The Bugle - August 7, 2025

The Bugle - August 7, 2025

The Bugle is Wellington's monthly e-newsletter. To be considered for the next issue, please send submissions to bugle@wellington.org by 5 p.m. on the first Monday of the month.



 

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    August 7, 2025   Login | Calendar | Lunch Menu



BLOG

Meeting the Challenge Together
What does academic challenge look like at Wellington? It looks like choice, purpose, and the right support at the right time, whether on the ski slopes or in the classroom. Assistant Head of School for Academics and Head of Early Childhood and Lower School Shelley Brown P ’32 ’33 ’38 shares how this philosophy is guiding new programs, schedules, and learning experiences across divisions in the year ahead. Read the blog.

 

Taco Bell Foundation Awards Grant to Support JagsConnect
Wellington has been awarded a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support JagsConnect, our new career exploration and mentorship program for students in grades 9-12 and recent graduates. With this generous support, JagsConnect will launch this year with career panels, field trips, professional skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities that help students take bold steps toward their future. Read the announcement.  

 

New Leaders Join the Wellington Team
Wellington is excited to welcome five new leaders who bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to student growth and purposeful learning. These July 1 hires will help shape key areas of the school, from athletics and early childhood to the arts, belonging, and The Wellington Initiative. Read the blog

 

More From the Well Said Blog 
Want to read more stories from Wellington? Check out these recent posts: 

Find more at wellington.org/blog



UPCOMING EVENTS


Back-to-School Events 
Friday, August 15-Monday, August 18
Event details 

First Day of School
Wednesday, August 20

School Closed - Labor Day
Monday, September 1

WPA Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 8:15-9 a.m.

Student Picture Day
Tuesday, September 9, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Founders Day
Friday, September 19

Save the Date: Parent & Caregiver Coffee With the Head of School 
Tuesday, September 23, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Save the Date: A Toast to Tomorrow - Parent & Caregiver Social 
Tuesday, September 30, 6:30-8 p.m.



CELEBRATION

Congratulations to Anna Olgun ’38, who earned Best of Show and People’s Choice in the Budding category (ages 3–5) at the Youth Art Exhibit during the Westerville Music and Arts Festival! Her award-winning pieces were selected from more than 350 entries.  

 

 

Middle school language arts teacher Greg Davis recently presented at the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) annual conference. His session, “Propaganda, Misinformation, and the Ideal of Objectivity,” introduced a streamlined approach to teaching media bias and propaganda, offering practical strategies for middle and high school classrooms. 

 

Head of School Eliza McLaren was featured in the National Association of Independent Schools blog article, “Dear New Heads: Tips from the Sophomore Class.” Reflecting on her first year at Wellington, she encouraged new heads to learn students’ names early, connect with seniors, and celebrate teachers as the heart of a school’s success. Read the article



NEWS


Welcome Back, Jags!

As your family prepares for the first day of school, we encourage you to check our back-to-school resources for everything you need to know, including drop-off and pick-up times, daily schedules, and dress code details. 

 

Back-to-School Events - August 15-18 

Join us for our back-to-school events August 15-18. Meet your new teachers and classmates, explore classrooms, move into lockers, catch up with friends, and enjoy special treats. Event details can be found here

 

Major Dates

Please click here for the major dates of the 2025-26 school year. Remember to visit Veracross for the most up-to-date calendar.

 

Aftercare Registration is Now Open for Little Jags-Grade 8 

Aftercare registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open! Aftercare is available by reservation to families with students in Little Jags through grade 8. Find more information about hours and pricing for Aftercare here. To opt in to Aftercare, visit the Veracross School Policy 

 

Visitor Sign-In Process 

To support campus safety, all guests should enter through the main entrance (rotunda) and sign in using Verkada Guest. You can use the iPad kiosk or scan the QR code posted in the rotunda to sign in on your phone. Once complete, pick up your printed visitor badge from the reception desk and wear it visibly while in the building. To sign out, use the iPad or reply BYE to your visitor text message.

 

Parent Badge Access for Early Childhood

Parents with students in Little Jags, prekindergarten, or kindergarten may request a swipe-enabled badge for easier drop-off and pick-up. These badges allow direct building access at designated entrances and do not require daily sign-in through Verkada. To request a badge, email gage@wellington.org and complete the Parent Badge Agreement in Veracross. 

For entry points during drop-off and pick-up, please refer to the morning and afternoon car line maps. 

 

Vaccination Records

If your child is a new student, please submit a completed Medical Information Form and the Physical Exam Form for Little Jags and prekindergarten students. If your returning child is entering prekindergarten, 7th grade, or 12th grade, please make sure you submit an Immunization Updates Form. Prekindergarten students also need to complete a Physical Exam Form with their pediatrician. 

