Portage Schools continues its efforts to welcome home-schooled students, launched last August. Home-school families are encouraged to consider mixing in some PPS classes with their home instruction. In addition to supervised online instructional support and access, the District has on-site (non-core) classes available to students of all ages, along with educational development planning. Elementary and middle school students can attend art, music, physical education or Spanish classes at their neighborhood school. High school students have more than 200 classes available to them, including International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes.

For more information, call Student Services at 323-5162.:p>

January 18th

Friday, January 20th, Portage Central and Portage Northern come together for Women’s Basketball Annual “Pink Game”. /o:p>  At Portage Central beginning at 5:45pm.

Last year’s donation of $4,000 was given to The American Cancer Society.

This year’s donation will be going directly to “American Cancer Society Hope Lodge”.  It offers lodging and transportation to and from Grand Rapids cancer treatment centers free of charge.   Located in downtown Grand Rapids, this is the first Hope Lodge in Michigan and the society’s 25th in the country. More about the "Pink Game" located in the current edition of INSIDE PPS or in the Gazette Article here

A collection of materials about Theodore Roosevelt was recently donated to the library at Community High School, consisting of books, programs, magazines, and a television mini-series.

The books include: Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough; The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America by Douglas Brinkley; The Essential Theodore Roosevelt edited by John Gabriel Hunt; The Republican Roosevelt by John Morton Blum; and Quotations of Theodore Roosevelt by Applewood Books.

“The Portage Community High School library, with the support of Kay Baetsen and numerous donors, has become a valuable resource for both staff and students,” said Community High School Principal Clint Wagner. “The library not only contains a rare book collection but frequently serves as a hub for student research projects. We at Community High are very fortunate to have so many people care enough to create such a wonderful space for our school community.” According to Baetsen, a retired PPS faculty member who worked on starting the library in the fall of 2008, “The Theodore Roosevelt Collection will be a unique addition to the history and biography sections of the library. Now several years into this project, I continue to be grateful for the support of individuals and the Portage Education Foundation with its recent grant for the library. This library exists due to the generosity of individual donations such as the Roosevelt Collection.”

For more information about Theodore Roosevelt, visit the Theodore Roosevelt Association at www.theodoreroosevelt.org and the Theodore Roosevelt Center at www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org.

On February 9^th renowned bullying prevention speaker Marcia McEvoy will be working with Woodland students on friendship skills and how to stop mean behavior and bullying.  Teachers will be trained after school; a parent presentation will be given in the gym 7:00-8:30 on Feb. 9.  This free event will help you as parents get information and tips that will help you help your child.

In this workshop, parents will be presented with information about how to work collaboratively with the school to reduce mean behavior.  Strategies for addressing mean teasing, exclusion, name calling, bullying, ridiculing, threatening, intimidation, and harassment will be shared.  Details on our Electronic Flyer Page

Artwork by Northern High School Senior Chelsea Carpentier will be showcased in interim Superintendent Dr. Ric Perry’s Office for the Month of January

Livingston becomes new PEF President

Peter Livingston, a partner at Varnum attorneys at law, has been named president of the Portage Education Foundation.

Livingston previously served as vice president of the Foundation and has been on the board since 2007. He replaces out-going president Dorilee Schieble, who served as president since 2009 and remains on the PEF board.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School, Livingston is chair of Varnum’s corporate practice group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and business succession planning. He has served as chairman of the Small Business Council of the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce and as president of the Kalamazoo Country Club.

The PEF is a 501c3 nonprofit established in 1990 to provide grants and scholarships in support of Portage Public Schools. Read more at:
http://www.portageeducationfoundation.org/

January 12th

The West Middle School swimming pool is closed until further notice. Registered participants for swim activities are being notified about the relocation of their activities. Adult lap-swim is being moved to the Central Middle School pool on Tuesday, January 10th.

Portage Public Schools Award-Winning Alumni e-Magazine, "The Portage Connection", received local media recognition from the Kalamazoo Gazette this past week. District Information Coordinator and Editor of "The Portage Connection" Greg Hill will join Portage Northern alum Lori Moore on "The Lori Moore Show" Monday, January 9th http://wkzo.com/ 

December 21, 2011

Six middle school and high school musicians from Portage Schools were recently selected for the All-State band and orchestra by the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association. Approximately 2,000 students from across the state auditioned for about 375 spots in the All-State ensembles. The musicians auditioned to be selected for the MSBOA All-State bands and orchestras. They will rehearse in Grand Rapids on Jan. 19-20, and perform as part of the Michigan Music Conference at DeVos Hall on Saturday, Jan. 21.  

