For Thursday, December 7
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
Might you be away from school for a few days?
If so, make sure to fill out a Pre-arranged Absence form to keep communication open
Students can pick up a Pre-arranged absence Form from Jody Thrash in our Attendance Office. The form helps students communicate with teachers and also helps students identify what school work is due before the absences and what school work is due upon return. If tests or quizzes are missed during the period of the absence, the student should schedule makeups at the earliest convenience of the classroom teacher.
Are you looking for a gift idea for a PC student?
Vinnie's, our in-school cafe, features a variety of drinks that our students enjoy; coffee (hot and cold), hot chocolate, tea, Italian soda, hot cider, and specialty/seasonal drinks. Many of our students frequent Vinnie's and would love a punch card. Punch cards cost $16 and are good for $20 worth of drinks. Once purchased, we hold on to the card for our students and they simply give us their name. We punch their card and provide their drink. We are open during the school day from 7:15am-10:25am. If you are interested in purchasing a punch card for a student, please contact Sara Brown (sbrown@portageps.org) or Julie Griesbach (jgriesbach@portageps.org) via email or phone (269-323-5286). We can take cash or check (made out to Portage Public Schools). Payment can be delivered to the school office in an envelope clearly labeled with "Library" so it can be placed in our mailbox. If you would like confirmation that we have received your payment, please include a name and email on the envelope.
Seshare nior Portraits update for seniors and their families
The Roundup Yearbook Staff recently made a change to the senior portrait policy that they want to with you. The policy previously stated that seniors were not allowed to submit portraits of themselves wearing hats. After careful review and consideration, the yearbook staff has decided to change the policy going forward and to allow the Class of 2024 seniors to submit a senior portrait with a hat on if they so choose. However, they are making no changes to our no props and no hand gestures policy.
If you are interested in re-submitting a senior portrait of yourself wearing a hat, please see the information below.
Requirements for submissions with hats:
Hat/headwear cannot cover eyes or face; in other words, we must see your face clearly
No promotion of drugs, alcohol, profanity, or violence
Due to this new policy, the deadline to resubmit senior portraits with a hat (if you so choose) will be December 18, 2023. After this date, new photo submissions will not be accepted. If you do choose to resubmit, please email yearbook adviser Ann Alburtus at aalburtus@portageps.org to inform her of your decision so the Roundup Yearbook Staff can make sure to use the correct photo. This will be the final opportunity to submit senior portraits for the 2024 yearbook. Go to http://www.hjeshare.com and use code 3604 to upload your new portrait.
Yearbook Senior Memory Ads
Just a reminder that if you’d like to purchase a Senior Memory Ad for your Class of 2024 Graduate, all ad designs are due by midnight on December 22, 2023. Purchasing and designing your Senior Memory Ad is easy! Just visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and use code 3604. Scroll down and click Start Your Ad.
If you have any questions, reach out to adviser Ann Alburtus at aalburtus@portageps.org.
Holiday break is a great time to look for scholarships!
Seniors, don't forget to check out all the scholarship information on our scholarship website; hit this link to take a look!
In particular, the PEF (Portage Education Foundation) scholarships on this site are available only to PPS seniors; go to this site for more information or scan the QR code in the Counseling Office. The deadline to apply for the PEF scholarships is Feb. 15.
Progress Reports
Progress reports were mailed home this week to students who are earning a C- or lower in any class. The last day of the first semester is Thursday, January 25. Please reach out to teachers if you have questions or concerns and be sure to check Skyward for updated grade information.
Ski Club and Discount Card registration
It's that time of year again – and December 12 is the last day to register! So for sure 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 .
From the Activities Office…
Tutoring and help with exam preparation
I wanted to again share with you the link for tutoring if your child is in need of one: Request for a tutor. You must fill this out with your student, since only portageps. email addresses will work. Also, on Saturday, January 20th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commons at Portage Central High School, we will offer an exam review time for any interested students. This opportunity is hosted by our Link Crew program and provides a chance to get some extra help if needed. As always, the best place to start is with your teacher. If you have any questions, please contact Nikki Smith, Activities Director, at nsmith@portageps.org. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday!
Just a reminder of some wonderful ways to get into the Holiday spirit…
The Orchestra Winter concert is right around the corner
The PC Orchestra concert will take place on Monday, December 11th at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. There is no cost for this event.
And join us for the Holiday Choir concert too!
The PC Choir Cabaret is on Thursday, December 7th, Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th at 7 p.m. and another one at 2 p.m. on December 9th. The show will be held in the CMS Black Box Theatre. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students. Tickets are available at the door and also at pchsboxoffice.ludus.com
Want to help a PC family this Holiday season?
Over the last three years we had a great number of PC families under financial stress – and you responded. This year has been better, and we are grateful for that. And by working with community churches, non-profit groups and businesses, we feel like we are getting help to families who need it.
But one thing we could really continue to use help with during the Christmas season are donations of gas cards. So if you think you might be able to help by donating some gas cards, or funds we would use to purchase gas cards, please let me know anytime:
Eric Alburtus ealburtus@portageps.org (269)323-5255
Or simply drop your donations off here at school or send them in the mail:
8135 S. Westnedge
Portage, MI 49002
Thanks for considering this!
Celebrated St. Nikolaus Tag yesterday, which would have made my German mom and Oma very happy,
Eric Alburtus
And if you want even more PC news…