Bishop Watterson
Wednesday News | | |
Important Dates
TODAY
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
February 13-16
No School: President's Day Weekend
February 18
All-School Mass (no birthday dress downs)
February 24
ACT for juniors, 11:40 a.m. dismissal
Pre-ACT for sophomores, 11:40 a.m. dismissal
No school for freshmen and seniors
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Message from Deacon
The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family, the special devotion which proposes the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the model of virtue for all Christian households. This is a good time to ask ourselves if our own families model that of the Holy Family and pray for the grace to grow together in humility, love and faithfulness.
I believe it is important to pray as a family, especially the Holy Rosary, as prayer helps us to draw closer and learn to forgive one another.
This prayer has helped me when I am meditating on the Holy Family:
Heart of Jesus I adore you, heart of Mary I implore you, heart of Joseph pure and just, in these three hearts I place my trust.
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2026 Monsignor Spiers Service Awards
Five students have been honored with the Monsignor Spiers Service Award for the 2025-26 school year.
Congratulations to Ryan Alvis, Taku Arrey, Juliana Brown, Anna Rose Gradisar and Cecilia Keller!
The Monsignor Spiers Service Awards are named after Monsignor Edward Spiers, the founding principal when Bishop Watterson opened its doors in 1954. Monsignor Spiers served as principal at Bishop Watterson from 1953-1971.
These awards are a tradition that goes back to 1996. They are presented by Student Council to honor students who have performed outstanding service in both the school and the community. The Msgr. Spiers Awards honor individuals who have upheld his commitment to the Christian values of service and education.
To read more about these students, click here.
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Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to Ryan Alvis ’26, Bishop Watterson Volunteer of the Month for January! There are few students who can participate on a victorious state championship football team on Friday night and then report to school the next morning at 8:00 a.m. to be the train conductor for Student Council’s Polar Express Breakfast for charity. But that’s Ryan--he’s a reliable leader that always looks for opportunities to make every situation of which he is a part the best it can be.
Ryan has found a special way to take programs formative to his upbringing and give back in a meaningful way. For example, as a product of the St. Agatha PSR program, Ryan has become a reliable volunteer helping to prepare the current 8th grade class for their upcoming confirmation. Being an alumnus of Upper Arlington youth athletics led Ryan to an assistant coach volunteer opportunity that coincided with his own varsity football season. This month he has helped coach two basketball programs, including our very own St. Timothy freshman CYO team. Ryan, you embody the love of Christ not just in word, but in deed. Thank you for that living testimony!
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PreACT for Sophomores and ACT for Juniors on Tuesday, February 24
On Tuesday, February 24, sophomores will take the PreACT (paper format) and juniors will take the ACT, no writing (paper format). Freshmen and seniors will not have school that day.
Room assignments will be sent to the students' bwhs.org emails along with information pertinent to the test.
Sophomores and juniors should arrive at their regular time and report to their assigned rooms by 7:45 a.m. Students who arrive after the exam has begun will not be permitted to test that day and it will be counted as an unexcused absence. Students will be dismissed at 11:40 a.m. except for juniors receiving testing accommodations who will be dismissed later. Sophomores with extra breaks as part of their accommodations will also be dismissed later.
Please click on the FAQ links for additional information about the PreACT and ACT.
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Mock Trial Team Advances
The BWHS Mock Trial team has advanced to the regional competition scheduled for Friday, February 20. Congratulations to Lily O'Hara and Jane Antry on winning Outstanding Witness and Lexy Coakley who won Outstanding Attorney at the district competition at the Franklin County Courthouse last Friday.
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Counselor Corner
Course Scheduling for the 2026-27 School Year
Counselors are visiting 9th through 11th grade classes this week and presenting information on scheduling courses for the 2026-27 school year. During the scheduling presentations students will be given a long sheet of course options. Students should refer to the curriculum guide for course descriptions and use their long sheet to map out their course selection. Counselors will then sit down and schedule individually with students during their assigned week.
- Week of February 9 - sophomores
- Week of February 17 - freshmen and juniors
Yearbook Applications
Applications are available in the counseling office for students interested in joining the yearbook staff for the 2026-27 school year. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 9. Students should submit their applications to their English teachers. Students earn 1 credit for yearbook and it counts toward the visual/performing arts graduation requirement.
