PHS NEWSLETTER
January 2024
The Principal's Letter
As we step into the new year, I hope this message finds you in good spirits and renewed energy for the months ahead.
First, I want to extend my gratitude for the incredible dedication and resilience shown by our students and faculty throughout the past semester. The commitment to academic excellence and the spirit of community within our school has been truly inspiring.
This January brings with it a sense of excitement as we gear up for various upcoming events and initiatives. One of these initiatives is the transition to a Trimester-Based System, beginning in the upcoming academic year, is a significant step for our school. I have included a section specifically for Trimester information below in the newsletter. As a school community we are excited for the academic and elective opportunities this provides for our students. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition during this process and we are here to answer and questions that might arise.
Our commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching academic environment remains unwavering. Parents, your active involvement continues to be pivotal in your child's educational journey. Please continue to stay engaged, review Infinite Campus, communicate with teachers, and support your child through the second half of our school year.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Here's to a successful and rewarding new year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Garrigan
Dates to Remember
Wednesday, January 3
- School Reopens
Friday, January 5
- Full Day of School
Monday, January 8
- 6:30 pm Board of Education Meeting
- Girls Basketball Youth Night/Poster Signing
Monday, January 15
- Little Mermaid Musical Auditions
Thursday, January 25
- End of Quarter 2/Semester 1
Friday, January 26
- No School/ Staff Inservice
Monday, January 29
- Start of Quarter 3/Semester 2
Monday, February 5
- Course Fair 5:00 - 6:30 pm
January Early Release Dates: 1/12, 1/19
Inclement Weather Schedule
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 Information and Resources
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 Video2023 -2024 Standards-Based Grading.pdf
Academic Students of the Week
A Note...
We are asking for your assistance in reducing the number of phone calls coming into the office for appointments at the last minute.
If your student has an appointment or needs to leave school during the day, please send a note with them to bring to the office the morning of the event. The student will then be given a pass that allows them to leave the classroom and come to the office to sign out.
Your pre-planning will cut down on classroom interruptions and help create a smoother flow for all. (We understand that emergency appointments and situations do arise.)
Thank you for supporting your student's learning at PHS!
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.
Please see the fliers below for information on scholarships and FAFSA completion events.
School Play "Clue"
Band and Choir Concerts
FFA Cookie Decorating
December was a busy month for PHS students and staff!
Music Boosters Fruit Sale
FBLA Bell Ringing
Foreign Language Trip to Chicago
Little Mermaid musical auditions will be on Monday, January 15.
From the School Nurse ~ Respiratory Viral Illness
Respiratory viral illness is increasing in Wisconsin and locally in our schools. Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and others continue to spread. The student health exclusion guidelines have incorporated the COVID-19 protocol. First, rule out COVID-19. COVID-19 at-home test kits are available through the main office at each of the district schools until the supply runs out, or you may order these through the government. Test kits are also available for purchase at various retailers and on a limited basis through the health departments.
Protective factors to decrease the risk of illness include:
· Stay up to date on vaccines that offer protection from severe illness
· Avoid others who are sick
· Cover coughs and sneezes
· Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
· Stay hydrated by drinking water and other nutritious beverages
· Eat nutritious foods
· Maintain your sleep schedule
NOTE: Most COVID-19 at-home test kits have an extended expiration date as determined by the FDA. Scroll down on this page to find the brand and lot number of the at-home test kits you have. The new expiration date is specific to the brand and lot number.
Various vaccines are available through your health care provider, local pharmacies, and local health departments. Be aware that some pharmacies may be unable to vaccinate young children due to licensing rules.
Use medication safely following the product’s label for age, weight, dose, and when to administer a repeat dose. Know the ingredients in all medicines to avoid double dosing. Measure medication accurately using a measuring device such as a medicine cup or syringe. More information on medication safety is available here.
Ride-Off/Drive-Off Privileges
Senior Year
First Semester ~ Seniors may earn the privilege of riding as a passenger in a vehicle and/or driving off-campus, as long as they have obtained no more than 1 F and/or zero truancies (not exceed ten unexcused days) during the 2nd semester of their Junior year.
- Second Semester ~ Seniors may earn or lose the privilege of riding as a passenger in a vehicle with other seniors and/or driving off-campus, as long as they have obtained no more than 1 F and zero truancies (not exceed ten unexcused days) during the 1st semester of their Senior year.
In Order to Drive-Off:
A Drive-Off/Ride-Off Waiver must be signed by both the student and their guardians and must be submitted to the office.
A driver sticker will be placed on their ID card by the office.
Junior Year
Second Semester ~ Juniors may earn the privilege of driving off-campus or riding as a passenger in a vehicle at the start of the 2nd semester of their Junior year, as long as they have obtained no more than 1 F and/or zero truancies (not exceed ten unexcused days) during the first semester of their Junior year.
In Order to Drive-Off:
A Drive-Off/Ride-Off Waiver must be signed by both the student and their guardians and must be submitted to the office.
A driver sticker will be placed on their ID card by the office.
Freshman & Sophomore Years
Freshmen & Sophomores are not allowed off-campus for lunch.
Athletics
Athletics Website
January 8 is youth night/poster signing night for girls basketball.
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