended athletic and music events and ate dinner at local restaurants, just to better understand the culture within the community.  While doing this, I felt a sense of pride in the community.  Students, staff and parents cared about their school and each other.  I knew this was I place in which I could work and I applied, interviewed and thankfully, accepted the position.  My real "Why Worthington?" is because someone gave me a chance.  I took a risk because I felt comfortable taking it and today, I am blessed to work for The Worthington City School District.

Just last year, our Worthington Kilbourne High School Staff developed the "Why" for our school.
I am excited to share our Worthington Kilbourne High School Mission, Vision and Goals for the 2016-17 School Year!  We will always have challenges, that is an expected part of our work, but by supporting one another with a focus on our purpose, we shall be successful.


We are #KilbourneProud

Please click on link to view our video: 

https://spark.adobe.com/video/rkUOxAid

Rise Like a Phoenix

On Friday, May 6th, 2016, Worthington Kilbourne High School hosted its 25th Annual Arts-In-Action.  To summarize, this is an exciting tradition for our school family as we get to celebrate the importance of the arts in education during the traditional school day.  Certainly, I could write several blogs about this day, but this blog is truly about one student who impacted me a great deal and it has taken me this long to sit down and blog about it.  The fact that I am just now writing 45 days later has something to do with my crazy schedule as a high school principal but more to do with how I was going to share his impact on me as a principal, as a leader and as a person.  So here it goes...

As a part of this special day of celebration, our school librarian hosts a "Poetry Slam" in the library and once again, I participated as a judge of this very special event.

Sidenote:  If you have ever had the experience of poetry slam, you know that these presentations can vary from a more comical, light-hearted approach to a bit more serious and thought-provoking approach.  These performances promote the performance and creation of poetry while cultivating literacy through spoken words and actions.  These performances may also require audience participation, stimulate creativity, foster education, open minds, inspire mentoring and allow for students to be heard in a safe and cultivating environment. 

As the Slam began, I continued to be impressed with the talent.  The student performers were athletes, musicians, leaders, and sadly, students I did not know very well.  "How can I serve a high school for 5 years now and not know these students?"  One student in particular, Noah (who has given me permission to not only use his first name in this blog but also his last), has impacted my role as an educator and a person.  Why?  Because he is that student that I did not know well.  I have seen Noah in our building and said, "Hi" upon occasion but had not ever reached out to him like I should have.  His poetry slam was certainly the more serious and though-provoking type. 

On that day, 45 days ago, I can still remember when Noah was called to the lectern to share his poem. Noah walked to the lectern with his head down and his shoulders slumped.  He stood at the lectern, took a deep breath, paused and slowly started his read;

Phoenix

by Noah Bontrager

17 years.

17 years of pain, and terror, and misery.

17 years, of being unable to ask the teacher a question,

because you think you're the only one

who can't figure it out.

17 years of making your parents order food for you at restaurants, 

because you're too scared to talk to the friendly waitress.

17 years of surrendering potential friendships

because you "know"

they're all going to think  you're beyond weird

for reading a certain book,

or because you missed a step on the stairs.

None of them care.

you spend so much of your day

worrying about what other people think,

that you can't stop to think yourself.

They have their own problems,

their own thoughts.

They're too caught up in their own lives

to even mention your one, meaningless stumble.

Even if they do, 

they'll forget tomorrow.

You know this can end.

But your life won't get any better

if you just go through the motions,

and wait until you're "ready."

You've been ready.

For 17 years,

you've been ready.

And yet you sit there,

telling yourself it'll eventually disappear,

when clearly, it only culminates,

while you push it aside,

saying;  "I'll get over it this time."

Why then, do you continue to read off of this paper, 

like you've never rehearsed it before?

It's time to change.  (Noah aggressively throws the paper to the ground, lifts his head, arches his shoulders back and continues to speak...)

After 17 years,

17 years of pain, and terror, and misery, 

you finally understand.

Stop hiding behind the label of social anxiety,

and using that as an excuse

to not try hard enough.

