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Dear Middle School Families,
Taylor Swift announces a new album on Travis Kelce’s podcast, and the first day of school is only six days away—has there ever been a more exciting time to be a Wellington middle schooler?
Teachers are back on campus this week, and we’re gearing up for another spectacular year! 2025-2026 will feature hallmarks and signature programming old and new: from Dives, houses, and trips to our new 5th-and-8th-grade buddy program, expanded opportunities in math, humanities, and world language, and the rollout of our student-crafted community expectations. Of course, our emphasis on relationships, belonging, and joyful, dynamic, student-centered teaching and learning remains at the core of the experience. The festivities begin with our Welcome (Back) to Wellington events on Monday, August 18. I look forward to seeing you there!
This message contains names, dates, and reminders to ensure a smooth start to the year. I also encourage you to check out our Back to School Resource pages for additional information: middle school and all-school. You’re always welcome to reach out to me, your child’s advisor, or any subject-specific teacher with questions you may have. We’re here to partner with you!
New Faculty
Anthony Constantino will teach 7th grade math and serve as a 7th grade advisor. Anthony brings nearly two decades of experience as both a classroom teacher and instructional leader in middle school math. He most recently served as Assistant School Director at United Middle School in Columbus, where he coached teachers, implemented new math curricula, and led both instructional and student-life initiatives. Anthony holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Columbia University, a master’s in mathematics education from City College of New York, and a master’s in educational leadership from Brooklyn College. A former Division I wrestler and two-time NCAA qualifier, Anthony enjoys spending time with family (including his son, Ozzie, a Wellington kindergartner!) and both playing and watching sports. We’re excited to have him on the soccer pitch for our annual 8th Grade versus Staffulty Moving-Up Match!
Allison Enchelmayer is our new Middle and Upper School Vocal Music Director. She joins us from McGary Middle School in Evansville, Indiana, where she taught choir and general music, doubled program enrollment in just two months, and reintroduced the 6th grade choir. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Evansville, Allison holds a B.M. in music education with a vocal concentration and a minor in piano. Her experience spans middle and high school teaching, directing choirs, preparing students for performances, and mentoring young musicians at summer music programs. An accomplished mezzo-soprano, she has performed in opera, concert, and choral settings, and her leadership extends beyond the stage: she captained her NCAA Division I women’s golf team and has coached junior golfers (making her instantly the most sought-after partner in any middle school faculty scramble). Allison brings passion, artistry, and dedication to student growth that will enrich both our performing arts and athletics programs.
Tracy Gilbert will serve as our Middle School Counselor, bringing a deep passion for and extensive experience in supporting adolescents. Tracy holds a Master of Arts in Counselor Education and a K–12 School Counseling License from The Ohio State University, along with a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (not sure who she’ll be cheering for on October 18). Over the past 20 years, she has worked with middle school students in both individualized and schoolwide contexts, including facilitating ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences) programs and leading stress management workshops tailored to this age group. Tracy is also committed to service, having served on the boards of OSU’s Buckeye Baby Council and In Christy’s Shoes. She brings not only professional expertise but also personal insight from raising three children, now ages 20, 18, and 11. We are thrilled for Tracy to share her wealth of knowledge and lived experience with our middle school community.
Jon Meinhold will teach 6th grade math and serve as a 6th grade advisor. Jon joins us from Laurel School in Shaker Heights, where he spent the past eight years teaching middle school math and science. As a former STEM teacher, Jon brings a strong background in interdisciplinary curriculum development and instruction, with an emphasis on real-world application for authentic learning. He is passionate about fostering curiosity, collaboration, and confidence in his students, and he has experience connecting with middle schoolers outside the classroom as well, from coaching, to camps, to Project Adventure. Jon holds a B.A. from Bowling Green State University and completed his Middle Grades Education licensure program in math and science at Notre Dame College. He is also an accomplished baker, and his treats have already enriched our faculty meetings!
