"The gift of family is incomparable."

Dear WKHS Family,

“The gift of family is incomparable.”  

As I sat down to write my final Worthington Kilbourne High School newsletter, these six simple yet powerful words kept running through my head -“The gift of family is incomparable.”   I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve as your building principal….six years as your principal and six simple, yet powerful words to truly describe what it takes to help our students experience success in school and in life.  As a community, you are the source of strength and sustenance for our entire school family.  Thank you for your devotion, moral support and loyalty to our entire school system.   

While this professional move for me was not an easy decision due to the fact that I love the work I “get” to do every day, I was also presented with an opportunity to stay in the district and continue to serve our students and families in the Worthington City Schools.  As many of you already know, I have accepted the position as Chief Academic Officer and I am grateful to have the opportunity to now work with our amazing Academic Achievement and Professional Development team at our Worthington Education Center.  

I would be remiss if I did not give a “Shout-Out” to our entire staff and student body.  From that first day in August of 2011, I was welcomed with open arms and it took very little time to build those trusting relationships that are necessary for any organization to be successful.  We have great kids in Worthington and while I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again, “Teacher quality is the single most important school-based factor in student achievement, followed closely by school leadership quality.”  Again, thanks for all that you do to support our work with our students and your children.  

With that being said, I’d like to informally introduce you to your new WKHS leader, Mr. Aric Thomas.  Aric is currently the principal at Groveport Madison High School.  He has served as their principal for 7 years with a total of 11 years in that district.  He has already had the opportunity to meet and speak casually with our staff and take part in a WKHS News interview.  Aric will also be making a transition this summer and begin to make himself available for introductions.  Please welcome Aric to our school family...you are going to appreciate what he has to offer our school and our school district. I am excited that I get to work with and learn from him.

The best part about this sign-off is that it’s not final.  I look forward to continuing our work together, just from a different “seat” in the district.  Much love and appreciation to all of you. Continue to “take care of each other,” that’s what make our school so very special.

Kilbourne Proud,

Principal Adrean