Time to
contact your elementary school if
you have a child beginning
kindergarten in the fall.
If you
have a child who will turn five
before December 1, 2012, now is the
time to let your elementary school
know.
Call your home school to schedule an
appointment.
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
January 23rd
Portage Schools Home-School
Initiative
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
Women's Basketball Annual
"Pink
Game"
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
Theodore Roosevelt Collection
Donated to Community High Library
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.
Bullying Prevention Workshop
On February 9th 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
Student
Artist of The Month

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
Snow Day Announcements
In the event that the District must cancel school
due to weather, there are several ways for parents and the community 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 electronic
communications such as the District’s "News & Links" subscription list and
the individual school e-mail lists that parents subscribe to, and also
through the news media. Sign up for this free service at:
http://www.portageps.org/sign-up_forms/sign-up_form_district.aspx
Portage Schools Begins Using
Electronic Flyers
With the start of the new-year, Portage
Schools has begun its electronic flyer
program, as announced back in October. The
District is trying to be more efficient in
how it distributes community organization
information to students, says community
relations manager Tom Vance.
Instead of being sent home with elementary students,
flyers are now posted on a new flyer web page. Meanwhile, a link to that
site and basic information about the event is being promoted in school
newsletters, websites, and in District social media and electronic
communications. The site also includes information for middle school and
high school students, and general information for
parents, such as fundraisers.
Current postings from community groups include announcements about boy’s
lacrosse registration for 5th grade students and middle school
students and winter classes at the Civic Theatre for all grades.
The site also includes information from the District and its schools,
including postings from the Portage Central High School Cheer Clinic, the
Community Education Center’s Mad Science program, and the Kalamazoo Area
Math & Science Center’s Fun Math program and Community
High's Robotics Team fundraiser.
Organizations with questions about the new system may call the Community
Relations Office at 323-5167. Check
it out on our new electronic flyers webpage.
http://www.portageps.org/departments/communications/flyers.aspx
January 11th
Board of Education Decides Against
Pending Superintendent Search
At
its quarterly retreat this week, the
Board of Education decided against
launching a superintendent search at
this time.
If the trustees had wanted a new superintendent in place by July, a search
would have to begin this month. The Board’s decision Monday night means that
interim Superintendent Ric Perry will remain in place through the 2012-2013
school-year. The vote followed an update by Dr. Perry to trustees on
District goals for the year.
According to Board President Bo Snyder, the Board will conduct a formal
evaluation of Dr. Perry at its March retreat and can decide further details
at that time, such as how Dr. Perry’s contract for the upcoming year would
read, defining his title (interim or permanent), and length of the contract.
“The District is in good hands,” said President
Snyder. “The Board has a lot of confidence in Dr. Perry, and keeping him in
place is a conservative approach as trustees decide on long-term options.”
Dr.
Perry served as the District’s assistant superintendent for Instruction
prior to being appointed interim superintendent last July with a contract
for that position through June 2012. “It is a privilege to lead this
District,” said Dr. Perry, “as we focus our resources and talent toward the
continuous improvement of student achievement.”
January 9th
The
Portage Connection Gets Praise
District Information Coordinator and Editor of "The
Portage Connection" Greg Hill joined Portage Northern alum Lori Moore on
"The Lori Moore Show" this morning to discuss the Award-Winning
Alumni e-Magazine, "The Portage Connection". Listen to
the interview below:
Check out
"The Portage Connection" now
January 6th
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 Tickets on sale now:
http://www.portageps.org/community/organizations/athleticfoundation.aspx
Kindergarten Enrollment 2012-2013
Time 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
West Middle School
Pool Closed
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.
Alumni e-Magazine Gets
Media Attention
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
District Holiday Schedule
While our parents are aware that Winter Break is Dec. 26-Jan. 6, the
community-at-large should be aware
that the Administration Building
will be closed Dec. 26-Jan. 2.
District offices will re-open
Tuesday, Jan. 3, and classes resume
on Monday, Jan. 9.
Winter-Spring Catalog Available for Enriched for Life Classes
The 40-page Winter/Spring catalog
for the Enriched for Life classes is
now available, and has been mailed
to all homes in the District. You
can also find it online at
www.ppscommed.org
or call 323-6700.
Check out the 78 classes available
in these areas: fitness and
exercise, recreation, personal
health and well-being, computers and
business, art, languages, music,
dance, aquatics, and more, including
special programs for homeschool
students and after-hours programs.
Students Selected for All-State Band
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 Panthers Take State Title for 4th
Straight Year
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