The state's budget, including the funding for meals, was passed by the State Legislature last week and will be signed by the Governor.
We know that students learn better when they have a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Like you, we are relieved that the funding to continue meals for the entire school year is now available so all students can benefit.
If you took the time to fill out the Federal Meal Benefits Application, thank you. These applications trigger other funding sources for the District, so your efforts will have a positive impact.
Families who deposited money into their child's account and would like a refund are asked to please email Susan Livingston, Food Service Director, at slivingston@portageps.org. Please include your name, your child's name, the amount you'd like refunded and a mailing address for her to send a check. Please allow for up to 30 days for the refund to be processed, and do not dispute the charge on your card as that will delay the refund process.
Thank you for your patience these past few weeks.
Do you want to know more about the 2025 Bond? Want to see inside our new schools? We have a second opportunity for community members, staff, students and families to learn more and tour our buildings.
Please join us from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Central Elementary, 8422 S. Westnedge Ave.
To learn more about the 2025 Bond, you can visit our website: portageps.org/2025bond.
https://gofan.co/event/2375399?schoolId=MI10167
PPS is Committed to Finishing the Job! Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election are now available. You can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.
Each year GRBS recognizes custodians that work for respective districts across the state with a large banquet and ceremony. The awards range from customer service, longevity with the company, to employees who have overcome major life obstacles.
The GRBS employees who work on our behalf are and have been nominated for the following:
Tasha Kakazu (Portage Northern Night Lead Custodian)- Nominated for Team Member Champion- Someone who goes above and beyond for their building staff, ensuring their success on a nightly basis and for the staff and students. Tasha has been outstanding for GRBS at PNHS. She is reliable, has a great knack for keeping her staff happy and successful on a nightly basis.
Andrew Cains (Central Middle School Lead Custodian) - Nominated for Rookie of the Year- New employee who has taken the reigns of a building and has shown responsibility for the work of the full staff, and building as a whole. Andrew has replaced a long term employee at CMS as the Night Lead Custodian. Andrew is a great communicator with the day staff and is working hard to manage a large building as a first time employee for GRBS.
Rey Trevino (GRBS District Supervisor) - Nominated for the Pinnacle Award- Employee who has longevity with GRBS of at least 7 years and that exemplifies the qualities of Grand Rapids Building Services. Rey has worked at Portage Public Schools for GRBS for 7 years, starting as a general cleaner, working his way to District Supervisor of the entire district for GRBS.
Why didn't the 2021 Bond raise enough money?
The last bond request was based on careful estimates of the cost to finish all construction and upgrades, including inflation and potential overruns. That work was done before COVID-19 struck in 2020. The pandemic upended supply chains around the world, sparked high inflation (especially for building materials, equipment and labor) and prompted construction delays.
Obviously, no one expected or planned for such an event.
Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election are now available. You can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.
Join us at 6 p.m. to hear from Superintendent Johnny Edwards and see for yourself what the Future of Elementary Learning can look like!
Do you want to know more about the 2025 Bond? Want to see inside our new schools? Tomorrow is the first of two opportunities for community members, staff, students and families to learn more and tour our buildings.
Please join us from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the following events:
Monday, Sept. 29, at Haverhill Elementary, 1720 Haverhill Ave.
Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Central Elementary, 8422 S. Westnedge Ave.
To learn more about the 2025 Bond, you can visit our website: portageps.org/2025bond.
Portage Northern & Portage Central fall musicals are coming soon to a stage near you!
Portage Central High: Alice by heart Oct. 24 - Nov. 2. Tickets on sale starting Oct. 1.
Portage Northern High: Young Frankenstein Nov. 14-23. Tickets will be available online in late October.
Congratulations to the casts in both performances!
“It’s critical for me as superintendent, especially as a new superintendent, to have a connection to students,” Superintendent Johnny Edwards said. “Students have a voice – they have a lot of great ideas and opinions, and it’s a great way to hear from them directly on how they view us as a school district.”
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, which began under former superintendent Mark Bielang, is a key connecting point between the administration office and the District’s most important group of stakeholders.
Read more at portageps.org/news.
How did the COVID pandemic impact our efforts to Build the Future of Elementary Learning?
The pandemic upended supply chains around the world, sparked high inflation (especially for building materials, equipment and labor) and prompted construction delays.
Obviously, no one expected or planned for such an event.
The 2021 bond vote happened a little over a year into the pandemic, when long-term economic effects weren’t clear yet. That timing allowed us to move quickly to do planning, secure contractors and minimize some delays, which almost certainly lessened the impact on costs. However, by 2023 we realized there wouldn’t be enough funds to finish the job.
Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election will be available beginning Sept. 25. In the meantime, you can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.
https://gofan.co/event/2375398?schoolId=MI10167