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News Briefs
IB Program Inspires Students
A total of 30 students from Portage Schools graduated at the end of May with International Baccalaureate diplomas (see cover photo).
Diploma candidates fill their junior and senior years primarily with IB classes. In addition to class work, diploma students perform 150 hours for
the Creativity-Action-Service requirement, and complete a 4,000 word extended essay (for a listing of this year’s essays see page 7 of the February
Inside PPS at www.portageps.org/information/news/insidepps.aspx).
Meanwhile, more than half of all juniors and seniors at Central and Northern take one or more IB classes. IB is a rigorous two-year comprehensive
curriculum for juniors and seniors that has been authorized at both Northern and Central since 1998. Portage Schools was the first school district in
Michigan with high schools earning IB authorization.
French teacher Linda Trepanier serves as the IB coordinator at Northern and Social Studies teacher Chuck Schira is Central’s coordinator.
Visit portageps.org for more information.
Central High School:
Samantha M. Cabala, University of Michigan
Kathryn Christopher, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Joy Duo, University of Michigan
Danielle N. Fox, Grand Valley State University
Grete K. Grubelich, University of Chicago
Joan Hamlow, Case Western Reserve University
Amar Jaswa, Michigan State University
Cobhan Miller, Western Michigan University
Nicole Olweean, Grand Valley State University
Robert Phillips, University of Michigan
Elena Stachew, Case Western Reserve University
Ryan T. Umberger, Air Force Academy
Caitlin Urisko, Michigan State University
Mier Wang, University of Pennsylvania
Northern High School:
Nehemiah Blazek, College of Wooster
Brian Byers, University of Michigan
Stephanie Clark, Western Michigan University
Brooke Doherty, Grand Valley State University
Meaghan Harris, Miami of Ohio
Stephen Holtzhauser, Richmond University, London
Soo Kyun Hur, Michigan State University
Tien Huynh, University of Michigan
Cecilee Jarrad, Michigan State University
Sukhvir Kaur, Kalamazoo College
Jessica Lewinski, Hope College
Corey Peterson, University of Michigan
Benjamin Ramsay, Western Michigan University
Katie Schultz, Swarthmore College
Jyotika Singh, Kalamazoo College
Vania VanHyfte, Michigan State University
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2009-2010 BUDGET
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on June 15, 2009 at 6:30 o'clock p.m. in the Community Room of the Administration Building
of Portage Public Schools, 8111 S. Westnedge, Portage, Michigan, the Board of Education of Portage Public Schools will hold a
public hearing to consider the district's proposed 2009-2010 budget.
The Board may not adopt its proposed 2009-2010 budget until after the public hearing. A copy of the proposed 2009-2010
budget including the proposed property tax millage rate is available for public inspection during normal business hours in the
Business Office of the Administration Building.
The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be the subject of this hearing.
This notice is given by order of the Board of Education.
Debra G. Polderman, Board Secretary
• Inside PPS is published monthly during the school year as an insert to the Portage Gazette. Contact Community Relations Manager Tom Vance at
323-5167 or tvance@portageps.org. Stay informed throughout the summer by visiting www.portageps.org, subscribing to our List Service (see our
homepage), or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/portageschools.
• On the Cover: International Baccalaureate Program diploma candidates from both Northern and Central High Schools are pictured here
during a recent reception held in their honor at Western Michigan University. See the article above for more information about these students
and IB. Photo by Spencer Bridges.
Page 2 www.portageps.org 323-5000

News Briefs
Students of the Month Honored
Students of the Month at Community
High were recently honored with a luncheon
and awarding of medallions and certificates
from the school and gift certificates from the
Portage Rotary Club.
Seated are Dannie Root, Etta Oisten,
Amanda Schiero-Farrow, and standing are
Community Education Center Administrator
Craig Ross, Andre Woodruff, Trevon Bell,
and Rotary representative Allan Reiff.
