Newt News 2/7/22
The periodic newsletter for the Linworth Experiential world.
Linworth Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
Linworth conferences are different. Because we value participating in a wholistic picture of the personal and academic experience occurring, all teachers will be in the meeting. To maximize spots, we have two conferences happening concurrently, creating 40 slots, with teachers moving from one place to the other. When you arrive to the Zoom conference, I will move you to a Meeting Room, where teachers will join you. You are also welcome to email teachers in lieu of a conference. Email addresses are below.
Sign up for LINWORTH PARENT-STUDENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Linworth Forum
The Linworth Forum is an experiential education activity that brings engaging speakers to Linworth students. Classes will be canceled on Monday, February 28, and the school day will be divided into 60-minute blocks with speakers for students to see in a conference-style format. The Linworth Forum will shed light on how students can leverage their talents and interests to forge their own path in life. The Linworth Forum will bring speakers to Linworth who can address a wide range of topics, including: discovering and following your passion; overcoming adversity and roadblocks; collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships; innovation and outside-the-box thinking; and how to be an agent of change — both large and small.
The four presentation blocks are 8:00-9:00 AM, 9:15-10:15 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, and 12:30-1:30 PM.
Here are a couple confirmed biographies:
Toya Spencer is the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Worthington City Schools. She joined the district with 18 years of corporate experience. For the majority of her career, she has been guiding organizations in becoming more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. She worked at the corporate headquarters for Abercrombie & Fitch, Huntington National Bank and Danaher Corporation. Upon leaving her corporate career in 2016, Toya worked with TAPO Institute and Strategic HR Advisors as a Senior Consultant and Trainer. In 2019, Toya launched Spencer Allen Consulting Group, a small consulting firm focused on providing inclusion strategies to help organizations and schools create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Toya holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Kent State University and a master’s degree from Duquesne University in Corporate Communication. She is married to Mark Spencer and has a young son, Langston.
Rachel Gold, Linworth class of 1989, is the author of multiple, award-winning queer & trans young adult novels. Currently an English professor at Macalester College, Rachel has a diverse writing career that includes seven years as a reporter for a regional LGBTQ newspaper and fifteen years in corporate marketing. They’re a nonbinary lesbian, all-around geek and avid gamer. Their most recent novel, Synclair, is about a girl trying to find her spiritual core while surviving multiple crushes and her first real (sort of) girlfriend. For more information visit: www.rachelgold.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
interim--March 28-April 1
Interim is a period of time that has been set aside for individual experiential learning experiences. It is an opportunity for students to identify and pursue an area of interest not normally found in traditional school classes. Interim is an important part of the Linworth Program and is consistent with our desire to develop responsible, self-directed learners.
The basic idea is easy to understand. Students pick something about which they want to learn more. They then develop a plan to learn this information. The plan must involve a minimum of 30 hours of time on the project. Next they carry out the plan. Finally, they evaluate the experience and make a short presentation to a small group of students and staff.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Workshop Planning Committee
Covid has canceled Interim for the past two years. The majority of current Linworth students have never participated in an official interim. The lack of student experience combined with the limitations imposed by Covid safety parameters, has us concerned that Interim will not offer the learning experience it should. Many students (and their parents) may struggle to know where to start or how to plan for Interim. Our hope is that by providing a series of workshops during the week, it may alleviate the planning and stress surrounding Interim and still allow for students to partake in experiential, hands-on learning.
We are looking for mentors to teach a workshop during the week of March 28 to April 1, 2022. Workshop leaders need no prior experience teaching, only an idea and a desire to teach. We can help with the rest!
Link: https://forms.gle/RVncoubJwfWeFy9b8
Questions? Email interimworkshopco@gmail.com-------------------------------------------------------
COVID Exposure Notification
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Worthington Schools has made every attempt to keep our students, families and community aware of how the virus was impacting our schools. Our dashboard continues to be updated each weekday to display cases and quarantines throughout the district. In addition to this tool, our health office professionals identify positive cases, close contacts and symptomatic students. When this occurs, they continue to contact families and apply the updated guidance from Columbus Public Health.
Until recently, our administrators and health office personnel have also been using the student case data to individually track school and bus schedules and send emails to families that may have been near a COVID case. With the significant increase in cases in our high schools, we are creating a more efficient process than sending a large number of individual emails to families. Starting next week, we will provide Linworth families a COVID report from our building with relevant information and trends from the week in our Friday newsletter. We are hopeful that this update and our other communication strategies will meet the needs of our school community in this stage of our experience with COVID.
Below are our distribution numbers for new events each day last week.
