Due to the reconstruction of Thomas Worthington High School, students started classes later this year on September 3rd, 2024 rather than early August when the other schools in the Worthington district began.

Each grade level was provided with their own orientation day that took place the week before the start of school. Students were able to tour the new building, pick up their schedules, visit with their school counselors, and visit teachers. After these orientation days were said and done many students gave immediate feedback on their thoughts about the new building. 

One comment that was prominent throughout the students was that the school looked very similar to a middle school that is in the district, Worthingway Middle School. Senior Emily Grove who attended Worthingway almost 4 years ago right as their new building was being finished says, “It looks a lot like Worthingway, even the smell of the hallways just brings me back to middle school, it’s nostalgic.”

Adjusting to change can be hard for anyone, but especially for young students that are still changing and developing within themselves as well. Thomas Worthington’s teachers and staff want to make sure they highlight the importance of helping make the students feel comfortable in the new building. Family Consumer Science teacher, Meghan Hiland, is going the extra mile to help students feel like they are somewhat in control of what is in their new space, “I’ve been letting my students help organize the kitchen supplies, decorations around our room, and where they want to sit. I want them to still feel like this is their own place, for them to be themselves and feel at home.”

A lot is changing for the staff and administration as well, especially for the teachers that have been here for many years like part time guidance counselor, Kathy Starks, “I think it’s lovely and I graduated from here as well so it’s nice to see a brand new building, spacious and beautiful. I love all the windows.” 

For the Freshman students, the whole school is new to them in general, whether classes were still taking place in the old building or not, “I think that the new building is pretty easy to navigate. Besides, I sometimes have trouble finding the stairs.” Says Freshman Chloe Fetters. The stairs are somewhat scattered on each floor. There are two staircases on the east and west ends of the building that only go up to the second floor. Towards the middle of the building there are two more sets of staircases that will take you all the way up to the third floor. Which can be confusing for some.

As the first week of school in the brand new building has passed, most would say it has been a success. Moving forward, the school will soon be filled with new students and new memories as time the school year continues.