Back issues of our monthly "Inside PPS" are online (see the "News Pages" box to the right).

Graduating Seniors & Alumni Receive Portage Rotary Scholarships
Eleven graduating seniors and school district alum received scholarships today from the Portage Rotary Club, ranging from $500 to $3,000. Portage Rotary raised a total of $16,000 to provide these scholarships.

Graduating seniors receiving scholarships included: Tyler Cook, Community High School, who will attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College; Alyssa Drew, Central High, Hope College; Meaghan Mc Cowey, Northern High, University of Michigan; Amanda Mills, Central High, Western Michigan University; Emily Piper, Northern High, Miami University (Ohio); Allison Seiwert, Northern High, Kalamazoo College; and Gabriella Smith, Northern High, Pepperdine University.

Alumni from the District already attending college receiving scholarships included: Ariel Bronson, a Northern grad who attends University of Michigan; Julia Howlind, Central, attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Kush Sharma, Northern, attending University of Michigan; and Angela Willson, Northern, attending St. Mary’s College (and University of Notre Dame). Two of the scholarships are named in honor or Portage Rotarians: Kush Sharma received the Ken Schuring Scholarship and Gabriella Smith received the George Laure Scholarship.

Kalamazoo RESA Foundation Scholarships Presented
Portage Schools had eight graduating seniors included among the 70 scholarships awarded throughout the nine school districts of Kalamazoo Regional Services Agency. The scholarships, announced at an awards breakfast on May 13, range from $300 to $1,000:
- Jocelyn Sloan and Alexis Ziegler, both from Northern High, received the KRESA Employee Family Scholarship.
- Jeremy Renda, Central High, received the Dr. Robert & Ruth VanderRoest Scholarship.
- Rebecca Mundo, Central High, was the recipient of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation’s Gayl Werme Scholarship.
- Charissa Borgman, Northern High, received the Irv & Alberta Cumming Scholarship.
- Courtney McLive, Central High, is the recipient of the Dr. W. Craig & Diane Misner Scholarship.
- Katlyn Zehner, Central High, received the Paul & Betts Wollam/Stephanie Jo Harris Scholarship. - Zach Ruppert, Northern High, was awarded the TeleCity Information Highway Scholarship.

Activity Fee / Pay-to-Participate Survey
The survey ended May 2. Read the results here. Also see the responses to the open-ended questions: click here. For more information, see this chart. Posted May 5, 2010.

District Sells School Equipment at Auction
The following items from Lake Center Elementary School, currently being replaced by a new school behind it that opens this fall -- and selected items from Northern High School -- will be available in public auction:

Classroom and office furniture from Lake Center will be auctioned on June 16.
Kitchen equipment from Lake Center and Northern High will be auctioned on June 17.

Check it out online at www.biddergy.com or visit Biddergy on 1919 E. Kilgore Service Road, Kalamazoo (phone 866-260-1611 or 269-903-2590). Posted June 9, 2010.

Water Week Contest is Big Success
Read the results from United Water about the contest involving 300 student entries.

BSSF Renewal Approved; Trustees Elected

May 5, 2010: The five-year renewal of the Building Site Sinking Fund was approved yesterday, 3,857 to 2,079. Meanwhile, two trustees were elected to four-year seats: Joanne Willson and Geoff Howe, along with the re-election of incumbent trustee Bo Snyder to a two-year seat.

Board Appoints Kevin Hollenbeck to Vacancy

April 5, 2010: Kevin Hollenbeck was appointed tonight by the Portage Schools Board of Education to a trustee vacancy during a special board meeting. Hollenbeck, one of 15 candidates considered by the Board, will serve through June 2011.

Hollenbeck, vice president and senior economist at the Upjohn Institute, previously served 12 years on the PPS board (1994-2006), including 6 as board president (1996-2003) and during this time he also served 9 years on the board of directors of the Michigan Association of School Boards including service as president.

Hollenbeck holds a doctorate in economics from University of Wisconsin. He has been with the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research since 1989.

John Whyte Becomes Acting Board President; Board to Appoint New Trustee

March 10, 2010: Portage Schools received notification yesterday that Board of Education President Dale Posthumus has chosen to step down from the Board effective immediately.

District Continues Review of Northern's Science Wing
Air Quality Task Force Launched; first progress report posted: read more

Portage Schools had planned for a smooth transition to the new science wing at the start of second semester at Northernience wing at the start of second semester at School. When concerns about the air-quality in the lower level of the science wing resurfaced last week, however, the decision was made to again move those science classes back into the main building as a precautionary measure.

While the District is confident that the area is safe – and also realizes that a second move is an inconvenience for our faculty and students – it is critical that we continue to show caution while we evaluate the situation. Safety is our top priority, and we have been doing everything possible to ensure a safe teaching and learning environment for our faculty and students.

Background
In late November, concerns were raised by some of our science faculty about rooms in the lower level of the new science wing. Classrooms in that area were vacated during December and January for testing, one commissioned by the District and one by the Michigan Education Association checking air quality for particle matter, mold, and carbon monoxide -- both with negative results.

In February, we moved classes back into the lower level. Last week, however, due to an additional concern, these classrooms were again moved back to the main academic building.

This week, the class rooms remain empty as we undergo further review of the mechanical infrastructure and re-evaluate our options. The fact remains that none of the concerns expressed to the District can be traced to the school environment at Northern. Meanwhile, the school encourages anyone with information that could be helpful to contact the principal’s office at 323-5461 or by e-mail at jfrench@portageps.org.

Update on Carbon Monoxide Testing
Carbon monoxide detectors were initially installed near construction areas, but have now been installed in all classrooms throughout the building. See the below resources on carbon monoxide:

Environmental Protection Agency: Protecting Your Family
State of Michigan: Protecting the workplace
US Consumer Product Safety Commission: Q & A

Board Vice President John Whyte, who will serve as acting president until the trustees elect new officers, said today, “On behalf of the Board, I thank Dale for his years of service to the Portage community, and we wish him well.”

The Board has 30 days to appoint a new trustee. Citizens interested in applying will find the application online and have until March 24 at 2 p.m. to apply: http://www.portageps.org/administration/boardofeducation/default.aspx.

The appointee will serve the remainder of that term through June 30, 2011.

Mr. Posthumus was elected to the Board in 2007 and has served as president since December 2009, and was chair of the Board’s Bond Advisory Committee. Previous to that he served as vice president of the board.

Trustee Whyte, who previously served on the Board from 1992-2001, served as Board president from 1995-1996.

District Continues Review of Northern's Science Wing
Air Quality Task Force Launched; first progress report posted: read more

Portage Schools had planned for a smooth transition to the new science wing at the start of second semester at Northernience wing at the start of second semester at School. When concerns about the air-quality in the lower level of the science wing resurfaced last week, however, the decision was made to again move those science classes back into the main building as a precautionary measure.

While the District is confident that the area is safe – and also realizes that a second move is an inconvenience for our faculty and students – it is critical that we continue to show caution while we evaluate the situation. Safety is our top priority, and we have been doing everything possible to ensure a safe teaching and learning environment for our faculty and students.

Background
In late November, concerns were raised by some of our science faculty about rooms in the lower level of the new science wing. Classrooms in that area were vacated during December and January for testing, one commissioned by the District and one by the Michigan Education Association checking air quality for particle matter, mold, and carbon monoxide -- both with negative results.

In February, we moved classes back into the lower level. Last week, however, due to an additional concern, these classrooms were again moved back to the main academic building.

This week, the class rooms remain empty as we undergo further review of the mechanical infrastructure and re-evaluate our options. The fact remains that none of the concerns expressed to the District can be traced to the school environment at Northern. Meanwhile, the school encourages anyone with information that could be helpful to contact the principal’s office at 323-5461 or by e-mail at jfrench@portageps.org.

Update on Carbon Monoxide Testing
Carbon monoxide detectors were initially installed near construction areas, but have now been installed in all classrooms throughout the building. See the below resources on carbon monoxide:

Environmental Protection Agency: Protecting Your Family
State of Michigan: Protecting the workplace
US Consumer Product Safety Commission: Q & A

Beef Recall Update: Beef Returns to the Menu

Feb. 18, 2010: Portage Schools received the green-light from some of it venders,
whose beef products were placed on hold yesterday as a precautionary measure in
response to the Huntington Meats recall. We are now able to serve hamburgers
and roast beef beginning with today's menu.

School Year is Shortened to Save Costs

Beginning Jan. 4, the District added 10 minutes to the elementary day and 9 minutes to the high school day as a part of the its cost-savings plan to balance this year's budget following state budget cuts. No schedule changes were necessary for middle schools. Elementary bus riders are being picked up 5 minutes earlier (no bus schedule adjustments needed for middle and high school routes).