PEF Announces Scholarship Winners
Northern Forensics Takes 11th State Championship
The Portage Northern Forensic team celebrated
an amazing 1st place victory last month at the
Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association State
Finals tournament held at the University of
Michigan-Flint.
This is Northern’s 8th consecutive state title and
11th in the program’s 44 year history. “Northern
has certainly carried on a strong tradition of excellence,
and this program of competitive speaking and
Northern Student Wins
American Legion Scholarship
Graduating Northern senior
Harrison Cummings has been
awarded a $500 scholarship from
the American Legion Post in
Portage. He plans to attend
Michigan State to study physics
with a future goal of law school
specializing in patent law.
Kyle Kuzmick Kris Barron Josh Mayer Clayton MacRitchie Mia Atkinson Jeff Bickings
The Portage Education Foundation has awarded seven scholarships to the following students.
Josh Mayer (Northern) becomes the second recipient of the Robert P. Amrhein Scholarship
of $4,000, named in memory of the ’07 Northern alum.
Josh has also been awarded the Board of Education Endowed Scholarship of $500, honoring
past Board of Education trustees.
Kristopher Barron (Northern) becomes the first recipient of the Chuck Evans Scholarship of
$2,500, established this year in memory of the former principal of Northern High.
Mia Atkinson (Central) has been awarded the Sue Nelmes Scholarship in history of $1,000,
created five years ago by a CHS alum in honor of her retired history teacher.
Clayton MacRitchie (Northern) is the first recipient of the newly-named Scott Hammond
Education-for-Employment Endowed Scholarship of $500. Previously the EFE Endowed
Scholarship, the scholarship was re-named this year in memory of the long-time member of the
PPS Technology Department.
Kyle Kuzmick (Central) has been awarded the Dwight Hodgin Endowed Scholarship of
$500, established in memory of the Central High educator.
Jeff Bickings (Northern) is the recipient of the Ken Draayer Scholarship for auto-tech of
$500, named for the local businessman who owned Dunshee Body & Frame.
Visit www.portageps.org for more information about the Foundation.
oral interpretation is highly regarded statewide and
nationally,” says Head Coach Laurel Scheidt.
More than 80 schools and close to 800
students from across the state participated.
In addition to the Northern team’s success, the
Huskies also received five individual 1st place state
championships.
National Honors
Laurel Scheidt, head of NHS’s theatre and
forensic program, is a recipient of the national
2008-09 Outstanding Speech, Debate and Theatre
Educator Award.
Hall of Fame
Northern’s Michael Scheidt was recently
inducted into the Michigan Speech Coaches Hall
of Fame.
Mustang Prize in
Biography Awarded
Jake Siebers is the first
recipient of the Portage Central
Prize in Biography, for a profile
on Salvador Dali written for an
honors English class for teacher
Janet LaVasseur.
Jake, who is also a student at the Kalamazoo
Area Math & Science Center, received a copy of
“The Writing of Biography” by Catherine
Drinker Bowen and a Barnes & Noble gift card.
NMS Student Achievement
Honored at Effort Breakfast
A total of 74 students at North Middle School
recently received recognition for their achievements
during the school’s annual Effort Breakfast.
The students and their families heard an inspirational
talk by Dr. Ric Perry, assistant superintendent
for Instruction.
323-5000
www.portageps.org Page 3

The Portage Schools Curious Kids program provides a fun and safe environment for your child. Enjoy a worry-free summer with your
kids at Curious Kids. Check out our discounted summer rates and register today! Call Curious Kids at 323-6780 or check us out online at www.portageps.org
(click “Community” then “Curious Kids.”). CK is located at the Portage Schools Community Education Center on West Milham across from the Post Office.
What do you like best about coming to Curious Kids
“The best thing is
the swimming
and water days.”
Caleb (age 7)
“I like reading
books best.”
Jane (age 9)
“Because when I learn new things, it
makes me curious.” Eliza (age 6)
Check out our webpage at www.portageps.org. Click on ‘Community’,
then on ‘Curious Kids.’ You can also follow CK on Twitter at http://twitter.com/curiouskids.
