Hello Phoenix Families,

It may be a day (plus 2 hours) late, but welcome back! I hope your break went exactly how you needed it to go. I know I enjoyed a little extra time with the family and even spent a little time catching up on work that I was putting off "until later." Last time we were together, we were decorating doors, enjoying Winterpalooza, and preparing for Discovery Days. Now, it's time to turn our attention forward.

This Wednesday evening at 6:30, we have our annual 8th grade parent forum featuring a panel discussion with all of our high school principals in the district (Thomas, Kilbourne, Linworth, and Academy). This is traditionally our most well-attended parent forum, as we discuss the transition to high school and all of the options that our students have during the next four years. This is geared towards parents, but students are more than welcome to join. We will also have student visits to TWHS, WKHS, Linworth, and DACC during the school day over the next month (info below). Soon, Mr. Waterwash will be teaming up with Mr. Kabealo to start the high school scheduling process, as well.

Following our parent forum, at 7:30, will be our January PTSA meeting. Eighth grade parents will already be here, and seventh grade parents are welcome to join at that time. This will be a great meeting to talk about the second semester and all of the excitement that is on the horizon. Until then, I'm excited to see everyone back and ready for action! Cheers to 2025!

Be good to one another,

Dr. Flynn

January 8 - Eighth Grade Parent Forum, Transition To High School, 6:30 p.m.

January 8 - PTSA Meeting, following 8th Grade Parent Forum

January 13 - Washington DC Travel Meeting At Phoenix

January 15 - Last Day To Bring In Trifold Poster Board For Science

January 15 - Eighth Grade Parent Meeting At TWHS In The Evening, 6:00 p.m.

January 16 - Eighth Grade Student Visit To TWHS and WKHS Bound Visit To Linworth

January 20 - No Classes

January 23 - Eighth Grade Student Visit To WKHS and TWHS Bound Visit To Linworth

January 24 - Phoenix Science Day

January 28 - Payment Due Date For Evening Canteen

January 29 - Eighth Grade Parent Meeting At WKHS In The Evening, 7:00 p.m.

January 29 - Eighth Grade Visit To DACC (packed lunch needed)

January 31 - Phoenix Evening Canteen

This is a long newsletter with a lot of information, so we try to put the newest and most urgent information in this first section.

I hope you all had a great winter break! I wanted to send a quick update as we will be wrapping up our science fair projects at the end of this month. Your student was supposed to collect their data over break. We are going to be making conclusions here in the next week which means we are going to be making our trifold boards very soon! Your student needs to bring in a trifold poster board. They usually come in size 36" by 48" and that is the size I would recommend. I do not care what color it is but white is a great option. I will be providing the supplies/time to get their boards together at school they just need to bring their trifold poster board in by Wednesday, January 15th. Please reach out to me if you cannot find one or need one as I have a few extra at school. Students can start bringing them in as soon as they have it.Thanks for your support in this endeavor!

Stephanie Lemyre & Hannah de Nijs

Winter sports will be ending in late January/early February. If your student has an interest in spring athletics, please make sure to update Final Forms and have an athletic physical completed. Many of the athletic communications are sent based on Final Forms. Final Forms can be accessed through the neighborhood middle school website's athletic page. Some of the sports may have open gym options before try-outs, so it is important to complete Final Forms in order to receive information.

Kilbourne Middle School Athletics page

McCord Middle School Athletics page

Perry Middle School Athletics page

Worthingway Middle School Athletics page

The athletic physical form is available at https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/Sports-Medicine/2024-25PPE(English).pdf. A completed physical is required for participation, open gyms, & try outs for school sports.

