A special edition of Mustang Minutes for Friday, July 17, 2026
The Portage Central community is mourning the passing of one of our students today, Levi Newland, a rising senior in the Class of 2027.
We have been in communication with Levi’s family, both to support them with whatever they need, and to establish a plan to support all our kids and families during this very difficult time.
Counselors from our PPS crisis-response team are available for any students to visit with them (either individually or in small groups) on Monday afternoon, July 20, at our Portage Central High School library from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If your daughter or son would like to meet with a counselor on Monday, please let us know by filling out this Google Form, so we will have enough colleagues here to support all of our kids in need. As you talk with your kids tonight and tomorrow, and if you decide that they need additional support, please click the same link to inform our counselors.
In the days and weeks ahead, if your children need support, please reach out to me anytime.
And when the school year begins, if any of our kids need additional support, please connect with your son’s or daughter’s counselor.
Todd Tarnutzer Last names starting A-E
Lisa Jepson Last names starting M-R
Shannon Schippers Last names starting F-I, K, L
Karen Kreis Last names starting N, S-Z
Family members, keep in mind that all of our students process loss in their own, particular ways. Click here for a few ideas on how to support your children through grief, and here for a list of signs and symptoms of stress so that together we are giving our kids what they need.
Students, please click here to help you think through what you are feeling and how you can help yourself during this difficult time.
In the days and weeks ahead, students and families may need other support. We are fortunate in our community to have the Gryphon Place Helpline, which you can call anytime – (269) 381-4357 – to talk with someone for support.
All of us in the PC community are thinking about and praying for the Newland family. And we want to make sure that all our students and families have the support they need. If you have any questions, or if there is some other way we can help, please reach out to me anytime, and we will do all we can to provide support.
With care, and deep sadness,
Eric Alburtus and all of us at Portage Central