For Thursday, October 10
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
We had such a wonderful time last Friday at the Food Truck Rally and at Homecoming! And in that one night we had more than $500 in donations from PC alum, families and friends – and we are so grateful. Now we are only $500 short of our $8000 goal to pay for Toby in full. It’s not too late to help; just click this link. Thanks for even considering it!
We are also grateful for Kim Heys and Interquest for starting Toby’s training here Tuesday and Wednesday, so he will be ready to support all our kids soon!
Come visit “Hadestown”!
The incredible musical, “Hadestown,” will open on Friday, October 25th at 7:30 p.m. There are shows on October 26th, November 1st, and November 2nd at 7:30 p.m. and two matinee performances on Sunday, October 28th & November 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students. Go to www.pctheatrearts.org to get your tickets today. You will not want to miss this incredible show.
More from the Activities Office…
PC Activities Craft Show: Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The PCHS Activities Craft Show will be held on this day. Get your Holiday shopping done early!!! And, we still have availability for vendors, so if you are interested, please contact Nikki Smith, Activities Director, nsmith@portageps.org. Or, print and return the application 2024-2025 Craft Show Information and Application Thanks so much!
Congrats PCMB on your performance and achievements at the Otsego Invitational!
Congratulations to the Portage Central Marching Band for their amazing performance on September 28 at the Otsego Band Invitational. PCMB earned an overall score of 93.3 out of a possible 100. They earned the caption awards in Class A for Best Music, Best Marching, Best Percussion, and Best Color Guard. And because they were the top scoring ensemble of the whole day, they also earned the Grand Champion trophy as well.
We are so very proud of the PCMB. There is something truly special about this group of students and all that they contribute as individuals to better the ensemble at each and every rehearsal and performance. Keep up the great work!
Looking for Money for College?
For your convenience, we have several virtual Financial Aid Nights offered on Tuesdays during October, November and December. Here is a link with more information: Virtual FAFSA Nights. We also have several scholarships listed on the Senior GLIC Scholarships Page.
Might you be able to donate some personal-hygiene, other needed items for our kids?
We are reaching out to ask for your support for our Backpack Buddies Program, which provides weekend meals to students facing food insecurity. In addition to meals, we would like to extend our support by offering hygiene products and clothing to students in need. To make this possible, we are seeking donations of the following items:
Hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, etc.).
Hair products (shampoo and conditioner) for a wide range of hair types and textures.
New or gently used clothing and jackets (all sizes teens).
New socks and undergarments (T-Shirts).
Financial contributions to purchase the above items.
Your generosity will make a direct impact on students in our community, ensuring they have the essentials they need to thrive.
If you are able to contribute, please drop off donations to the Portage Central High School Concierge Desk, at our Main Entrance. For any questions feel free to contact Jason Badders at jbadders@portageps.org
Thank you for your continued support and kindness,
The Backpack Buddies Team
Want to try archery?
For any 9-12 grade boys and girls interested in trying out for the archery team this season, practice is scheduled to start in early November. Practices will take place on Mon and Wed evenings at Central Middle School gym from 7:15-8:15 PM. The season runs from early Nov through early March, tournaments are held most Saturdays during the winter. Please use the Google Form linked in Mustang Minutes or the GLIC to sign up and more information will be shared directly with you. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Dunlop via email jdunlop@portageps.org
2025 Archery Team Sign Up Form
Are you a student-athlete dreaming of playing your sport at the NCAA level?
Invest in your future and spend an hour on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern time, understanding the requirements and how to prepare for NCAA certification. Virtually join NCAA Eligibility Center staff, who will walk you through what you need to do to compete at the NCAA Division I, II or III level. NCAA Staff will be answering questions live during the presentation, so come prepared to learn how to take your game to the next level! Click here to register:
Pick up and drop off at PC
Before and after school are busy times on our campus as we move more than 2000 students through our doors here and at the middle school -- many of them traveling in individual cars. It is interesting: between when we built the new PC in 2011 and just before the pandemic, bus use by our students decreased by 50 percent – and the percentage decreased further as we maintained distances as we responded to Covid. So we have far more cars on campus than we ever imagined.
