West Middle School

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

Our Portage West Leadership Class students will end their fundraiser for the SPCA this Friday! This fundraiser was organized and ran 100% my students under the guidance of Mrs. Tomlinson. The flyers were created by students as well. Support by making a purchase by this Friday in the main lobby before school! #SPCA #AllIn #TheWestWay

Congratulations to our Boys & Girls Track and Field teams for winning yesterday's Battle of Portage meet! Way to go Pioneers! See Mrs. Holdsworth & Mrs. Phan pose with the belts!

Next: KAMSL League Meet this Saturday

#TrackAndField #BattleOfPortage #Champions #AllIn #TheWestWay

Last Friday, an amazing group of Pioneers brought the donations collected throughout the week from Portage West to the Portage Community Center.

Our donations have filled the shelves with enough food and personal care items that should last throughout the summer! The students learned how the center works and that their donations will feed and help thousands of people throughout Kalamazoo County.

It was all possible thanks to the generosity of our Portage West community, our staff, parent drivers, and help from both the kitchen and custodial staff. Our students were efficient, polite, curious, and caring - all things that we hope to teach every single day here at West.

On behalf of Ms. Ha and her team of volunteer students, THANK YOU!

#UnlessWeCare #FoodAndPersonalCareDrive #AllIn #TheWestWay

Good luck today Pioneers!

#TrackAndField #AllIn #TheWestWay

We know the end of the year is near when we see the band buses loading up at 6am on a Friday.

Our 7th & 8th grade band Pioneers are headed to Mackinac Island today. Safe travels and enjoy!

#Band #AllIn #TheWestWay

Tuesday, May 5th our William Short Jazz/Rock Ensemble hosted a Spring concert in the Little Theater of Portage West. It was a packed house!

Outstanding performance Mr. Kozian and musicians!

#Jazz #Rock #Ensemble #AllIn #TheWestWay