School spirit is strong with the Class of 2040! Soon-to-be Kindergarten and Young-5 students and their families attended Registration Night on March 19th to meet their Principals, get questions answered and complete the steps to start school in the Fall. If you missed it, don't worry. You can get all the information you need to start the registration process by visiting portageps.org and clicking on the box that says "Enroll at PPS"!

3 days ago, Portage Public Schools
Young boy in sunglasses
Wide view of registration event with people at various information tables
Young girls coloring at a table
Young girl getting her first school t-shirt.
Mark Your Calendar: May 5, 2026, is Election Day for the KRESA Special Education Millage. This proposal is strictly a renewal, so a YES vote would continue the 1.5 mills levy at the same rate, and a NO vote would end it. Make sure you’re registered and know your polling place or absentee ballot deadlines. Find voter information at Michigan.gov/vote or contact your local clerk.
4 days ago, Portage Public Schools
A graphic featuring a young Black boy sitting at a desk holding a pencil, looking up thoughtfully. Text over a teal background reads: "Election Day is May 5, 2026. Be Informed."
Hold onto your hats… something prehistoric is happening in 3rd grade at Lake Center🦖

These 3rd graders brought Jurassic Park to life right in their classroom—no electric fences required. From measuring fossils like real paleontologists to digging through the sand for hidden words, every project was a prehistoric adventure in learning.

Science, literacy, math and a whole lot of imagination… turns out the dinosaurs didn’t go extinct—they just moved into 3rd grade.
6 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a boy wearing a scientist hat using a magnifying glass to read a paper
a teacher and student sitting at a desk in a classroom
students wearing hats sitting at desks in a classroom
two girls digging through sand in a classroom
students seen from the back of the classroom raising their hands while a teacher speaks from the front
a student using a magnifying glass to look at a paper
a bucket of sand with words in it
a student using a ruler to measure fossils
a girl wearing a hat sitting at a desk in a classroom
a photo of a dinosaur hanging on a classroom door
Every district in Kalamazoo County benefits – whether it’s speech therapy, occupational therapy, classroom aides, or assistive technology, these services are funded by the millage so all students with disabilities can succeed. This May, voters will decide on renewing that support. Get the facts at KRESA.org/millage.
6 days ago, Portage Public Schools
Graphic reading ‘In Our Schools, Millage funds at work’ alongside a joyful moment of an adult seated in a classroom chair hugging a child. Teal and yellow design elements frame the image.
William Blind, a diver at Portage Northern, is last year’s D2 State Champion and was named Mr. Dive (the top diver in the state) by an independent panel. This year, he is the SMAC Champion for the 3rd year in a row, the Region 6 Champion and earned State Runner Up.

He holds the 6 and 11 dive pool records at both PN and PC (and more records throughout the area), has been named All State 4 times and All American 2 times. He’s currently the most accomplished diver in the state of Michigan!

Way to go, William!
6 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a photo of a boy sitting on a pool diving board.
It's time to enroll your 3-year-old in Preschool at PPS! Enrollment for the 2026-2027 is officially open.
You can register at our Preschool Open House on March 25, from 6 - 7 p.m. or in-person in the preschool office between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Learn more at portageps.org/preschool.

6 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a collage of photos of preschoolers on a flyer. info in caption

Congratulations to the Portage Central Men’s Swim & Dive Team on their historic 4th place finish at the MHSAA Division II State Championship this past weekend!

The state team of Ben Allen, Justin Chen, Evan Corradini, Qihan Davis, Von Dawson, Ryan Greene, Hugo Hernandez Ornelas, Elijah Meldrum, Matthew Penner, Rodrigo Perales, Adam Sagin, and Aidan Stolsky finished this year’s season strong at the MHSAA Division II State Championship after leading their team through two undefeated seasons and back to back SMAC Conference Championship titles. Here are some highlights from the State Finals:

  • The 200 Medley Relay team of Allen, Chen, Perales, and Corradini finished in 2nd place earning both All-State honors and All American consideration. This relay team holds the current school and SMAC Conference record.

  • Ben Allen - Earned All-State Honors in both the 200 free (4th place) and the 500 free (6th place).

  • Justin Chen - Finished 3rd in the 100 breast while earning All-State Honors and 12th in the 50 free. Chen is also the current school and SMAC Conference record holder in the 100 breast.