Front row (from the left) are Drew Schaefer, West Middle School, with the baritone; Alicia Williams, Central High School, with the sax; and Robert Kaliati, Northern High School, with the tuba. In the back row (from the left) are Maisie Snyder, North Middle School, with the viola; and Grant Niven, West Middle School, with the trombone. Not pictured is Hanna Rumora, Central High School, who plays the cello. The faculty members working with the students are West Middle School’s Dennis Kozian, North Middle School’s Leo Hazen, Northern High School’s Josh Bartz, and Central High School’s Silvia Sidorane and Pat Flynn. 

Community High School’s volleyball team won the Michigan Alternative Athletic Association (MAAA) State Volleyball Tournament, held at Portage Central High School on Dec. 10, with teams competing from across the state, including: Grand Rapids, Southgate, Allen Park, Romulus, Mt. Pleasant, Alma, and Lincoln. 

“I am very proud of both my girls and boys teams this year,” said Kathy Ha, Community High faculty member who has coached the team for the past 11 seasons. “They put in the work and the hours, and never gave up. The lessons they learned on the court will serve them well in life.” 

MAAA offers both an open division for males and females, and an all-female division. Both titles were won by Community High School. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Panthers have been the MAAA Open Division State Champions. This season the team emerged from the season with a 57 – 8 record, and won numerous tournaments as well as the state titles. Student athletes on the Panther volleyball team are required to meet strict eligibility guidelines regarding attendance, athletic performance, academics, and behavior. The MAAA provides athletic opportunities for alternative and home schooled students throughout the state, and consists of more than 65 schools. 

Front row (from the left), Ferlonda Banks, Desiree McClintock, Jessica Williams, Jessica Dozeman, Tia Comar, Olivia Brunt, and Samantha Shively. Back row (from the left), Coach Kathy Ha, Troy Kannegeiter, Matt McPhillips, Antonio Aguilar, Eli Sanscrainte, Autry Mitchell, Kyle Roberson, Duane Blackport, and Kandyss Rolark.

December 19, 2011

December 14, 2011

Central High French Teacher Honored

Portage Central French teacher Sara Heil was honored this week by Fox 17 news as their Teacher of the Week.  Madame Heil was nominated by a former student and selected to receive the award by the West Michigan news organization.  Fox 17's Jon Shaner came to Portage Central on Tuesday to interview Madame Heil for a piece that will be aired this coming Friday. Congratulations, Madame Heil!

Science Grants Awarded to Northern High

Northern science faculty member Kathy Mirakovits was recognized by the Board of Education this week during its regular meeting for two grants she recently received for Northern’s science department: $2,000 from MEEMIC Insurance for microscopes for biology classes and $1,000 from the Michigan Science Teachers Association for materials for a forensic science pathology unit. Mirakovits, the 2011 recipient of the Distinguished Service to Physics Education Award by the Michigan Section, American Association of Physics Teachers, is co-author of the textbook “Forensic Science, The Basics.”

Portage Education Foundation Scholarships Available

The Portage Education Foundation offers nine scholarships ranging from $500 to $4,000 for graduating seniors. Applications are due Feb. 17 and can be found in the high school counseling offices and online: http://www.portageeducationfoundation.org/scholarships.php

Save-the-Date: Steppin’ Out at the State

January 28 is the annual Steppin’ Out at the State fundraiser of the Portage Athletic Foundation, an event which has now become a Portage tradition. Ticket information will be available soon. Looking for year-end donation ideas, check out the PAF website to make a gift: http://www.portageps.org/community/organizations/athleticfoundation.aspx

Kindergarten Enrollment Begins for 2012-2013

It’s not too soon to contact your elementary school if you have a child beginning kindergarten in the fall. Here are the phone numbers for our elementaries: 12th Street: 323-6900; Amberly: 323-5900; Angling Road: 323-6000; Central: 323-6100; Haverhill: 323- 6200; Lake Center: 323-6300; Moorsbridge: 323-6400; and Woodland: 323-6600. Not sure which school your child will attend? Check out our District Street Guide at: http://www.portageps.org/departments/transportation/routes/streetguide_20112012.pdf

Churchill Books Donated to Community High Library
 
A collection of books by and about Winston Churchill (1874-1965) have recently been donated to the Community High School Library. The eight books include one written by the former British prime minister; one volume of his speeches; a tribute to his life including selections from his writings, speeches, and paintings; and five biographies.
 
The books by him or including his works include: "The River War" by Winston S. Churchill (1964, first paperback edition of the 1899 work); "Churchill Speaks, 1897-1963: Collected Speeches in Peace & War" edited by Robert Rhodes James (1980); and “A Man of Destiny: Winston S. Churchill” by the editors of Country Beautiful (1965).

