January 6, er, 7 Schedule
Monday, January 7, all Linworth students (not Seniors) will be at Linworth all day.
This is the day that we will rebuild our schedules with the new semester courses (see below).
We will stop for lunch from 11:45-12:30. Linworth IS NOT providing lunch. Students will have the ordinary Sign-Out and lunch packing options.
Courses We're Offering 2nd Semester
Films That Protest: A History of American Activism Through Cinema (Mark)
This course takes you on a cinematic journey through the most pivotal protests in U.S. history. This course examines how filmmakers have used the power of storytelling to give voice to the voiceless, spark change, and challenge the status quo.
Plains Indians of North America: An Interdisciplinary Study (Mark)
This course offers an in-depth interdisciplinary exploration of the Plains Indians of North America, focusing on their rich history, vibrant cultures, and complex relationships with European settlers. Through an anthropological, historical, cultural, political, and social lens, students will examine the diverse ways in which the Plains tribes shaped and were shaped by their environments, interactions with outside forces, and internal traditions.
Introduction to Programming: Python Continued (Josh)
This course is a continuation of the work completed during the 1st Semester. Only students who have completed the 1st Semester will be eligible to enroll for the 2nd Semester. (There may be exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.) This course is designed for students with strong problem-solving skills and/or the willingness to improve in this area. This web-based course provides both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. The course materials have been developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Computer Science Academy and provide interactive and visual coding challenges that offer multiple ways to find the right solution, making learning to program intuitive and accessible for everyone. Debugging (finding and fixing errors) is made easy with visual cues that help pinpoint issues. Coding should be engaging and filled with interesting challenges, making the journey through the fundamentals of programming and computer science both rewarding and worthwhile. This course can be very challenging for some so those considering taking this course should be highly motivated to complete the course content.
Linworth School of Rocks (Lilly)
This class will explore the planet Earth from a geological standpoint. We will study rocks and minerals and learn about earth processes that shape our planet. Topics of study include the structure of the earth, weathering, erosion, relative and absolute dating, plate tectonics, the coasts, and the ocean floor. Open to all students!
Marine Life with student Cassidy (Lilly)
Designed to teach students about the basic fundamentals of oceanic life. Students will start the semester with an Introduction to coral reefs, learning to identify simple types of coral and reef fish, while learning about the largest ecosystem on earth. After reefs, students will dive into units on sharks, oceanic conservation, and marine mammals. This course will go for a .5 science elective credit and is designed for any students interested in marine biology.
Taxidermy with student Rae (Lilly)
Take a dive into the world of taxidermy and preservation! Taxidermy has it’s origins rooted in science, helping to get a better understanding of the world around us. Intro to Taxidermy is a class that will go into many different forms of specimen preservation, from wet specimens to pinning insects. We will cover things like how to identify skulls and bones, the scientific purpose and history of taxidermy, wet specimen creation, how to properly pin and label insects, and more.
Mythos (Rosanne)
Takes a closer look at the power of myths including similar themes across cultures and time. First semester, the group explores “what is mythology?” along with core themes. We start with Greco-Roman deities and myths, but there is no singular focus on one culture for the entire semester. The content encourages students to think about the ways in which mythology shapes modern society including facing challenges and popular stories. Works by mythologist Joseph Campbell, along with videos, readings and engaging activities, promote discussion. This will be a reading, discussion, and presentation-rich course. We address culture, community, icons, place, and more. By the end, the questions will be, “Who are you?” and “What is and what is shaping your personal mythology?”
Sustainability Linworth with master gardener (and Linworth Hall of Famer) Monica (Rosanne)
Come and learn about all things sustainable in this multidisciplinary social studies class. Monica and Rosanne will look at the concept of sustainability from many angles ranging from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to our own personal carbon footprint around Linworth. There will be a special emphasis on the intersection of economic and environmental issues, and we will take what we learn to make the Linworth School Community Garden its own nonprofit organization. No previous experience needed as sustainable practices start with awareness and small, practical steps. The class will be intensively hands-on and project based, so expect to be creatively engaged, to get your hands dirty, and to have fun. Together, we’ll explore how each of us can make a positive impact, one small action at a time.
