The Bugle - November 6, 2025

The Bugle - November 6, 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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    November 6, 2025   Login | Calendar | Lunch Menu



BLOG

The Wellington Fund: Engage People. Ignite Ideas. Shape the Future. 
Director of Development Elissa Francis P ’40 shares how The Wellington Fund powers the people, programs, and ideas that make our school thrive. Ahead of Wellington’s Day of Giving on November 18, she highlights how every gift—no matter the size—supports faculty growth, expands access for families, and fuels innovation that shapes the future of education at Wellington. Read the blog.  

 

Art in Action: Ceramics and Glass Students Explore Columbus Studios 
Upper school art teacher Jaime Bennati shares how students are taking their creativity off campus in the latest Well Said Blog. Through visits to The Kiln Room and Franklin Art Glass Studios, they gain hands-on experience in professional environments, exploring how craftsmanship, community, and tradition continue to shape modern art. Read the blog.  

 

Finding Their Voice: 6th Graders Shine at Poetry Slam
Sixth grade students found their rhythm and their confidence during the Middle School Poetry Slam, where all 63 students performed original poems they wrote in language arts. Guided by Christie Johnson, students explored figurative language and personal voice through Project-Based Learning, transforming nervous energy into applause and celebration as every student took the mic. 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


WPA Pre-Loved Apparel Sale
Friday, November 7, 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Jag Friday (Dress Down Day)
Friday, November 7

Experience Wellington
Sunday, November 9, 1-3:30 p.m.

Peek Into Kindergarten
Monday, November 10, 8:15-9 a.m.

WPA Meeting
Tuesday, November 11, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Learning Showcase
Tuesday, November 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Early Childhood Pancake Breakfast
Friday, November 14, 7-8:15 a.m.
Tickets

The Wellington Fund Day of Giving
Tuesday, November 18

4th Grade Middle School Preview 
Wednesday, November 19, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Upper School Theatre Presents: “A Wrinkle in Time”  
Thursday, November 20 - Saturday, November 22, 7 p.m. 
Tickets

Lower School Pancake Breakfast
Friday, November 21, 7-8:15 a.m.
Tickets

Dress Down Day: Jersey Day  
Friday, November 21

Thanksgiving Break 
Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28 

Thanksgiving Alumni Gathering and Reunions  
Friday, November 28
Learn more 

Upper School Preview for Grades 7 and 8 
Tuesday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Save the Date: Affinity Group and Parent Connector Holiday Giving Program  
Thursday, December 4, 6-8 p.m. 

Save the Date: Family Outing to “The Wiz”  
Sunday, December 7, 2 p.m. 
Limited quantity! See details below.

Save the Date: Parent & Caregiver Coffee With the Head of School
Wednesday, December 17, 8:30-9:30 a.m.



CELEBRATION

Congratulations to Director of Admissions Dara Jackson, featured in the October issue of Mahogany Columbus magazine! Her leadership has guided Wellington to record enrollment for the 2025-26 school year, reflecting her deep commitment to community and values-driven education. Dara’s approach to admissions is rooted in connection and care, ensuring every family feels seen, supported, and inspired. 

 

Congratulations to the 12 Wellington students selected for this year’s Annual Juried High School Student Art Exhibition! Henry Becker ’27, Andrew Conley ’26, Bean Fischer ’26, Lily Hashem ’27, River Kaser ’27, Ellie Kirsner ’26, Mia Meyer ’29, Ethan Miller ’26, Jude Morton ’28, Annie Shen ’26, Brayden Weaver ’27, and Riya Young ’26 were evaluated anonymously by arts professionals, recognizing their creativity and skill among young artists across Ohio. 

 

Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Literati Book Fair—our most successful yet! Your enthusiasm shows what a vibrant community of readers we have at Wellington. Proceeds will help fund a future author visit, continuing to spark curiosity and a lifelong love of books across our campus. 