College Credit Plus
All students planning to take a College Credit Plus class must complete a funding application. Bishop Watterson will host a Funding Application Workshop on February 11 in Dominican Hall from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Below is what is needed to be ready for the meeting.
Click here for the slides from the CCP meeting at BWHS.
New CCP Students
Parents must have an OHID account set up. If you applied for Ed Choice funding you already have an OHID number.
How to create a New OHID account and Department of Education Profile
Students must apply to Columbus State Community College and receive an "Acceptance Letter" to upload into the funding application. The deadline to complete the funding application is April 1.
Returning CCP students
Parents: Find your OHID number.
Students: CSCC will email you a "Letter of Good Standing" by this Friday, February 6. Save this letter because your parent will need to upload it into the funding application. The deadline to complete the funding application is April 1.
| | Save the Date for Men's Night 2026: Thursday, March 26 | | You're Invited to Join Us at Night for the Eagles | | |
Night for the Eagles is a fresh take on Bishop Watterson's beloved Gala tradition, set for Saturday, February 21, from 6:00-11:00 p.m. at Ohio Brewing Company.
Revived for the first time since 2019, this reimagined "night out" celebration will bring our community together for an elegant, high-energy, cocktail-style gathering. This evening will be dedicated to uplifting and expanding opportunities for the Bishop Watterson student body and supporting tuition assistance.
Guests can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere, meaningful moments and the chance to directly support the programs and experiences that help our students soar.
What to Expect:
- meet and socialize with the BWHS community
- heavy hors d'oeuvres
- full bar
- DJ
- silent auction
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Camino de Santiago Trip
Bishop Watterson High School is planning its first student pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. This pilgrimage will be organized through Verso Ministries and is scheduled to take place during Spring Break 2027. An informational meeting for interested students and families will be held on Tuesday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. at BWHS. For additional information prior to the meeting, please contact Mr. Eric Stanek, mr.stanek@bwhs.org, Mrs. Karissa Bowman, mrs.bowman@bwhs.org, or Mr. Billy Olson, wolson@bwhs.org.
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Save the Date for Jazz Night Out 2026
The Bishop Watterson Band Program is excited to announce its 16th Annual Jazz Night Out Fundraiser Gala will take place on Friday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m. at the Scioto Reserve Country Club.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in March. We hope you can join us for a night of fun, food and live music!
Interested in helping? We are looking for businesses to partner with us for the event; we are currently accepting products and services for the silent auction.
Donation items or questions may be directed to Band Director Mike Renzi, mr.renzi@bwhs.org. Thank you for your support!
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Counselor Corner
Upcoming Test Prep for Juniors
Virtual Prep for Bishop Watterson High School
The College Review, LLC
Saturday, February 7, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Click here to register.
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NACAC National College Fair
Saturday, February 7
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Columbus Convention Center
Click here to register.
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Eucharistic Adoration
With the new year come new opportunities to grow in our faith lives. With that in mind, we invite parents to join us for Eucharistic Adoration, held on most Wednesdays.
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the chapel at 7:30 a.m. and remains until Benediction at 1:30 p.m. Each week, one grade level is assigned to spend some time in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament during Theology class.
If you have completed the “Protecting God’s Children” requirements of the Diocese, please click on the button below to sign up for a particular Holy Hour.
| | Important Dates for 2026-27 School Year | | |
August 19: First day for FRESHMEN
August 20: ALL students begin school
September 7: No School-Labor Day
September 25: No School-Administrator Retreat
October 23: No School-Teacher PD
November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
December 14-17: Core Semester Exams
December 18: No School-Teacher PD
December 19-January 3: Christmas Break
January 18: No School-Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 12: No School
February 15: No School-Presidents Day
March 8-12: Spring Break
March 25-29: Easter Break
April 23: No School
May 20: Baccalaureate
May 22: Graduation
May 24-27: Core Semester Exams
May 27: Last day of school
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Support BWHS Through Kroger Purchases
Bishop Watterson participates in the Kroger Community Rewards program.
To sign up, go to kroger.com, log into your account and under your settings click Community Rewards. Search for Bishop Watterson. Our number is VG154. Thank you!
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