Our kindergarten Jaguars at 12th Street are throwing, catching, kicking, jumping, and most importantly having fun in gym class! 😄
5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
two girls kicking soccer balls in a gym
a girl throws a ball into a basketball hoop in a gym
a boy holding a ball above his head and smiling
a teacher helps a student throw in a gym
two girls playing with hoola hoops in a gym
a girl spinning on her butt on a gym floor
students playing in a gym
students dribbling basketballs in a gym
a boy kicking a soccer ball around cones in a gym
kids kicking soccer balls around cones inside a gym
🍎 This week is National School Lunch Week, and we want to share our gratitude that once again meals are free for ALL students. We know that a grumbling stomach makes learning in the classroom more difficult and that a nutritious breakfast and lunch sets kids up for success! We were relieved that the funding to continue meals for the entire school year was made available so all students can benefit. 🍎

THANK YOU to all of our Food Service workers who are working hard every day to feed our students across the District. 👏
5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
thank you graphic
Roadrunners in the wild can run up to 25 miles per hour. Our Angling Road Elementary Roadrunners brought the speed — plus plenty of spirit, laughter, and fun — to this year’s Road Rally! 🏃💨
5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a girl running outside through bubbles
a girl smiling at the camera
families with signs encouraging students to run outside
boys running outside through bubbles
two women encouraging kids running outside
a man and his daughter running outside through bubbles
a woman and girl running outside through bubbles
a boy running outside
two girls running outside
two boys cheering and hugging outside a school

We know it may still feel far away, but snowfall is coming, and we want to make sure we can reach you! Our robocall/text system for snow days syncs with Skyward Family Access, so we need correct contact information for our families.

Before we see the first snowflakes, we want to run a test of the new system to ensure we reach everyone. Here's what we need from you:

  • Double check that your correct phone number is listed in Skyward Family Access. You can expect robocalls to both cellphones and landlines, but text messages will only go through if the number listed is a cellphone.

  • Watch for a text message and robocall Monday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m.

  • Email communications@portageps.org if you don't receive it.

To also receive push notifications from the District and your child's school, download the PPS app.

Here's what you can expect:

  • For the test, we will send both a robocall and text message to the phone numbers listed for each student. Don't worry, the system won't send duplicates if numbers are entered in multiple times (i.e. your cellphone is both your primary number and cellphone number).

  • For future snow days or emergencies, you can expect robocalls and text messages. You can also receive the information even quicker by signing up for push notifications from the PPS app.

  • For more information about How We Communicate, please visit portageps.org/page/communication-expectations.

THANK YOU for your partnership in your child's education and your help in improving PPS communications.

5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
before snow, be sure you're in the know

What would the 2025 Bond accomplish?

The 2025 Bond will allow us to replace Amberly and Angling Road elementary schools, renovate Moorsbridge Elementary, replace Portage Community Education Center (Community High and Early Childhood Education - Curious Kids, update technology and buy new buses.

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.

5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
graphic that says what will the new bond accomplish?
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.
5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
women standing near a whiteboard in a classroom
people stand around a white board looking at a math problem
multiple women standing together working on a math problem on a white board.
women laughing standing in a classroom
a woman smiles sitting in a classroom
women standing near a whiteboard in a classroom
a woman holding cards standing in a classroom
The Administration Building is excited to cheer on our students tonight! 🧡💙🤎💛
5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a large group of people posing for a photo and holding Pom poms
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.
5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
multiple people laughing at a table in a conference room
a man speaking at a table in a conference room
multiple people smiling at a conference room table
a row of people sitting at a conference room table in a room
a man speaking at a table in a conference room
Good (chilly!) morning from 12th Street Elementary! ☀️
5 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a sunrise seen next to an elementary school
Community High students are shining bright in art class Thursday.
6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
two girls holding artwork pose for a photo in a classroom
artwork and a student's hands seen on the desk in a classroom
a girl at a desk working on artwork
a teacher standing near a student at a desk in a classroom
a girl at a desk working on artwork
two girls working on artwork in a classroom
a teacher teaching in a classroom while students work at desks
a teacher and student review artwork together in a classroom
a girl working on artwork at a desk in a classroom
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.
6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a man speaks to a group of photo
a woman smiles sitting surrounded by others
a group of people sitting in a conference room
a man speaks to a group of people
a group of people sitting in a conference room
two women sitting at a table in a conference room
a woman speaks at a table
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.
6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a man speaking in a classroom while a police officer looks on
It was a FREAKY FRIDAY situation at West Middle School this week when staff and students switched their styles for Spirit Week.
6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a woman standing in a classroom doorway
three students pose for a photo
a boy and adult pose for a photo
a woman and student pose for a photo
three women pose for a photo
a girl poses for a photo
four girls pose for a photo in a school hallway
a woman dressed in sweats poses for a photo in a school hallways
a woman wearing jean shorts poses for a photo in a school hallway
a woman wearing athletic clothes posing for a photo in a gym
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!
6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a woman smiles up at a man speaking inside a school
a woman smiles surrounded by others sitting on a large staircase inside a school
two women smile looking out a window of a school
a man speaking into a microphone
a man asking a question sitting on a large staircase inside a school
a woman talking to a group of people gathered inside a school classroom
a woman smiles sitting on a large staircase surrounded by others
a man standing at a podium speaking into a microphone
a man and woman stand together inside a school
a man's reflection is seen on a window

Superintendent Edwards once again wants to hear from you! Please join us TODAY from 1:30-2:30 p.m. or from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 E. Centre Ave.

6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
listen and learn graphic. text in the caption
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.

6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
graphic that says why do we need to replace PCEC?
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.
6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a graphic of food with the pps logo
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?!
6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
two police officers pose for a photo flexing their arms
Art. Woodshop. Pure creativity. Portage Central Middle students are making it happen today! 👏🎨🪚
6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
three girls smile looking at a photo together in a classroom
a boy uses a machine in a woodshop
two boys laughing looking at a table in a classroom again
a boy uses a machine in a woodshop
two boys laughing looking at a table in a classroom again
two boys working at a table in a workshop
a girl laughing at a table in a classroom
a group of students working at a table in a woodshop
three girls pose for a photo at a table in a classroom
two students working together at a desk in a classroom

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.

6 months ago, Portage Public Schools
2025 bond information night text with photo of students