PTS News
Portage Township Schools | An Indiana "B" School District!
December 6, 2019
The final day of the second quarter of the school year is January 9. While that may see far away, there are only 13 school days between now and then. This is a good time to check your child's grades and make sure they are on track to have a strong finish to the first semester. Remember that you can access our PowerSchool Parent Portal to check your child's grades and see their attendance. Click here for more information about using the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
HIGH QUALITY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Portage educators share ideas for communicating learning goals
This month's professional development focus for teachers is providing and communicating clear learning goals.
During this week's Late-Start Wednesday, the Willowcreek Middle School staff learned what it was like to complete an activity with very little direction and no defined objective. They were given a deck of playing cards and a few short directions on what to do with them. However, they didn't know what they outcome of each direction would be, creating confusion and frustration. This lead to a great discussion on why having clearly defined learning goals is important and how teachers can communicate these goals to their students each day. Great job, Willowcreek staff!
PORTAGE MUSIC HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES
JOB OPENINGS AT PORTAGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
Portage is looking for a paraprofessional, English learning assistants, and classroom assistants! Come be a a part of our awesome team! Click on the links below to apply.
Special Education Paraprofessional
https://www.applitrack.com/…/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp…
English Learning Assistant
https://www.applitrack.com/…/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp…
Elementary Lunch/Classroom Assistant
https://www.applitrack.com/…/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp…
PORTAGE HIGH SCHOOL NHS CHRISTMAS FUN FAIR
Where: Portage High School Commons (enter through door U on the East side of the building)
When: Friday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Who: Children age 12 and under are invited with their families to show off their favorite Christmas pajamas or holiday sweaters
What: Join us for a night of games, candy, and fun!
Cost: $4 per child
There will be a surprise visit from the man at the North Pole!
GYMNASTICS CAMP
Questions? Contact coach Mackenzie Barcelli at mackenzie.barcelli@portage.k12.in.us.
SOUTH HAVEN ELEMENTARY BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
REMEMBERING PHS PRINCIPAL MR. GILL
The Portage community is saddened by the loss of PHS principal Max Gill. He has left a profound mark on all of Portage Township Schools. He understood and shared the importance of educating students both socially and academically, and he formed bonds with students and staff that they will always remember. We will always be grateful for his dedication to our students and ask that you keep Mr. Gill and his family in your thoughts.
Portage High School is looking for photos of Mr. Gill with our students. You can share your photos by emailing them to ptscommunications@portage.k12.in.us. These will be shared with the Gill family.
GOOD NEWS AT PORTAGE
Willowcreek takes first place at We the People competition
Fegely students visit Museum of Science and Industry
A group of 120 Fegely Middle School students earned a completely free field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry through a grant from ArcelorMittal! To qualify, students had to meet reading, academic and behavior goals to be placed in a raffle for the museum trip.
While at MSI, the students explored electricity, natural forces of wind and water movements, a WW2 submarine, artificial intelligence, a NASA spacecraft, aerodynamics, genetics, biomedical and biomechanical aspects of the human body and so much more. Students also were able to take part in the Makers United session to construct their own wearable tech while learning first-hand electrical circuitry.
Thank you to ArcelorMittal and the Museum of Science and Industry for inspiring our students to learn more in the STEM fields!
PHS students represent Portage at EDC luncheon
Portage Township Schools staff attended the Portage Economic Development Corporation Luncheon to present the Manufacturing 360 and Healthcare 360 programs! PHS junior Madalynn attended last year's Healthcare trip, where she learned about the opportunities available at St. Mary's Hospital, Porter Health, NorthShore Health Centers, and Ivy Tech Community College. PHS sophomore Jaivon attended this year's Manufacturing trip, during which he visited the Iron Workers' local and Electricians local to learn about apprenticeship programs. Each of them spoke about their experience and shared what they learned.
Thank you to the Portage Economic Development Corporation and the Portage High School Guidance Department for organizing this valuable trip for our students!
Kyle students create turkeys in disguise
The second grade classes recently read "Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano. The book is about a turkey who disguises himself in order to avoid being eaten on Thanksgiving. After reading the book, the students disguised their own turkeys and wrote about their creations.
Mr. Heimburg shares valuable life skill
In preparation for Fegely Middle School's recent Candlelight Inn, Fegely teacher Mr. Heimberg gave a group of his students a lesson on how to tie a necktie! This valuable skill will serve our students well into their adult lives. Way to go, Mr. Heimberg!
Willowcreek StuCo provides 11 Thanksgiving meals to families
Fegely eighth graders attend "College Admission 101"
French Club volunteers at Boys & Girls Club
Portage Township Schools
Email: ptscommunications@portage.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.portage.k12.in.us
Location: 6240 U.S. Highway 6, Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219)762-6511
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/portagetownshipschools
Twitter: @portage_schools