West Middle School

Rising 7th and 8th Graders for the 2026-2027 School Year,

See the flyer for Chromebook Care reminders for the summer.

#AllIn #TheWestWay

Beautiful evening celebrating our 8th grade students at the Recognition & Awards Program! Congratulations, Class of 2030! As you prepare for the next chapter, remember: Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer. Best of luck in high school—we can't wait to see all that you accomplish! #8thGrade #Recognition #Awards #AllIn #TheWestWay

Congratulations to all of our Students of the Month winners for the 2025-2026 school year. These scholars were nominated by their teachers for exhibiting The West Way: Taking Care of Yourself, Each Other, and This Place. Our 8th graders even received a few words of encouragement from Superintendent Edwards who just happened to be visiting the building today. Each student received a gift card to either @rittersportage or @bellacreamery for this accomplishment. Thank you Ritter's and Bella Creamery for the donations! Way to go Pioneers! #StudentOfTheMonth #AllIn #TheWestWay

This evening, June 4th, is our 8th Grade Recognition & Awards Ceremony. This event is for ALL 8th graders. Every 8th grade Pioneer will hear their name called as we celebrate the high school promotion for the Class of 2030. 

The ceremony will be held at Huskie Stadium at 7pm. 8th graders should arrive by 6:45 to line up for their procession. 

*No tickets required for audience members.

We look forward to celebrating all of our 8th graders as they prepare to embark on their high school journey.

See you there!

#AllIn #TheWestWay

We'd like to extend a HUGE congratulations to 8th graders Maya A. and Patrick R. on being selected to the newest cohort of Jeter's Leaders!

Jeter's Leaders is a leadership development program created to empower, recognize and enhance the skills of high school students. Learn more about the program here: https://www.mlb.com/turn-2-foundation/jeters-leaders/mission

Shout out to all of our students that pursued this opportunity! Again, congratulations Maya and Patrick!

#JetersLeaders #AllIn #TheWestWay

Our concert season has come to an end. Bravo to all of our band, choir, and orchestra Pioneers! You have practiced and performed all year with each performance outshining the last. Kudos to Mr. Kozian, Mrs. Sturdy, and Dr. Steinhauser on another successful year!

#Band #Choir #Orchestra #AllIn #TheWestWay

Our leadership classes held a fundraiser for the Portage Library and SPCA of West Michigan. They were able to visit both locations last week where they participated in activities and met a few "furry friends".

Great work Mrs. Tomlinson & Pioneers!

#Leadership #AllIn #TheWestWay

Last week, our 6th graders met with their Kindergartener friends from Moorsbridge to deliver their science books! Our Pioneers met with their friends earlier in the semester, discussed their vision, and created their own personalized Earth Science book. The books were given to the young scholars and a core memory has been made...for everyone involved.

This experience is made possible through our Project Based Learning Literacy classes. Way to go Pioneers and Eagles!

#ProjectBasedLearning #AllIn #TheWestWay

This Tuesday, our 6th graders attended what has turned into a tradition here at West: Education Day hosted by the Kalamazoo Growlers! The day begins with students exploring different exhibits set up outside of Homer Stryker Field and then into the stadium for the Growlers game.

It is always a great time that serves as an active learning experience and celebration for our Pioneers finishing their first year of middle school.

Thank you again Growlers!

#KalamazooGrowlers #EducationDay #STEMDay #AllIn #TheWestWay

After school today, we honored the upcoming retirements of three of our Pioneer teachers: * Mrs. Hopson * Mr. Rapp * Mr. Righter We showered each with wonderful memories, kind words, and well wishes. Words can't express how much we will miss each of these phenomenal teachers and human beings. Thank you for your dedication and daily effort in providing our Pioneers with the best academic experience around. Congratulations on your retirement! You will be missed. #Retirement #AllIn #TheWestWay

8th Grade Families!

This Saturday, May 30th, is the Class of 2030 8th Grade Farewell:

SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets will be on sale before school in the main entrance and during 8th grade lunch in the main office.

See you Saturday!

#ClassOf2030 #AllIn #TheWestWay

SPIRIT WEEK IS MAY 26-29! Starts this Monday! 5/26 - Red, White, & Blue Day 5/27- Dress Like Your Principal Day (UofMvsMSU) 5/28 - Comfy Or Fancy Day 5/29 - Beach Day Represent all week Pioneers! #SpiritWeek #AllIn #TheWestWay

Good luck today Pioneers!

#TrackAndField #AllIn #TheWestWay

Congratulations are in order for 8th Graders Lachlyn H. and Lucille T. for their semifinal placement at the State Forensics competition this month in Detroit!

An incredible amount of work went into their presentation! Congratulations! Outstanding job preparing them Mrs. Brandenburg!

#Forensics #AllIn #TheWestWay

Good luck today Pioneers!

#TrackAndField #AllIn #TheWestWay

Congratulations to our Girls & Boys teams on their strong showings over the past couple meets!

5/16 KAMSL Meet:
Girls - 1st Place
Boys - 2nd Place

5/18 MHSAA Regional Meet:
Girls - 1st Place
Boys - 1st Place

The West Michigan Middle School Track & Field Championships are this Thursday. Keep Going Pioneers!

#TrackAndField #AllIn #TheWestWay

Last Monday, May 11th, our girls leadership lunch group went on a field trip with group sponsor, Portage City Councilwoman Jihan Young, and other Portage West teachers to Western Michigan University. The girls were introduced to a college environment in an engaging and age-appropriate way. They explored different areas of campus, received a dorm tour, learned about classes and extracurricular activities, and got a glimpse of what daily college life looks like.

They were also able to experience campus dining and their wide variety of options! Thank you Mrs. Young for planning this activity for the girls and thank you to the teachers that chaperoned. Way to represent The West Way at Western!

#WesternMichiganUniversity #GirlsLeadershipGroup #FieldTrip #AllIn #TheWestWay

Good luck today Pioneers!

#TrackAndField #AllIn #TheWestWay

Good luck today Pioneers!

#TrackAndField #AllIn #TheWestWay

PIONEERS!

There are several upcoming interest meetings for the 26-27 school year. Be sure to take a look at the flyer for your sport. High school meetings are listed here as well!

#Sports #AllIn #TheWestWay