We know that it can be frustrating at times, and so we ask for an extra measure of patience. We would also ask that everyone keep these tips in mind.
Slowing down can help keep everyone safe. The speed limit in a parking lot is 15 miles an hour.
While waiting in the designated loops, please close the gap between you and the car in front of you.
And please, only drop off and pick up students in the designated loops, not in the roads or drives. Picking up kids in the drive off Westnedge in particular can push other cars out into the city streets, slowing down everyone and everything.
It may be tempting to help keep things moving by rolling through our stop signs, but unless someone is directing traffic and indicates for you to proceed, please come to a stop and look for oncoming traffic before continuing.
Remember that we work with awesome kids – and as a friend of mine says, they are not well practiced in the art of driving. Heavens… I think about what I put my first car through (an intensely ugly, brown 1978 Ford Granada), and I know I can never be judgmental toward a high-school driver. So please give care and grace.
Also, later in the day, when picking up athletes or students in activities, it isn’t as crowded, but it is just as important for everyone to keep their speed appropriate for a parking lot rather than a cartoon frog.
Just some reminders about our football game over at Northern this Friday
Remember, our PC athletic passes do not work at PN events
There is a no re-entry policy. If you leave, you must pay to re-enter. PN does not allow bags/backpacks or outside food/beverages in the stadium.
Students are to remain on their half of the stadium and are not to try to go to the other school's student section.
We only rush the field after a victory when we are hosting a game on our campus. In other words, if we win the game, we will not rush the field. But because PN is hosting the game, if their team wins, they are allowed on the field (in the north endzone) after the conclusion of the handshake.
We are not doing the traditional presale physical ticket. We strongly encourage spectators to buy tickets using GoFan and avoid standing in line.
School-picture retakes this Monday
This is just a friendly reminder that picture retake day will take place on the morning of Monday, October 14th – that is this upcoming Monday! If your student would like their photo retaken, or taken for the first time, then please let them know to expect that opportunity on this day. PA announcements will call students down by grade level and last name. If your student has an off-campus class or is absent during part of this morning, please let them know to report to the auditorium lobby before leaving or as soon as they arrive. A proof of your student's photo will be shared with you via email within the following weeks. You should have received the proof for your student's first photo already, if it was taken. If you haven't, or if you have any other questions, contact Strawbridge at 1-866-624-6229 or customerservice@strawbridge.net.
Test-out exams
Just a reminder that if your student is attempting to test out of a subject in the first semester, the deadline to turn in the request form is Monday, November 18, 2024.
Want to earn some community-service hours at Central Middle?
They really could use your help at upcoming volleyball tournaments.
When: Saturday, Oct 12th and Saturday, Oct 19th: Time 8:30am- 4:00pm
Where: The Stable
Jobs Needed:
(8 people) Game Table- Run scoreboard and Scorekeeper (No prior knowledge needed)
(2 people) Concessions- Help run Concession
(2 people) Gate- Help collect money at the gate.
If you are interested, please reach out to CMS Athletic Director Peyton Fleming at Pfleming@portgaeps.org or fill out the google form below.
Thanks for being thoughtful about keeping pepper spray out of the school building
We have talked with a few of our students who have carried pepper spray on their keychains for protection. While we understand the value of self-defense sprays, these are included in the weapons-free school zone rules and are, therefore, prohibited at school. It is also important to know that being in possession of pepper spray in school or at a school event could result in disciplinary action up to expulsion. Students who need to carry pepper spray may leave it in their vehicle or can bring it to the Main Office immediately upon arrival at school to be picked up after school. Thanks for this!
In a lot of thanks, as always,
Eric Alburtus
And if you want even more PC news…