New start and end times for the school day are: Elementary: 8:30 a.m. to 3:47 p.m. and High School: 7:43 a.m. to 2:47 p.m. Meanwhile, the last day of 2^nd semester is June 4, a full-day. See the revised District calendar: http://www.portageps.org/calendars/academic/default.aspx.

PEF and Board of Education Approve Agreement Avoiding Mid-Year Layoffs;
Board Elects New President and Vice President

Dec. 14, 2009 - The Portage Education Association approved an agreement late this afternoon and the Board ratified the agreement at tonight's meeting, preventing the need for layoffs this school year. Faculty and administrators agreed to a 2% salary cut for the 2009-2010 school-year. Other features of the agreement include ending the school year a week early to save expenses and a voluntary faculty retirement incentive. Along with other recent savings, this covers the $2.5 million shortfall from Lansing for this school-year.

See the adjusted calendar for class times and new end of 2nd semester.

Meanwhile, Dale Posthumus was elected tonight as the new Board of Education president, replacing former president Jennifer Whistler who resigned from the Board in November. John Whyte was elected vice president.

The Board named Robert “Bo” Snyder, a management consultant, to fill the vacant board seat through June 2010. Snyder, a PPS parent with middle school students, has been a management consultant since 2006, following 20 years in hospital administration, primarily in strategic planning, fostering hospital-to-hospital relationships, managing new construction, and continuous quality improvement. His consulting business helps healthcare leaders improve performance.

He worked for Bronson Healthcare Group for 18 years, with the last two years there focused on improvements that culminated in Bronson’s receipt of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award in 2005. Some of his current involvements include being a Baldridge Award examiner, a Michigan Quality Senior Examiner, University of Michigan School of Public Health Student Mentor, University of Michigan Health Services Management and Policy Alumni Board member, and a member of Kalamazoo Communities-in-Schools, serving as co-chair of the Program & Evaluation Committee.

District's Energy Conservation Efforts Recognized
Community Education Matters, the online publication of the Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education, featured PPS in its November issue with the article "Portage Public Schools Going Green with Energy Program." Craig Ross, administrator for our Community Education Center and District coordinator for energy conservation, was interviewed for the story.
Read the article:  http://www.macae.org/content/Portage_Going_Green.html

Meanwhile, the District has a free online energy tracking tool at GreenQuest, a personal energy dashboard that enables community members to track and analyze the energy use for their home or business. Portage Schools provides this to the community to help educate, raise awareness, and promote energy conservation. Here's the link: /span>
http://mygreenquest.com/portagepsmi

Board Passes Agreement On To Portage Education Association

Dec. 9, 2009: The Board of Education met this morning in a special meeting to review the status of talks with the faculty, the Portage Education Association. While no formal vote was taken, trustees were pleased with the draft document and it goes next to the PEA whose members will vote on the agreement before the Dec. 14 Board meeting, when the Board is expected to then vote on the agreement. While details of the tentative agreement are not being released, the aim of the TA is to avoid layoffs for 2nd semester.

PPS Board Postpones Lay-Off Discussion; Talks with Labor Leaders Continue

Dec. 4, 2009: The Portage Public Schools Board of Education canceled its Dec. 7 special meeting and postponed its discussion about the probable lay-off of 37 teachers as well as five support staff until its regular meeting on Dec. 14. Other potential lay-offs are still under review.

School officials indicate this will allow more time to continue the opportunity for productive discussions with its labor group leaders about ways to close the $2.5 million funding gap for this school year.  

Over the past three weeks, school officials have conducted 50 presentations within the community to share information about the $292 cut per pupil in State funding that occurred this fall and to seek input about program priorities. More than 1,700 community members have participated in the District’s survey to offer ideas.

Community Weighs in on Budget Crisis Through Survey

Dec. 2, 2009: Below are the results of the community survey on budget priorities. Thank you to the 1,784 individuals who assisted the District in this effort. We will be conducting follow-up surveys during 2nd semester to assist with budget planning for next school-year.

Overview (questions 1-6, 10, 11)

Question 7 (List 3 areas that should be reduced, restructured, or eliminated).

Question 8 (List 3 areas that should not be reduced, restructured, or eliminated).

Question 9 (Additional comments on any budget issues).

Students Selected for All-State Bands & Orchestras

November 25, 2009: Eleven students from our middle and high schools were just selected by blind audition to perform in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s (MSBOA) All-State bands and orchestras. These groups comprise the very best middle and high school musicians from across the state (more than 2,000 students auditioned for this honor). 

Our students will travel to Grand Rapids in January to rehearse for three days and perform in concerts with the best of the best from around the state. Here are the students, accompanied by the names of their teachers:

- MSBOA All-State High School Orchestra: Raymond Chung, violin, Central High (Silvia Sidorane), Rachel Keck, violin, Central High (Silvia Sidorane), Elanie Chu, cello, Central High (Silvia Sidorane).
- MSBOA All-State High School Band: Dillon Bailly, clarinet, Central High (Patrick Flynn).
- MSBOA All-State Middle School Orchestra: Ian Chu, violin, Central Middle (Silvia Sidorane) and Nikki Hueng, cello, Central Middle School (Silvia Sidorane).
- MSBOA All-State Middle School Band: Ellie Snyder, French horn, North Middle (Joshua Bartz); Mary Russell, Flute, West Middle (Dennis Kozian); Jessica Dornoff, clarinet, West Middle School (Dennis Kozian); Derek Smith, trumpet, West Middle (Dennis Kozian); and Kevin Werme, trombone, West Middle School (Dennis Kozian).
- Honorable Mention: Caitlin Utt, bassoon, Northern High (Joshua Bartz). Joe LeFevre, tuba, Central High (Patrick Flynn); and Kathryn Bliden, bassoon, West Middle (Dennis Kozian).

Northern High Teacher Receives "Teacher of the Year" Award

October 16, 2009: Amy Meyer, a business instructor and Business Chair at Northern, is the recipient of the Wells Cook Master Teacher of Secondary Business Education Award from the Michigan Business Education Association. She receives the award today, which is given to only one business teacher in the state each year.

She has taught business at Northern since 2002 and has been the BPA advisor for six years. She has her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Career and Technical Education from Western Michigan University.

Seven Students Named as National Merit Semi-finalists

September 2009: A total of seven students from Central and Northern High Schools were named National Merit Semi-finalists listing: Nigel Beaton, Alisah Kamboj, Amanda Mills, Anthony Spalvieri-Kruse, Christina Tarn, Isabella Wu, and Jing Xiao. The seniors who earn this distinction scored in the top 1 percent nationwide on the PSAT, which is given to 1.5 million high school students during junior year. 

District Students Earn AP Scholar Status

September 2009: A total of 25 students from Northern and Central High Schools were recently named to various levels of AP Scholar status.

National AP Scholar is Naureen Rashid (average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams).

AP Scholars with Distinction include Alaa Itani, Travis Mazer, Naureen Rashid, Nathan Werme, and Nick Wright (average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more exams).

AP Scholars with Honor include Melinda Alberty, Nathan Soper, and Isabella Wu (average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams).

AP Scholars include: Chelsea Angel, Nigel Beaton, Gina, Calco, Ann Goodyear, Catherine Hearit, Alex Huang, Grant Miars, Julia Miller, Madeline Price, Meghan Raycraft, Emily Slade, Ethan Sobieray, Agne Sriubaite, Camron Stanford, Charity Tarn, Mier Wang, and Jing Xiao (grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams).

District Offers Advice for Families on the H1N1 Flu

September 2009: Portage Schools wants students to be vigilant with hand-washing, asks parents to kept sick children at home, and will monitor the health status of both students and staff as the District works to minimize the impact of the pending H1N1 flu virus. Meanwhile, the District will be sending information home to families.

Health officials are not advising that schools close when some students at a particular  building may come down with the virus. The District will closely monitor the status of any students and staff who may be absent from school due to the flu and will report these numbers to the Kalamazoo County Health Department. When reporting student absences to their school offices, parents will be asked if the student has flu symptoms.

Portage Schools has been an active participant on Kalamazoo County’s pandemic planning team and involved with Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency’s emergency management training. Portage Schools has been monitoring the H1N1 flu threat throughout the summer and continues to coordinate with area health agencies, Kalamazoo RESA, and other school districts.

“We want to do everything we can to take precautionary measures at school and help our families do likewise at home,” said Superintendent Marsha Wells.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu viruses are thought to spread from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes to someone’s mouth or nose. Flu viruses can also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, says the CDC. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting. The CDC encourages those with severe illness or who are at risk for complications to seek medical care.

