Written by Lynn Alkire-Winland, Assistant Principal
August 2009 was a special time for Portage High School students and staff. This was the inaugural year for the PHS Looping Program. By utilizing a team approach along with extra time devoted to "High Stakes" subjects, there was no doubt our students would experience success.
Each subsequent cohort group of 300 incoming freshmen has succeeded on numerous levels by being part of such a dynamic program. As a member of a Looper Team, students are privileged in many ways.
- They are afforded additional time in mathematics and language arts.
- They take part in team-building experiences.
- They are able to visit near-by colleges, during the school day.
- They have access to community organizations.
- Most importantly, they become a "family."
This family dynamic is the driving force behind the Portage High School Looping Program. Students chosen to take part on this journey are placed on a team of approximately 50 students, led by two amazing teachers. These teams spend one half of their school day together, for two years, working diligently to meet all Portage and Indiana State Standards. Along the way, these teams experience growth and commitment to one another. Because of this commitment, academic and personal success occurs. Grade point averages and credits earned have risen and ISTEP+ (End of Course Assessment) scores have climbed beyond expectations.
Looping Team teachers, believe the creation of "family" raises the level of student desire for success. The family atmosphere has created a caring, giving environment for success. It is evident by the positive interactions between student and teacher. "We hit the ground running during the second year of the program." Students and teachers alike are excited for second "Looping" year because the "family" is back together. All members know one another's habits and personalities. With this in mind, academics are in full swing, day one.
From the students:
"What I like about Looping was having the same teachers two years in a row. You could be yourself and not be afraid to ask questions."
"Looping made me feel sure about myself because I knew the teachers and had extra time."
"I always used to feel like my teachers didn't have enough time to answer my questions, but in Looping my teachers had time to answer all my questions and make sure I understood."
We, at Portage High School, are proud of the Looping Program. Please join me in congratulating both our students and staff involved in this successful, out of the box, educational experience.
Parents, mark your calendars.
Important High Stakes Testing Dates
- English 10 (Retesters) - Dec. 8 and 9
- Algebra I (Retesters) - Dec. 14 and 15
- Biology - April 24 - May 4
- English 10 (First Time Testers and Retesters) - May 8 and 9
- Algebra 1 (First Time Testers and Retesters) - May 15 and 16