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The Wellington School Begins Major Campus Transformation on Fishinger Road
Construction is now underway on a major campus project that will create a new Upper School, enhanced visual and performing arts facilities, and new outdoor and community spaces. Developed with input from students, faculty, and families, the project reflects Wellington's commitment to evolving in ways that support engaging, student-centered learning. Learn more about the project, read recent Dispatch coverage, and watch the campus plan video.
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Class of 2026 College Acceptances and Matriculations
The Class of 2026 is headed to 36 colleges and universities across 16 states and Ireland, with students pursuing majors ranging from astrophysics and archaeology to nursing, music composition, and bioethics. About 60% will study outside Ohio, and four student-athletes will continue competing at the NCAA Division III level. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Read the blog.
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Build Who You Are, Leave Everything on the Court: Head of School Eliza McLaren's Remarks to the Class of 2026
"Who you are isn't something you find. It's something you build." In her Commencement remarks to the Class of 2026, Head of School Eliza McLaren reflected on that idea, celebrating a class known for its kindness, authenticity, and commitment to community while encouraging graduates to carry those qualities into the world beyond Wellington. Read the remarks.
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A Decade of Discovery – Farewell From Mrs. Stager
After a decade of inspiring curiosity in Wellington's Lower School Science Lab, Nami Stager reflects on the students, colleagues, and moments that made her time at Wellington so meaningful. As she prepares for a new adventure in Savannah, Georgia, she shares a heartfelt farewell and celebrates ten years of exploration, discovery, and growth. Read her reflections.
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Walking Those Streets: Reflections from Auschwitz
A group of Wellington juniors is currently participating in a WISE trip to Poland. In this blog, upper school English teacher Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 reflects on her first visit to Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau in 2023. Drawing on a decade of teaching Stories of the Holocaust, she explores what it means to bear witness to history and why remembrance remains an essential act of responsibility. Read her reflections.
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More From the Well Said Blog
Want to read more stories from Wellington? Check out these recent posts:
Find more at wellington.org/blog.
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Summer Program
Monday, June 8 – Friday, July 31
Pride Parade
Saturday, June 20, 10:30 a.m.
Register to walk with Wellington
Save the Date: Welcome Back
Monday, August 17
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Congratulations to Ellie Kirsner ’26, Maxim Vinokur ’27, Adama Kane ’27, Alex Smith ’26, Riya Young ’26, Clementine Smith ’29, Ethan Miller ’26, Zoey Scott ’26, Mateo Leahy ’28, Annie Shen ’26, Micah Suchland-Winnubst ’26, Vikram Dasa ’29, Phoebe Bong ’27, and Maddie Marsh ’28, whose artwork and writing were selected for publication in "Flip The Page," the annual teen literary journal produced by Thurber House. Ellie created the cover artwork, and several students had multiple works accepted. Student contributors will be recognized at the journal's release celebration on June 13 at Thurber House.
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Seven Wellington students earned recognition on Le Grand Concours, the National French Contest administered by the American Association of Teachers of French. Ellen Shen ’28 earned a gold medal; Mia Swarthout ’28, Zia Cardillo-Heathcock ’29, and Iris Hambach ’27 earned silver medals; and Gabe Schroeder ’29, Sofia Correa-Saliceti ’28, and Connor Kuttrus ’28 earned bronze medals. Congratulations to all for their outstanding achievement in French language study!
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Thanks to Athletic Trainer Dom Davis P ’14 ’19, students in Trent Neely’s upper school Lifetime Health course and Me-Chelle Burkhalter’s middle school Intro to Medicine Dive received CPR/AED training this spring. Davis also provides training for WISE chaperones, coaches, faculty, staff, and students, helping ensure that more members of the Wellington community can respond confidently in an emergency. The more people who know these lifesaving skills, the more prepared our community is to care for one another when it matters most.
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Thank you to the AAPI Parent Affinity Group for hosting Wellington's Holi celebration. Students, families, and community members gathered for an afternoon of color, music, games, and connection while learning about and celebrating this vibrant cultural tradition.
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Through the college counseling pathways curriculum and in collaboration with JagsConnect, the junior class recently learned about careers and practiced interviewing skills with Wellington alumni. Brad Biehl ’18, Neha Rao ’20, Maisy Adams ’24, Armaan Chaudhary ’24, Erin Conselyea ’24, Emma Cooke ’24, Johnny Jiang ’24, and Malayah Kenley ’24 shared tips, tricks, and advice based on their own college and career journeys. Thank you, alumni!
