For Thursday, January 11
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
Do you have an 8th grader? Or know someone who does?
8th Grade Family Night coming Wednesday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m.
It might seem like next August and the start of high school are a long way off, but it will be here sooner than we realize. Plus, there are a lot of important decisions that families need to make to prepare their 8th-grade kids so they are ready to make the jump to high school. This event starts all of those conversations. More information will go out in Mustang Minutes about this and other events in the weeks ahead. For now, we would ask that you get this date and time on your calendar so you will be ready! Thanks for that -- and we can't wait to meet you!
Exam week will be here in two weeks!
And we need everyone’s help so that all our kids feel prepared – both academically, and with good breakfasts so they are ready to do their best! Hit this link to take a look at the exam schedule and to see how buses will run that week too. .
Thanks for your help!
Exam week attendance
Students should either be present during an entire exam period or have an excused absence for the entire period; early dismissals to leave the building are not processed or delivered while exams are in progress. This supports a quiet, distraction-free testing environment in our classes. If a student has an appointment during part of an exam period that can’t be changed, or if they will miss a full exam period due to illness or an appointment, they should plan to make up the missed exam during the makeup exam session on Thursday. Reach out to your teachers if you miss an exam for any reason, and thanks for your help!
Cocoa & Cram
On Saturday, January 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Commons here at Portage Central High School, we are hosting an exam study session for students who may need assistance in preparing for exams. It is an open house type setting. That being said, we are in need of tutors to support those students. Here is the link to sign up to be a tutor for that day, and you do get service hours. Cocoa & Cram January 20, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Smith in the Activities Office or email her at nsmith@portageps.org. Thanks for supporting your fellow peers.
School Store
On Tuesday, January 16th, during the 7 p.m. Boy’s Basketball Game, the Portage Central School Store will be open. Get caught up on your Mustang Spirit Wear and support all of our teams!!!
Winter Homecoming
Please be aware that the week of January 29-February 2, 2024 is Homecoming Week. There will also be a Sadie Hawkins dance on Saturday, February 3rd from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Commons. Just wanted to be sure you had those dates on your calendar. Thanks!!!
Lunches will be available during exam week
The Mustang Café will be open for grab-and-go lunches during exams Monday, January 22nd through Wednesday, January 24th 11:50 am – 12:30 pm. You will be able to use the money on your food service account or cash to purchase lunch. We will be open for breakfast at the regular time Monday – Thursday.
And don’t forget…
Some IB Information and a Celebration!
We are welcoming parents of 8th, 9th, and 10th graders who want to find out more about the International Baccalaureate Program to visit with us at our IB Parent Informational Meeting Thursday, January 18th at 7 p.m. in the Community Room, just down the Mustang Way. And then on Sunday January 28th at 7 we are inviting our entire community to come out and help us celebrate the incredible research that our IB Diploma Candidates have done over the past year and a half. There will be break-out rooms where you can hear each student give a mini-TED Talk on their project.
From our student-leaders celebrating MLK Jr. Day
In honor and celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a variety of our clubs will be working together on different service projects while they are viewing the movie, Selma. This award-winning movie is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches.
Interact Club is making care packages for the Kalamazoo homeless shelter
Project Linus is making tie blankets for the children's hospital
Little Dresses for Africa is making dresses
Others will be writing staff appreciation cards and cards to retirement homes and the senior center
This event will take place this Monday, January 15, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Portage Central Media Center. All students are welcome to participate and be a part of helping others.
And another opportunity for MLK Jr. Day for PC families
Author and motivational speaker Ilyasah Shabazz will be speaking about community building in our complicated world on January 15 starting at 6 p.m. at Western Michigan University. 250 tickets are available for PPS families at the Administration Building starting Tuesday, January 9th on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional tickets can be picked up at the WMU box office.
From the counseling office…
Seniors, do you need a mid-year transcript for your future college or university?
If so, please submit a 'Hold for Grades' request in Parchment BEFORE the end of the semester. Your semester one transcripts will be processed and posted in mid-February and all 'Hold for Grades' requests will be processed in Parchment. Also, please remember, if you originally applied to a college/university through the Common App, you will need to make your mid-year request to them and NOT the individual college directly. If you have questions please contact your counselor or our registrar, Nicole Gutshall at ngutshall@portageps.org.
Seniors, do you want money for college?
Are you seeking scholarships for next year? Remember that the Portage Education Foundation (PEF) offers several scholarships for PPS students. There are scholarships taking into account your future plans, your high school activities, your ability to overcome, or your financial need! Learn more and apply online HERE.
PEF Scholarship applications and any supporting documents are due by February 15, so don't wait! Instructions are specific to each scholarship, so be sure to read carefully and complete them thoroughly.
Well rested after spending a lot of time with family,
Eric Alburtus
And if you want even more PC news…