-------------------------------------------------------
Healthy Relationships Parent Night
-------------------------------------------------------
dine to donate
Upcoming dine to donate events:
February 8: Dewey’s Worthington 3-8 pm
March 2: Hot Chicken Takeover (Polaris) 4-8 pm
-------------------------------------------------------
Parent Board--this week
Greetings from Parent Board! A recap for those new to Linworth that Parent Board is our version of a PTA but there is no need to sign up or pay dues. You are a member simply by having a student at Linworth. In years past, Parent Board opted to have monthly meetings featuring a variety of speakers based on topics we thought were of interest to our families. We also support the school with events and fundraisers which fund things that the school needs as well as Walkabout scholarships.
Last year with COVID restrictions, we did not have Parent Board meetings and instead focused on funding experiences for the school to help foster community even during the challenges of the year. This year we have had a couple meetings, but the Executive Board recently met to figure out what is most needed for our students and families this year. We decided rather than trying to have monthly meetings, we would focus in on a few topics and events that would have the most value overall. I will share the list here for those who like to plan ahead but we will send reminders in Chris’s emails and post on the Linworth EP Families page on Facebook.
Feb 9 from 7-8: Parent Board Meeting, speaker topic Experiential Learning
Fry Pie Sale: March 14 in honor of Pi Day!
April 20 from 7-8: Parent Board Meeting, speaker topic Technology Dangers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Course Registration for the 2022-2023 School Year
Linworth students need register only for classes to be taken at the main campus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
College Credit Plus
College Credit Plus provides Worthington high school students the opportunity to potentially earn college and high school credit at the same time and at no cost to your family. Interested Linworth Experiential Program students/guardian need to do the following:
1. Visit the two links below. The first video is an overview of College Credit Plus delivered by the Ohio Department of Education and the second is a video on how Worthington City Schools implements College Credit Plus in our buildings and additional offerings.
Ohio’s College Credit Plus presentation
Worthington Schools College Credit Plus Slideshow
2. Return the Intent to Participate form to Laura.
Linworth students interested in participating in the College Credit Plus Program during the 2022 summer, 2022 fall, and/or 2023 spring semesters must submit the Intent to Participate Form to Laura no later than May 1st, 2022.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Course drop deadline
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Graduation Requirements - 2023 and Beyond
As a student entering ninth grade on or after July 1, 2019, Ohio’s new high school graduation requirements give you more flexibility to choose a graduation pathway that builds on your strengths and passions – one that ensures you are ready for your next steps and excited about the future.
You can read more about the Graduation Requirements here.
You can review your progress by accessing the Worthington Portal and going to My Accounts and clicking on "Student Graduation Status."
Maybe this synopsis by WKHS School Counselor Brianna Abbott will help.
Basic Academic Requirements:
- 4 credits of English
- 4 credits of Math
- 3 credits of Science
- 3 credits of Social Studies
- 1/2 credit of PE (or additional elective credit if earning the PE Waiver)
- 1/2 credit of Health
- 5 credits of Electives (anything other than the classes listed above count as electives
- 1 full year worth of Fine Art completed between grades 7-12
- Financial Literacy requirement (can be met through Personal Financial Management, Economics & Financial Literacy, Financial Algebra, IB History, or IB Business)
Demonstrate Competency in English and Math:
- For most students this will be done by earning competency scores of 684 or higher on the English 2 and Math 1 state End of Course tests. Students can repeat these tests as needed.
- There are a range of other options for how competency can be demonstrated, but testing is the clearest path. If you need other options, I will be working with you to identify what pathway would work and be a viable option for you in the future.
Show Readiness by earning 2 Seals:
- There are 12 seals (9 state seals and 3 local seals) that students can try to earn.
- All students must earn 2 seals and one of those two seals must be a state seal
You can learn more about seals here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
hey juniors!
Before I get into details, there is nothing with which you need to be concerned at this time. With main campus registration, there are several unclear messages, and I want you to feel informed. As I mention near the end of this email, Linworth will send you an email in a couple months regarding Remaining Graduation Requirements. Additionally, don’t hesitate to email me or Laura (lzelch@wscloud.org). I have also cc'd Junior Academic Advisors Jen Kubina (A-L) and Lilly Yap (M-Z).
Some things are the same
The 20 credits you need to earn are the same, with no changes to the areas of study for those credits.
Some things are a little different
You still will complete the Ohio State Tests (OST) in six areas. With two of them, you must demonstrate “Competency” in ELA 2 and Math 1. Practically every Linworth Junior has demonstrated Competency in ELA 2 and Math 1, with a couple scores pending.
With the other four OST’s (Math 2, US History, US Government, & Biology), you will have an opportunity to earn State Seals (more on that later).
Some things are brand new
As I mentioned earlier, there are now State Seals, which are a required component for graduation. You must earn two of the twelve options. Nine of the seals are constructed by the state; the other three are locally developed. At least one of your two seals must be a state seal.
What about you, personally?
First, You can read more about the Graduation Requirements here.
Additionally, you can review your progress by accessing the Worthington Portal and going to My Accounts and clicking on "Student Graduation Status."
In April (or sooner), Linworth will send you an email regarding Remaining Graduation Requirements. This is a sample from last year (for this year’s Seniors).