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Wellington Welcomes Marty Frazier as Head of Upper School
Wellington is pleased to welcome Marty Frazier as head of upper school, beginning July 2026. Frazier joins Wellington from Hathaway Brown School in Cleveland, where he serves as Dean of Faculty and an upper school English instructor. Throughout his career, he has championed curiosity-driven learning, faculty development, and meaningful student-teacher relationships.
At Wellington, Frazier will lead the upper school community while supporting the school's commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and purposeful learning. He is passionate about creating environments where students and teachers thrive and where learning is both joyful and challenging.
Please join us in welcoming Marty, his partner Josh, and their dog Theo to the Wellington community!
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Not pictured: Debra Parkes
Celebrating Retirements
This year, Wellington bids farewell to five extraordinary educators whose combined service spans more than a century. Each has shaped the school in distinct ways, but all share a deep commitment to students, colleagues, and the pursuit of meaningful learning. We are grateful for their contributions and wish them all the best in retirement.
- Marianne Crowley (17 years) inspired generations of students through her intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning. Whether leading the SPARK Project, developing the Nonfiction Museum, or introducing new books and ideas, she never stopped evolving as an educator. The seeds she planted in students and colleagues will continue to grow for years to come.
- Steve Winslow (25 years) brought wisdom, humor, and a love of learning to generations of Wellington students. Known for lively discussions, dry wit, and an enduring passion for the blues, he helped students grapple with complex ideas while never taking himself too seriously. His steady presence and unmistakable voice will be deeply missed.
- CJ Dison P ’21 (31 years) dedicated her career to helping students discover the power of language and their own voices. A master teacher, department leader, advisor, and mentor, she approached every course with extraordinary care and attention to detail. Her love of literature, commitment to strong writing, and lasting impact on generations of students have left an indelible mark on Wellington.
- Emily Szabo (25 years) built lasting relationships with students by knowing them not only as learners but as people. She celebrated what mattered to them, cheered them on far beyond the classroom, and held herself to the highest standards as an educator. Her example reminds us that great teaching begins with truly seeing each child.
- Debra Parkes (26 years) brought creativity, ingenuity, and a spirit of innovation to every role she held at Wellington. Whether helping shape the WIRED program, advancing design thinking initiatives, or tackling the complex puzzle of school scheduling, she consistently saw possibilities where others saw limitations. Her influence can be found across the school and in the many people she encouraged to think differently.
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The Jag is Almost Here
The Jag Spring 2026 magazine is about to arrive in a mailbox near you. Don’t miss our feature story on Tanikka Price ’92, Ed.D, J.D. From her early days at Wellington to her current role at Health Impact Ohio training community health workers, Price shows how turning lived experience into knowledge—and knowledge into action—can change lives. Her path reveals the power of asking yourself the right questions and the resilience it takes to build something meaningful.
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Important Health Updates From the Nurse
Returning families should be mindful of vaccine boosters required at certain grade levels. Please review the requirements below and submit updated immunization records by placing a printed report from your pediatrician in the Nurse’s Office mailbox (located at the front of the library) or emailing a PDF to wellness@wellington.org.
Early Childhood Health and Vaccination Requirements
Great news! The state of Ohio no longer requires Little Jag and prekindergarten students to submit physical exam records. We only need updated immunization records.
Kindergarten Vaccination Requirements
Students entering kindergarten must receive the following immunizations before the first day of school: three doses of Hepatitis B, a fifth DPT/DTaP, a fourth Polio, a second MMR, and a second Varicella.
7th Grade Vaccination Requirements
Students entering 7th grade in 2026-27 must receive a pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccine (Tdap) and a meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) before the first day of school, as required by Ohio law. Please check with your healthcare provider to confirm these vaccinations have been completed or arrange for them to be administered before school begins.
12th Grade Vaccination Requirement
Students entering 12th grade in 2026-27 must receive a meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) before the first day of school, as required by Ohio law. Students may receive this vaccination the day after their 16th birthday, so many students have already completed this requirement. Please check with your healthcare provider or arrange for the vaccination to be completed before the start of the school year.