The biographies include: "The Young Churchill" by Randolph S. Churchill (1972 edition, originally published in 1966 as “Winston Churchill: Youth 1874-1900,” the first volume of the official biography written by his son and historian Martin Gilbert); "The Lives of Winston Churchill: A Close Up" by John Davenport and Charles J. V. Murphy (1945 book version of a “Life” magazine feature article); "Churchill" by Paul Johnson (2009); "Churchill: A Biography" by Roy Jenkins (2001); and "Winston Churchill: Soldier, Statesman, Artist" by John B. Severance (1996). For a listing of books by Churchill, with links to books about him, check out The Churchill Centre at: http://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/writings.

December 9, 2011

When Education is This Good Powerful Things Can Happen

Consider a gift to the Portage Education Foundation before years-end.  Your support of the PEF providese support for our students in many ways. Gifts can be made to either PEF Now, or the Endowment Fund.  Click on the flyer for more information, or visit www.portageeducationfoundation.org.   

District Earns ‘Academic State Champion’ Status

Portage Schools has been named an “Academic State Champion” by The Center for Michigan and its Bridge Magazine.

The Center for Michigan based the rankings for the 2010-2011 school-year on information in a database created to set out school academic performance on eight measures, as judged against a district’s peers of community type and socioeconomic status. The academic measures used in judging, all drawn from official state figures were: college readiness (based on results of ACT exams), graduation rates, 4th grade reading, math, and writing, and 8th grade reading, math, and science.

“We are very happy to receive this recognition,” said interim Superintendent Ric Perry. “The Center for Michigan is to be commended not only for sponsoring this initiative, but also for framing this recognition as state champions. That is exactly how academics need to be thought of, and not just athletics.”

Phil Power, president of the Ann Arbor-based Center, praised the efforts by faculty, staff,  and students for “this outstanding performance.” The Center’s 2011-2016 work falls into three main categories: engage, inform, and achieve. Read more about The Center for Michigan at: http://www.thecenterformichigan.net and you can subscribe to their free online publication, Bridge Magazine, at: http://bridgemi.com/.

Alumni E-Magazine Wins State Award

The Portage Connection, the District’s e-magazine for alumni launched last school-year, recently won the Distinguished Award for electronic communications in the annual communications contest of the Michigan School Public Relations Association. Check out the Fall 2011 issue, and the previous issues, at: http://issuu.com/portagepublicschools/docs/portageconnection_nov11?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fdark%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&proShowSidebar=true

December Issue of ‘Inside PPS’ is Online

The current issue of the District’s monthly publication, Inside PPS, features the 8th Annual Scholarship Hockey Classic on the cover (Dec. 12, 6 p.m., at Wings Stadium), sponsored by Portage Rotary; a two-page feature about West Middle School’s professional learning community; and other news of the District at http://www.portageps.org/information/news/insidepps/pps_insidepps_december2011.pdf

December 1, 2011

West Middle School Honored for Professional Learning Community

West Middle School was recently named as one of only four Michigan schools to be recognized for the quality of its professional learning community, one of only 40 middle schools in the United States and Canada to make the list, and one of only 200 schools in the U.S. and Canada to be recognized by Bloomington, Ind.-based Solution Tree. Schools on this list are considered model schools for professional learning communities and are placed on the All Things PLC website: http://www.allthingsplc.info/evidence/evidence.php.

“The idea of professional learning communities is all about the learning culture within a school and how it increases student learning,” said West Middle School Principal Larry Killips, who also serves as the District’s supervisor of secondary education. “It’s not about teaching, it’s about learning, and having a protocol in place that addresses student learning issues as they occur, not waiting for problems to develop.” Responding to news of the recognition, Killips was quick to say that this honor “by no means indicates that our school ‘has arrived,’ but is more of a validation that we’re on the right track. There is still much work to be done.”

West is being recognized for showing evidence of improvement over a period of at least three years, selected by a panel of experts with decades of experience helping schools improve through the professional learning community process. According to Killips, West Middle has been working on its professional learning community for five years and has begun to see tangible results. Michigan’s Department of Education recently recognized West Middle as one of only 35 schools in its “Beating the Odds” ranking.

Student Musicians Selected for All-State Band & Orchestra

Six students from Portage Public Schools were recently selected by audition to participate in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) All-State bands and orchestras in January.
The students and the teachers they study under include: Grant Niven, trombone, West Middle School (Dennis Kozian); Drew Schaefer, baritone, West Middle (Dennis Kozian); Maisie Snyder, viola, North Middle School (Leo Hazen); Robert Kaliati, tuba, Northern High School (Josh Bartz); Hanna Rumora, cello, Central High School (Silvia Sidorane); and Alicia Williams, alto saxophone, Central High (Pat Flynn).
These students will rehearse in Grand Rapids on Jan. 19-20 and perform as part of the Michigan Music Conference on at DeVos Hall on Saturday, Jan. 21. Approximately 2,000 students from across the state auditioned for about 375 spots in the All-State ensembles.