  • Von Dawson - Took home 4th place in Diving while earning All-State Honors.

  • Evan Corradini - Finished 10th in the 50 free and 11th in the 100 breast.

  • Matthew Penner - Finished 12th in the 500 free and 17th in the 200 free.

  • Hugo Hernandez Ornelas - Finished 14th in the 200 IM and 18th in the 100 fly.

  • Rodrigo Perales - Finished 14th in the 100 fly and 31st in the 50 free.

  • Qihan Davis - Finished 24th in the 100 fly and 26th in the 200 free.

  • Ryan Greene - Finished 27th in the 100 back.

  • Elijah Meldrum - Finished 35 in the 100 fly.

  • The 200 Free Relay team of Corradini, Perales, Hernandez Ornelas, and Chen finished in 7th place while earning All-State honors.

  • The 400 Free Relay team of Hernandez Ornelas, Qihan Davis, Penner, and Allen finished in 9th place.

It was a great day to be a Mustang! Thank you Coach Greene for sharing!

6 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a group of boys pose for a photo with a state championship trophy

There's still time to apply for Schools of Choice to attend Portage Public Schools! Families who live outside of our District who wish to attend PPS can apply through April 1 online at portageps.org/schoolsofchoice.

7 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a graphic advertising schools of choice. text in caption
Portage Elementary Students are invited to create a “Birthday Card to America” for a chance to win a United States flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol Building or the Michigan State Capitol. Pick up a card to design at your elementary school and return it by April 17th. Art work will be displayed at Portage City Hall from May 13 - Jul 10, 2026. Six prizes will be awarded.

9 days ago, Portage Public Schools
Birthday Card to America Contest Graphic
Superintendent Edwards was once again spotted with a good book and a group of curious kids! 📚 Edwards visited 1st graders at Moorsbridge Elementary to share "The Adventures of Little Dee: I Need A Me-Tour."

Fun fact -- the superintendent went to high school in Saginaw with the author, De'Niel Phipps, who is now an Emmy-awarding winning filmmaker.
10 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a man reading a book to students in a classroom
a man poses for a photo with a large group of students
a man high fives students in a classroom
students raise their hands in a classroom
a teacher smiles standing up behind students sitting on the floor in a classorom
a girl sitting on the floor smiles up at a man
a man reading a book to students in a classroom
a teacher and students sit at desks listening in a classroom
From Mustang to Mentor: How a world-traveled dancer inspires a Portage Central senior

Michael Kelly has traveled to more than 40 countries as a professional dancer and choreographer. But his roots as a Mustang from Portage Central High brought him back home this past summer.

Michael met current PC senior Sophia Loso while guest teaching at her dance studio in Kalamazoo. It wasn’t until one of Sophia’s former teachers at Woodland Elementary recognized Michael’s name and photo on a social media post about Sophia’s dance choreographer that the depth of their connection was discovered.

Both Micheal and Sophia were Wildcats at Woodland before also walking the halls of Central High – simply 12 years apart.

To read more, visit portageps.org/news.
11 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a man and girl pose for a photo together
two high school graduates pose for a photo hugging
two girls perform a dance on stage in an auditorium

As sixth graders at Central Middle continue crafting their own books as part of project-based learning, they got a little inspiration from those who’ve done it before.

Two Portage Public Schools graduates, Nora Zemlick and Lea Hatley, returned this week to share their journey of writing and publishing their book "To The End."

Students then put pen to paper, diving into short story prompts that challenged them to stretch their imaginations and bring figurative language to life.

11 days ago, Portage Public Schools
two women speaking at the front of a classroom
two girls writing in a notebook together in a classroom
a woman reads from a novel standing at the front of a classroom
two girls writing in a notebook together in a classroom
two women speaking at the front of a classroom
two boys writing in a notebook sitting together in a classroom
two women speaking at the front of a classroom
a screen that reads "how did we apply what we learned in school to our stories?" seen behind a woman speaking
students sitting together in chairs inside a classroom
Why does this millage matter? State and federal funding doesn’t fully cover the cost of special education. Without the millage, local schools must use general education funds to make up the difference. The Special Education Millage fills that gap, so general classroom budgets are protected while students with disabilities get the support they need. Get the facts at KRESA.org/millage.
11 days ago, Portage Public Schools
Graphic with the text “Why does the Special Education Millage matter?” and a child seated in a blue chair.
Congratulations to Portage Central student Kate Elias who was recently elected Secretary on the DECA State Board! Kate will represent the State Association, serving as an ambassador, planning conferences, and advocating for business education. Kate earned this role by applying, interviewing, campaigning, and winning the popular vote of her peers. Join her advisor, Irene Mayfield, in congratulating Kate and wishing her the best as she transitions into this important and prestigious role!