The CDC offers advice for parents on prevention and on caring for sick child at home at www.cdc.gov/h1n1/parents. Highlights include:

- Frequent hand-washing with soap and water for 20 seconds (long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue and throw the tissue away immediately.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are sick.
- Those who are sick should stay home from school and work for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.

Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services also has a booklet available about what parents need to know about the seasonal flu and fandemic flu.

PEA and Board Announce One-Year Contract and School Year Calendar

Sept. 10, 2009: The Portage Education Association (PEA), comprised of 549 teachers, and the Portage Board of Education have agreed on a contract for the 2009/10 school year. The PEA members ratified the contract on Sept. 1 and the Board of Education followed suit today in a special meeting.

“Our staff works very hard to provide solid as well as exceptional learning experiences for our students,” said Superintendent Marsha Wells. “During these challenging financial times, we appreciate how all parties worked to reach common ground to protect quality programs and to serve the best interests of our students.”

PEA President Eric VerHey said, “A great deal of time was invested by our negotiating team to reach a fair agreement and I'd like to recognize and thank those teachers. I also want to thank the entire teaching staff that works with exceptional professionalism and dedication to best serve our families.”

The one-year contract extension provides a ¼ % base salary increase, paid through a 5% increase in the contribution teachers make to their health insurance premium. The contract also establishes a process to study restructuring the secondary school schedules for the 2010/11 school year in the event that financial funding of public education deteriorates. The 2009/10 school calendar was also established (link to calendar).

Faculty & Administration Reach Tentative Agreement

August 21, 2009: Portage Schools and the Portage Education Association have reached a tentative agreement. Details of the agreement will not be released until the teacher’s association and the Board of Education have approved the TA; it will come before both groups within the next several weeks.

According to District administrators, the bargaining sessions held throughout the summer were professional and constructive, resulting in a solid agreement for both parties during these difficult economic times.

District State Champ Titles Rise to 47

The District added two more state titles to its record by the end of the school year bringing the total to 47 (the championship signs at the city entrances will be updated this summer).

Northern High forensics and Central High women's soccer both took state championships at the end of the 2008-2009 school year.

Northern and Central High Schools Make "Top of Class" Ranking

The Huskies and Mustangs both made the 2009 Newsweek magazine ranking of high schools making the top 5% in the nation.

Parents Comment on Communications & Customer Service

May 28, 2009:The majority of parents from Portage Public Schools responding to the annual Parent Communications & Customer Service Survey say they receive sufficient information from the District, have the contacts they need to obtain information, and receive timely and helpful responses from school offices.

A total of 77% “often” had sufficient information from the District, with 20% saying “sometimes,” and 3% “rarely.” Meanwhile, 88% responded “yes” to having the information needed for contacting someone at Portage Schools, while 10% said “sometimes,” and 2 % said “no.” Commenting on timely and helpful responses from contacting the schools, 85% said this occurred “often,” 14% “sometimes,” and 1% “rarely.”

When asked for the two most important sources of school information, parents listed “school newsletter” and “District/school web site” (with counts of 326 and 157 respectively) followed by the Portage Gazette and “other” (including teacher/classroom newsletters).

A total of 3,000 surveys were sent out in late April/early May, with a 12% return rate (2,000 surveys were sent home with staggered grade levels at the eight elementary schools and 1,000 were mailed to randomly-selected homes of middle school and high school parents). Last year a total of 1,000 surveys were sent with an 18% response rate.

Results are consistent with the 2008 survey, which found 78% “often” receiving sufficient information (19% “sometimes”), while 94% reported receiving timely and helpful information when contacting offices throughout the District (last year’s survey offered only a “yes” or “no,” without the “sometimes” response added this year), and 76% reported they “often” had timely and helpful assistance, with 22% saying “sometimes.”

Northern Forensics Takes State Championship for 11th Time

The Portage Northern Forensic team celebrated an amazing 1^st place victory last month at the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association State Finals tournament held at the University of Michigan-Flint. This is Northern’s 8^th consecutive state title and 11^th in the program’s 44 year history.

“Northern has certainly carried on a strong tradition of excellence, and this program of competitive speaking and oral interpretation is highly regarded statewide and nationally,” says Head Coach Laurel Scheidt.

More than 80 schools and close to 800 students from across the state participated. Northern dominated the Class A division, qualifying the maximum 28 entries to the tournament (45 students), 27 entries to semi-finals, and 25 entries to final round competition. Northern accumulated a record 1,066 sweepstakes points, defeating second place finisher Birmingham Seaholm by more than 350 points. The team also had an outstanding season with first place finishes at every invitational they attended. The team was also highly successful at district and regional competitions in each of the 14 interpretation and public address forensic events.

In addition to the Northern team’s success, the Huskies also received five individual 1^st place state championships: Nich Mueller pulled off an incredible “three-peat,” winning his third state title in Prose Interpretation; Brennan Mange took home his second first place trophy in Impromptu speaking, after winning in Impromptu 9/10 in 2008; and other first place winners were Andrew Beckner in Dramatic Interpretation, and Caitlin Utt in Oratory. The Multiple, Charlotte’s Web, also rounded out a successful season with the first place trophy: Spencer Dudd, John Kramer, Bryce Maurer, Kasey McSoley, Nathan Novaria, Brady O’Brien, Allyson Williams, and Amanda Willoughby. Assistant coaches for the team include James Menchinger, Brian Snell, Michael Scheidt, Robert Weiner, Elizabeth Heintzkill, Brian Panse, Kirk Latimer, and Adrian Blazek.

Awareness Campaign "Smart Summer 2009" To Reduce Youth Substance Abuse

Smart Summer 2009" was announced on May 12 to reach parents and the community-at-large to help reduce youth substance abuse throughout the summer. Portage Schools is proud to partner in this initiative with the City of Portage and the Portage Task Force of the Kalamazoo County Task Force on Substance Abuse.

Speakers at the briefing included the Portage mayor and police chief, superintendent of schools, the county prosecutor, county law enforcement, and members of the Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force.

According to Portage Mayor Peter Strazdas, "The end of the school year and summer is a particularly high-risk period for youth substance abuse. The Smart Summer 2009 initiative is designed to provide tools to parents and community members in order to keep our kids safe. I'm proud that we are taking the initiative in a proactive and collaborative way to address substance abuse and work toward a healthy future for our community."

Portage Schools is looking forward to the impact of this important initiative and will also be sharing this announcement at the May 18 Board of Education meeting.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to say that Portage Schools has been working with the Kalamazoo County Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services to designate a full-time school-based consultant," announced Superintendent Marsha Wells at the press briefing. "Beginning this coming school-year, this professional will work with all of our schools in the areas of prevention, intervention, and coordination of services with students, families, and faculty and staff."

Leslie Hainrihar, an assistant principal at Northern High School explained that the initiative will consist of 12 weeks of educational messages, marketing strategies, and tools to raise awareness. "Each week will unveil a new message with tools and tips, with key messages helping parents set boundaries, monitor activities, and stay connected. Message will appear in  two parts, posing questions such as "Do you know where your kids are? Are you sure? and is the driver sober? Are you sure?"

Also announced at this event are programs including the operation of Under the Influence Enforcement Zones, Alcohol Vendor Education, distribution of a "Letter of Concern" to parents, and a Text-a-Tip option in the Silent Observer program.

National Merit Finalists Honored

Portage Schools is proud to announce that 7 seniors have been recognized with the National Merit Finalist distinction: Benjamin Brelje, Bryn Falahee, Joan Hamlow, Gloria Han, Joshua Mayer, Nathaniel Soper, and Mier Wang.

Benjamin Brelje
Ben will study engineering at University of Michigan and plans to later pursue law. Ben was a four-year varsity swimmer at Northern High, and took 2^nd in the state in forensics (extemporaneous). He has also been taking classes at Western Michigan University.Ben is a recipient of the Kalamazoo County Excellence in Education Awards.

Bryn Falahee
Bryn will attend Williams College in Massachusetts next year to study Environmental Policy, with a possible major in political science with a concentration in environmental studies. The Northern High student attended KAMSC and was dual-enrolled at WMU after completing the ATYP English program. She is serving a three-year term on the Inaugural Keystone Youth National Energy Board and will be working with the Keystone Energy Board to start a youth policy summit on alternative energy in Kalamazoo. She also worked as a TA in the KAMSC summer science program in the summer.

Joan Hamlow
Joan will attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The Central High senior is undecided on a major. She is an IB Diploma Candidate and this summer will be traveling through Europe for a month (Germany and France) before returning to Kalamazoo to volunteer at the USTA Super-nationals. Joan is a recipient of the Kalamazoo County Excellence in Education Awards.