Huskies & Mustangs Face Off in 8th Annual Scholarship Hockey Classic

Central and Northern High Schools face off on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m., at Wings Stadium for the 8th Annual Scholarship Hockey Classic. Admissions to the game is $5 for adults, students and seniors, KOHA players wearing their game jersey or warm up and children 5 and under are free.

The game is sponsored by the Portage Rotary Club and both hockey booster clubs to raise money for scholarships for Portage students. There will be many special events and prizes for those attending the game. Meanwhile, players will visit schools in the District on Dec. 7, and all elementary students will receive a free ticket to the game.

In-Door Walking Continues

The indoor walking tracks at both high schools’ multi-purpose buildings (Central’s ‘Stable’ and Northern’s ‘Dog House’) are open to the public on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m., through Feb. 29. Each facility will also be available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7:30-9 p.m., through Dec. 15. Meanwhile, at the Dog House only, Tuesday and Thursday dates will be available from Jan. 10 to Feb. 16 from 7-8:15 p.m.

Tentative Agreement Reached | Nov. 29, 2011

A tentative agreement was reached today at 5 p.m., by the Portage Education Association and school district officials, following four hours of negotiations.

Details of the TA were not released. Next steps include ratification by the PEA, which is expected next week, and then onto the Board of Education for approval at the Dec. 12 meeting.

November 23, 2011

Professional Learning Community Honors for West Middle

West Middle School was recently recognized as one of the top schools in Michigan for having an outstanding professional learning community. The award is from the organization All Things Professional Learning Community of Solution Tree(http://www.allthingsplc.info/). Professional learning communities within schools are both a process and a culture for improving student achievement.

Strategies that go into developing an efficient professional learning community include: 1) monitoring student learning on a timely basis, 2) creating systems of interventions to provide students with additional time and support for learning, and 3) building teacher capacity to work as members of high-performing collaborative teams that focus efforts on improved learning for all students. 

According to the group, West has “built a successful professional learning community, and your strategies, implementation, and performance will help others learn.” West has been working on its professional learning community for five years and the results have been demonstrated in a number of recent academic achievements, including this month’s announcement of top schools in Michigan on the “Beating the Odds” list (see the Department of Education news release at http://www.portageps.org/schools/middle/wms/news/Beating_the_Odds_11-8-11.pdf). 

West is located on the PLC locator map at http://www.allthingsplc.info/plcLocator.php and the school’s info is available at http://www.allthingsplc.info/evidence/westmiddleschool/index.php 

Tower-Pinkster Provides Update on Facilities Planning

Read the findings of Tower-Pinkster as presented to the Board of Education Monday night for ways the District can approach its 10-year plan. You can also take a survey to weigh on these various scenarios at: http://www.portageps.org/information/news/

Board Committee To Interview Search Firms

The Superintendent Search Committee of the Board of Education continues its work to be prepared to launch a national search in January should the Board decide not to extend the contract of interim Superintendent Ric Perry.

Search firm interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29, in the Community Room of the Administration Building. The interview schedule is: 6:30-7:15 p.m., Hazzard, Young, Attea & Associates (http://www.hyasupersearches.com/?g=Home) and 7:45-9:00 p.m., McPherson & Jacobson (http://www.macnjake.com/). Following the interviews, the Board will deliberate and make a selection, and that firm will be asked to stand-by for a January 2012 decision on whether or not to begin a search.

Snow Day Announcements

In the event that the District must cancel school due to weather, there are several ways for you to stay informed. Prior to 6 a.m., the announcement will be on the School Closing Hotline (323-6800), sent out via Twitter and Facebook, posted on the District’s homepage (www.portageps.org), through this electronic communications and the individual school electronic news that parents subscribe to, and also through the news media.

The Fall edition of The Portage Connection Online

Our alumni e-magazine, one of the few of its kind for a K-12 school district, recently received an award in electronic communications from the Michigan School Public Relations Association. Check out the new edition, and the previous issues: The Portage Connection

Indoor Walking

Come on in and walk in warmth! The indoor walking tracks at both high schools’ multi-purpose buildings (Central’s ‘Stable’ and Northern’s ‘Dog House’)  will resume their public hours beginning Monday, Nov. 28 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m., through Feb. 29. Each facility will also be available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7:30-9 p.m., beginning Tuesday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 15 (and at the Dog House only, Tuesday and Thursday dates will be available from Jan. 10 to Feb. 16 from 7-8:15 p.m.).

