The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are new English Language Arts and Mathematics standards that have been adopted by 46 of the 50 states. These standards were developed as a response to colleges and businesses expressing the concern that many students graduating high school in the United States are not college or career ready. The CCSS focus on fewer standards, define more clearly achievement, and set higher expectations for all students. Throughout the CCSS there is a greater emphasis on developing critical thinking and problem solving skills. You can learn more about the CCSS by viewing this video on the Ohio Department of Education website.

In Worthington, grades K-2 are implementing these new standards this year. Grade 3 is doing a hybrid between the CCSS and the current Ohio standards. Grades 4-6 will begin implementing the CCSS standards during the 2013-2014 school year.

More information is available on the Curriculum Liaison Council (CLC) page of the Worthington Schools website and can be accessed by clicking here. Minutes from the CLC meetings contain valuable information from Worthington Schools for you. If you have comments/questions, you can contact our PTA rep for the CLC Jennifer Squires at jesquires@columbus.rr.com. Check back often for updates on this transition process.

Before Valentines Day, Worthington Estates' 2nd grade students made and sold Valentines Friendship Grams as part of their economics unit. The money they raised they donated to the Columbus Zoo for endangered animal research projects. Due to their efforts they donated $411.85 to the Zoo! Way to go 2nd graders!

With cold and snowy winter weather, we have seen an increase in the number of students arriving late. Please try to plan ahead so that your child arrives safely at school before the tardy bell at 8:20 am. We realize that even the best plans can have flaws. Arriving on time helps your child start his/her day in a positive way.

This fall all of our students had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Brown, a parent volunteer, to plant almost 600 crocus bulbs in our front lawn. Mrs. Brown also worked with our 4th grade students to plant over 200 early spring bulbs, Anemone Blanda and Winter Aconite, in our north courtyard. We look forward to the early blooming of these beautiful flowers! We would like to thank Mrs. Brown, our students, and all the volunteers who have helped beautify our school.

Pick-up/Drop-off Change - When picking up or dropping off your child(ren), please do not pull into the parking lot unless you are parking to come into the building as well. Please use the Pick-up/Drop-off Zones on Hennessey and Whitney to pick up and drop off your child. If you desire to park and wait, you can park on the house-side of both streets and have your child cross at the crosswalk.