Gloria Han
Gloria will attend Washington University in St. Louis majoring in Architecture and minoring in Dance. Gloria, a Central High student, attended KAMSC, and has also pursued ballet and piano. She studied ballet with Madame Sher Marie Farrell and studied piano with Mrs. Annie Leong.

Joshua Mayer
Josh will study Political Science at Amherst College. The Northern High student has been taking Spanish and Calculus II at Western Michigan this year. Over the summer, he plans to attend Western Michigan University’s music camp, Seminar 2009. Josh is a recipient of the Kalamazoo County Excellence in Education Awards.

Nathaniel Soper
Nate will attend the University of Michigan to study biology with a pre-medicine focus. His studies at KAMSC piqued his interest in the sciences. In June, the Central High graduate will make a second mission trip to Honduras and spend two weeks helping to build houses, providing food relief, and visiting orphanages. He also plans to work in the KAMSC summer science program and do some soccer refereeing.

Mier Wang
Mier will attend University of Pennsylvania to study business. In addition to being a student an IB Diploma Candidate at Portage Central, Mier has been taking classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University. He is the author of “Beijing Tourism Manual,” a 188-page paperback published in time for the 2008 Olympics by the China Travel & Tourism Press. Mier is a recipient of the Kalamazoo County Excellence in Education Awards.

Flu Prevention Information

Letter for Parents from Kalamazoo County Health & Human Services

April 27, 2009: School districts in the county have been working with the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department about any potential problems with contagious diseases and through Kalamazoo RESA for Homeland Security issues, which includes prevention and reaction to an issue such the flu. According to a Health Alert received today from the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services, no cases have been reported in Michigan. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone with the following symptoms isolate themselves and not attend work or school and avoid public places: fever, sore throat, and cough. Read more at:
http://www.kalcounty.com/hcs

Elementary Boundary Transition
Dec. 15, 2008: The Board of Education accepted the recommendations tonight of the Attendance Area Study Committee that concludes the redistricting decision-making process; however, the process continues with the District working to ensure a smooth transition for students attending new schools. Approximately 40% of the elementary student body, or 1,800 students, will be attending a different school in the fall, as a part of the closure of Waylee Elementary at the end of this school year and with the opening of 12th Street Elementary in fall 2009.
Next steps include a mailing to all elementary families (even those not impacted), a grand-fathering request phase beginning in January, and transition programs geared to smooth the way for students and their families changing schools.

The AASC began meeting last January, with two parent representatives from each elementary and middle school. They looked at more than 50 models and variants, processed 11 concepts of which 8 became candidate designs, and fully explored 3 proposals that were brought to public forums. There were 6 open houses, 5 direct mailings, extensive press coverage, and information communicated in District publications and online. More than 500 personal contacts were processed during this public comment period. For more information about this process, visit this page of our website.

Portage Public Schools Sells 2009 Refunding Bonds

The Board of Education recently announced the successful sale of its 2009 Refunding Bonds in the amount of $17,530,000. The bonds will be used for the purpose of refunding a portion of the school District's outstanding 1999 Refunding Bonds. The 2009 Refunding Bonds reduce the school District interest expense approximately $912,786 for the taxpayers and will occur through lower debt payments over the next 10 years.

The district received ratings of “A1” and “AA-” respectively from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. The rating agencies cited the District's historical stable financial operations supported by adequate reserves, stable tax base in Kalamazoo County, and moderate overall debt burden in their rationales for rating the school district.

Michael Givler, president of H.J. Umbaugh & Associates, at Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, commended the Business Office staff for their assistance in completing this refunding to save District taxpayers money.

"Portage Public Schools Bonds were well received by the bond market,” according to Brenda L. Voutyras, managing director with Stifel Nicolaus. “We were able to take advantage of rates that produced a very nice level of savings for the taxpayers of the District.”

The District’s financing was conducted by the Michigan investment banking office of the brokerage firm Stifel Nicolaus, the financial advising firm H.J. Umbaugh & Associates, and the law firm serving as bond counsel, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.. The District's 2009 Refunding Bonds were sold at a true interest rate of 3.23% with a final maturity of 2019 (a repayment term of approximately 10 years).

PAF "Steppin' Out at the State" Event is Huge Success

The Portage Athletic Foundation’s 2nd Annual "Steppin’ Out at the State" raised $28,000 on Valentines Day this year. More than 600 people attended the casual dance party and silent auction at the majestic State Theater. Attendees danced to their favorite tunes performed by Mark Bainbridge and Jim Edel. The silent auction featured some 75 different items ranging in value from $50 to over $2,000. 

Since the inception of PAF in 1981, the Foundation has donated more than $500,000 in support of PPS student athletes. PAF is a non-profit, fund raising organization guided by a unified team of board members. Board members are: Sharon Bennett, Jeff Chrystal, Cathy Galloway, Scott Higgins, Karen Jarrad, Ron Kimbrel, Connie Livingston, Terry Pattterson, Kelly Presta, Julie Sandmeyer, Brian Schmall, Ken Smott, Ed Stinson, Brian Sweeney, Joe Walters and Patti Welke.

PAF board members would like to thank the community for their support.  Along with the event’s major sponsor Huntington Bank, more than 75 area businesses and individuals made donations to the silent auction. See you at the 18^th Annual PAF Golf Outing on Monday, August 10 at the Moors Golf Club.

Middle School Student and PPS Alum Honored by KSO

Stephanie Truitt, a student at North Middle School, and Samuel Johnson, formally of North Middle and currently a senior year at Interlochen Arts Academy, will have their compositions performed during the 2009 Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerts March 2-6. />
Stephanie wrote, “Stephanie’s Song" and "Cedar River Waltz," composed for piano, which will be orchestrated by KSO Arranger Harrison Orr. Samuel’s piece, “Symphony No. 1 in C Minor,” was written for full orchestra and will be performed as submitted.

For more information see the KSO online at: http://www.kalamazoosymphony.com/concerts/2008/comp_winners.htm

Education Foundation Names New Trustees

Feb. 6, 2009: Matt Molitor and Deb Droppers have been elected to the board of trustees of the Portage Education Foundation.

Molitor works in film/television production and is president of Moli-Land, Inc., in Mattawan. Droppers is owner of The Event Company in Kalamazoo, and is an instructor in the School for Public Affairs at Western Michigan University teaching non-profit marketing and event management.

Other members of the board include Dorilee Schieble as president, Jon Werme as treasurer, Nancy Chess as secretary, and board trustees: Mike Collins, Ruth Friar, Peter Livingston, Linda Lueth, Deb Polderman (as Board of Education liaison), Holly Schuck (past president), and Ted Vliek, Sr. Portage Schools Superintendent Marsha Wells serves as ad hoc adviser to the foundation.

Presidential Inauguration Up-Close

Central High student Andrew Krietz shares his inauguration experiences in this report to the Kalamazoo Gazette. Meanwhile, Northern history teacher Rick Searing also attended the inauguration and shares his experiences.

Extraordinary Collective Bargaining Process
Concludes with Approved Faculty Contract

Dec. 15, 2008: This evening, the Portage Public Schools Board of Education ratified its contract with the Portage Education Association for the 2008-2009 school year.This evening’s action culminates an extraordinary collective bargaining process where both the Education Association and the School District can truly congratulate all participants on this groundbreaking agreement.

This newly ratified contract culminates eight months of bargaining in which both bargaining teams offered creative solutions to the District’s troubling financial situation while, at the same time, assuring that the District’s outstanding teaching staff is justly compensated.This agreement contains many complicated adjustments to its salary schedule, resulting in a total cost for the contract of just under 1.5%.The salary adjustments were made possible due to the realization of all parties that significant modifications were needed to the benefit levels contained within the teachers’ health insurance program.Through extensive study, the parties were able to lower the cost of the Association’s health insurance program by over 18% and still maintain benefit levels which were overwhelmingly acceptable to the membership.

The Board of Education congratulates and thanks the bargaining team of the Portage Education Association as well as the District’s own bargaining team for their efforts to reach this remarkable Agreement.


Tennis Courts Will Remain at High School Sit

Dec. 15, 2008: The Board of Education approved a plan at the December 15 meeting that will re-build the high school tennis courts at both high school sites, to be operational before the start of next school year. This action was a part of the Board's approval of the Building and Site Sinking Fund Budget Amendment #1, which included this language:

"The administration is recommending that the cost to relocate the three playfields at the high schools, in order to also facilitate the tennis courts at the high schools, be funded from BSSF. These are eligible expenditures for this fund and since pre-bond issue planning didn't identify these relocation expenses we are recommending BSSF funding. It's important to note that should funding become available from the Bond Construction Fund, that the BSSF could still be reimbursed. However, since Bond Construction funding doesn't appear to be available at this time, our recommendation would mean that no additional planning expense would be incurred for the WestMiddle School site."