 

Save the Date: Parent & Caregiver Coffee With the Head of School - September 23

Join us for coffee and conversation on Tuesday, September 23, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Doerschlag Den. Head of School Eliza McLaren will share trimester one updates and reflections as we settle into the 2025-2026 school year.

 

Save the Date: A Toast to Tomorrow - Parent & Caregiver Social on September 30

Join us Tuesday, September 30, from 6:30-8 p.m., in the Thomas Family Dining Room and Patio, for an evening of connection and celebration. We’ll raise a glass to the year ahead and share a first look at what’s next for Wellington. Complimentary childcare will be available for children in Little Jags through grade 4. 

Formal invitation and registration details to come—we look forward to welcoming you! 

 

Get Involved With the Wellington Parents Association 

As a parent or guardian of a Wellington student, you are automatically a member of the Wellington Parents Association! We encourage you to attend our monthly meetings in person or virtually starting Tuesday, September 9, at 8:15 a.m. Your feedback is valued and appreciated. Getting involved and volunteering your time at school events throughout the year is a great way to use your skills, meet new people, build lasting friendships, and support our children. Learn more about WPA events, meetings, and parent affinity groups on the Veracross WPA page

 

WPA Pre-Loved Apparel Sales 

Looking for dress code items at a great price? The Wellington Parents Association hosts monthly pre-loved apparel sales featuring gently used items donated by our community. Donations can be dropped off anytime during school hours in the rotunda bin. 

New this year: the sale has moved to a mobile format in the Jag Commons and is no longer available for self-service. Join us for the Welcome Back Sale on Monday, August 18, from 4:20-5:45 p.m., or during regular monthly sales from 7:30-8:30 a.m. on the following dates: September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5, January 9, February 6, and April 10. 

Volunteers are always appreciated! Contact Tracy Godfrey at tracy@tronandtracy.com to get involved. 

 

Upper School Theatre Announces 2025-26 Season

Curtain up on a new season of storytelling and stagecraft! This year’s productions include “A Wrinkle in Time” (Oregon Shakespeare Festival adaptation) as the fall play and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” as the spring musical. Mark your calendars! More details, including show dates and ticket information, will be shared closer to each performance.

 

Walk With Wellington in Latino Heritage Month Parade

Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15, and the HOLA Parent Affinity Group invites you to help kick off the celebration by representing Wellington in Columbus’ Latino Heritage Month Parade. Join us on Saturday, September 13, at 11 a.m., to walk in the parade and show your support. Sign up to walk with Wellington.

 

Fundraising Rewards: Little Things Make a Big Difference 

Connect your loyalty programs to support Wellington every time you shop! Click here for directions on how to connect your accounts. 

 

The Bugle is Back

For the 2025-26 school year, the Bugle will be distributed on the first Thursday of every month, August-June. Please remember to share your good news and feedback by 5 p.m. on the first Monday of every month to bugle@wellington.org.



ATHLETICS

A Welcome Note From Nick Williams, Director of Athletics and Physical Education 
New Director of Athletics and Physical Education Nick Williams brings a wealth of experience, as a coach, PE teacher, and student life leader, with a deep belief in the power of sports to build confidence, character, and community. In his first year at Wellington, he’s focused on fostering a connected athletic culture, creating meaningful game day experiences, and helping every student discover joy in movement. Read the note.

 

Sway Medical (Concussion Management) 

Sway Medical is a mobile platform used to support concussion management through quick, research-backed balance and cognitive testing. All student-athletes complete baseline testing through the Sway app using their own mobile device. The platform makes large-group testing more efficient and allows for real-time sideline evaluations when needed. Learn how to download the app here


Physical Examination

All athletes must have a valid physical exam completed and an OHSAA Physical form on file prior to participation. You may email a scanned copy of your child’s physical to Athletic Trainer Dom Davis at davis@wellington.org. No action is required if your OHSAA physical is valid through the fall sports season. Please check with Mr. Davis regarding expiration dates. 

Athletic Tickets - HomeTown Ticketing

Wellington families are welcome to attend home athletic events free of charge. Before games begin, you will receive an email sharing more information about our ticketing platform and your unique household identification number, allowing access to your year-long family pass. The pass is good for four entries per event. If you have any questions, please contact athletics@wellington.org

SportsYou

SportsYou is an all-in-one platform that simplifies athletic communications between coaches and their teams, athletes, and parents. SportsYou is the primary tool our athletic teams use to share practice times and locations with our families. Before each season, parents and students will be emailed an invitation to join their child’s team and download the SportsYou app. It is recommended to turn on notifications, as our coaches update pertinent information in real-time. 




 

Please send comments and submissions to bugle@wellington.org. To be considered for the next issue, content is due by 5 p.m. on the first Monday of the month.

 
 

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3650 Reed Rd
Columbus, OH 43220
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