“Shooting hoops and hanging out with
our friends.” Gil and Zach (age 12)
“I like having
picnics at
lunch time.”
Natalie (age 4)
“Awesome
staff and great
things to do.”
Bob (age 12)
Infant/Toddler Program:
Care for children 6 weeks to approximately 30 months.
Transition Program:
Care for children who are toilet training and are
2 1/2 to 3 1/2.
Preschool-age child care:
Care for children 2 1/2 to 5.
Preschool:
Half-day Preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds. This program is
taught by certified teachers only.
Discovergarten:
Wrap-around care for children opposite their half-day in
kindergarten. Children are transported via Portage School
buses to and from Curious Kids.
Three
Convenient
Locations
An Overview . . .
• CK at West Milham Avenue
• CK at Woodland Elementary
• New for the 2009-2010 school year:
CK at Moorsbridge Elementary
School-Age Child Care:
Care for children before and after school as well as full time
care on all non-school days. (Snow days, Professional
Development, records and conference days, and summer
months). Children are transported from Curious Kids to their
school and back via our Portage School buses.
Summer Academies:
Half and full-day excursions for school-age children
throughout the spring and summer months.
Curious “Little” Kids Academies:
Trips to be enjoyed by children ages 3 to 5 who are
accompanied by a parent.
Spanish Classes (Weekly)
Music Classes (Weekly)
Contact Us
West Milham Ave.
323-6780
Woodland
323-6628
Moorsbridge
323-6422

Community Connections
North Middle School
Drive Benefits SPCA of SW Michigan
The 6th grade sections
at North Middle
School recently took part
in a donation drive to
benefit the SPCA. Mariah
Cronin, a 6th grade student,
along with support
from teacher Johanna
Toth, led this effort to
assist the animals.
Mariah spoke to each
of the 6th grade English
classes about the needs of
the shelter and created posters to hang in each of the classrooms. The drive took place
from April 22 to May 1; however, donations are still being accepted through the end
of the school year.
The SPCA’s wish list includes: food, leashes, toys, collars, towels and blankets
(used is fine), medium size crates and cages, tall cat tower, copy paper, postage
stamps, #10 and # 8 envelopes, manila file folders, mailing labels, laundry soap,
bleach, and non-toxic sanitizing cleaner.
Senior Center:
Celery City
Talent Show
The Celery City
Showcase is a multigenerational
talent
competition organized
by the Portage Senior
Center and sponsored by Edward Jones.
Performers of all types – vocalists, dancers, musicians,
comedians, and variety acts – are invited to audition. All
proceeds from the Showcase directly support older adult
programs and services.
The 2009 show will be held at Northern High’s auditorium
the evenings of Wednesday, June 24, through Friday,
June 26. Audition dates are Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m., and Friday, June 12 from 5 to 9 p.m.
There is no fee, but all interested performers must complete
a registration form, which are available at the Portage
Senior Center, 320 Library Lane, or online at: www.portagemi.gov/CMS/Media/Files/2009PSCAudition.pdf.
Performers are grouped into three age brackets: Youth
(12-18), Adult (19-50), and Senior (51+). Cash prizes of up to
$300 will be awarded to the top three acts in each bracket.
Junior Achievement Inspires
With Hands-On Training
Junior Achievement of
Southwest Michigan (JA)
works in partnership with
Portage Public Schools each
year to provide educational programs to K-12 students.
During the 2008-2009 school year, JA’s classroom volunteers
taught 80 classes in the district impacting approximately 1,700
students. JA programs are designed to teach students about financial
literacy, entrepreneurship, and work-readiness skills.
Another unique aspect about the JA program is that classes
are taught by a community volunteers. JA volunteers serve as
positive adult role models for young people while also relating
their own unique experiences that help bring the programs to life.
“I learned that it takes a lot of teamwork to run a successful
company,” said one 3rd grade student. “I like it when the JA volunteer
comes in to teach our class.”
