PTS News
Portage Township Schools | An Indiana "B" School District!
August 27, 2020
Teachers often provide students with "brain breaks" during the day to allow them a moment to refresh and recharge before moving on to the next task. During our virtual learning, brain breaks can be a valuable tool that allows students to take a break from the screen before moving onto the next class or task. Make sure to check out our easy brain break ideas later in the newsletter.
E-LEARNING: FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
September 2 is the first e-learning day. On this day, students will not participate in live sessions with teachers. Instead, assignments and videos will be posted by that morning for students to complete that day. Teachers will be available via email to answer questions from students and families.
PNW TRIO EDUCATIONAL TALENT SEARCH PROGRAM
WEEK 1 PTS VIRTUAL LEARNING STATS
PHS E-SPORTS LEAGUE KICKS OFF
E-Sports is an organized, multi-player competition. Through our sponsors and the state's E-Sports organization, students can participate in competitions as individuals and teams. This is serving as a great outlet for students interesting in technology and gaming design/engineering, and it is a skills they are able to take with them to the collegiate level.
Any student who missed the call-out meeting, but would still like to participate should email sponsors Mr. Politano or Mr. Thompson at nicholas.politano@portage.k12.in.us and nathaniel.thompson@portage.k12.in.us.
PTS MOBILE MEALS
SAYLOR ELEMENTARY PSO FUNDRAISER
TAKE A BRAIN BREAK!
1. Exercise
Have your child stand up and get moving. This may include taking a walk, riding their bike, or completing an exercise video. Sanford fit offers a number of short and simple exercise videos that students can follow to take a break.
2. Mindful Breathing
Completing a breathing exercise between lessons can help students refocus and gain energy. Check out this animal breathing video for some ideas that work for students of all ages.
3. Stretch It Out
Doing some simple stretches is a great way students can take a break in between lessons. Students can complete a few yoga stretches to clear their minds while getting out of their seats. This video offers demonstrations of some simple yoga flow stretches students can complete.
4. Energize in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. . .
Challenge your child with a quick series of exercises. Call out the following activities, repeating as many times as you see fit:
- 5 jumping jacks
- 4 push-ups
- 3 sit-ups
- 2 squat jumps
- 1 tree pose
5. Practice another language
Learn another language, such as sign language, with your child. Have them spell/sign out the letters in the alphabet and learn new vocabulary words.
6. Dance Party
Turn on some music and let your child cut loose! This is a great way for them to work out some energy and listen to a song they love.
7. Take a doodle break
Give your child a piece of paper and a writing utensil, and allow them to doodle for a few minutes. Giving their mind a chance to "wander" for a few minutes allows them to process the information they just learned.
8. Learn a hand-clap game
The hand-clap games we loved growing up (Patty Cake, Miss Mary Mack, etc.) help students work out a little energy between lessons. (There are some great ideas here.) For our more advanced "clappers," try Boom, Snap, Clap.
9. Calming scenes and music
Sometimes, students need a calming scene and sounds to bring down their energy level. This video presents swimming jellyfish with soothing music. (Hint: You can also play this while students are doing yoga! )
10. Snap, Wink
This is a very quick activity that can help students of all ages refocus. Wink your left eye while snapping your right hand, then switch back and forth. It's challenging!
GOOD NEWS AT PORTAGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
Mr. Hufford reads to Crisman Elementary kindergarten students
Fegely 8th grade teachers deliver weekly awards
WMS staff create welcoming bulletin boards
Instructional videos help students learn art techniques
Tori Bliss inducted into Indiana Track & Field Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Portage High School paraprofessional and Class of 2011 graduate Tori Bliss, who has been selected as an inductee to the Indiana Track and Field Hall of Fame!
Ms. Bliss was a member of the PHS Track and Field Team, throwing shot put and discuss. She took first place in shot put her senior year, among other honors, setting the stage for a successful run at Louisiana State University.
Ms. Bliss is happy to return to PHS and give back to the students at her high school. In additional to serving as a paraprofessional, Ms. Bliss also coaches track and field and basketball. She credits her coaches, especially Coach Harsha, for supporting her along the way and encouraging her to work at her craft with full intensity, a lesson that has stuck with her since high school.
Congratulations!
Crisman Elementary teachers sport Dr. Seuss shirts
Officer Howard joins SRO staff at Portage High School West
Mr. King joins PHS freshmen for book study
Choraliers students create music videos
Central Elementary offers IT assistance
Fegely students share their hopes for the school year
Portage Township Schools
Email: ptscommunications@portage.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.portage.k12.in.us
Location: 6240 U.S. 6, Portage, IN, USA
Phone: (219)762-6511
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/portagetownshipschools
Twitter: @portage_schools