Monday, November 16, 2009

The Portage Northern Debate team has continued to have success at debate tournaments, both at state levels and national levels of competition.  November 6-8, the novice teams competed at the University of Michigan’s national debate tournament.  There were over 58 novice teams competing.  The novice debate team of Jessica Ludeker and Beenish Khurshid went 5-1 during preliminary rounds advancing to the octofinals before losing to Glenbrooks North High School from Illinois.  The debate team of Suneed Shaikh and Matt Weaver went 3-3 and the team of Colette Royal and Yash Sharma went 2-4.  During the weekend of November 13-14, the novice teams competed at the Birmingham Groves High School state debate tournament.  The teams competing included Colette Royal and Beenish Khurshid; Suneed Shaikh and Matt Weaver; Violet Royal and Vipra Patel. 

Snowriders Club: Please get all forms turned in for Snowriders Club by Friday, November 20.

Attention, NHS volunteers!  The Amberly PTO is having a movie night on Friday, November 20^, from 5:45 - 8:30 p.m.  The event is held in the Amberly gym, and volunteers are needed to help monitor and provide refreshments.  To sign up, email Mary Daoust at mdaoust@portageps.org or call 323-5900.

Amberly Elementary is looking for NHS students to help with their homework club.  They meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 - 4:45 beginning on Monday, November 30.  If you are interested, contact Teela Renda at 323-5964 or email her at TRenda@portageps.org

Burger King Scholars announces its 2010 scholarships. Burger King scholars’ awards are $1000 each and may be used for educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books, during the first year of college.  Applicants must be a high school senior who maintains a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher, works part-time for a minimum of 10 hours per week or 40 weeks per year, is actively involved in community service activities, demonstrates financial need, and plans to enroll in a tow- or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical school.  Applications are available online until February 1, 2010 at http://haveityourwayfoundation.org/.

Got a fever?  Get it now - Dance Fever, that is!  Mark your calendars for the Holiday Dance on Dec. 12.

Michigan Youth in Government will meet Tuesday before school at 7:00 a.m. (yes, early!)  Bring your bill and bill brief with several copies, and don’t forget your Spring Conference payment of $100!  See Mrs. Dixon if you cannot attend or need a payment plan.

Any student who has not received his or her report card, come and pick it up in the counseling office.

Breadlift is coming soon!  Make sure to sign up today to participate.  See Mr. Searing or Rachel McGaw for details.  Shirts will be on sale starting today.  They are sure to go fast – so be sure to bring your $10 donation to the March of Dimes on Monday and get your official 2009 Breadlift shirt in return!

Trine University will be here to visit and answer questions from juniors and seniors tomorrow (Tuesday), November 17 at 7:50 (1st hour).  Trine University (formerly Tri-State University) is a private U.S. Midwest university with its main campus located in Angola, Indiana, along with branch campuses for the School of Professional Studies in South Bend, Merrillville, northern Angola, and Fort Wayne. Sign up in the counseling office prior to this visit and obtain a pass.

Attention, all new National Honor Society members!  There is a mandatory meeting this Thursday, Nov. 19, for all selected members.  We’ll hold two meetings: the first at 7:15 a.m. and the second one at 2:50 p.m. in room 316.  You must attend one of these meetings.  Please check your calendar and make arrangements to attend.  If there’s a schedule conflict that can’t be changed, please see Ms. DiMaggio or Mrs. Friedman.  Again, attending one of these meetings is mandatory on Nov. 19 in room 316. 

ATHLETICS

Boys’ basketball try-outs start today: freshman and JV from 3-5 p.m. and varsity from 5-7 p.m., all in the Igloo.   Try-outs will continue Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the Igloo at the same times.

Come cheer on two of the best divers in the state of Michigan as Ally Golden and Brianna Maroukis compete at diving regional at Battle Creek Lakeview tomorrow.

Tuesday will be the last call for the swimming and diving team to turn in your warm-up jacket and pants into the athletic office.