Portage Public Schools -

Did you know, PPS is continually reviewing the curriculum used in classrooms across the District? Elementary teachers who will be piloting new math learning resources, gathered together this week to see for themselves what powerful math learning can look like for our students.

The Administration Building is excited to cheer on our students tonight! 🧡💙🤎💛

Great educators are the foundation of great schools! 👏 Superintendent Johnny Edwards created the Superintendent-Educator Circle with representatives from every building. This group, which will meet monthly throughout the year, will be a two-way vehicle of communication between the superintendent and those at the school level.

Good (chilly!) morning from 12th Street Elementary! ☀️

Community High students are shining bright in art class Thursday.

Superintendent Edwards spent time listening to and learning from families and community members about our District. His meetings with various stakeholders are part of his 90-Day Entry Plan. As this transition period nears its end, watch for information about Superintendent Edwards' findings and recommendations for the future of PPS.

The best approach to school safety involves many layers of protection – beginning with prevention. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Pascoe said education for both adults and students is the first step in proactively keeping kids safe in our schools. “Keeping our schools safe requires a proactive approach by everyone – school administrators, teachers, mental health experts, families and students,” Pascoe said. “Students are the front line defense and play a vital role in speaking up when they hear something concerning from a peer.” To read more about the District's efforts toward school safety, visit portageps.org/news.

It was a FREAKY FRIDAY situation at West Middle School this week when staff and students switched their styles for Spirit Week.

Another night of thoughtful questions and answers about the 2025 Bond! We are grateful for our community members who continue to engage with PPS on the Future of Elementary Learning! If you missed our Info Nights, you can read more about the bond and submit your questions at our website at portageps.org/2025bond. Election Day is Nov. 4!

Why do we need to replace the Portage Community Education Center?

PCEC is home to both Portage Community High School and the Early Childhood Education Center, formerly known as Curious Kids.

PCEC is more than 70 years old. We do our best to maintain it, but it’s very expensive to repair and operate. This year alone, the roof underwent a substantial repair and the boiler was replaced. The biggest driver, though, is that PCEC wasn’t built for, and can’t be adapted to, modern education. That leaves our Community High School students and Early Childhood Education pupils at a huge disadvantage.

The State of Michigan's movement toward PreK for all is helping us to identify the needs for Early Childhood Education. We need a facility that attracts young families to Portage.

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.

After weeks of uncertainty, we are pleased to announce that school breakfast and lunch will be FREE for all students for the 2025-2026 school year.

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.

It's the Battle of the B... Mustaches! Our SROs have put their facial hair on the line at Friday's Rivalry Football Game between PC and PN. 💪🏈 SRO Garrison will lose his mustache if the Mustangs fall to the Huskies, and SRO Burleson will have to grow his own if the Mustangs come out on top. Which mustache are you rooting for?!

Art. Woodshop. Pure creativity. Portage Central Middle students are making it happen today! 👏🎨🪚

The rivalry game between our Portage Central Mustangs and our Portage Northern Huskies starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. Pre-order your tickets today to avoid long lines at McCamley-Knight Field!
https://gofan.co/event/2375399?schoolId=MI10167

Principal Wagenaar and Engagement Specialist Ms. Law made today's Central Stampede extra special with their Mustang spirit! 🐴🤠

National Custodian Appreciation Day is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge three of our custodians who were recently nominated for awards!

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.