Gather up all the courage you can,

break away from your insecurity,

and strike it down hard, without hesitation,

so it can never hurt you again.

Take that frustrating fear and use it to fuel a fire,

one that will ignite an intrepid inferno,

consume your soul,

and burn that form of you in ashes.

Then, once you've amended your mix of emotions, 

do what you've been vying to do

for 17 long years,

and rise,

like,

a phoenix.

When Noah completed his slam, the library full of students, teachers, staff and administration (us three judges included) was nothing but silent for what seemed like 5 minutes.  But the roar of the crowd soon erupted and Noah's change in posture and smile on his face will be one in which I always remember.  Students got out of their seats and gave Noah hugs, high fives and chest bumps.  These students were some of the exact students Noah mentioned in his slam.  Students he didn't know, students he surrendered as potential friends.  All in all, students he did not have a relationship with while in high school.  

Noah impacted me on this day for so many reasons.  Most importantly, for the role I play in our high school as it pertains to Empathy:  Culture and Climate.  I have always said that relationships are the key to a successful school and while I still believe that, I realized even more after listening to Noah's heart just how important this is.  We have to create opportunities in our schools for students to share their voice, to be heard by students and staff.  We have so much to learn from our students.  Students need to know that their knowledge, opinions and ideas are valued in all aspects of school.  Never did I imagine that the hour I spent judging our Poetry Slam would have such a personal impact on me.

Be there for kids.....ALWAYS!

 

Noah, 

Thank-you for having the courage to share your heart with others just 45 days ago.  Thank-you for trusting in your peers and your teachers for allowing you to share in a safe environment.  Thank-you for allowing me to share your story and thank-you for making me a better principal, a better leader and a better person.  

#StrongerTogether

-Principal Adrean 

  

25th Anniversary of Worthington Kilbourne High School: April 2016 Newsletter

April 2016

Dear WKHS Family,

As you know, 2016 marks the 25th Anniversary of Worthington Kilbourne High School.  We’ve had several opportunities this year to commemorate two and a half decades of our school community of excellence including traditions and transformations.  Our school year opened with a school-wide 25th Birthday Party during lunch periods.  Thanks to Kroger and several other local businesses (AMC movies, Bob Evans, Columbus Blue Jackets, COSI, Dairy Queen, Dewey’s Pizza, Domino's, Firehouse Subs, Hills Market, Hoggy’s, IHop, J.Liu’s, Mardi Gras Ice Cream, Max & Erma’s, Menchie’s Yogurt, OSU, Panera, Papa John’s, Piada, Pies & Pints, Romeo’s Pizza, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, Target and Urban Coffee) for donating food, prizes and gift cards to add to these fun-filled celebrations. We have continued celebrating throughout the year, including the development of a “25th Anniversary Challenge Coin”, Alumni Reunions, T-Shirts, commissioned choir and wind symphony pieces by renowned composers, a student center and a stained glass piece that will be displayed in our school commons.  Our music students and teachers are excited to perform these pieces on May 10th during a school assembly.  

Although this is not all that we have done this year to celebrate our school family, it is a lot and it is fun.  We have to make sure that in life, which includes school, that we take the time to celebrate and have fun.  Our mission statement speaks to the importance of happiness in our work and in our lives and I truly believe that our students and staff must also understand the importance of taking the time to reflect on our work and enjoy what we do each and every day.  

As we bring closure to the year, please keep the importance of celebration in your life.  It’s busy and when we are too busy, we have potential to become ‘Stressed-Out’. We especially find this to be common in our students.  Our students are the reason for our school success and together, we will continue to help them 

“Learn, Grow, Contribute and Evolve”.  

Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter, our school webpage and follow our school twitter accounts.

http://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/Domain/9  

     

Follow us on Twitter:   @WKHSWolves

Have a wonderful Spring and continue to take care of each other.