In January, our eighth grade parents will have some opportunities to learn more about the transition to high school and high school scheduling. We will start with an eighth grade parent forum at Phoenix with guests from our high schools for a discussion on January 8 at 6:30 p.m. Each of the high schools will also have transition/curriculum nights for families and eighth grade students will have the opportunity to visit their neighborhood high school. We encourage eighth grade parents to attend both the January 8 parent forum at Phoenix and the transition/curriculum night at your neighborhood high school. The parent meeting at Thomas Worthington High School for families that have TWHS as their neighborhood high school is tentatively scheduled for the evening of January 15. The parent meeting at Worthington Kilbourne High School for families that have WKHS as their neighborhood high school is tentatively scheduled for the evening of January 29 at 7:00 p.m. Eighth grade students with Thomas Worthington High School as their neighborhood high school will visit TWHS during the school day on January 16. Eighth grade students with Worthington Kilbourne High School as their neighborhood high school will visit WKHS during the school day on January 23. Eighth graders will also have the option to visit the Linworth Experiential Program (please see the form below, copies are available in the Phoenix office). We are trying something new this year by doing a group visit to Linworth (in addition to the individual student visits to Linworth). On 1/16, while TWHS bound students visit TWHS, our WKHS bound students will visit Linworth. Then on 1/23 while WKHS bound students visit WKHS, our TWHS bound students will visit Linworth. Eighth graders will visit the Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) on January 29. Students will need to bring a packed lunch for the 1/29 visit, please.

Please join us for a Phoenix PTSA meeting on January 8 following the eighth grade parent forum. Seventh grade parents, we anticipate that the PTSA meeting will start around 7:30 p.m. on 1/8.

Phoenix students have the opportunity to attend our Phoenix evening canteen on January 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for $6. This activity cost is available for payment on-line through the activity tab in My Payments Plus at https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome. This will include pizza, water, and a snack. Payment is due by 1/28/25. Please select the option for Phoenix Evening Canteen January 2025 to register your student. Phoenix students will be able to bring a guest from another Worthington Schools middle school for an additional $6. Please select the option for Phoenix Evening Canteen January 2025 Guest if your student would like to bring a guest. If bringing a guest, you will need to supply the guest name, which Worthington Schools middle school the guest attends, the parent's name for the guest, the parent's phone number for the guest, any health conditions/allergies for the guest, and the name of the Phoenix student they are attending with. A permission slip (please see below, also available at Phoenix) will need to be turned in for guests, as well as registering the guest through My Payments Plus by 1/28/25. We can also accept payments in the Phoenix office by cash (exact change, please) or check (payable to Phoenix Middle School).

Check out the Cardinals Winter Guard’s new format this year!

Promo Video - Flags and Dance on Stage

The info meeting takes place on January 23. Sign-up for details!

Info Meeting Sign-up

Derek Scoles, the TWHS band director, can be reached at dscoles@wscloud.org with any questions.

The Worthington Education Foundation (WEF) is thrilled to announce the return of our annual fundraising gala Friday, January 31, 2025, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Brookside Country Club, 2770 W. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235. Get your tickets now for a fun-filled evening featuring heavy appetizers, a silent auction with art from our talented high school students and staff, a chance to meet the most recent WEF grant recipients, music, and a special presentation on sparking creativity by Sarah LaGrotteria, Worthington parent and CEO of Just Bloom School. Semi-formal/dressy-casual attire suggested. A limited number of tickets are available for this special event. Gather your friends and help the WEF "light a spark" for our students!

https://worthingtoneducationalfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/78958-worthington-education-foundation-fundraising-celebrat

Please see below for information about the TWHS Freshman STEM Team for current eighth graders that have TWHS as their neighborhood high school.

I’m thrilled to share an exciting opportunity for our students—the TWHS Freshman STEM Team! This innovative program blends rigorous academic content with real-world applications, helping students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and engaging environment.

While designed for students interested in STEM fields, the STEM Team prepares all students for any college or career path. Students also have access to unique opportunities, including advanced technology, internships with companies like Abbott Labs and Honda, and partnerships with universities such as The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati.

This program provides a solid foundation for students’ futures, whether in STEM or any other field.

We hope you’ll consider this incredible opportunity for your child!

STEM Team Overview and STEM Team Flowchart

Emily Laughlin

elaughlin@wscloud.org

TWHS Mathematics

STEM Team

Hello Phoenix Families!