NEWS


Save the Date: The Wellington Fund Day of Giving - November 18

Join us on Tuesday, November 18, for The Wellington Fund Day of Giving! Wellington’s culture of innovation is elevated by community, and with your support, we can continue to help students find their purpose and realize their potential — together. This year, donors have the opportunity to direct their gift to advance professional learning, expand tuition assistance, and fuel mission-driven innovation.

 

Spread the Word! Experience Wellington - November 9

Do you know a family who would be a great fit for Wellington? Invite them to Experience Wellington, a special weekend event on Sunday, November 9, from 1-3:30 p.m., for families with students entering high school and middle school. Prospective families can register on our website here. Thank you for being a Wellington ambassador! 

 

First-Ever Learning Showcase - November 11 

Wellington’s first Learning Showcase is coming up soon! Join us Tuesday, November 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., to see curiosity, creativity, and challenge in action as students from Little Jags through grade 12 step into the role of expert and share their learning with families, peers, and community guests. Even if your child is not presenting, this open-house style evening is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Wellington’s academic program, cheer on classmates, and enjoy a fun scavenger hunt. We hope to see you there! 

 

Upper School Theatre Presents: “A Wrinkle in Time” - November 20-22 

Tickets are now on sale for the upper school play, “A Wrinkle in Time.” Join us for performances on November 20, 21, and 22, at 7 p.m., in the Blanchard Performing Arts Center (BPAC). Don’t miss this exciting production—get your tickets today

 

Rise and Shine, It's Pancake Time!

The WPA invites students and their families to join us for a pancake breakfast for early childhood (November 14), lower school (November 21), and middle school (December 12). Pick a date that works best for your family! Meet in the Thomas Family Dining Room, from 7-8:15 a.m. We'll be serving pancakes, sausage, eggs, potatoes, and juice, with gluten-free options available. Adult supervision is required for students in grades 4 and under. Buy your tickets now at www.wellington.org/pancake.

 

Dress Down Day: Jersey Day - November 21

Friday, November 21 is a dress down day! Students are encouraged to wear clothing that supports their favorite team. 

 

Save the Date: Affinity Group and Parent Connector Holiday Giving Program - December 4 

Join us Thursday, December 4, from 6-8 p.m., for the third annual MOSAIC Holiday Giving Program wrapping event. This year, MOSAIC is joined by the LGBTQIA+ and AAPI Affinity Groups, along with Parent Connectors from several grade levels, to provide wrapped gifts for children and families in need. We are again partnering with The Village Network in Old Towne East, which supports children in foster care. Details will come from your affinity group leaders and Parent Connectors on how to get involved. For more information, contact Tracy Godfrey or Larissa Kopestonsky

 

Family Outing to “The Wiz” - Limited Tickets Available for December 7!

Join us for a special family outing to “The Wiz” at the Short North Center Stage on Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m.! The experience includes the show and a post-show talkback with the cast. Tickets are $40 each and are limited. Reserve your spot today! Questions? Contact Latisha Humphries. Financial assistance is available; complete this form if cost is a barrier.  

 

Thanksgiving Alumni Gathering and Reunions - November 28

Wellington alumni and families are invited to reconnect the day after Thanksgiving at our annual celebration of community and school spirit. Enjoy pick-up games, grilled food, and family fun on campus in the afternoon, then gather at Café Istanbul Dublin for an evening happy hour with hosted appetizers and drinks. RSVP for one or both events and celebrate with your Wellington family!

 

Pumpkin Composting Event - November 1-15 

Americans discard millions of pumpkins each year, which contributes to landfill waste and methane emissions. Once again, the Upper School Green Club is sponsoring free pumpkin composting. Collection bins will be placed in front of the events (west) entrance and under the library awning in the back parking lot, November 1-15. Please remove any candles or stickers before dropping them off.

 

Parent & Caregiver Coffee With the Head of School - December 17 

Join us on Wednesday, December 17, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Doerschlag Den for coffee and conversation. Head of School Eliza McLaren and Assistant Head of School for Academics Shelley Brown will share school updates. We look forward to seeing you there. 