Junior Achievement uses hands-on experiences to help young
people understand the economics of life. In partnership with business
and educators, JA brings the real world to students, opening
their minds to their potential. JA of Southwest Michigan reaches
more than 20,000 students in six counties in Southwest Michigan
each year.
Registration is Open For
18th Annual PAF Golf Outing
The Portage Athletic Foundation
will host its 18th Annual Golf
Outing on Monday, August 10, at
the beautiful Moors Golf Club.
Each year a couple hundred
golfers enjoy a fun-filled
round with friends and colleagues.
Golfers can participate
in course contests, raffle prizes,
and a silent auction.
Nearly 50 area businesses and
individuals sponsor the event and many more donate
in-kind items for the auction and raffle. Please consider supporting
this year’s PAF Golf Outing. Thanks to generous community
support, PAF has donated more than $500,000 to Portage School
athletics.
Contact the Portage Schools Community Relations office for
a registration brochure 323-5000 or find one online at
portageps.org (click on PAF link).
Page 6 www.portageps.org 323-5000

Substance Abuse
New Campaign To Help Youth
Portage Schools joined with
the City of Portage and the
Kalamazoo County Substance
Abuse Task Force last month to
announce Smart Summer 2009,
an awareness campaign to help
prevent substance abuse by teens.
Mayor Peter Strazdas told a
standing-room only crowd in the
lobby of City Hall, “I’m proud
that we are taking the initiative
in a proactive and collaborative
way to address substance abuse
and work toward a healthy
future for our community.”
Messages will appear
throughout the summer presented
in two parts, posing two
questions, such as “Do you know
where your kids are Are you
sure” and “Is the driver sober
Are you sure”
The Task Force hopes that
these messages will cause parents
to think twice about their
children’s activities during the
summer and ask critical questions
that could prevent disaster.
Through a variety of communications,
the Task Force hopes to
help parents set boundaries,
monitor activities, and stay
connected with their children.
A number of public officials and Task Force members
gathered at Portage City Hall last month to announce
Smart Summer 2009. At the podium is Portage Mayor
Peter Strazdas who introduced speakers (from the left):
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Fink, Portage Police
Chief Richard White, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement
Team Captain Joe Taylor, Northern High School
Assistant Principal Leslie Hainrihar, Superintendent
Marsha Wells, and Kalamazoo County Substance
Abuse Task Force members Mark Anthony Martin and
Melissa Sparrow.
In addition to the Smart Summer messages for parents, introduced by Mayor Strazdas
and outlined by Superintendent Marsha Wells and Northern High Assistant Principal Leslie
Hainrihar, other initiatives that make up the community-wide response to substance abuse
were also announced:
• Portage Police Chief Richard White spoke about “Operating Under the Influence”
enforcement zones.
• Task Force members Mark Anthony Martin and Melissa Sparrow addressed the initiative
to educate alcohol vendors about not selling to minors.
• County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Fink warned parents about the liabilities of hosting
parties that include alcohol.
• Captain Joe Taylor of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team announced how the
Silent Observer program now features a Text-a-Tip option.
Mayor Peter Strazdas:
“The end of the school year and
summer is a particularly highrisk
period for youth substance
abuse. The Smart Summer 2009
initiative is designed to provide
tools to parents and community
members in order to keep our
kids safe.”
Superintendent Marsha Wells:
- “Portage Schools is also working
with the Kalamazoo County
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Services to designate a full-time
school-based consultant. Beginning
this coming school-year, this professional
will work with all of our
schools in the areas of prevention,
intervention, and coordination of
services with students, families, and
faculty and staff.”
Assistant Northern High
Principal Leslie Hainrihar:
- “The initiative consists of 12
weeks of educational messages
for parents and our communityat-large
using various marketing
strategies to raise awareness for
the prevention of substance
abuse. Each week will unveil a
new message.”
323-5000
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A Proud Tradition
Page 8 www.portageps.org 323-5000