The Science Department at Phoenix Middle School has officially started Science Fair! We are looking forward to seeing what exciting projects our students are going to complete. Students will be completing most of the project here at school except for experimentation. If students need significant time outside of class, it is because they are not using their time wisely at school. Here are a few key dates to be mindful of with these projects-

• IRB Approval for Projects (only needed for projects related to humans, vertebrates, chemicals, special safety concerns, etc.) - separate communication will be sent to you if this applies to your student

• Experimentation - Complete over winter break

• In School Phoenix Science Fair - Friday, January 24th

• Worthington Science Day (optional) - Saturday, January 25th

All other deadlines and assignments will be found on Schoology for students. Dates may vary from 7th to 8th grade students but the ones above are the same for both grades. Many parents are already connected to Schoology but if you want to gain access, please follow the following instructions here.

It is important that you check in with your students periodically to make sure your student is making progress on their projects. There will also be assignments posted on MAP so if you notice missing assignments, don't let it linger. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Hannah de Nijs and Stephanie Lemyre

Phoenix students that were photographed by HR Imaging on our school picture day, will have a picture in our 2024-2025 Phoenix yearbook. We would love to have pictures of our students participating in their athletic and extracurricular activities. Please use the link below to upload pictures that you take that you would be interested in having included in our yearbook:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIZgaW-G-KfPSHXHM1RTWQh6M_YyBc9cYocv38TWPdCvFR9w/viewform.

You can mentor a student by lending your heart, a hand, and an ear to a middle or high school student through conversations that focus on relationship building and helping each student develop a vision of hope for their future. Learn more and sign up today.

Chrissy Cavaluchy - Phoenix Secretary - ccavaluchy@wscloud.org
Julie Miller - Building Assistant, Attendance - jmiller@wscloud.org

Beverly Kready - Perry Secretary - bkready@wscloud.org

Christine Karse - Perry Secretary - ckarse@wscloud.org

Elizabeth Ferguson - Building Assistant, Testing - eferguson@wscloud.org

Cathie Franklin - Perry Building Assistant - cfranklin@wscloud.org

Absences If your student will be absent or out of the building for an appointment, please call our office line at (614) 450-4100 or e-mail us at either jmiller@wscloud.org or ccavaluchy@wscloud.org. We appreciate your communications and help.

Attendance Note We encourage families to bring a doctor’s note to Phoenix for any medical related appointments that require time away from class.

Safe Schools Hotline Worthington has a safe schools hotline where students, parents, or community members can anonymously leave tips should they suspect an act of potential violence at (844) 723-3764.

Worthington Schools is planning a change in how our Infinite Campus email is delivered. We plan to make the change before the end of this calendar year.

Prior to the change, all parents of students in Worthington Schools should view the brief parent guide linked below to ensure that emails continue to get delivered to your email inbox.

Parent Guide to Ensure Email is Received

Worthington Families

Starting January 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.

Please visit https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/ohio/worthington/phoenix-middle-school for Phoenix Spirit Wear.

Please visit https://uc.powerschool-docs.com/en/schoology/latest/parents for parent information about the Schoology system.

• FAQs

• Electronic Device Handbook

• Technology Loan Agreement

• Home Internet Service Resources

• Securly Parent Introduction Letter

• Securly Parent How To

Phoenix Middle School uses the School Safe System for student sign-outs. Parents will need to bring their driver's license to sign-out their student through the School Safe System. During the sign-out process, parents will have the opportunity to create a digital pass to use (instead of a driver's license) for future sign-outs.

For those that ordered a Phoenix 2023-2024 yearbook, the yearbooks are available for pick-up. Yearbooks can either be picked up at Phoenix. If you didn't order a yearbook, but would like a yearbook, we have a few available in the Phoenix office for $30.00 (cash, exact change please, or check payable to Phoenix Middle School).

Our students' safety is always our top priority. This semester, our school has been chosen to pilot a new safety alert system for Worthington Schools. This system is a simple and effective way for any staff member to be able to request help from building administration or first responders with the click of a button. If you would like more information about the system, please reach out to Dr. Flynn for more details.

Phoenix is an amazing community of learners, educators, support staff and families. The PTSA does all that it can to support the community. We provide equipment for clubs and classrooms, fund events and learning experiences, help make impact projects come to life and so much more! Every family is different and the level of time they can contribute is sometimes limited. Here are a few simple ways to help out if you are able!