Stronger Together,

Principal Adrean

"The mission of the Worthington Kilbourne High School community is to inspire the pursuit of happiness, through developing positive relationships, demonstrating responsible actions and maximizing personal growth."

Connecting with our Business Community!

Connecting with community through service learning and internships promotes the importance of college and career advancement.  These internship opportunities allow our students to explore future careers and connect with adults who can serve as role-models and mentors. We believe in connecting our students with these authentic experiences and I'd like to share our most recent partnership within our Engineering Program (PLTW and STEM) and Abbott.                  
Two separate letters were sent to Worthington Kilbourne High School students,  Nick Hill and Anna Zellar on Thursday, March 10, 2016 and included the following;

"Hello Nick and Anna, 

We are pleased to confirm in writing our offer of employment as follows:

I.     POSITION:  Summer 2016 High School Engineering Intern

...We are confident that you will find your Abbott internship both challenging and rewarding and that you, in turn, will make significant contributions to our company's success!

etc..."

Nick and Anna are current students in the Project Lead the Way pathway and because of their preparation, enthusiasm and ability to engage at a high level with the Abbott Internship Selection Team, they have been offered a paid internship for the Summer of 2016.  Senior, Katie Wood, is currently interning with Abbott and will continue her internship this Summer.  Katie believes that if you work hard and be kind to others, great things will happen.  She has taken each and every opportunity that has been presented to her through this internship and achieved.  Yes, it has been hard work, but because of her positive spirit and perseverance, she has found success.  When talking with Anna, she shared that she did a thorough research of Abbott and practiced interviewing to better prepare.  This application process is very competitive and she stated that her involvement in multiple, diverse school activities such as the Robotics Club (FRC Team 4145) set her apart from other applicants.  She is most excited to now be able to apply what she has learned at Worthington Kilbourne H.S. to her internship with Abbott.  At the end of this internship, she hopes to have a better understanding of how such a large corporation as Abbott uses their engineers to solve problems.
I had a chance to congratulate Nick the day after he received his letter.  He shared his excitement and his parents excitement for this employment and learning opportunity.  Nick is a confident, focused and intelligent young man who will add much value to Abbott team.

Just last year, Ryan Willis and Grayton Geisman, successfully competed their internship with Abbott as well. Mr. Tom Karns, Mr. Todd Deisher and Mr. Ron Charleton deserve much credit for the positive impact they have made on these students.  Every lesson is designed to engage students in real-world application that empowers them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a fluid, global society. When talking with these three educators, it was heart-warming to look them in the eye and feel their excitement for their students.  For this is why our Worthington Kilbourne H.S. educators do what they do...to help our students "Change the World".  

"The mission of the Worthington Kilbourne High School community is to inspire the pursuit of happiness through developing positive relationships, demonstrating responsible actions and maximizing personal growth."

Thanks to Abbott for believing in our students and for trusting in our educators to prepare our students for life beyond high school.  

The ending of an A-W-E-S-O-M-E #ShadowAStudent Challenge Day!

...my Camouflage SuperWoman shoes are worn out as the day comes to an end and I realize even more how fortunate I am to work at Worthington Kilbourne High School and just as important, how fortunate our students are to learn and grow at 

Worthington Kilbourne High School.  

I'm not so sure there was actually a "winner" in Mr. Patch's History class, but I do have a better understanding of Blitzkreig.  And just in case you were not so sure either, here is a quote from Google to help you better understand; 

"A German term for “lightning war,” blitzkrieg is a military tactic designed to create disorganization among enemy forces through the use of mobile forces and locally concentrated firepower. Its successful execution results in short military campaigns, which preserves human lives and limits the expenditure of artillery."

A "Shout-Out" to Mr. Patch for giving reason to student learning, planning for different activities to promote student engagement and for modeling your own personal joy in learning.  We are so fortunate to have you as a part of our Wolf Pack.  

On to our FINAL class and one of Liam's favorite...HEALTH!