Molly Owens (née Kershner) has a lot to celebrate: she got married over the summer, and she officially joins the middle school as an 8th grade social studies teacher and 8th grade advisor. Many students and families will remember Molly from last year, when she taught 5th grade social studies as a long-term sub in addition to advising 5th graders. A graduate of The College of Wooster with a double major in education and history, Molly brings both deep content knowledge and a genuine love for working with middle schoolers. A former Division III lacrosse player, she also coaches in our middle and upper school athletics programs, as she continues to share her competitive spirit and growth mindset on and off the field. We’re thrilled she’s here to build on the strong connections she’s already made!
Dawna Rone will join us as our Middle and Upper School Orchestra Director. A seasoned educator and performer with over 25 years of experience teaching and performing, Dawna holds a Post-Baccalaureate Licensure in Music Education from The Ohio State University, a Master of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Cincinnati, and a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Ohio State. Her warm, student-centered approach and deep musical expertise align well with our values and will enrich the student experience. Dawna will also co-advise 8th graders with Mason Roulston, forming the Roulston/Rone advisory...a situation ripe for wordplay.
From the land of familiar faces, Carrie Williams will make the long trek up the stairs to the middle school as our new 5th grade math teacher and 5th grade advisor. Carrie has spent the past three years teaching 4th grade at Wellington, and she has worked in a variety of roles across the lower school for over a decade. Her extensive classroom experience spans first through fifth grades, and she is known for creating learning environments that balance high expectations with warmth, structure, and joy. Carrie holds a B.A. in education from DePaul University and a B.S. in dietetics from Miami University. She is passionate about building strong relationships with students and families and fostering both academic growth and social-emotional development. As she joins the middle school, Carrie is eager to continue the rich legacy of those who have made that transition before her, and we’re just as eager to welcome her into our 5th grade community!
Weeklies
One of the best ways to stay connected to your child’s educational experience is to read the weekly grade-level newsletters that arrive by email each Friday afternoon. Newsletters contain important dates and academic updates, as well as school announcements. These newsletters will keep you informed about all things middle school and will provide conversation starters that you can use at home.
Immunization Requirements
Returning families of 7th grade students: please submit an Immunization Updates Form.
New families: please submit your Medical Information Form.
Middle School Aftercare Contact Information
Please note that the Aftercare phone number for pickup has changed: it is now 614-398-5481. For more information about program offerings, visit the Veracross Beyond the Bell webpage.
Important Dates
August 15 - Deadline to complete School Policy Forms in Veracross
August 15 - Student schedules post in Veracross
August 15 - 5th Grade & New Student Orientation and Parent Veracross and Technology Training
- 9-11 a.m. - All 5th grade students and new students in grades 5-8 are encouraged to meet with their advisors in the Middle School Commons.
- 9-10 a.m. - Parents and caregivers of new middle school and all 5th grade students will join us for introductions in the Middle School Commons before heading to the Upper School Commons for Veracross and Google Classroom orientation.
August 18 - Parent/Advisor intake conferences
August 18 - Welcome to Wellington Family Event
- 4 p.m. - Doors open for new families
- 4:15 p.m. - New Family Assembly in Gard Gym
- 4:30 p.m. - Doors open for returning families
- 4:40-5:30 p.m. - Classroom visits, locker decorating, and ice cream treats (2nd floor library entrance)
- 3:30-6 p.m. - Sokol Store open
- 4:20-5:45 p.m. - Pre-Loved Apparel Sale
August 20 - First day of school!
September 9 - Middle School Parent and Caregiver Night
- 6-8 p.m. - Explore the middle school experience and meet your child’s teachers. RSVP here.
I am positively delighted that the 2025-2026 school year is on the horizon. As always, if there is anything I can do to help your family as you prepare for the first day of school on August 20, please reach out. I and our entire middle school team are committed to supporting and partnering with you however we can!
See you soon,
Louis
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