Join the PTSA - Your membership contributes funds to the PTSA. It also gives you a vote at our monthly meetings. Click this link, https://phoenixms.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true for our one stop shop!

Volunteer – We’re still looking for a few folks to coordinate events and activities throughout the year, including Staff Appreciation days and canteens. These are fun, short-term ways to volunteer. Email us or voice your interest at a meeting!

Follow Phoenix MS on Social Media - We will post updates on upcoming events and share some of the amazing things our students accomplish! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/150413775041131/ , Instagram: @phoenixms_worthington

Please email us at, phoenixmsptsa15@gmail.com with any questions you might have or stop by a meeting to chat with this year's PTSA team!

Kroger Community Rewards – Visit Kroger.com/communityrewards and register your Kroger Shopper’s Card. Then select Phoenix Middle School PTSA/codeYD984.

The Phoenix PTSA can be contacted by e-mail at phoenixmsptsa15@gmail.com.

The Positive Parenting Program, or Triple P, helps support parents and caregivers to promote children’s well-being and make family life more enjoyable. Triple P offers a website with proven parenting strategies and resources for families of children and teens. Topics range from bedtime routines and family traditions to getting teens to talk and making friends. The newest resources on the site are free, online courses for parents, caregivers and early childhood education providers.

Set up similar to 911, having the 3 digit code of 988 for crisis help and support is a huge step in saving lives. Call or text 988 and you will be connected with a crisis counselor to help provide support. This number is accessible 24/7 anywhere in the United States. If you or someone you know is in need of extra support, remember that help is always available!

Do you know a caring adult looking to make an impact in Worthington City Schools? If so, please consider joining the Leadership Worthington Mentor Program. The students of Worthington schools will benefit from whatever time you can commit to building relationships and being a difference maker for Worthington Schools. Please contact Rachel Fisher (rmartin@wscloud.org) if interested in serving Phoenix students!

Please visit http://www.worthingtonschoolmenus.com/ for food services information; including menus, a link to find your student's lunch number, and access to the free & reduced meal application. Information about free and reduced meal benefits is available at https://worthingtonschoolmenus.com/?page=FreeReducedApplication. If you think you may qualify for free & reduced meals, please complete this application, as it also affects school fees and pay-to-play fees. The 2024-2025 application will be available later this summer.

If there are any concerns regarding food services, please contact Jill Mains, our head cook, at jmains@wscloud.org.

A new free and reduced meal application is needed each school year. The on-line application is available at https://worthingtonschoolmenus.com/?page=FreeReducedApplication.

Below are the printable meal benefit application packets in English and Spanish.

English Application Packet

Spanish Application Packet

There are also paper applications in multiple languages, which you will find at the link below.

F&R Application (Multiple Languages)

A deposit box is located in front of the cafeteria/kitchen doors. If students have cash or check to add to their meal account, please put the funds in an envelope and write the student's full name and lunch pin number of the envelope before depositing in the slot. Payments can also be made on line through My Payments Plus.

We are always looking to strengthen our connection between home and school. We have an opportunity for volunteers to greet our students in the morning by helping to monitor the Phoenix/Perry breakfast service line from 8:30-9:15 each morning. We would love to have Phoenix families represented by volunteering even 1 day per week. If you are able to assist at this time, please reach out to our cafe manager, Jill Mains, at jmains@wscloud.org to schedule your days.

Our food services team is interested in having some volunteers to help serve lunch. This would not need to be every day. Interested parties may e-mail Jill Mains at jmains@wscloud.org. Volunteers with Worthington Schools should complete a background check. Background check details can be found at https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/studentsparents/become-a-school-volunteer.

Information about becoming a volunteer with Worthington Schools is at https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/studentsparents/become-a-school-volunteer.

Quick Guide:

Classroom Volunteers

1. Volunteer has lived in Ohio for the past 5 years - Must complete an online background check, visit https://securevolunteer.com/Worthington-City-Schools/home to access the form. When Approved, receive a Volunteer Badge in the mail from BIB/Secure Volunteer. (Form can also be found on our District Website under Quick Links - Volunteer Background Check)

2. Volunteer has not Lived in Ohio for the past 5 years - Must schedule an appointment with HR to get a background check. Click HERE (https://go.nemoqappointment.com/Booking/Booking/Index/WSDBC) to schedule an appointment.

