For Thursday, November 2
Hit the GLIC!
The Grade-Level Information Center has information that is relevant for each class.
An index and archive for this year’s weekly Mustang Minutes
Our Daily Announcements to our students
Just a reminder…
Please remember to drop off students in the drop-off areas, and not elsewhere
Between when we built the new PC in 2011 and 2019, the number of students who rode school buses before and after school declined by 50%. And bus ridership declined even further through the pandemic.
So it is more important than ever to make sure we are all communicating to one another as we drive near and on campus. One way we do this well is by only dropping off our kids at the drop-off loops -- and nowhere else. We have had some really close calls, particularly when folks drop off students on the drive off Westnedge. Too, leave home early. I know that is not always easy with high-school folks. If you are on campus before 7:15 or 7:20, it’s not bad around here – but after that, the lots are packed and drivers get testy. So the earlier you can arrive, the better.
Thanks for helping keep our kids safe!
Last chance to see Little Women!
I just saw the performance last weekend – and it was incredible! I have seen “Little Women” before, and this was nothing like I had seen before.
So please join us as we kick off another exciting season of Portage Central Theatre with a heartwarming journey through the trials and triumphs of the March family in the musical version of Little Women. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the show follows the four March sisters – Jo (Carly Koch, 11), Meg (Sanaa Olivacce-Shabazz, 12), Beth (Natalia Carreno, 12), and Amy (Ally Lothschutz, 11) -- as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and the enduring bonds of sisterhood.
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel has captivated readers for generations, and now, Portage Central’s talented cast, crew, and creative team are bringing this cherished story to the stage like never before. With its enduring themes of family, friendship, and resilience, Little Women remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1868.
Little Women features 11 high school actors and over 20 student designers and technicians led by directors Ashley Bowen and Liz Honeysett, supported by the professional design team at Portage Central High School. Tickets will go on sale October 9 to the public and are available via our website, www.pctheatrearts.org
Looking toward the Holidays and what some of our families really need
We were so grateful that so many families donated gas cards during the last two Holiday seasons. Those went out to many of our families, to help them go to work and to do all the other necessary things for their families. I received many thank-you notes from our parents; they talked about how these gifts came just in time for what their families needed.
So we would be beyond grateful, if you and your family would consider donating gas cards again during the Holiday season. If that is something you can help with, thank you! Cards can be dropped off at the Welcome Center anytime between now and December 23, our last day of school before the break. And if you have any thoughts or other ideas, please let me know – anytime.
Back by popular demand for the Holidays…
Buy a brick for McCamley or Mustang Field, or a tile for the new pool! Great Holiday Gifts!
So many families and community members purchased bricks at the new McCamley and Mustang Fields and tiles at the new pool — to leave their mark in these spaces where so many great kids, parents, families, and community members celebrated and where so many more will celebrate decades into the future.
This sale continues until Graduation Day this spring. So if you are considering a brick at the new McCamley or Mustang Field, click here. If you would like a tile at the new pool, click here.
Thank you — again and again — for all that you have done!
Ski Club and Discount Card registration
It's that time of year again! It's time to register for ski club and purchase discount passes to Timber Ridge and Bittersweet. Please go to the PCHS website and click on the information tab. You will then click the link for ski club. Please sign up as soon as possible to avoid missing out. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Badders, jbadders@portageps.org .
PC in Wonderland, the Fall Formal Dance, will be held next Saturday, November 11. This curious event will start at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10 per student. You would be a Mad Hatter not to pick up your tickets from the Welcome Center starting Monday, November 6. Guest forms are also available at the Welcome Center and will need to be filled out for any guests who do not attend a Portage Public School. You won't want to be late, late for this very important date as the forms are due Wednesday, November 8. You won't want to miss this dance, where everything is nonsense & you can create a world of your own!
Want money for college?
Portage Education Foundation scholarships are now accepting applications. Please visit https://sites.google.com/portageps.org/pefscholgeneral to learn more and apply.
Just a reminder that tomorrow is a half day of school
Here is the schedule for our classes. Have a great afternoon – safely.
First Hour 7:40-8:03
Second Hour 8:08-8:31
Third Hour 8:36-9:00
Fourth Hour 9:05-9:31
Fifth Hour 9:36-9:59
Sixth Hour 10:04-10:27
Seventh Hour 10:32-10:55
Remember the state of Michigan Okay to Say system
No community is immune from the threats of violence and drugs that endanger students and schools in Michigan.
OK2SAY is a student safety initiative available to Michigan students in grades K−12 which enables students to confidentially report potential harm or criminal activities aimed at students, teachers, staff, or other school employees. The nationally recognized program is run through the Michigan State Police, state agencies, schools, local law enforcement, and community mental health. Tips can be submitted 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week.
• Telephone: 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729)
• Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
• Email: ok2say@mi.gov
• Website: ok2say.com
• OK2SAY Mobile app: Available in the Apple Store or Google Play.
OK2SAY tips have helped thousands of students and saved many lives because students are stepping up and speaking out when they are concerned about a friend or peer. There are 31 tip categories to choose from when submitting a confidential tip. Most tips were related to bullying, cyberbullying, self-harm, anxiety, stress and depression, and suicide. Other top tips include drug/alcohol use, weapon possession, or assault. Upon receipt of a tip, specially trained OK2SAY technicians address the immediate need and forward the information to the appropriate responding law enforcement agency or organization. Tips go to schools, local law enforcement agencies, community mental health agencies or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
To ensure tips are acted upon, agencies receiving tips are asked to submit outcome reports detailing how the tip was handled. Annual reports on the program’s impact detail the types and numbers of tips handled. Annual reports are available on the OK2SAY website.
More information is available on the OK2SAY website (ok2say.com).
Last call!
Come buy your gifts for friends and family!
Our Alumni Association Craft Show is this weekend! Get all your Holiday shopping done on this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. here at Portage Central High School. We have amazing crafters with a huge variety of items. And, our Mustang Alumni Association utilizes the money made to help support our PC students. It’s a Win-Win!!!
Thankful for the support you give all our families in our community,
Eric Alburtus
And if you want even more PC news…