Fight The Power (Jamie)
This course explores the powerful role of music as a vehicle for social and political change. We will delve into the history of protest music across various genres and cultures, examining how musicians have used their voices to challenge injustice, advocate for equality, and inspire social movements. Through in-depth analysis of song lyrics, historical context (including writings, art, photography, etc), and musical styles, students will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between music, culture, and social change. We will explore the impact of protest music on movements such as the fight for worker’s rights, indigenous rights, civil rights, women’s rights, gay rights, and other contemporary social justice movements. This course will also encourage students to critically analyze contemporary protest music and consider how music can be used to address current social and political issues. Students will have the opportunity to engage in creative projects such as researching and sharing movements throughout history and creating multimedia presentations to share what they have learned.Don’t Panic: The Rise of the Machines (Ian & Jamie)
In "Don't Panic: Rise of the Machines," students will explore the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on modern society. The course will cover the fundamentals of how AI works, including key concepts like machine learning, neural networks, and data-driven decision-making. Students will examine how AI is integrated into everyday life, from healthcare to entertainment, and discuss its ethical implications and potential risks. A central focus will be AI Literacy—teaching students how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly to enhance their academic performance. The course will integrate lessons developed by Stanford University and MIT, providing students with access to cutting-edge educational resources. Through case studies and practical exercises, students will learn to engage with AI in ways that promote critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making, preparing them for a future where AI plays a pivotal role in their personal and professional lives.
(Disclaimer: This summary was written by ChatGPT)
Health (Laura)
This course satisfies the .5 credit Health graduation requirement. This course provides us the opportunity to explore current health topics in order to empower us and assist in informed decision-making throughout the remainder of adolescence and beyond. We will analyze current health-related research and also learn how the teenage brain impacts behavior as we explore topics under these broad categories:
- Safety and risk reduction, including CPR
- Mental-emotional health
- Alcohol and other drug/substance use and abuse
- Growth and development
- Nutrition and exercise
CORE (Jen & Laura)
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED–A Junior-only course designed to investigate and develop Self-reflection, Walkabout and Career Exploration, Professional Skill Development, and College Exploration and Applications.
Portrait of a Learner (Chris)
What are the hopes, dreams, and aspirations that our community has for its students? What are the skills and mindsets our children need for success in this rapidly changing, complex world? What are the implications for the design of the learning experiences and equitable access to those experiences we provide in our school system?
In the most simple terms, this is what the Worthington community thinks you should look like as a “learner.” We’ll read about it, talk about it, and hear from experts about it.
We will continue to offer:
Physical Science
Chemistry
Biology
Math 1
Math 2
Math 3
Precalc
United States History
World History
Foundations (ELA 1)
AP Language and Composition
Spanish 2
Spanish 3
Summer Opportunity for High School Girls
Inspiring Girls* Expeditions: Applications for summer 2025 Now Open
Inspiring Girls* Expeditions offers tuition-free multi-day expeditions for high school girls in the US, Canada and Europe that interweave science, art, and back-country travel. The expeditions are led by professional women scientists, artists, and wilderness guides—no experience needed. Visit the Inspiring Girls* Expeditions webpage to learn about the criteria and apply. If the link above doesn't work, the link below does. https://www.inspiringgirls.org/about-apply
Phyte Club Update
It was a great week in the garden last week! We made more soap, processed more seeds, built more hoops for low tunnel, worked on our plans for next year’s garden and ate homemade pickles and latkes. This week, we will celebrate all the hard work that we’ve done this semester with Phyte Club members past and present. Upcoming Events:
Jan 11- winter sowing workshop at the Worthington Farmers Market;
Jan. 12- Recycling Styrofoam with the Worthington Green Team;
Jan. 25- Native Plant and Winter Sowing workshop at the Worthington Science Day. Keep informed about these and other events by checking out our website, www.linworthschoolcommunitygarden.org
Phyte Club will resume on Jan 13, 2025! We gather in the Big Room and everyone is welcome. Join Us!
Linworth Community Impact Program
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Linworth Community Impact Program Info meeting this week. We had a great turnout and it was awesome to see so many of you excited about the opportunity to make a difference in our community. We will kick off this new program after the holidays with our first meeting after school on Tuesday, January 14th. Even if you missed the informational meeting, it's never too late to come join us and be a part of an initiative that really gives you all an opportunity to create change in the way that YOU feel is most meaningful (and have a lot of fun doing it)!
The program vision:
Identify issues important to you
Engage in meaningful dialog & create a strategy for impact
Implement your plan & interact with your Impact Community
Year-end event to increase your community awareness and engagement to increase your community awareness and engagement
Community Service Guidelines
Tutoring, providing services for the elderly, collecting donations for charities, maintaining the school’s website, starting recycling programs, and holding school fundraisers – these are just a few examples of community service projects completed by Linworth students.