 Out-of-County School of Choice Enrollment Open

Portage Public Schools is accepting applications for enrollment for second semester only from non-resident students residing in a school district located in any contiguous intermediate district (outside of KalamazooCounty). At this time, enrollment is open for all grades and schools within Portage Public Schools District. Applications will be accepted until January 19, 2009.

Parents or guardians interested in submitting an application for enrollment under the provisions of this program for the 2008-09 school year must submit a completed Portage Public Schools School of Choice Section 105c application form to the Office of the Superintendent, 8111 S. Westnedge Ave, Portage,  MI49002.Click here for the application, or call 323-5148 for information on how to receive and process an application.

John Whyte Appointed to Board

John Whyte, retired marketing manager from Eaton Corporation and a former member of the PPS Board of Education (1992-2001), was appointed on Nov. 24 to the seat vacated by the resignation of Wendy Mazer. His appointment is through June 30, 2009, while the remaining year of Mazer's four-year term will be filled during the May 2009 school election. Trustee Whyte also served as president of the Board from 1995-1996.

Father-Daughter Team Up to Write Children's Book

Elizabeth Heintzkill, who teaches English and Journalism at Northern High School, has co-written a children’s story with her father Tom that was just published last month by Pakkers Publishing. The Willing Walnut, illustrated by Jill Marie Carlson, is the story of a girl whose love for a forest helps her discover the tension created between the natural environment and human greed. As the main character journeys through the forest, she gains a strong sensitivity to the beauty of her natural surroundings, but becomes distraught as she witnesses its destruction. She is unexpectedly befriended by the willing walnut who instills hope once again. A book-signing is scheduled at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 1-3. Elizabeth began teaching at Northern last year, where she served as a teacher intern in 2005, and previously taught at Mattawan High School. Spencer Bridges, Technology computer technician, created the website for the book at   www.thewillingwalnut.com.

Recent Student Achievements

National Merit Scholars Announced: This District has seven seniors recently announced as semi-finalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholar competition. Students qualify for this honor by taking the preliminary SAT as juniors and scoring in the top 1 percent of test-takers. Joan Hamlow, Gloria Han, Nathaniel Soper, and Mier Wang are Central semi-finalists and Benjamin Brelie, Bryn Falahee, and Joshua Mayer are Northern semi-finalists.

Student's Book is Published: Senior Mier Wang at Central High School is the author of Beijing Tourism Manual, a 188-page paperback book published just in time for the 2008 Olympics by the China Travel & Tourism Press. Wang, who is an IB diploma candidate, worked on the book over the past two years. The preface was written by Mier’s French teacher Sara Heil. “I am so thrilled for Mier accomplishment and was honored that he asked me to be a part of his book,” says Heil. “He has always done whatever he needs to do to succeed, but what I admire the most about him is the down-to-earth approach he takes to reach the bar of success.” According to counselor Carla Kelly, “Along with publishing this book, Mier also completed several college credits this past summer, including two semesters of Japanese.”

Teachers of the Year

Kent Baker, Central High, received the 2008 "History Educator Award for Excellence in Teaching History" by the Michigan Council for History Education. He is working on his MA in Military History from Norwich University.

Jon Taylor, Central High, has been named 2008 "Chemistry Teacher of the Year" for Southwest Michigan by the regional section of the American Chemical Society. He earned his MA in Science Education from Western Michigan University.

Community Welcomes Home Tarpley

PPS alum Lindsay Tarpley spoke to a crowd of more than 700 soccer youth at the Portage Central Gymnasium the evening of October 9, followed by a Q&A session and the "Wecome Home" celebration continued October 10 with a recognition during half-time at the Northern-Central game. The City announced that it is posting signs at city entrances honoring the two-time Olympic winner and the District and the Portage Athletic Foundation announced that a sign would be installed at the Central High Soccer Field in her honor.

Tarpley won her second Olympic gold medal as a member of the 2008 U.S. Women’s Soccer Team. Tarpley, a 2002 graduate of Portage Central High School and a graduate of University of North Carolina, won her first gold medal during the 2004 Olympics. She currently lives in Hermosa Beach, Calif. Visit Lindsay's homepage.

Police Liaison Honored

Police Liaison Officer Ray Scott, Central High, received the Regional Exceptional Service Award last month during a Board of Education meeting from Board President Shirley Johnson. Officer Scott, and the Portage Police Department represented by Sgt. John Blue, won this distinction selected from nominees throughout a five-state region. The award represents excellence in collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the school districts they serve.

Pfizer Donates Property for Transportation/Facilities Site

Aug. 11, 2008: Pfizer donated 12.5 acres of land to the District for the new site of the Transportation and Facilities Departments, which must relocate due to the new Central High School going up behind and the to north of the existing Central High.

The property, located on Zylman Avenue east of Portage Road (south of Centre), is estimated to be worth $250,000. The District will begin constructing a 28,000 square-foot facility on the property this fall and it will be completed by summer 2009. The facility will house the District's 62 buses, the bus maintenance area, and the District's Facilities Department.

According to Superintendent Marsha Wells, "Portage Schools is very appreciative of this significant donation. Like the community's support of the bond projects themselves, this generous act illustrates the outstanding cooperation that our community enjoys."

Pfizer Site Leader for Kalamazoo County, Niall Condon, said "This donation is one way we can demonstrate our support for education, which is something we at Pfizer deeply value as citizens of this community."

Halloran Named PC Men's Soccer Coach

Aug. 12, 2008: Tim Halloran has been named Men’s Soccer coach for Portage Central High School.

Coach Halloran comes to the Mustangs with a record of 320 wins and 130 losses, with 30 ties throughout 15 seasons as a women’s coach and eight seasons as a men’s coach. Halloran, a Kalamazoo College alum who holds an MA in Sports Administration from Western Michigan University, has coaching experience at Hackett Catholic Central High School, Kalamazoo College, Albion College, and Otsego High School.

Coach Halloran, who also serves on the faculty at Portage Central, has served two stints as head coach for Women’s soccer at Hackett, during 1992-93, and again from 1999 to present. He was Division 4 Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2006 and led the team to Division 4 State Championships in 2002 and 2006, Division 4 State Runner-up in 2005, and six conference, seven district, and four regional championships. He was awarded the Regional Coach of the Year for 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2006 and guided the team to top five state rankings for the past six years.

According to Dr. Larry Edlund, Portage Central Athletic Director, “We are very fortunate to have someone with Coach Halloran’s experience and success available to us. He has done an outstanding job at Hackett High School and his 15 years of coaching experience will be very valuable in making the transition from Hackett to Portage Central.” Edlund added that the new coach has “a great group of seniors to help him lead the program this season.”

He served as head coach for Men’s Soccer at Kalamazoo College from 2003-2005, head coach for Men’s Soccer at Hackett from 1998-2003 and 2007-2008, head coach for Women’s Soccer at Albion College from 1996-1998, and head coach for Men’s (1995) and Women’s Soccer (1996-1998) at Otsego High School.

Newsweek Announces
Best High Schools Ranking

May 20, 2008: Northern and Central both appear on the new Newsweek “Best High Schools” in the nation ranking.

Huskies and Mustangs are the only schools in the area to make the list, joining the ranks of 29 other Michigan high schools in the listing of the top 1,300 nationwide. All of the schools making the list are in the top 5 percent of high schools in nation, according to the criteria based on Advanced Placement, IB, and/or Cambridge tests.

Visit www.newsweek.com/id/39380/?s=Michigan for more details.

Parents Satisfied with
Communications & Customer Service

May 23, 2008: The majority of parents from Portage Public Schools responding to the annual Parent Communications & Customer Service Survey say they receive sufficient information from the District, they have the contacts they need to obtain information, and that school or District responses are timely and helpful.

A total of 78% said they “often” had sufficient information from the District, 19% said “sometimes” and 3% said “rarely.” Meanwhile, 94% reported they had the information they needed for contacting someone at Portage Schools, with 6% responding in the negative. Commenting on timely and helpful responses from staff, 76% said this occurred “often,” 22% said “sometimes,” and 2% said “rarely.”

A new question for this year, “Do you feel you have received sufficient information about the bond construction projects (new schools) that were approved by voters this past November?” resulted in 77% responding with “often,” 19% with “sometimes,” and 4% with “rarely.”

When asked for the two most important sources of school information, parents listed “your school newsletter” and the “District/school web site” (with counts of 151 and 87 respectively) followed by the Portage Gazette and “other” (including teacher and school information sent home from school, and word-of-mouth by their children) with counts of 37 and 30 respectively.

A total of 1,000 surveys were sent out in late-April with an 18% return rate (600 surveys went home with staggered grade levels at the eightelementary schools and 400 were mailed to randomly-selected homes of middle school and high school parents).

