It Is A Great Day to be a Portage Indian

Written by Michael J. Berta, Superintendent

In recent months the preponderance of negativity regarding the status of public schools has me wondering. I observe firsthand the results of skill, talent, hard work, and passion that exist day in and day out in classrooms across Portage Township Schools.

As I reflect on 2010-2011 the following are a few examples of the accomplishments of the district's students and staff:

• Myers Elementary School was identified as a National Blue Ribbon School.
  
• Associate Superintendent Ric Frataccia and the P.T.S. Differentiated Instruction Team (DI--putting the learning ball where a student can hit it) became honorary members of the Northwest Indiana Society of Innovators.
  
• Portage High senior Abigail Clark was a National Merit semifinalist. Three other Portage High students were named commended national merit scholars.
  
• Portage High student Dawn Williams was named a Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Award recipient.
• Portage High teacher Candis Carey is named German Rising Star of the Year for Indiana.
  
• Paula Wiese is identified as the state Art Education Association Indiana Award recipient for her instruction at Portage High.
  
• Central Elementary School is named an Indiana Title 1 High Performance School.
  
• Portage High student Justin Suggs is the Indiana Career and Technical Education recipient of the Indiana Award for Excellence.
  
• Aylesworth Elementary School is identified as an Indiana Four Star School.
  
• Portage High student Danielle Melton is the New York Alliance for Young Artists and Writers Gold Award recipient.
  
• Portage High students Danielle Solis and Mackenzie Barcelli are named all-conference and all state in gymnastics.
  
• Jones Elementary School fifth-grader Christian Schubert places first in the Porter County Spelling Bee.
  
• Willowcreek Middle School's Junior Academic Team places second in the state.
  
• Portage High Reilly C. Bush Philanthropic Book Camp Service and Volunteer students donate more than $14,000 to area nonprofit organizations benefiting at-risk students.
  
• Of the Portage High student-athletes who competed in 22 athletic programs, 509 maintained above a 3.0 grade point average while in season. 312 maintained a 3.5 grade point average in season.
  
• Portage High student Collin Czilli, was a congressional page and named a new Porter County United Way board member.
  
• Portage High senior Tori Bliss delivered a state and national championship shot put distance. She also earned the state Athlete Mental Attitude Award.

These few examples represent many joys in learning occurring every day in Portage Township Schools. It is a Great Day to Be a Portage Indian.