PHS NEWSLETTER
November 2023
The Principal's Letter
As October draws to an end, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who attended parent-teacher conferences in the month of October. It is wonderful when school staff and parents partner to support student development and growth. If you were not able to attend conferences, please check Infinite Campus for all grade and assignment updates. We appreciate all that you do at home to help encourage academic success.
Infinite Campus
It is important that you check/update your Infinite Campus Portal. If you are unable to log-in, contact our District Registrar for assistance. Teresa Paulson 608-742-8545 Ext 1015
* Is my address correct?
* Is my email correct?
* Are my telephone numbers correct?
* Are my emergency contacts correct?
Also please check your phone to make sure your voicemail box is set-up, and the telephone number is not blacklisted. It is important that we have at least one number we can reach during the school day.
Have a wonderful November and take time to enjoy and celebrate with your family.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Garrigan
Family School Climate Survey
Dates to Remember
Saturday, November 4
- Holiday Craft Fair 9 am - 4 pm
- Music Boosters Auction 6:30 pm
Sunday, November 5
- Daylight Savings Time Ends (Fall back!)
Thursday, November 9
- Veterans Day Program 2:00 pm
- End of Quarter 1
Friday, November 10
- No School
Monday, November 13
- 6:30 pm Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24
- No School - Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 23
- Turkey Trot 8:00 am
- Marching Band in Chicago Parade 8:00 am
Friday, November 24
- Marching Band in Portage Holiday Parade 6:00 pm
Wednesday, November 29
- Student Council Blood Drive
Friday, December 1 - Sunday, December 3
- Fall Play - Clue 7:00 pm/1:00 pm
November Early Release Dates: 11/3, 11/17
Academic Students of the Week
School IDS for Bus Riders
Just a reminder, students need to scan their student IDs everytime they ride the bus. Replacement IDs, can be purchased in the office for $5.
Kiel Virtual School Applications
Enrollment for Kiel Virtual School is now open for 2nd semester. To apply, families must return the application to the PHS Counseling office by December 15.
Interviews will take place later with the student and parent to determine if Kiel is a good fit.
Senior Class Information
Senior students and families should watch for emails and announcements throughout the school year leading up to graduation. Please click here for the Senior Year Timeline.
The deadline to submit senior photos is Friday, December 1. Please click here for details ~ 2024 Senior Picture Information.
Junior Class Information
Academic and Career Planning (ACP) Conferences for all juniors /parents occur in November and December. You'll meet with your counselor to discuss post-secondary plans and goals, Aspire and Forward test results, progress toward graduation, and senior year course selection. More information is coming next month.
Music Boosters Annual Fruit Sale
Fruit from the annual Music Boosters fruit sale can be picked up at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Building #8 12/8 from noon - 6:00 pm & 12/9 from 8:00 am - noon.
All proceeds go to help the music programs in Portage and help sponsor our scholarship and student camps!
PHS Marching Band & Choir Holiday Performances
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Thanksgiving morning the PHS Marching Band will be in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade at 8:00 am. The parade will be streamed on Pluto and CW26. Please click here for details- CHICAGO THANKSGIVING PARADE.
Portage Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Friday night November 24, the PHS Marching Band will be in the Portage Holiday Parade at 6:00 pm. Please click here for details- PORTAGE HOLIDAY LIGHTED PARADE & TREE LIGHTING.
Holiday Concerts
Band- Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 pm
Choir- Thursday, December 14 at 7:00 pm
German Gütersloh Exchange
The German Exchange program would like to thank everyone who welcomed our visiting students and teachers from Gütersloh into all of our schools, our families, our city, and our lives from October 2-24, 2023! So many unforgettable memories and impressions were made, and Portage High School looks forward to seeing our newest friends in Gütersloh in June 2024! Please look for "German at PHS" on Facebook for more glimpses into this Exchange.
From the School Nurse
Vision screening to begin Fall 2023
According to Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, 1 in 4 school aged children has a vision problem. Vision problems are difficult to detect in children because they do not realize they are seeing things differently than others. Good vision is important for learning and success at school, because most learning happens visually for children. If children struggle to see well, they will likely struggle to learn and likely fall behind in school.
Starting in late Fall, the school nurses will begin routine vision screenings at school for students in preschool, first, third, fifth, and seventh grades. Any student may be referred for a vision screening by staff or families. Portage Community School District nurses are Prevent Blindness Certified Vision Screeners and use Prevent Blindness Wisconsin vision screening protocol for distance visual acuity. If your child does not pass their vision screen, the school nurse will contact you to discuss the results and the importance of taking your child to an eye doctor for a complete eye exam. The school nurses would like to stress the importance of following up on vision screening referrals in the event your child does have a vision problem. If treated early, many vision problems can be improved dramatically. Unfortunately, untreated vision problems can result in permanent damage to your child’s vision.
It is important to note that school vision screenings are not complete eye exams. If your child does not have vision insurance or needs financial assistance for an eye exam or eyeglasses, please contact the school nurse, as there may be vision resources that can be of assistance. Please visit Prevent Blindness Wisconsin for additional information about children’s vision and vision screenings. Here are signs of possible vision trouble in children.
2023/24 Full Year Exchange Students
Tech News
Please click here for Chromebook Care Tips.
PHS Play ~ CLUE
December 1 @ 7:00pm, December 2 @ 7:00pm, December 3 @ 1:30pm
Adult Woodworking Class
Athletics
Winter Sports Registration
Please click here for details ~Winter Sports Registration
Athletics Website
Portage High School
Website: https://www.portage.k12.wi.us/schools/high/
Location: 301 East Collins Street, Portage, WI, USA
Phone: 608-742-8545
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortageCSD
Twitter: @PortageCSD