Results were more positive than the 2007 survey, conducted in mid-April, that found 70% believed they “often” received sufficient information (26% reported “sometimes”), while 92% reported receiving timely and helpful information when contacting offices throughout the District. In 2006, 64% “often” received sufficient information (27% “sometimes”), while 91% reported receiving timely and helpful information when making contact.

IB Diploma Candidates
Write Extended Essays

One of the core components for International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates is the Extended Essay (the others are Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Action, Service). Here are the essay topics for this year's seniors:

Central Essays

Abhishek Adusumilli (History): What events prior to Kruschev removing the missiles in Cuba and with the hindsight of results after show that Cuba thought they were going to get invaded during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Lindsey Alberty (Psychology): An analysis of the biological validity of Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Andrea Blanchard (History): To what extent did American laws and kindnesses contribute to easing the suffering for Irish emigrants during the Great Potato Famine of the 1840’s?

Gina Cosgrove (Physics): To what extent do the number of harmonic frequencies and their amplitudes determine the sound quality of an
E-string on the violin?

Sarah Edwards (French): Les loisirs, la littérature, et les innovations des XVII e et XIX e siècles.

Paul Garza (History): To what extent was the Kaiser’s naval expansion as a part of Weltpolitik a destabilizing force in Europe in the years prior to 1914?

Rachel Han (History): To what extent did geopolitics cause the Japanese atrocities in Nanking, China, in the 1930-1940’s to go unnoticed and constantly evolve within the United States and other countries?

Ryan Karnemaat (Mathematics): The origins, applications, and unique characteristics of the Fibonacci Sequence.

Alex Martin (Biology): Green fluorescent protein and its transformation into E. coli and other bacterial species.

Debbie Mathias (History): The Jewish Enlightenment.

Annaliese McGavin (Psychology): An analysis of violent media and its effect on the behavior of youth.

Sarah Nemire (English): Analysis of J. D. Salinger’s characterization of Holder Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye.

Kaye Raczkowski (Psychology): To what extent do schizophrenia’s negative symptoms limit one’s functionality in modern society?

Danielle Rayman (Biology): An examination of the progression, effects, and implications of Pandemic Influenza.

Shivani Saith (Biology): The treatment of natural impurities found in standard drinking water.

Irfan Syed (Music): How did twentieth-century composer Shostakovich use his compositions to portray his feelings about Russian society?

Caitlin Taylor (French): L’évolution de Noël en France depuis le Moyen Âge.

Hannah Whistler (Visual Arts): To what extent has the Camera Obscura been used as an aid for artists, especially in relation to Johannes Vermeer?

Northern Essays

Callie Flack (Literature): A literary comparison between Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Pavlou’s Decipher.

Daniel Gimmler (Spanish): To what extent did Franco’s regime affect the autonomy of the Spanish region of Catalonia?

Lauren Hearit (Literature): Contemporary Manhood: Exploring the Changing Stereotypes of Manhood in Tom Wolfe’s A Man in Full.

Hsin-Hsin Lee: (Spanish): To what extent and in what ways did the Aztecs impact modern Mexican society?

Rodney Miers: (History) To what extent did Simón Bolivar’s declaration of a dictatorship over GranColombia ( Republic of Columbia) contribute to its eventual disintegration?

Kevin Peck (French): Conscience and Existentialism: Characterization as a reflection of philosophy in Jean-Paul Sartre’s novels Le Mur and Les Jeux sont faits

Tara Slough (History): To what extent did the French Revolution influence the domestic policy of Catherine II (the Great) of Russia between 1789 and 1796?

Alex Stephens (History): To what extent can the failure of the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain be attributed to the leadership of the Luftwaffe?

Josh Symes (History): Assess the significance of the influence of the Barbary States ( Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli) in European policies and decision-making from 1725-1800.

Huskies Compete at Business Professionals of America

March 24, 2008: Students from Northern showcased their business skills earlier this month at the 36 th annual Business Professionals of America state conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

The students placed at the Regional Leadership Conference in January and proved to be the highest-ranked business students in the region.

Doug Kester and Mike Eby made it in the top 10 for Financial Analyst Team, preparing a balance sheet for a business with great accuracy. Mike was called to the final round with his Extemporaneous Speech, entitled, “Body Language & First Impressions.”

Katie Schultz developed a complete business plan, “Katie's Katering,” and showcased her skills in plan development and a multimedia presentation.

Gabby Smith created a magazine cover, business card, and stationary in the Desktop Publishing event with amazing creativity.

Sara Missias delivered a stellar speech regarding distractions in the workplace and suggested ways to overcome these distractions.

Erica Ilcyn represented the state of Michigan as the BPA State Historian for 2007-2008 and addressed an audience of more than 3,000 throughout the conference.

“All the students should be very proud of their accomplishments,” says faculty adviser Amy Meyer. “Attending the State conference is a tremendous honor.”


Challenge Day Inspires Students at Northern
By Danielle Beer

Imagine a world where every child feels safe, loved and celebrated. Challenge Day was created to do just that, one student at a time. On March 3, 4, and 5, six Challenge Day representatives will facilitate Challenge Day at Portage Northern.

Challenge Day is made up of games and activities that teach students about each other. These activities provide a safe and comforting environment while allowing students to step out of their comfort zone

"Challenge Day is really about showing kids they’re more alike than different," said PN guidance counselor Shari Swinehart. Challenge Day is being brought to PN to stop harassment, bullying and the feeling of separation. Its purpose is to unite, celebrate and welcome each student.

The school will be separated by grades, and students from each grade will participate in the program beginning with the seniors on March 3^rd. Each grade will then be split into three groups assigned to the Dog House, Igloo and auditorium. The program will last an entire school day, and lunch will be provided for those who participate. Student participation in the Challenge Day activities is not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Close to 800 students recently participated in The Challenge Day program at Portage Central. "I’m hoping to get the same result that they had," said Swinehart. Swinehart believes that teasing and bullying have really decreased because student participants have realized that they are more similar than they think.

Swinehart also believes that PN students may have a negative attitude about the program because of things they have heard. "They might have heard it’s silly and all you do is cry, but I think once they experience it, they’re going to have a different attitude. It really did make a difference in the students at PC and, overall, they had a really good experience," she said.

However, according to the Challenge Day Website, www.challengeday.com, Challenge Day is more than a one day program. It is the spark that ignites a movement of compassion and positive change called "Be the Change" movement. After Challenge Day, participants are encouraged to be the change they wish to see in the world. The possibilities are endless.
[reprinted by permission of the "The Northern Light," from the Feb. 1 issue]

WKZO Fundraiser Raises Thousands for Portage Schools

Three remote broadcasts for two hours at each site resulted in a donation of $5,525 by WKZO to Portage Schools. Morning show host Lori Moore donated all the proceeds from the sale of the 2007 edition of her famous annual cookbook during these three events granting a variety of wishes for our elementary, middle, and high schools.

The cookbook, “Potluck Paledictorians,” sells for $5 and Lori’s listeners were encouraged to visit the broadcast sites to purchase the cookbooks, which Lori was signing for each customer. WKZO did the same for other area school districts over the last several weeks. The final event, however, was held at Loaves & Fishes to benefit that charity.

Hardings Market on South Westnedge: Cookbook sales from this location, totaling $1,900 were devoted to various projects at Central and Northern High Schools. Each school received $450 toward their Challenge Day events and each school had one organization drawn at random for $500 each: Northern’s Drama and Central’s Interact Club. Corporate sponsors for this fundraiser were Chris and Tim Housler of Main Street Pub, Main Street Grill, and University Roadhouse.

Powers Bath Systems on Portage Road: This location hosted the broadcast granting wishes to the three middle schools totaling $1,825. North Middle School received $450 to help with expenses with their after-school tutoring programs and $275 to support field trip scholarships. Tour wishes for $275 each were also dedicated to Central Middle’s Character Counts initiative and CMS teacher materials and at West Middle wishes were granted to purchase materials for at-risk readers and for WMS student supplies and instrument rentals. Corporate sponsor for this fundraiser was Sheila Powers.

Don’s Card Hut at Southland: Customers at this site purchased $1,920 in cookbooks. Wishes of $100 each went for the outdoor education experience conducted by seven of the schools and for the Greenfield Village trip by one of the schools and wishes of $140 per school were devoted for clothes closets for those students who may be without essential clothing or proper winter garments. Corporate sponsor for this fundraiser was James Fulton & Sons Excavating.

Message from the Superintendent

Dear WKZO,

On behalf of all of our students and staff, it is my pleasure to thank Lori and the rest of the WKZO crew for your efforts in granting wishes for schools throughout the area.