According to our records, as of this moment (not counting the classes you are currently taking), all you need to qualify for graduation is the following:
One semester of elective Math
Three semesters of elective credit
Complete the Government Ohio State Test
One option that some families consider is outside the normal school process. Worthington's Summer School Program is scheduled to begin the week of June 7, 2021 and offers options for students to recover credit from failed classes, at no cost to the family, and also provides multiple "get ahead" options.
Several families have requested information about online courses students can take outside our district over the summer to alleviate their course load during the school year and/or make sure they are on track with credits for participation Walkabout during their last semester at Linworth.
By August of their senior year, Linworth students must have earned a minimum of 17 credits; this total must include 1.0 credit Math I, II, and III and .5 Physical Education. Worthington accepts transfer credit from accredited programs and links to the more popular platforms utilized are included here: Treca, BYU, and Apex.
Remember that by August of your senior year, Linworth students must have earned a minimum of 17 credits; this total must include 1.0 credit Math III and .5 Physical Education.
Let us know if you have any questions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guidelines from the Health Office: When to keep a student home from school
As we return to a normal schedule with all students attending school daily it is extremely important NOT to 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
Vomiting or diarrhea
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another Linworth Ethos statement
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Science Day 2022
The Worthington Science Day 2022 will again be very different as compared to pre-pandemic years. The most notable change will be that no large scale gathering will be held on February 12th, 2022. Students that have completed Science Fair projects or Invention Convention projects will still have an opportunity to receive feedback and move on to the next level of competition. Worthington Schools will also offer a remote Design Challenge students can engage in at home. All other Science Day events, Cubing Competition and the Robotics Competition, will not be held this school year.
Science Fair: Students in grades 5-12 are eligible to compete in the District 7 Central Ohio Science Day. This will be a virtual event. To help Worthington students be successful in this competition, Worthington is offering optional feedback/coaching sessions. If interested, complete this form and Worthington Schools will reach out to help you with project feedback.
Invention Convention: Students in grade K-12 are eligible to participate in the Invention Convention. Projects must be registered and uploaded by April 1st, 2022. To help Worthington students be successful in this competition, Worthington is offering optional feedback/coaching sessions. If interested, complete this form and Worthington Schools will reach out to help you with Invention Convention project feedback.
Design Challenge: Students in grade K-12 are eligible to participate in a virtual Design Challenge. This event will be held asynchronously to allow for the maximum flexibility for students and families. Students will follow a set of specifications to design, build, and share their solution to the design challenge. Once the design challenge has been reviewed for safety, it will be posted on the Worthington Science Day website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selective Service Registration: Male students between the ages of 18 and 26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dream It, Be It
-------------------------------------------------------
What's on the schedule?
Dine-to-donate Dewey’s Worthington: Tuesday, February 8: 3-8 pm
Parent Board Meeting, speaker topic Experiential Learning: Wednesday, February 9, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Course drop deadline: Wednesday, February 16
Linworth Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences: Thursday, February 10 & Monday, February 14
Linworth Forum: Monday, February 28
Interim: Monday, March 28-Friday, April 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Your Consideration
Twenty-Two Smithsonian Shows to See in 2022
Cincinnati’s Unused Subway System Is a Century-Old Dream That Won’t Die
How to make your Gmail account self destruct, and why you really should
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The calendar through interim
-------------------------------------------------------
Parent Instructions for Accessing Schoology
-------------------------------------------------------
Teacher Email Addresses
If you have any questions for Linworth teachers, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
Jamie Mackin jmackin@wscloud.org
Jen Kubina jkubina@wscloud.org
Jasmine Hasanain jhasanain@wscloud.org
Lilly Yap lyap@wscloud.org
Ian Sample isample@wscloud.org
Rosanne Nagel rnagel@wscloud.org
Mark Shannon mshannon@wscloud.org
Amy Bowman abowman@wscloud.org
Josh Stegman jstegman@wscloud.org
Kenzie Bruck (Holderbaum) kbruck@wscloud.org
Laura Zelch lzelch@wscloud.org
Amy Kargiotis akargiotis@wscloud.org
Chris Hasebrook chasebrook@wscloud.org
Linworth Experiential Program
If there is an emergency and you need to see or talk to someone right away, please:
- Talk to your parents or another trusted adult.
- Call Nationwide Children's Hospital Crisis Hotline (17 & younger) at 614-722-1800
- Call Netcare Crisis Hotline (18 and older) at 614-276-2273
- Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or
- Text the Crisis Text line by sending a text message to 741741. (If you text “4hope” you should automatically be connected to someone in Ohio, but you can text anything - even just hello to get the conversation started.)
- If you are having an immediate emergency, please call 911.
All of these options are available 24/7/365.
Website: http://www.linworth.org/
Location: 2075 West Dublin Granville Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085, USA
Phone: (614) 450-6900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LinworthAP?fref=ts
Twitter: @LinworthAPNewts