From the very beginning, a part of Linworth’s philosophy has been to encourage students to perform community service and give back to the community and world. As with most things at Linworth, Community Service opportunities do not come from a menu. Students are encouraged to seek out interests of their own and pursue them in order to meet the expectation of 70 total hours logged while at Linworth. This number is based upon 10 hours per semester attending Linworth before Walkabout. Most students start the beginning of Freshman year--seven semesters before Walkabout times 10 hours per semester equals 70 hours. If you start the beginning of Sophomore year, you are expected to earn 50 hours. Let me know if you need clarification.
The only cap we have on an event is that a student not earn more than 10 hours per year, per activity. Exceptions can be made at Staff discretion.
Need a Bowling Coach and Student Volunteers
Our bowling season is set to start mid January. To ensure adequate supervision, we are in need of an additional Assistant Coach. Practices are held at Bowlero, 4825 Sawmill Road, from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Our season starts on January 18th and will run through Summer State Games, the weekend of June 13th - 15th.
This person would encourage and cheer on all our bowlers, as well as, assist with our wheelchair athletes, specifically in wheeling them up to the lane, adjusting the movable ramp, and retrieving and setting the ball on the ramp for the athlete to push off.
In addition, we are also looking for students who can assist where needed. This is a great opportunity to receive needed volunteer credit for college applications.
Do these opportunities interest you? If so, please reply to this email.
Happy New Year!
Jennifer Truby
Worthington Special Olympics
Co-Coordinator
From the Department of Technology
Worthington Families
Starting Jan 3, 2025, the old www.worthington-portal.org site will no longer be accessible. The vendor who owns and supports the system our portal site is built on is no longer supporting it.
The items from the old portal are now available from your Infinite Campus portal in the “More” section in “Parent Access Links”. Here is a guide to help you navigate this change: Parent Access Link.
We also recommend updating any browser bookmarks you may have.
State-funded SAT for Juniors
Worthington Schools will register all juniors for the state-funded Digital SAT. This will be administered during the school day on March 11, 2025. Students have the opportunity to prepare for the assessment at any time using the resources listed in the informational flyer linked here. If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor.
Linworth AP Town Calendar
Sophomore Mason has created Apple and Google calendars that include the color of each school day through the 1st quarter, as well as events and the Town Meeting schedule.
Simply follow this link: Add Linworth AP Town Calendar
FAFSA Reminder for Seniors and Guardian:
A friendly reminder for seniors planning to attend college are encouraged to complete this free financial aid application with your guardian:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
A helpful resource for completing the FAFSA: Financial Aid Process, '24-'25
College Credit Plus
College Credit Plus provides Worthington high school students the opportunity to earn college and high school credit at the same time and at no cost to your family. This includes courses offered at the main campus high school, online through the college, at the college campus, during summer, autumn, and/or spring terms, etc. Students are eligible to participate in this program with a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA or through placement testing. Plan to attend the district wide meeting for interested students and adults, which will take place at Worthington Kilbourne High School on Wednesday, January 22, at 7pm.
Military Exploration Opportunities
There are valuable educational and service options through the Military, including the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Worthington City Schools partner with a representative within each of these branches who can offer tremendous detail to families. You are invited to contact our military recruiters: Military Contacts
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is offered one time each year after winter break at each of the main campus high schools. The ASVAB is an assessment that measures abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military and is a valuable career exploration tool. Please let Laura know if you are a 10th, 11th, or 12 grader interested in registering for the ASVAB. The ASVAB will take place at the main campus high schools on the following days:
- WKHS: Friday, January 17, 2025
- TWHS: Friday, January 24, 2025
Important Dates
Monday, January 6-all Linworth students (not Seniors) will be at Linworth all day
Wednesday, January 8-Grades due, noon
Monday, January 13-Walkabout Kickoff, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, January 20-No School, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 22-Parent Board, 7:00-8:00 (including a discussion of Interim)
Every Monday after school until 4:30--Phyte Club
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
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
Emily Valdez evaldez@wscloud.org
Laura Zelch lzelch@wscloud.org
Amy Kargiotis akargiotis@wscloud.org
Chris Hasebrook chasebrook@wscloud.org
Tim Hetrick thetrick@wscloud.org
Jocelyn Trout jtrout@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/ or https://linworth.worthington.k12.oh.us/
Location: 2075 West Dublin Granville Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085, USA
Phone: (614) 450-6900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LinworthAP?fref=ts
Twitter: @LinworthAPNewts