Written by Jen Sass, Assistant Principal
After twenty-three years in the classroom, I stepped out of the classroom and joined the administrative team. I graduated from the same corporation that I had spent all my years teaching. In June of 2010, I made the trek to Portage for an interview. I walked into Portage High School, armed only with information that I had gathered on the Department of Education website and from attending a few sporting events over the years. Wow, have I learned a lot about Portage High School and the community in a few short months!
I want to let the community of Portage know all the GREAT things that are going on at our high school. We hear so much about the poor choices many of our teenagers make in their lives, but let us remember that the majority of the students at Portage High School come to school everyday with a great attitude and work effort. There are many students walking the halls that want to learn and do all the “right” stuff! The vocational program offered for the students of Portage High School is top notch. PHS offers over forty dual credit and AP courses to help prepare students for the education beyond high school. The township recognizes that we need to meet the needs of ALL students with varying interests and abilities. The vocational program gives students the ability to try out different interests and see if it may be a career choice in their futures. Our high school is full of clubs, athletics and activities to spark all interests. Study tables are offered four days a week after school for students to receive some one-on-one time with homework. All of these offerings are made possible through the hard work, dedication and caring attitude from all the staff at PHS. We need to give more recognition to the staff that works hard everyday to help a student reach his full potential. PHS has this kind of staff around every corner!
Students are encouraged daily with the five critical values: Be Honest, Be respectful, Be responsible, Be Fair and Be Compassionate. These critical values are encouraged throughout the schools in Portage Township Schools and the staff strives to be positive role models for the students. The “Portage Way” is set up to meet the academic and emotional needs off all students throughout the corporation. Everyday students are encountering teachers that put students first and do all they can to help all students succeed!
We appreciate the parents at Portage High School because they have the best interest of their child at heart and have been very supportive with the school when giving consequences for poor choices. Many involved parents call and want to help their students be the best they can be. They want our assistance, so we can work together in the best interest of the student.
So, thank you, Portage High School staff and parents for making student success the top priority! Together, we can make a difference in a student’s life. I know Portage High School is on the right path to help all students find success and flourish as great citizens in our community.