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Final Call: Summer at Wellington
Spots are filling fast for Wellington’s 2026 Summer Program, and some camps are already at capacity. From hands-on STEM and arts adventures to sports and early childhood experiences, there’s something for every curious mind from prekindergarten through grade 12. Secure your child’s spot before it’s gone. Explore and register now at wellington.org/summer.
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Join Wellington at Pride Parade on June 20
Please join GSA, alumni, and the LGBTQ+ Families Affinity Group on Saturday, June 20, for Stonewall’s Pride Parade. Last year’s parade was a fun community event, and we hope to extend the participation! The step-off is at 10:30 a.m., and more details will be sent closer to the parade. Register to walk with Wellington.
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Dress Code Uniform Store Discounts
Looking to restock your student's school wardrobe? Check out these summer sales from some of our uniform vendor relationships.
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Early Childhood Playdate (Rising and New 2026-27 Little Jags, Prekindergarten, and Kindergarten Students)
All students entering Little Jags, prekindergarten, or kindergarten are invited to join us for a popsicle playdate on the Wellington Playscape, weather permitting. This is a wonderful opportunity for new families to meet friends and get comfortable before the start of the school year. Dates are Saturday, June 27; Saturday, July 11; and Saturday, August 15, from 10–11 a.m. Restroom access will be provided. Bring your own water bottle! Siblings are welcome.
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Summer Buddy Parties (New 2026-27 Families)
New Wellington families are invited to join us for our Summer Buddy Parties on Friday, June 26, and Friday, July 10, from 4-6 p.m. These casual gatherings allow students and families to connect with their summer buddies, build friendships, and begin to feel at home in the Wellington community before the school year begins. We hope to see you there!
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Volunteers Needed – Pre-Loved Apparel Sales
Are you willing to help with our Pre-Loved Apparel Sale once per month in the 2026-27 school year? We can use assistance with our monthly sales on first Fridays, from 7:30-8:30 a.m., but we can also use help on Monday, August 17, from 3:30-6 p.m., for Welcome Back events, or organizing and sorting at a time of your convenience. Contact Erin Hiller at Erin.hiller@gmail.com for more information!
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Volunteers Needed – Sokol Store
If you are passionate about connecting with the Wellington community, we have a great opportunity for you to get involved in the 2026-27 school year! Whether you have one hour per month or one hour per week, we would love to train you to help in the Sokol Store. We have needs from 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Monday through Friday on regular school days. We could also use help during special events like Welcome Back on Monday, August 17, or Founders Day on Friday, September 18. Please email sokolstore@wellingtonjags.org for more information.
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Spring Sports Update
All-League Honors:
Baseball:
1st Team: Will Bernard ’26
2nd Team: Perry Oman ’27
Honorable Mention: Zac Barton ’26, Parker Rufus ’27, Henry Kent ’27, Rio Price ’28
Softball:
1st Team: Micah Ehlers ’26
2nd Team: Avery Pugh ’29
Honorable Mention: Bella Cios ’26, Caitlin Sumner ’28
Tennis:
1st Team: Abbott Arthur ’27, Connor Kuttrus ’28, Will Myers ’28, Ranvir Varma ’28
2nd Team: Tefari Gordon-Adams ’28, Evan Quick ’29
Honorable Mention: Taj Ruegsegger ’27
Track and Field:
1st Team: Naomi Livits ’27 (100m, 200m, 400m)
2nd Team: DJ Shelton ’26 (Shot Put)
Honorable Mention: 4x200m relay (Solomon Graham ’27, Jasiri Dial ’28, Will Harry ’28, Samson Njoroge ’27)
Upper School:
Upper School Track and Field:
The track and field team sent two athletes to the regional championships. Samson Njoroge ’27 qualified in the long jump, in which he jumped a new personal best and school record 19’4”. Naomi Livits ’27 qualified in the 200m and 400m, the latter of which she finished in 3rd place with a new personal and school record of 58.46 seconds. Her time was good enough to qualify for the state championship meet, taking place today and tomorrow at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Naomi will be racing today (Thursday) in the semi-finals at 5:50 p.m., and if she advances, will be racing again tomorrow at 5:50 p.m. Best of luck, Naomi!
Upper School Boys Tennis:
The boys tennis team had four athletes qualify for Districts. In the singles tournament, Abbott Arthur ’27 and Connor Kuttrus ’28 both qualified, and the doubles pairing of Will Myers ’28 and Ranvir Varma ’28 qualified as well.
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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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