The $5,525 in cookbook sales you donated for our students is very much appreciated. As one of our alums, and an active member of the community, Lori realizes the significance in granting these wishes to our schools.

Our PTOs, booster groups, and many other school organizations -- not to mention our education and athletic foundations -- are active throughout the year raising money for expenses not covered by the District. Your donation has already made a difference, but more importantly, this generosity is an inspiration to us all.

Thank you and your loyal listeners who came out during these three remote broadcasts to support our schools and get a great cookbook at the same time.

Kind Regards,
Marsha A. Wells, Superintendent

November Bond Election Results:
Message from the Superintendent

Dear Community Members,

On November 6, our community decided one of the most important school elections in years. The official results were:

- Proposal 1: Central High and Northern High improvements,
K-12 technology, and new buses ($89.9 million):
Yes: 58% No: 42%

- Proposal 2: two new elementary schools ($29.7 million):
Yes: 56% No: 44%

Total number of voters: 13,515

Portage Schools are at a critical place, one we have not seen in decades. We are grateful to our voters for supporting these requests, especially in light of the financial challenges many people face. We value the trust being placed in us to be good stewards of the community.

Student academic achievement is and continues to be our highest priority. These vital improvements will address the District’s most critical needs: academic issues connected to classroom quality, safety & security concerns, and the replacement of aging technology and buses. In doing so, we will be able to continue to provide our students with the academic edge they need and deserve. Planning will be underway shortly. Project timelines will be posted on our District website in January.

We’re a district that has been doing everything right:
- we work within our means,
- we make the painful, tough cuts,
- and we find creative ways to channel more funds into the classroom.

For the past 6 months, the school board has listened very carefully to community feedback about how to address urgent safety, technology, and other facility needs during tough economic times.

It has been said that, "Nothing worthwhile comes easily.” Clearly, the passage of both Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 is due to the hundreds of staff, parents, business and community members who carried the message to our greater community about the urgency of the needs. On behalf of our students, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

Best regards,

Marsha A. Wells
Superintendent  

IB Schools of Michigan Organize

July 2007: International Baccalaureate Schools of Michigan, a regional association of 17 school districts with IB-accredited (or applicant) schools, recently held its first meeting in Kalamazoo.

IBSOM was formed in January to support those Michigan schools with IB and those adding IB through the application process, through sharing expertise, and through creating an environment conductive to the continued growth of relevant and rigorous curriculum. There are approximately 20 such regional associations throughout North America and the Caribbean.

“Portage Schools is excited to be involved with the creation of this association,” said Assistant Superintendent Richard Perry, who led the initiative to establish the association. “The IB curriculum is proven to prepare students for the rigors of college and beyond, and we’re looking forward to the benefits of this association as IB continues to grow.” Portage Northern and Portage Central were the first two public high schools in West Michigan authorized to offer IB, with classes beginning in the 1998-199 school year.

Colleges recognize IB as a quality college-prep experience. High school students may take individual IB classes, test for a certificate in one subject area, or receive an IB diploma in addition to their high school diploma by achieving a certain score on tests in multiple areas.

IBSOM, established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a donation by the Portage Education Foundation, will work to improve university recognition, spur legislative action in support of school district’s work with students, serve as a liaison with the state Department of Education, and offer symposia and information sessions on a variety of topics concerning the Primary Years Program (K-5), the Middle Years Program (6-10), as well as the Diploma Program (11-12).

Newly elected officers of the IBSOM executive board include President Richard Perry, Portage Public Schools; Vice President Lynne Nagy, International Academic, Bloomfield Hills; Diploma Program VP Nancy Pederson, Portage Central High School; Middle Years Program VP Jason Rubel, Andover High School, Bloomfield Hills; Primary Years Program VP Jean Ramseyer, Lone Pine Elementary, West Bloomfield; Secretary Susan Wooden, Owosso; Treasurer Denise Bresson, Portage Public Schools; At-Large Member Suzy O'Hara, Troy School District; and At-Large Member Sally Dunlop, Fenton Area Public Schools.

Central Alums Earn National Award

July 2, 2007: Portage Central 2006 alums Nicholas Lobel, Jim Monette, and Andrew Harshini have just been honored with “Kids for CureSearch National Leadership Awards” for their efforts while students at Central. The awards are made each year to students nationwide who have demonstrated leadership in fighting childhood cancer by the Bethesda, Maryland-based CureSearch.

The award recognizes students whose efforts have encouraged fellow classmates and the community-at-large to help raise public awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. The three alumni organized a rock opera that drew support from the student body with $800 in proceeds going to the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. The show was written and directed by the three men and was performed at the school. Visit www.CureSearch.org for more information about this organization.

National Forensic League National Finals

June 28, 2007: From June 18-23, eight students from Northern and one student from Central High traveled to Wichita, Kan., for the National Forensic Leagues National Finals where more than 6,000 students convened to compete in debate, speech events, and student congress.

With over 220 contestants in each event, the Portage students achieved great success, with five contestants breaking to the first elimination round of 60, and two of those continuing on to the top 30, or quarterfinals. Additionally, many Northern students competed in supplemental events after they were eliminated from their main events, all succeeding in making an elimination round. One Northern student, Max Wardlaw, finished 7 th out of 280 contestants in the event of Poetry.

Results are as follows: DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION: Nich Mueller – top 60, Octafinalist and Max Wardlaw – top 60, Octafinalist; HUMEROUS INTERPRETATION: Evan Adams – top 30, Quarterfinalist and Matilda Shaw – top 60, Octafinalist; UNITED STATES EXTEMP: Aakash Gupta – top 30, Quarterfinalist; PROSE: Jenna Wyatt – Octafinalist; POETRY: Max Wardlaw – Semifinalist, 7 th in the nation. The Northern forensics team is coached by Laurel Scheidt and Central is coached by Theresa Mills.

Graduates Plan Futures

June 15, 2007: A total of 93 percent of Portage School graduates plan to continue their education immediately, according to a survey of 600 of the District’s newest alumni who graduated last month. Sixty percent reported enrolling at four-year colleges, while 30 percent plan to study at community colleges, and 3 percent at trade schools. Three percent have signed-up for service in the Armed Forces, 2 percent plan to go full-time into the workforce, and 3 percent were undecided about their plans.

The survey showed that 72 percent of those who are college-bound will attend Michigan schools, with the greatest number attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University, followed by Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Grand Valley State University.

Out-of-state schools with the largest concentration of new alums are Columbia College in Chicago, DePaul, DePauw, Illinois Institute of Technology, Indiana, and Purdue. A sample of other schools includes Cornell, Denison, Georgetown University, New York University, Marquette, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia, University of Chicago, Wisconsin, Wellesley, and Yale.

Business Office Earns Government Finance Award

June 11, 2007: The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded for the second year in a row to the District’s Business Office by the Government Finance Officers Association for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. This distinction is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Meanwhile, an award of Financial Reporting Achievement was awarded to Business Manager Karla Colestock for her role in preparing comprehensive annual financial report.

Education Foundation Awards Glen Leadley DECA Grant

June 11, 2007: The Portage Education Foundation recently made its first grant from the Glen Leadley DECA Endowment Fund to support Northern’s participation in the DECA Nationals. A grant of $1,110 helped sponsor eight students at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla., April 26 - May 2. The Glen Leadley DECA grant, one of seven restricted endowments of the PEF, was named in memory of a Northern alumnus with a passion for DECA.

Husky projects included: E-Commerce Business Plan (Tyler Davis and Phil Scott), Quick Service Restaurant Management (Dannika Wooster), International Business Plan (Brandon Hubbard, Bryan Noonan, and Dominic Haury), and School Based Enterprise Project (Zach Stewart and Kevin Campbell).

According to Mr. Jim Swinehart, DECA adviser, each of these events had occupational testing and role playing except the School Based Enterprise which had presentations and interviewing. “The experience of seeing how a conference of this magnitude was run really gives a great perspective to each student on the size of this organization and the power it has in the business world,” says Mr. Swinehart. Companies from all over the United States sponsor this organization and each of the students was exposed to those businesses.

Parents Satisfied with Communications & Customer Service

May 25, 2007: The majority of parents from Portage Public Schools responding to a recent Parent Communications & Customer Service Survey say they receive sufficient information from the District, they have the contacts they need to obtain information, and that school or District responses are timely and helpful.

A total of 70% said they “often” had sufficient information from the District, 26% said “sometimes” and 4% said “rarely.” Meanwhile, 92% reported they had the information they needed for contacting someone at Portage Schools, with 7% responding in the negative. Commenting on timely and helpful responses from staff, 74% said this occurred “often,” 24% said “sometimes,” and 2% said “rarely.”

