Superintendent's Welcome

July 2007

Dear Visitor or Portage Public School Community Member,

It is my privilege to welcome you to the Portage Public School District web site. This is one of the important information portals that we make available to individuals and families who have questions about this exceptional School District. Please let us know if you cannot find the information you need by calling our District Office main number (269-323-5000) or by sending an e-mail message to Mr. Tom Vance, the District Community Relations Manager at tvance@portageps.org.

Portage Public School (PPS) students are among the best educated in the State of Michigan. Student scores from national achievement tests (e.g. ACT or SAT) place Portage Public School graduates in the top 6% of all Michigan school districts. Standard and Poors has rated PPS as one of only 43 school districts in the State of Michigan to be labeled as an “outperformer.” This means that the academic achievement of our students is considerably beyond normal expectations.

We are not surprised with these results. Our students are serious about their education. Parents are serious about the educational experience that their children receive. The Board of Education and the PPS administration set high expectations for achievement and our staff members are simply the finest that can be found anywhere.

We offer a challenging and comprehensive curriculum that includes International Baccalaureate programs at Central High School and Northern High School, we offer a broad array of high quality experiences in athletics, the fine arts, leadership, and other extra-curricular areas. Our music (instrumental and vocal) and theatre departments are among the most acclaimed in the country. Our athletics, forensics, and debate teams have achieved more than 41 State championships. More importantly, these teams regularly receive state awards for team grade point averages. Our business office has earned the highest rating possible for its accounting practices and the PPS transportation group has achieved an unqualified 100% safety inspection record for six years in a row. Our food services department recently received a very highly prized national award for excellence. We are justifiably proud of our staff.

Our students and staff work with a very advanced, secure, and wireless technology network. This year, enhanced technology classrooms will be piloted as we prepare for the next level of facilities and technology enhancements.

It is our belief that Portage Public Schools will shape the future by empowering every student to contribute intelligently and ethically in an information rich, global society. We hope you choose to join us in all the challenges that comprise that belief.

Welcome to this extraordinary place.

Sincerely,

Marsha A. Wells
Superintendent of Schools