Update on Facilities Review | Nov. 21, 2011

See the Tower-Pinkster presentation tonight to the Board of Education: Presentation

Take a survey on the possible scenarios:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011ppsscenarios4

Also, you can still take a survey on pools, middle schools, and outdoor facilities below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011ppspools1
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011ppsmiddleschools2
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011ppsoutdrfacilities3

Scroll down to Oct. 5 for a previous stor

Board of Education Superintendent Search Committee
Survey Results | Oct. 26, 2011

Summary Results (2 pages)
General Comments (53 pages)

November 8, 2011

Inside PPS            

The November issue of Inside PPS is now available! Click here to see the latest news from Portage Schools.

You’re Invited ...

There will be a Community Forum on Facilities Planning on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at West Middle School.

This meeting is the fourth public session on master planning for the District. Previous public meetings discussed swimming pools, middle school facilities, and outdoor facilities and fields.

This meeting will address the District’s elementary school buildings, review input from the previous sessions, and serve as a base for future planning.

West Middle School is located at 7145 Moorsbridge Road in Portage.  

Portage Education Foundation Announces
Joyce A. Vliek Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Portage Education Foundation has announced a new $2,500 annual scholarship, the Joyce A. Vliek Endowed Scholarship Fund, created in her memory by Ted Vliek, Sr., and their family.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior of either Portage Central or Portage Northern High Schools beginning with the PEF’s spring 2012 scholarship awards.

The scholarship is intended for students pursuing a degree in elementary education with a preference toward special education. Joyce Vliek retired from Portage Schools in 1986 from a career as a Special Education teacher’s aide.

Joyce Vliek was born in Decatur, Mich., in 1929, lived her formative years in Saint Joseph, Mich., and met her future husband Ted, when the family returned to Decatur in her junior year in high school. They were married a total of 62 years when she passed away in January, 2011.

The family is honoring her commitment to children with special needs by establishing this endowed scholarship, the first of its kind for the PEF since the threshold to establish an endowed fund was raised to $50,000.

Ted Vliek, Sr., had a 25-year career with Portage Schools as a teacher and administrator, and was Secretary to the Board of Education for 17 years. He later pursued a career as a real estate agent. He served on the Kalamazoo County Commission and the Portage City Council, as well as many other community boards.

According to Dorilee Schieble, PEF president, “The PEF Board of Trustees is very thankful for this generous donation, which will provide a lasting legacy for Joyce and provide much needed assistance for future generations of teachers.”

Dr. Ric Perry, interim superintendent for Portage Schools, said, “Just as the District has always been deeply grateful for the outstanding service Joyce Vliek performed in our schools, we are also extremely indebted to Ted and the Vliek family for providing this wonderful opportunity for students today and into the future. Residents of the District are blessed to have the Vliek Family as a part of the fabric of our community.”

The PEF and its endowed and non-endowed funds are component funds of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Community members who may wish to make a tax deductible gift to the Joyce A. Vliek Endowed Scholarship Fund may do so by sending a check to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, 151 S. Rose, #332, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.  Checks should be made payable to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and include PEF-Vliek Scholarship on the memo line.

Tickets now available for ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

Tickets for the P-Northern production of, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” are now on sale.

This upbeat stage version of the popular movie includes a full score of wonderful songs and bright dance numbers. Over 100 Northern students are involved in the production as actors, dancers, singers, technical crews, and orchestra members. You won’t want to miss this upbeat, lively, hilarious show!

Show times are Nov. 11, 12, 18, 19 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 13, 20, at 3p.m. Tickets can be purchased from the Northern High Box Office at 323-5470.

For more information, go www.pndrama.org.

November 3, 2011

City of Portage Essay Contest

Students of PPS: Do you love Portage? Are you passionate about your home town? Mayor Strazdas would love to hear about it!

Write a one-page essay about why you love Portage. Make sure to mention your favorite places to go or fun things to do. The City Council will select the winning entries and the winners will join the Mayor Strazdas in “flipping the switch” to the City Centre Holiday Display on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

The deadline for entries is Monday, Nov. 21 at 12 p.m. Entries can be submitted by to:

I Love Portage!

City of Portage

7900 S. Westnedge Ave.

Portage, MI

eklove@portagemi.gov.

Student Artwork Displayed in the Office of the Superintendent

This month, artwork created by Northern High School student Madeleine Dirette will be showcased in the office of Dr. Ric Perry, interim superintendent.

Portage Central High Presents Broadway Cabaret

The Central High choirs will present the 4th annual Broad�way Cabaret on Nov. 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.

