Are you curious about all of our references to #packstrong? Where did it come from? What does it mean?
The PACKstrong Initiative began as the brain-child of Chris Riker, Athletic Director for PN, in 2018 as a tool for student athletes. In 2021, it was adopted building-wide as we were experiencing the following:
- Poor Student Morale
- Disengaged Students
- Poor Student Attendance
- Lack of Parental and Community Involvement
- Low Teacher Morale
- Lack of a Shared Sense of Ownership in the School Culture
In an effort to overcome these challenges we began to...
- Utilize our Own People and our Own Strengths
- Focus on What is Within our Control
- Be Visible
- Be Engaging
- Focus on the POSITIVE!
The P in PACK stands for Physical and Mental Toughness. Our students can exhibit Physical and Mental Toughness in their classes in the following ways:
- Be Present in class on a daily basis - avoid absences
- Setting Goals- goals that will push them but at the same time are realistic and not self defeating
- Planning for Setbacks- things won't always go your way (i.e. you may do poorly or fail a test)... not letting that impact their work ethic or motivation to perform well
- Keep pushing when you are tired or being challenged. Physical Toughness can impact your Mental Toughness.
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle- eat well, get rest, and avoid unhealthy habits that can impact your physical and/or mental performance.
The A stands for Accountable. Our students can exhibit Accountability in the following ways:
- Doing what is RIGHT at all times
- Giving the Best Effort - understanding that EVERYTHING counts
- Doing what they Say they will- don't make empty promises
- Doing what they are Asked to do the First Time
- Understanding that EVERYONE Matters.
The C stands for Commitment. Our students can display commitment in their classes in the following ways:
- Always being Engaged and Paying Attention
- Completing all Coursework (preferably on time)
- Giving their Absolute Best Effort on all assignments, quizzes, and tests
- Asking for Help when needed.
The K stands for Knowledge. Our students can display knowledge in their classes in the following ways:
- Knowing What to Do and Doing What is Right
- Understanding that Knowledge Requires Action- Knowledge Without Action=Nothing
- Accept Criticism or Feedback as a Compliment
- Gain from Inexpensive Experience- Learn from Daily Situations.
We began to look for ways to incorporate this philosophy into our school culture. Assistant Principal, Kelly Hinga, was familiar with the Jostens Renaissance Education Program and after some consideration our Administrative Team decided to join the Great Lakes Region. Becoming a part of this group has allowed for training opportunities for students and staff as well as a way to collaborate with other schools on how to affect positive change to the culture and climate at Portage Northern. We have adopted the Jostens Formula:
As a result, we have been able to reward students for achievements that align with our PACKstrong Initiative in the following ways:
- NO HATE Bullying Tour
- Parking Lot Painting
- Student of the Month
- PACKstrong Awards/Students of the Week
- People's Choice
- Question of the Week
- Fun Fridays in the Lower Commons (during lunches)
- Academic Pep Assemblies and more!
Feel free to peruse the photo gallery here.
When students and educators work together to be PACKstrong and RESPECT student character, academic excellence and staff and when we RECOGNIZE, REWARD and REINFORCE achievements in these areas in fun and meaningful ways that leads to: RESULTS
Grades and engagement will improve and relationships will be built. Most importantly, the morale will go through the roof, creating a culture and climate where everyone feels and knows they matter.
We have established a PACKstrong account to help fund rewards for our students and staff as a part of this mission. If you would like to help us on the road to success, please participate in the various Restaurant Night Fundraisers that we have throughout the school year! The first of which is Tuesday, November 21 at Red Robin. We are also graciously accepting donations (cash/check) in the Main Office. As always, It's a Great Day to Be a Huskie!