Overnight Chaperone

1. Volunteer wants to chaperone an overnight trip OR supervise students without a teacher present - Schedule an appointment with HR to get a background check. Click HERE (https://go.nemoqappointment.com/Booking/Booking/Index/WSDBC) to schedule an appointment. Cost: $50

Phone: 614-450-5715

Fax: 614-781-0135

Hi. My name is Todd Kuck and I am the school nurse at Phoenix Middle School.

All Students

If your child will need to take medication during the school day or have medication available, please be sure to have the required paperwork completed & on file in the health office. Information can be found at https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/studentsparents/health-safety/medication-at-school.

As the safety of our children is paramount to all, we need your support to make our building “nut free”.

• Please do not send in any peanuts, peanut butter, or foods containing peanuts or peanut butter to be eaten during lunch.

• Read ingredient labels carefully to ensure that the snacks sent in with your child are peanut and tree nut-free.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has again partnered up with USPS to deliver 4 free COVID test kits to every home. For more information, please visit:

https://special.usps.com/testkits

Our athletic/activity shuttle is available Monday through Thursday on normal school days at 3:50 p.m. Students leaving on the shuttle should sign out each day on the clipboard in the seventh grade hallway before leaving the building. There are normally two shuttles, a Wolves shuttle to McCord and a Cardinals shuttle to Worthingway & Kilbourne Middle School. It is important to be prompt, since the shuttle doesn't have time to come back for anyone who is late.

Due to the 1:40 p.m. Friday release time at Phoenix, athletic/activity shuttles are not available on Fridays at Phoenix. Phoenix students should go home at our 1:40 p.m. release time on Fridays and get to their athletics/activites on Friday from home. Please note that the shuttles normally only operate during the regular athletic seasons. There may be periods of time when the season ends that the shuttles are not available.

If your student is interested in athletics, please complete Final Forms through your neighborhood middle school's athletic website. A sports physical is required.

If your student has an interest in athletics, please make sure to update Final Forms and have an athletic physical completed. Many of the athletic communications are sent based on Final Forms. Final Forms can be accessed through the neighborhood middle school website's athletic page.

Kilbourne Middle School Athletics page

McCord Middle School Athletics page

Perry Middle School Athletics page

Worthingway Middle School Athletics page

The athletic physical form is available at https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/Sports-Medicine/2024-25PPE(English).pdf. A completed physical is required for participation, open gyms, & try outs for school sports.

Phoenix students need to maintain academic eligibility for school extracurricular activities and athletics. Students should have eight or less items in revision in MAP and mastered in at least four out of six classes.

As noted in the Phoenix handbook, ineligible students are expected to stay at Phoenix during extensions to work on assignments throughout that week.

Worthington Ski & Board Club information is available at bit.ly/skiworthington.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to Hannah de Nijs at hdenijs@wscloud.org.

The Worthington Schools Electronic Backpack is available at: https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/studentsparents/e-backpack.

Many area businesses offer fundraising opportunities for our schools, like Dine To Donate events. Please visit https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/studentsparents/support-our-schools-fundraisers to see options to support our schools. This page is updated regularly as events are added.

Phoenix students that were photographed in August by HR Imaging have received their Phoenix student ID card. Worthington middle school students can get in to Worthington athletic events free with their photo ID card. Phoenix students may also need to show their photo ID card for participation in some events at their neighborhood middle school.

• Worthington students in grades 6-12 who provide their student ID at the door will be admitted for free.
• Tickets can be purchased online through Hometown Ticketing at https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/studentsparents/buy-tickets.

Please visit https://secure.smore.com/n/p3r2k for the Worthingon Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion newsletter.

Looking for more information? Our website details our school, programming, and all of the unique benefits of a Phoenix education: www.phoenixms.org

Below, you will also find our information packet and a video with testimonials from former Phoenix students.

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