Audience members will enjoy gourmet desserts and beverages prior to the perfor�mance in a candle-lit cafe envi�ronment. The Broadway Caba�ret will feature songs from Broadway shows performed by large ensembles, small groups, and soloists.

Reserve your tickets today at 323-5333 or chunter@portageps.org. Tickets are $10 for students and $13 for adults.

 ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ at Portage Northern High

The Portage Northern Drama and Music Departments are excited to present the fall musical and 2002 Tony Award winning show, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

Millie Dillmount (Becky Thomason, 12) moves to New York in 1922 and assumes the flapper lifestyle. It’s not long before she takes a job as a stenographer and a room at the Hotel Priscilla for Women.  She has big plans for life and soon meets a handsome playboy, Jimmy Smith (John Kramer, 12); a new best friend, Dorothy, (Allyson Williams, 12); a demanding boss, (Adam Mayer, 11); a shifty, villainous hotel proprietor (Emily Morgan, 12); and a glamorous singer/socialite (Katie Noyes, 12).

Other lead characters include Ching Ho (Brett Gowen), Bun Foo (Nathan Novaria), and Miss Flannery (Emily Vellom). 

This upbeat stage version of the popular movie includes a full score of wonderful songs and bright dance numbers. Over 100 Northern students are involved in the production as actors, dancers, singers, technical crews, and orchestra members. You won’t want to miss this upbeat, lively, hilarious show!

Show times are Nov. 11, 12, 18, 19 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 13, 20, at 3p.m. Tickets go on sale Nov. 7 at 12 p.m. and can be purchased at the Northern High Box Office at 323-5470.

For more information, go to www.pndrama.org.

October 27, 2011

PEF Awards Conti Vocal Music Grant

The Portage Education Foundation recently awarded a $1,200 grant from the George L. Conti Endowment Fund for Vocal Music to the joint choral sheet music library at Northern and Central High Schools.

“We are extremely excited to receive this grant for new choral music,” said Northern Director of Choirs Whitney Weiner and Central Director of Choirs Cindy Hunter. “Portage Schools has a tradition of choral excellence and this grant will help our choral library grow. A great program is defined by many things, but having quality choral literature is essential to student growth and fine music making. The extra-curricular choirs offered at both high schools will greatly benefit from this grant and we look forward to purchasing this new music.”

Previous grant awards from this fund include support for student participation at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival and the purchase of choir sheet music for all three middle schools. The fund supports K-12 vocal and choir music instruction and performances, including music purchases, travel expenses, summer camp choral programs, supplementary instructional materials such as a software, books, workbooks, or recordings, and choir robes or other apparel.

The Conti Endowment for Vocal Music was established in 2002 in memory of the former superintendent and began making grants in 2005. Dr. Conti, who led Portage Schools from 1970 to 1986, had a lifelong love for music. Retired PPS teacher Dr. Evelyn Iversen established the fund as a tribute to Dr. Conti, and the Conti family and other donors helped to grow the endowment. When the endowment was established, Dr. Iversen said, “Dr. Conti was a first-rate musician, whose enthusiasm and leadership inspired great performances.”

Since PEF funds are component funds of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, donations to the Conti Endowment can be made with checks written to “KCF-PEF Conti Endowment Fund” and mailed to the Portage Education Foundation at PO Box 2043, Portage, MI, 49081. Visit www.portageeducationfoundation.org for more information about PEF funds and scholarships.

Board of Education Recognizes Central High Special Education Teacher

Earlier this month, Community Advocates for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities presented Carolyn Sands, Central High special education teacher and department chair, with the Professional Excellence Award.The PPS Board of Education recognized Sands this week for her accomplishments.

Survey Results

The results of the Superintendent Search Survey conducted by the Board of Education Superintendent Search Committee are now posted online. See the Summary Results (2 pages), and the General Comments (53 pages).

Indoor Walking

Don’t let the cooler weather keep you from staying fit! The indoor walking tracks at both high schools’ multi-purpose buildings are now open to the public.

Central High School Stable:

Monday/Wednesday from 7:30-9:00 p.m., Nov. 28-Feb. 29
Tuesday/Thursday from 7:30-9:00 p.m., now-Dec. 15

Northern High School Dog House:

Monday/Wednesday from 7:30-9:00 p.m., Nov. 28-Feb. 29
Tuesday/Thursday from 7:30-9:00 p.m., now-Dec. 15
Tuesday/Thursday from 7:00-8:15 p.m., Jan. 10-Feb. 16

 Red Ribbon Week

Did you know? One in five teens report abusing prescription drugs. Take a stand against drug use. Celebrate Red Ribbon Week with the Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force, Oct. 23-31.

