PTS News
Portage Township Schools | An Indiana "B" School District!
A note from the Superintendent
The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time. I love to visit the buildings during these first few weeks to watch our students meet their teachers, make new friends, and learn.
As you view our newsletters, note all of the fun and innovative ways our staff members are educating our students, celebrating their successes, and providing them with opportunities to achieve. Just one example of this is our group of talented STEM Champ students featured in this newsletter. Not only did these students expand their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities, they are empowered to lead their peers and teachers this year as mentors in our Innovative Learning Labs. Look at what our students are accomplishing in less than a month of school! It's certainly inspiring, and it's only the beginning.
I hope you and your family continue to have a great school year and enjoy all that Portage Township Schools has to offer.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda Alaniz
LATE START WEDNESDAY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
During this week's Late Start Wednesday, our schools focused on student engagement. Learning can take place when students are engaged in the lesson and focused on what is being taught. They are aware of the information being presented to them and can interact with it in a variety of ways.
Late-Start Wednesday featured teacher-led sessions at each building that allowed our educators to share their methods of engaging students in their classrooms. Portage High School art teacher Mrs. Braner presented an exciting session on activities she uses in her classroom to ensure students understand the information she presents. "Art Ball" involves a volleyball that contains art-related questions. Students pass the ball to one another, and they must answer the question located closest to their thumb when caught.
Each Late Start Wednesday this school year will focus on best practices in education. This allows our teachers to share their ideas while gaining valuable techniques to use in their classrooms. See the graphic below to learn more about the High Quality Professional Development we will be offering to our educators.
The next Late-Start Wednesday on October 2 will focus on how teachers can communicate high expectations to their students.
COMMUNITY HOURS AT THE PHS FIELD HOUSE
Monday - Thursday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The PHS Field House will be closed on all school breaks and during certain times of the year. Click below to download our PHS Field House information guide for details.
PTS MOBILE MARKETPLACE
PTS DISTRICT CALENDAR
GOOD NEWS AT PORTAGE
Portage STEM Champs
PHS Gaming & Creative Media Community
Portage High School kicked off its newest club, the Portage Gaming and Creative Media Community. This organization encourages team building and critical thinking through a shared interest in both tabletop and digital gaming. Interested high school students should see Mr. Politano or Mr. Thompson for more information on joining this awesome new club.
Fegely Middle School 8th Grade Cheer Team
Fegely Middle School is hosting its eighth grade cheer team for the first time in 15 years. The “Fab Five” performed at an exhibition for their families after just three days of practice and did an amazing job. Watch our Facebook page next week for ways you can help support the Fegely Cheer Team.
Willowcreek Middle School Walk-A-Thon
Willowcreek Middle School held a Walk-a-Thon last week to benefit the school’s PTO. Students who donated at least $5 to the PTO enjoyed a walk outside and a sweet treat. The weather was beautiful and the students enjoyed the extra time outside.
Mr. Hufford shares his love of reading
Name that Tune with PLTW
Students in Mr. Hruskocy's Computer Science class are learning how to make music through code. They first had to sketch out a rough draft of the code in their notebooks. Then, the students programmed the computer's keyboard to respond with musical notes. Each student in the class created their own code and song. Visit the PHS PLTW Facebook page to see what our Project Lead the Way students are creating every day.
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