When asked for the two most important sources of school information, parents listed school newsletters and the web site (with counts of 140 and 79 respectively) followed by the Kalamazoo/Portage Gazette and “other” (including teacher and school information sent home from school, and word-of-mouth by their children) with counts of 46 and 30 respectively.

A total of 800 surveys were sent out mid-April with a 20% return rate (400 surveys were sent home with staggered grade levels at all eight elementary schools and 400 were mailed to randomly-selected homes of middle school and high school parents).

Results were slightly higher than the 2006 survey. Last year’s survey, conducted in February, found that 64% believed they “often” received sufficient information (27% reporting “sometimes”), while 91% reported receiving timely and helpful information when contacting offices throughout the District. In 2005, 70% “often” received sufficient information (24% “sometimes”), while 94% reported receiving timely and helpful information when making contact.

International Baccalaureate Celebrates 10th Anniversary

This presentation was made to the Board of Education at its April 23 meeting.

Marsha Wells Appointed as Next Superintendent

March 28, 2007: The Portage Schools Board of Education unanimously appointed Grand Ledge Public Schools Superintendent Marsha Wells as the 8th superintendent for Portage Schools tonight in a special meeting. She will begin her duties on July 1 when Dr. Pete McFarlane retires. He has been superintendent since 2002.

Wells, who served as director of instruction for Portage Schools from 1987-1992, has been superintendent of Grand Ledge Public Schools since 2001. Prior to that she served as superintendent of Delton Kellogg Schools since 1997 and associate superintendent for instruction in Charlotte Public Schools since 1993. Her education career began as an elementary teacher at Grand Ledge in 1974, followed by duties in Hartland ( Mich.) Consolidated Schools as a middle school teacher, Title 1 consultant, principal at the middle and elementary levels, and as director of Student & Community Services. During her tenure at Hartland she was awarded the Outstanding Young Educator Award. She later served as director of Instructional Services at Caledonia ( Mich.) Community Schools.

She earned her BA from Michigan State University (1974), MA in Reading Instruction from Michigan State, and completed course work in the doctoral program at Michigan State in Educational Administration & Labor Relations in 1992. She has given presentations at Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) conferences, MASA and Michigan Association of School Boards joint conference, Calhoun Intermediate School District Principals Leadership Academy, State School Improvement conference, and at the Michigan Association of Middle School Educators conference.

Wells has served on the MASA board of directors and as state conference planning chair, Capital Area United Way board of directors, and Portage Athletic Foundation board of directors, and currently serves on the Grand Ledge Education Foundation board of directors and is a member of the Grand Ledge Area Rotary Club.

The Board of Education has been working on the superintendent search with the Michigan Leadership Institute since October. McFarlane announced last summer that he would be retiring at the end of this school year. Wells will be the second woman superintendent for Portage Schools. Cleora Skinner, the District's first superintendent, served from 1922-1939.

Community High Succeeds in 'Challenge Day'

April 13, 2007: The past three days were very special days here at Community High School, and will have a great impact on the community as a result. Imagine…a world where every child feels safe, loved, and celebrated. Realize…you can be the change you wish to see in the world. Get inspired. Get involved. Get in touch. This was the spirit that drove the students, faculty, and staff of Community High School in conducting the first “Challenge Day” event to be held in the District.

With the assistance of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation with planning and funding, Community High offered a unique three-day experience for their student body, and for students from other area high schools. Community High spent months planning this event that used parent and community volunteers who received special training prior to the workshop.

“We were thrilled to be the first school to bring Challenge Day to our District,” said Dawn Gregory, who said how much the students and staff gained from this emotional event. “We have all been very excited about this opportunity.”

Challenge Day is centered around these norms: Be inclusive, No put-downs or teasing, Compliments and love encouraged, Listen with your ears and heart, Be open-minded, Drop the waterline/get real, Be the change you wish to see in the world.

The idea of Challenge Day recently attracted national attention when the Ophra Winfrey show featured how Challenge Day is making a big difference in schools and communities throughout the nation. During the three-day intensive workshops, students (working with adult volunteers) gained knowledge, leadership skills, and personal growth experiences needed to keep the spirit of the event alive in their homes, schools, and community.

This event is designed to wake people up, since day after day young people are dealing with the consequences of negative judgments, teasing, loneliness, separation, and sometimes violence. So, the experience hopes to wake students up to how people are treating one another and encouraging them to choose to be students and choose the pursuit of their dreams. Meanwhile, both Northern and Central High Schools are planning a “Challenge Day” event for next school year. For more information visit www.challengeday.org.

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jan. 12, 2007: Students at Amberly Elementary School are asked to simulate an exercise about discrimination based on brown or blue eyes.  First graders throughout the district diagram responsible decisions that they have made and those made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High school students at Community High have discussed how some current hip-hop music lyrics might de-value women and the law. These are just a few examples of how Portage Schools continues to teach the importance of respecting diversity. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is celebrated year-round in classrooms throughout the District, as well as during the school day on Jan. 15.

Throughout the elementary schools, students learn songs that honor Dr. King in music class, while art teachers dedicate time to discuss many cultures and their influence on art including African masks and African-American Freedom quilts. In high school, ninth grade students study the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in history class and language arts classes discuss language changes that resulted from an increased awareness of what is offensive.  Meanwhile, some 11 th grade students study Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” in tandem with King’s “A Letter from the Birmingham Jail.” For web information about Dr. King, a good starting point is The King Center at Stanford University at www.stanford.edu/group/King.

Donna Emerson Earns National Certification

Jan. 5, 2007: Donna Emerson, an art teacher at Angling Road and Woodland Elementary, earned the teaching profession’s top credential by achieving National Board Certification in 2006, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). She has been a teacher for 10 years and holds degrees in Art Education and Printmaking. The Board of Education will recognize her achievement at their January 8 meeting.

Ms. Emerson, one of only 7,700 teachers nationwide who achieved National Board Certification this year, joins two other PPS faculty members with National Board Certification: John Dunlop from Central Middle School and Janet Lavasseur from Central High School. “The single most important school related factor in raising student achievement is the quality of the teacher in the classroom," says Roy E. Barnes, chair of the NBPTS Board of Directors and former governor of Georgia. "National Board Certification strengthens and reaffirms quality teaching strategies, adds credibility to the teaching profession, represents the profession’s highest standards, and has a positive impact on student learning."

A voluntary process established by the NBPTS, National Board Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes more than a year to complete and measures what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Teachers who earn this advanced teaching credential are among the best qualified in the nation to improve instruction, raise student achievement, and improve teaching practices in their classrooms, schools and districts. “National Board Certified Teachers are instructional leaders in their schools and communities,” said Rebecca A. Palacios, vice chair of the NBPTS Board of Directors and an NBCT in Corpus Christi, Texas. “It’s important to realize that they help their fellow teachers understand and promote high-quality teaching and learning which is making a positive difference in increasing student achievement.”

NBPTS continues to be the most thoroughly grounded, in research terms, of any assessment program in the teaching profession and has subjected itself to a higher standard of research and validation than any other professional board in the United States.

Transportation Manager Receives Top State Award

Dec. 4, 2006: The Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation recently presented its “Transportation Supervisor of the Year” award to PPS Transportation Manager Louk Markham, CDT. Board of Education President Shirley Johnson read the Board’s letter of congratulations to Mr. Markham at the Nov. 28 Board meeting, as Mr. Darryl Hofstra (center) looks on, who is manager of Transportation at Forest Hills Public Schools and MAPT Chair of the “Supervisor of the Year” Committee and the Three Year Director of MAPT.

The award was presented at the fall conference of the MAPT. Selection criteria included involvement in safety activities for students, employees and community, active member of the state association, and strong management skills. Mr. Markham was nominated by Portage Schools and selected by a group of his peers for this prestigious award. Speaking at the Board meeting, Mr. Markham recognized the entire Transportation Department staff for their excellence. Mr. Markham was also awarded the “Presidents Award” by outgoing MAPT President Sarah McClure for his dedication and support of the state association during the past year. Mr. Markham, as a Past President of the Association, is the first member to receive to receive both awards in the same year.

Community Education Center Takes Top State Award

Nov. 13, 2006: Portage Schools Community Education Center was awarded the “2006 School District of the Year” honor last month by the Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education. This is the second time our Community Education Center has earned this title, the first being in 1988.

The facility operates four programs: Curious Kids (Day Care, Pre-School, Students-On-Campus Care, and Summer Academies), Community High School (which also includes adult education and GEDs), Enriched for Life classes, and English as a Second Language. Curious Kids holds the distinction of being the largest single-site day care program in Michigan. Community Education is located on West Milham, across from the Post Office, in what was originally Milham Elementary. For more information about the facility and it’s programs visit www.portageps.org (see the “Community Programs” link).