News & Links

October 20, 2011

Northern High School Honored by MASSP and MEEMIC Insurance

Northern High School was recently recognized by the Ready, Set, Success! Program, for the effectiveness of its Directed Learning Room, an additional support structure for students to make up missed assignments, quizzes or tests, and ultimately get the extra help they need to achieve.  Since its creation three years ago, the Directed Learning Room has contributed to substantial improvements in student outcomes.

Ready, Set, Success! is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and MEEMIC Insurance Company to honor school improvement teams for successful strategies that demonstrate collaborative leadership, professional learning communities, personalizing the school environment, curriculum instruction and assessment, and incorporating ideas that reduce educational costs.

“Our staff works tirelessly to make sure every student has the resources they need to reach their full potential,” said Northern Principal Jim French . “This honor verifies those efforts.”

As one of eight high schools statewide to receive the award, the school improvement team was presented $500 and the Northern High School Directed Learning Room will be featured at MASSP’s Annual Convention.

Pictured above: From the left, Northern High Principal Jim French, Directed Learning Room/ASSIST Coordinator Debbie Hyslop, Lisa Brennan of MEEMIC Insurance Company, and Northern teacher Brett McNeal.

PAF Donates $35,000

The Portage Athletic Foundation presented a $35,000 check to support the district’s athletic programs during halftime of the Central-Northern football game on Oct. 14.

“This donation would not be possible without the support the foundation received from both individual community members and local businesses,” said PAF Vice President Ann Woolley. “We would like to thank everyone for their generosity during 2011.

On Jan. 28, the PAF will hold the annual “Steppin’ Out at the State” fundraiser at the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre. More details will be posted online as they become available. Visit www.portageps.org to find a link to the PAF website.

The Portage Athletic Foundation, established in 1981 and governed by a volunteer community board of directors, has contributed more than $600,000 for high school and middle school athletic programs.

Community High Library Receives Donation

The library at Community High School recently received a number of biographies and books on the study of history, in addition to a volume of poetry for its Rare Book Collection, “Huntsman, What Quarry?” by Edna St. Vincent Millay (first edition 1939).

The works of biography include “Pulitzer: A Life in Politics, Print, and Power” by James McGrath Morris, “Learned Hand: The Man and the Judge” by Gerald Gunther, “Felix Frankfurter” by Liva Baker, and “The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made” by Evan Thomas and Walter Isaacson.

Books on the study of history include “The Use of History” by A.L. Rowse, “Practicing History: Selected Essays” by Barbara W. Tuchman, “Understanding History: A Primer of Historical Method” by Louis Gottschalk, “What is History?” by Edward Hallett Carr, “History & Historians” by Fon W. Boardman, Jr., “Theories of History” by Hayden White and Frank E. Manuel, “Historians and the Living Past” by Allan J. Lichtman and Valerie French, “On History” by Fernand Braudel, “The Gender of History: Men, Women, and Historical Practice” by Bonnie G. Smith, and “The New History and the Old: Critical Essays and Reappraisals” by Gertrude Himmelfarb.

The Central High Marching Band Brings it All 'Home'

The Portage Central High School Marching Band delivered an award winning show at the Michigan Scholastic Marching Band (MSMB) competitions this month. Their winnings included:

�         Two Grand Championship titles

�         Two first place rankings in Class A

�         First place in every caption, including, Music, Music Effect, Marching, Color Guard, and Percussion.

�         In all, the marching band brought home 12 trophies, 10 awards of excellence, 10 caption wins

According to Central High Director of Bands Patrick Flynn, the title of the band’s show ,”Home,” was in honor of the new Central High School building and was derived from four different compositions made popular by the Canadian artist Michael Bubl�, including, “Feeling Good,” “Sway,” “Home,” and “Come Fly with Me.”

“Half of the students in marching band this year were first-year rookies,” said Flynn. “With an extraordinary staff, student leadership, parent support, and a great senior class, the group merged into one powerhouse band by early October and never looked back.”

The high school bands are under the direction of Patrick and Rennee Flynn. This is the 27th year for Mr. Flynn as Director of Bands at PCHS and the 16th year teaching in Portage for Mrs. Flynn.

October 13, 2011

Spirit Dinner this Friday; Tickets Still Available

The Portage Athletic Foundation will hold a spirit dinner prior to the kickoff of the Portage Central versus Portage Northern varsity football game tomorrow, Oct. 14 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The dinner, previously sponsored by the Portage Rotary Club, will be held in the new Central High School Mustang Commons area and the proceeds will help support the District’s high school and middle school athletic programs.

For $5, attendees will enjoy a buffet-style meal with menu items including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pizza, pasta salad, chips, and dessert. Milk, water, and coffee will also be served.