 

WPA Ski Apparel Donations Needed  

Lower and middle school ski programs are approaching quickly! The WPA will be hosting a Ski Apparel Sale on Friday, December 5, and we are now actively accepting donations of gently used coats, ski pants, hats, and gloves. Sweatshirts are also welcomed for the WPA Pre-Loved Apparel Sale. Donations can be dropped off in the blue bin in the rotunda.  

 

Registration Open for Wellington Youth Basketball League 

The Wellington Youth Basketball League (WYBL) for girls and boys in grades 1–4 runs January 3–February 15, and registration is now live, so sign up soon! You may request one player per registration or register a full team with at least eight players and an established coach. The league depends on volunteer parent coaches, who receive 50% off their child’s fee and must complete a background check. Cost is $195. For questions, email wybl@wellington.org. Register here.

 

Pre-Loved Apparel Sale - November 7 

Join the WPA on Friday, November 7, from 7:30-8:30 a.m., in C147. Proceed down the lower school hallway and up the steps. Then, follow the sign to turn right at the Alumni Commons. C147 is the old athletics training room. 



ATHLETICS


All-League Honorees 

Upper School Boys Soccer: 
First Team: Finn Basobas O’Carroll ’26, Benjamin Butler ’27, Will Bernard ’26 
Second Team: Zac Barton ’26, Cam King ’26, Timchia Tubuo ’27 
Honorable Mention: Phinneas Pickett ’27, Ameer Awan ’27 

Upper School Boys Golf: 
Player of the Year: Will Myers ’28 
First Team: Will Myers ’28, Solomon Graham ’27, Ari Kirsner ’27, Brayden Weaver ’27 
Second Team: Griffin Martin ’27 

Upper School Girls Soccer: 
First Team: Madeline Weaver ’29, Jeanie DeSantis ’26, Amanda Martinez ’26 
Second Team: Genevieve VanDixhorn ’26, Micah Ehlers ’26, Evelyn Vicentel ’28, Dottie Blackburn ’27 

Upper School Girls Golf: 
First Team: Emme Braunsdorf ’26 
Second Team: Caitlin Sumner ’28 

Upper School Girls Tennis: 
Player of the Year: Paige Thompson ’27 
First Team: Paige Thompson ’27, Dea Singh ’27, Mary Claire Thompson ’26 
Honorable Mention: Naomi Livits ’27, Elle Reed ’29, Caroline Thompson ’28 

All-District Honorees 

Upper School Boys Soccer: 
Player of the Year: Finn Basobas O’Carroll ’26 
First Team: Finn Basobas O’Carroll ’26, Benjamin Butler ’27, Will Bernard ’26 
 


Upper School: 

Upper School Boys Soccer: 
The boys soccer team finished the season as league champions for the third straight season, and reached their first District Final since 2021, finishing the season with a 14-1-4 record and as the District Runners-Up.  

Upper School Girls Tennis: 
The girls tennis team had an excellent showing at the sectional tournament, with Paige Thompson ’27 finishing 1st place and Mary Claire Thompson ’26 finishing in 3rd place, both qualifying for Districts! On the doubles side, the pairing of Dea Singh ’27 and Naomi Livits ’27 finished in 2nd place, also qualifying for Districts! Way to go, Jags! 

Middle School: 

The following athletes were recognized at the Fall Middle School Sports Recognition ceremony. Student-athletes received these awards based on athletic performance, leadership, coachability, positive attitude, and respect for one another and the sport.

Middle School Boys Soccer: 
Grant Reams ’30 
Oliver Owens ’31 

Middle School Girls Soccer: 
Julia Joseph ’31 
Fallon Mermis ’32  

Middle School Girls Tennis: 
Dilara Ozer ’30 
Mila Rana ’30 

Middle School Boys Golf: 
Chase Duffy ’31 
Connor Duffy ’31 
Liam Logan ’31 

Middle School Girls Cross Country: 
Ainsley Merl ’31 
Emma Jane Lumbley ’30

Middle School Boys Cross Country: 
Ben Austin ’30 
Simon Raghunathan ’30  




 

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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Wellington 
3650 Reed Rd
Columbus, OH 43220
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