Onward-Mustang Minutes

For Thursday, October 17

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

You did it! We did it, Together! Now we all have Toby!

Within hours of last week’s Mustang Minutes going out, so many families supported our kids even further and donated, covering all that we owed for Toby, so he can start at the end of this month. And in fact, we received a little extra, which will cover some additional costs, like for food and training snacks. 

I truly cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for our community; whenever we need help, you are there; you always have been. This is one of the 10 million reasons I am so proud and grateful to serve our kids and families. 

Save the dates!

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming soon!

They are on November 4th and 6th from 3:30 - 7:15 p.m. Watch future editions of Mustang Minutes for more information.

Helping our PTO support our kids

As we head into the fall season, we need your help to make upcoming events successful for our students and staff! We’re looking for donations to provide meals for teachers during Parent-Teacher Conferences, ensuring they stay energized during their long days. Additionally, we need volunteers and snack donations for the Fall Formal, a special night for our students. Your support—whether through donations or by lending a helping hand—will make these events truly memorable! Sign up today to contribute and be a part of our school community’s success!

Thanks- PCHS PTO

Conference Dinner Donations:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AADAB29A5F49-51428254-pchs#/

Fall Formal Donations:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AADAB29A5F49-50653898-fall#/

Fall Formal Volunteers:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AADAB29A5F49-50653907-fall#/

Some other thanks from our PTO

The PTO would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Peace, Love, and Little Donuts for their generous discount on the delicious donuts provided for our recent Teacher Appreciation event. Their support helped make the day extra special for our hardworking teachers, and we truly appreciate their commitment to our community. Thank you for helping us show our gratitude to the educators who make a difference every day!

Speaking of which…

Get ready for a night to remember at the PTO Fall Formal, "Bright Lights, Neon Nights!" 

Join us on November 9th from 8-11 p.m. for a glowing evening of dancing, fun, and neon vibes. Tickets will be on sale during lunch from November 6th to 8th and can also be purchased at the door the night of the dance for $10 each. If you're bringing a guest from another school, don’t forget—guest forms are due by November 6th to Lora Darrah at the Welcome Desk. 

Don’t miss out on one of the brightest events of the season!

We are also looking for student volunteers to help decorate for the Fall Formal on November 8 at 3:00 PM in The Commons! This is a great opportunity to get involved, have fun, and earn volunteer hours. If you're interested in lending a hand we would love to have your help! Please sign up by emailing pchsptopresident@gmail.com

Congratulations PC Marching Band! 

Storms moved all class A bands inside at the Vicksburg Invitational on Saturday, October 12 for a standstill music performance. PC Marching Band had an outstanding performance taking home 1st place in class A. Other achievements included a sweep of all caption awards including music, color guard, and percussion. 

PCMB performs at the East Kentwood Invitational next for their final competition this season on Saturday, October 19 at 7:45 p.m. 

A reminder from the Activities Office…

Our new Activities website: Because of two amazing colleagues here at Portage Central, we have a new and improved website. Please check it out for all the information you’ll need about the Activities at Portage Central. PCHS Activities Website

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!

Tickets are on sale for “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 amazing show. 

College-application deadline rapidly approaching

There are several colleges with a November 1st deadline. It is helpful to discuss application deadlines with your family. Seniors, if you are utilizing the Common Application to apply for college, invite your counselor on the Common App now. Be sure to use the correct email address for your counselor.  It takes time for the invitation to be sent to the counselors and then they need time to complete their pieces of the application before the deadline.

FAFSA Help Nights at Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Every Tuesday evening between 4:30  and 6:30 PM, the KVCC Financial Aid Office at the Texas Township Campus is available to assist students/families with completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This FAFSA for the Class of 2025 will open in December 2024.  The student does not need to attend or plan to attend Kalamazoo Valley to receive assistance. Feel free to drop in at KVCC at your convenience. Or you may contact the Financial Aid Office directly at (269) 488-4340 or finaid@kvcc.edu.

Just a reminder…

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: 

NCAA Registration Link.   

With deep respect and so much appreciation for the support you give for all our kids, 

Eric Alburtus

ealburtus@portageps.org

And if you want even more PC news…

Athletics

Activities