For tickets, email paf@portageps.org, stop by the Communications Office in the Administration Building, or contact any PAF member.

The PAF will also present their annual donation to Portage Public Schools during halftime of tomorrow’s game.

The Portage Athletic Foundation, established in 1981 and governed by a volunteer community board of directors, has contributed more than $600,000 for high school and middle school athletic programs.

Portage Schools Receives $600,000 Grant; Partners with WMU to Offer Chinese Program

With the approval of a grant that has the potential to be worth $600,000 from the Confucius Institute at Western Michigan University, Portage Public Schools becomes the first district in Michigan to have officially authorized Confucius classrooms. These classrooms are located at two elementary schools in the District, Amberly and Lake Center, as well as in the social studies and world language departments of both Portage Central and Portage Northern High Schools. The Confucius classrooms offer students early exposure to Chinese language and culture.  Read more on page 4 of the October issue of Inside PPS.

Pre-Sale Football Tickets Now Available

Tickets for tomorrow’s varsity football game can now be purchased at the Northern High Athletic Office and the Central High Welcome Center. Tickets cost $5 ($3 for students in grades K-5).

Please note: Senior Passes from districts other than Portage will not be honored.

Northern Awarded for School Improvement Efforts

Portage Northern High School has been awarded $500 in the Ready, Set, Success Recognition Program for successful strategies implemented by Northern’s School Improvement team.

The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and MEEMIC Insurance Company will present Northern High Principal Jim French with a check later this month.  

Leave your Mark at the New Central High

For a limited time only, you can purchase a custom engraved brick to be displayed outside of the new high school. A brick is an excellent way to recognize students, special achievements, memories, and more. For more information and an order form, click here. 

October 5, 2011

Community Invited to Master Plan Meetings

The community is invited to attend a series of public forums about master planning for District facilities. All sessions will be held at the West Middle School from 6:30-8 p.m.

The next session, October 12, will gather input on PPS outdoor facilities, including play fields, marching band spaces, practice fields, etc.

The final session will be held November 9, serving as a wrap-up discussion about the District’s facilities master planning.

Meetings were previously held about District swimming pools and middle school facilities. Check out the surveys below on this process; there is still time to participate.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011ppspools1
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011ppsmiddleschools2
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011ppsoutdrfacilities3

Central High Special Education Teacher Earns Award

Community Advocates for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities presented Carol Sands, Central High special education teacher and department chair, with the Professional Excellence Award last Wednesday. 

Community Advocates’ mission is to exist as an advocacy organization to make it possible for each person with a developmental disability to participate fully in all aspects of community and to support the efforts of each individual to determine his/her own future. The recipient of this award is a professional whose work has been marked by excellence in performance, dedication to principle and the people he/she serves, and a history of contributions to the community and to the field

Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative to Hold Seminar for Parents/Guardians Tonight

The Michigan Attorney General's office will be conducting a one-hour internet safety seminar for parents and guardians this evening at 7 in the West Middle School Little Theater.

The community seminar provides practical tools to help adults employ new internet safety skills at home. The seminar provides concrete tools, including a demonstration of how to access the Michigan Sexual Offender Registry and sign up for e-mail updates. The seminar also demonstrates how to access online tutorials to:

• search and access a child's social networking site(s) (i.e., MySpace and Facebook);

• view Internet history logs to determine where a child has been online; and

• turn on safe surfing filters.

Northern High Students Thank Veterans

More than thirty P-Northern students were recognized last month for paragraphs they composed expressing their support for America’s veterans. The students completed their sentiments last spring in honor of Memorial Day with English teacher Ann Dunayczan.

Their comments were displayed at South Haven’s American Legion Post 49 and shared with U.S. veterans during Memorial Day weekend.  Jim Montgomery, the Post’s Chairman of the Board, prepared certificates of recognition for each student in appreciation of their comments and respect.

Pictured above: Ann Dunayczan and Jim Montgomery

Certificate recipients:

Tyler Babinski   
Nicholas Basak
Samantha Burland
Emily Christianson
Tyler Coughlin  
Ginger Emmons
Shianna Fredericks
Christina Gerike
Marilyn Hale
Bakr Haltam
Shawna Hardwick
Elesha Hunter
Joshua Jones
Jacob Killman
Zack Kroeze       
Lauren Kyle       
Eric Leitzke (’12)
Christian Losiewski
Zac Luycks
Jason Mais
Adam Michielsen
Mikala Mitchell
Jeremy Norman              
Nick Riesgraf
Jackson Schelb 
Stephanie Sickles
Craig Suhusky   
Justin Tummel  
Michael VanHusan         
Chris Watts
Megan Westley                                               
Dan Wolfe