Kate followed her PC peer Katherine Li, also a PC student.
12 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a girl speaking at a podium
It wasn't a Me-Tour that Little Dee was looking for but a MENTOR! Superintendent Edwards joined 5th graders at Twelfth Street to read "The Adventures of Little Dee: I Need A Me-Tour." Edwards spoke about the importance of mentors in our lives and encouraged students to chase their dreams -- big and small. 💫
12 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a man holding a book smiles at students sitting in a classroom
a little boy is seen sitting at his desk through the arms of a man reading a book in a classroom
a man points at students and smiles standing at the front of a classroom
children listen as a man reads a book at the front of a classroom
a boy raising his hand in class while a man points at him from the front of the classroom
These Pioneers are going above and beyond at school! 🤩 West Middle 8th graders who chose to participate in this year's Extension Project presented their projects based on the book "Watership Down." Each student did the project a little bit different -- some wrote poems or epilogues, some created artwork or graphic novels while others created children's books or compared book characters to historical figures. The creativity was unmatched!
13 days ago, Portage Public Schools
students holding a presentation board laughing in a school library
a large group of students and adults pose for a photo in a library
two students smile for a photo holding their paintings
two girls talking to two adults in a school library
students line one side of tables while adults look at projects on the other side
two students presenting their book to an adult in a library
a girl speaking to a man in a school library
two boys smiling at two adults in a library
two girls pose for a photo in a library
four girls pose for a photo with their posterboard project
What is the Special Education Millage? It’s a renewal of the existing 1.5-mills property tax that funds special education services in Kalamazoo County. This means continued support that’s been in place for years. The millage helps all local school districts pay for mandated special education programs. Learn more and read the full FAQ at KRESA.org/millage.
13 days ago, Portage Public Schools
Text reads “What is the Special Education Millage? It’s a renewal, NOT a new tax.” An adult smiles while supporting a smiling child in a wheelchair, framed by teal and yellow graphics.
You are invited!
Join us Wednesday, March 11, at Portage Central High School for One Choice: Protecting Futures - An Opioid Education Event.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a Community Resource Expo, followed by an evening with the author Becky Savage starting at 6:30 p.m. The FREE event is open to the public!

Becky Savage is an author, nurse educator and national speaker who educates teens and families about the dangers of prescription drug misuse.
14 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a flyer, details in caption
More than a decade has passed since Becky Savage's teenage sons Nick and Jack died after mixing alcohol and opioids while with friends, she told an auditorium of students gathered at Portage Central High School Monday, March 9.

But the memory of finding them in the morning stills haunts her today.

Becky is an author and nurse educator who travels the country telling her sons' story and warning students and families about the dangers of drug misuse. Monday's assembly was the first of many she will hold in the District this week as part of "One Choice: An Opioid Education Event."

The District is also hosting a community event that is free and open to the public Wednesday, March 11, at Portage Central High. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a Community Resource Expo, followed by an evening with the author starting at 6:30 p.m.
14 days ago, Portage Public Schools
a woman speaking on stage in front of a screen that talks about fentanyl
a screen with a photo of Jack Savage is displayed in the auditorium
a screen with a photo of Nick Savage is displayed in the auditorium
a woman speaking at a podium in an auditorium
It's time to say thank you to our Maintenance staff at PPS!

Our team of 10 workers, including plumbing/HVAC, electrical, grounds, general maintenance and tradesmen, work to keep our 18 facilities running smoothly. Did you know this team of 10 manages about 400 acres of property, including 1.75 million square feet of buildings?

Join us in sharing a huge THANK YOU!
17 days ago, Portage Public Schools
an aerial shot of the PPS Admin Building