I certainly wasn't expecting to walk into a dimmed lit room with relaxing music playing, but I could not have been more pleased.  I followed Liam's lead and sat next to him on the floor while Ms. Lewis started class in a soft-spoken and calm voice.  Yes, we were preparing for a little yoga.  I am certainly not as flexible as I used to be in my younger years, but I am appreciative of Ms. Lewis and her desire to help our students understand the importance of planning a routine to always take care of yourself regardless of your age. 

As I sign off, I want to thanks Liam and all of his friends for welcoming me into their world for the day.  I am re-energized and will certainly plan to continue this practice in the future.  I appreciate the initiative set forth by School Retool and our Worthington City School District and encourage my fellow educators to take the challenge, even if you cannot make it happen this week.  

Want to learn more about your schools culture...

engage with students and you will find out!

And the "Shadow A Student" Challenge Continues...

I'm Back...

It's now 11:20 a.m. and I am starving.  I should have bought a snack at our "Wolfeteria" at the start of this class when Liam advised me to do so.  He obviously knows best!

Have to make a quick locker stop and off to Honors ELA I.  

We are now studying Romeo and Juliet and I am amazed at the energy Mrs. Hemmelgarn has for making "R & J" FUN!  The students are answering questions, asking questions, listening to the play on tape, completing guided notes, sharing personal reflections while connecting vocabulary words, completing a class storyboard and are having FUN all at the same time.  Our teachers at Worthington Kilbourne H.S. ROCK!

The bell rings and it's now time for lunch.  

Our lunch periods are a full class period (50 minutes).  This is a great time for our students because they have a few choices they can make that will best meet their needs.  Certainly, they can take the time to eat, relax and socialize with their lunch table or they may choose to receive individualized academic help from our Academic Assistants in The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC - Room 209) or they may schedule to work with one of their classroom teachers.  Much of my lunch table today chose to go to the library to work after they ate lunch.  Either way, our students appreciate this freedom to choose.  

I am now reflecting on my day in Academic Prep with Mr. Meeks.  Students are very quiet and focused on learning.  Some students are reading, others are on their laptops and a few are completing assignments.  My belly is full and I'm starting to feel a bit sluggish and this is the part of my day where I may begin to struggle. 

However...

As I begin History class with Mr. Patch, I am presented with the following task, 

"You are the commander of a European country and your orders are on your desk...read through them and strategize.  May the best commander win!" 

Looks like I will be staying alert and on-task!  

"Adios!" for now as I must begin to strategize with my classmates.

"Shadow A Student Challenge"

Follow @aadrean on Twitter to experience my "Shadow a Student Challenge" Day!

For the past 40 years, I have started every week day (and some weekends) in a school setting, but it has been a long time since I have lived "A Day In The Life Of A Student".  Today, I am taking that challenge and it's now only 9 a.m. and already I need my morning snack and my water bottle.  So while I am attempting to pay attention in Spanish class, I can only think about making it down to my office to get my almonds and water bottle and making it to Honors Physical Science on time...

A "Shout-Out" to WKHS Freshmen Student, Liam Pierce, for allowing me to shadow him for the day.  Already I am amazed at how much he has challenged himself to a rigorous schedule and course load.  My brain is already at capacity after learning from Mr. Warinner in Honors CCSS Math II, Mrs. Gerhardt in Honors Spanish II and Mrs. Chase in Honors Physical Science.  I appreciate the teachers in these first three periods because of their focus on student relationships and specific individualized feedback with their students.  All three teachers were prepared with learning activities prior to the bell and students were focused and on-task from the start to the end of the class period. Mrs. Gerhardt even continued teaching after the bell and quickly I realized that I was the only "student" standing when the bell rang, I quickly sat down and realized I am dismissed by Mrs. Gerhardt and not the bell.  (Smile!)

Since I am currently in Honors Physical Science learning about inertia and crash test safety features, I must exit by blog for now.

Do you make your own "Happiness?"

Do you make your own "Happiness?"

...A good 'Snow Day' read!

