PHS NEWSLETTER
February 2024
Portage High School Community,
As we enter February, we find ourselves at the midpoint of the academic year. First-semester grades are now available on Infinite Campus. If you encounter any difficulties accessing them, please do not hesitate to reach out.
The second semester has brought a sense of renewal and continued dedication to the success and well-being of our students at Portage High School. The dedicated teachers of PHS are committed to supporting your child's academic journey in this new semester. If additional assistance is needed in any course, students may sign up for extra help during our daily WIN time. We are here to help ensure the success of every student.
Portage High School takes great pride in the diverse range of co-curricular activities that go beyond the traditional classroom setting, playing a vital role in the growth of our students. Our ongoing efforts focus on developing high-quality programs that stand out in terms of preparation, commitment, work ethic, character, and sportsmanship. This achievement is made possible through the dedicated leadership of our staff members and the active participation of our student body in Clubs, Sports Teams, Music Programs, and all Extracurricular Activities.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Please stay engaged, utilize Infinite Campus, maintain open communication with teachers, and support your child throughout the second half of our school year.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Garrigan
Dates to Remember
Saturday, February 3
- FBLA Regionals
Monday, February 5
- Course Fair 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Saturday, February 10
- Winter Formal Dance 7:00 pm
Monday, February 12 - Friday, February 16
- FBLA Week
Monday, February 12
- 6:30 pm Board of Education Meeting
Sunday, February 18
- 1:00 pm "Welcome Home Alumni" UW Band Performance
Monday, February 19 - Friday, February 23
- FFA Week
Monday, February 19
- Spanish HS 6:00 pm
Saturday, February 24
- Solo Ensemble
Monday, March 4 & Tuesday, March 5
- Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 7:00 pm
February Early Release Dates: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23
Academic Students of the Week
First Semester Report Cards
First Semester report cards are posted in Infinite Campus. To find your student's report card, look under "Documents" in your Parent Portal.
Course Fees
Just a reminder, to allow for schedule changes, course fees will be assessed a couple of weeks into each term. Fees can be paid online through Infinite Campus with a credit or debit card or in the office with cash or a check.
Sunday, February 18 at 1:00 pm
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 apply for Local Scholarships is Tuesday, February 6. Please contact Stephanie Kohl for details. kohls@portage.k12.wi.us
Senior Baby Tributes
Please click this link- Senior Baby Tributes if you would like information on including a senior baby tribute in the yearbook. Contact yearbook advisor Tammy Chase at chaset@portage.k12.wi.us with questions. The deadline for submissions is March 29, 2024.
Graduation Ceremony Participation Attendance Requirement
According to the Student Handbook, participation in the graduation ceremony and class trip shall be reserved for those senior students who have attended school at least 90% of the school days/class periods in the second semester of their senior year.
The 2024 Graduation Ceremony is Friday, June 7 at 7:30 pm.
Trimester Information
Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, we are making a shift from a semester-based system to a trimester-based structure. This change will divide the school year into three separate trimesters instead of the usual two-semester arrangement. Each trimester will span approximately 12 weeks, providing a more specialized approach to education.
Throughout each trimester, students will concentrate on a narrower selection of classes compared to the broader semester system. Assessments and grading will take place at the end of every trimester, offering more frequent feedback on your child's progress.
The trimester model opens up additional academic and elective opportunities that were not feasible within our current scheduling framework.
Your engagement in your child's education remains crucial during this transition. Your continued involvement—reviewing Infinite Campus, maintaining communication with teachers, and providing support as needed—will significantly contribute to your child's success within the new trimester system. Creating a supportive and enriching academic environment for all students remains our aim, and your participation is pivotal in achieving this goal.
The 2024-2025 course book is now accessible online for your review alongside your child. Additionally, mark your calendars for our Course Fair scheduled on February 5, 2024, at the High School, running from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. This event will offer more insights into the upcoming academic choices and opportunities.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child's educational journey.
Further information and resources are linked below.
PHS Trimester Presentation - For Parents
Standards Based Grading
We are in our second year of implementation of standards-based grading at our high school. It is designed to provide a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of your child's academic progress. Unlike traditional grading systems, which often rely on a cumulative average of various assignments and tests, standards-based grading focuses on specific learning objectives or standards within each subject.
This approach offers a more detailed insight into your child's strengths and areas needing improvement by evaluating their mastery of individual skills and knowledge. Rather than receiving a single letter grade, students are assessed based on their proficiency in meeting the established standards for each subject.
As we fully adopt this method for the 2024-2025 school year, our goal is to provide you with a clearer understanding of your child's academic strengths and areas that may require additional attention. It offers a more precise and informative way to track your child's progress throughout high school.
Further information and resources are linked below.
An Introduction to Standards-Based Grading Video
2023 -2024 Standards-Based Grading.pdf
From the School Nurse
February: Dental Health Month
Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles
February is Children’s Dental Health Month!
Good dental health is a key component to your child’s overall health. Cavities are the leading cause of childhood disease in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 1 in 5 children have untreated cavities. Cavities can be painful, impact your child’s ability to eat, can cause serious infection, and result in missed school days.
The good news is that cavities can be prevented with regular oral hygiene habits including:
Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste 2 times each day.
Floss between the teeth at least daily.
Eat healthy foods and limit sugary drinks. Try to drink water as the first choice.
Drink fluoridated water.
See the dentist regularly every 6 months for routine dental check ups.
Dental sealants can also help to prevent cavities in children. These are applied to your child’s teeth by a dental health professional during a dental visit or during a community health program for dental sealants. Portage Community School District has been fortunate enough to have collaborated with community agencies to provide Wisconsin Seal a Smile services to eligible buildings over the years. Please visit our website for additional information about Wisconsin Seal a Smile and our collaboration with this program.
If you are in need of dental health services AND do not have dental insurance or are participants of the Medical Assistance/BadgerCare Dental program, please visit this link for a list of low cost dental providers.
Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
Spring parent/teacher conferences are:
Monday, March 4 from 4-7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 5 from 4-7:00 pm
We hope you can join us!
ACT
All Juniors enrolled in PHS, PAA, and Kiel will be taking the ACT test on Tuesday, March 12. Students in 11th grade will be allowed to leave after testing is complete.
Students in grades 9, 10, and 12 will not have school that day.
Athletics
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