(A letter to our WKHS Family)

Good Afternoon,

I'm absolutely sure you were all wondering why I hadn't sent your Monday Message out yet.....Well, thanks to Kevin for sharing the magazine, Live Happy, we have a "Monday Message" on Tuesday.

I just read this article about Good Morning America's Anchors:  Trust Us...We Love Our Jobs!  The anchors shared their work while enduring early start times, long hours and a rigorously demanding pace. Yet, they all say there's no place they'd rather work.  Several were asked to comment on how positivity in the workplace can be infectious and here are some of their quotes;

"By the time I get from the door to my office, I've said, 'good morning' to no less than 15 people who aren't unhappy or complaining about being at work at 4 a.m. The place is humming and alive, and you can't help but be glad to be here."  

-Amy Robach

"These aren't my co-workers, they're like my brothers and sisters.  And having not just the other four people in front of the camera, but an entire team who won't let you stumble or that's there like a loving family members when you're having a bad day, make the good days al the more special." 

-Ginger Zee  

"Mutual respect" is one of the team's strongest assets."  

-George Stephanapoulos

"I'm a positive person at heart because of the example set by my mother.  She was the pied piper, and our house was always full of neighbors.  Some are drained by people, but I love being around them."  

-Robin Roberts

"I've been blue and without having to say a word, the cast and crew are there for you.  That comfort instills the utmost confidence in the people you work with every day."  

                                                           -Lara Spencer

• Do you choose to be HAPPY ?  
• What would you say about your HAPPINESS at Worthington Kilbourne High School? 
• What role do you play in HAPPINESS ?
  

"Happy people are more productive, and having a job you love - or even like - spills over into every other area of  your life."  - Gallup

THOUGHTS?

Parent Involvement Matters!

To Our Kilbourne Family, February 2016

Just one year ago, I was writing about the frigid cold weather we were having and today, the sun is out and it is suppose to be a balmy 58 degrees.  You may think differently, but I’d much rather have this sunny, warm weather than the latter.  As I stand at my new “standing desk” to write this newsletter and look out my window at the beautiful ravine and blue skies, I am reminded how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to serve as the building principal at Worthington Kilbourne High School.  An even bigger reminder occurred on Monday, January 25th when our Auditorium was packed with incoming 8th grades students and families and current 9th through 12th grade students and families for our 2016 8th Grade Transition and 9th-12th Curriculum Night.  Your genuine interest and involvement to our school adds to the positive culture and climate we all get to work and grow in each and everyday.  

This involvement was also apparent on Saturday night at The Shops at Worthington Mall for our annual 2016 Evening in Support of Excellence sponsored by our Worthington Education Foundation.  It was wonderful to see so many of you there to support our school community and honor the value we all have in building positive relationships that will ultimately impact the success of our youth.  It’s amazing to me the sustainability of our WEF after 25 years in operation and raising over $405,000 in contributions and awarding over 400 grants totaling over $310,000 to Worthington teachers and staff to fund exciting and innovative educational projects for our students.  As a school, we are fortunate to have been honored a diverse variety of these grants, including Computer for Digital Art On-Line Class, Something for Everyone at the WKHS Library:  A Multilingual Library, Digital Danger: Keeping Our Students Safe in the World of Social Media, Celebration of Black History Month, Suicide Prevention and more.  So much of what we have been able to accomplish as a school is attributed to this exact interest and involvement I have already made reference to.

Please continue to stay connected to our WKHS Family.  As many of you know, we are in the midst of Registration for the 2016-17 school year and at times, this can cause some stress on students and parents.  Please do not let this be the case.  Encourage your child to talk with his/her teachers to assist in this process and make recommendations.  Counselors and Administrators are also available to talk with both you or your child.  We are “All In This Together” and want to be sure your child’s college and career pathway is clear and free of unnecessary roadblocks.  

Continue to “Take Care of Each Other!”

#StrongerTogether

-Principal Adrean

Follow us on Twitter @WKHSWolves @wcsdistrict and @aadrean