FOR YOUR INFORMATION
PPS BOND PPS is seeking a new bond to finish the job at our elementary schools! Voters will be asked to consider a $132.4 million bond proposal in the November election to finish replacing three of our oldest schools, modernize another, and update vital technology and services to serve PPS students for years to come, all with no increase in the 2024 millage rate
Why make this request? The COVID-19 pandemic upended supply chains, causing high inflation (especially building materials, equipment and labor) and construction delays.Here is what the new bond would cover:
Build the new Amberly Elementary School and the new Angling Road Elementary School – the last two elementary buildings to be replaced.
Renovate Moorsbridge Elementary School.
Replace PCEC to support Community High School and Early Childhood Education.
Continue important updates to educational and safety technology.
Replace buses that have outlived their mechanical lives.
Request your absentee ballot online at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication or plan to vote Nov. 4. You can learn more about the 2025 Bond at portageps.org/2025bond.
COUNT DAY Fall Count Day is THIS Wednesday, October 1. This day is important because it determines our school's funding. If possible, please avoid scheduling any non-critical, out-of-school appointments for your student on Wednesday, October 1. Thank you for your help and support in having all students counted for Count Day!
SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH With no state budget in place, families who do not qualify for free or reduced meals will begin paying for school breakfast and lunches on October 1.
Did you know that your student might qualify for free or reduced-price meals? The application only takes a few minutes to complete, and your information will be kept safe and confidential. Education and Nutrition Benefit applications are NOW available for this school year. All families are encouraged to apply online HERE. Please check out the following link to learn more about eligibility - Income Guidelines for School Nutrition Programs FAQ. PPS will be offering free breakfast and lunch to any student who does qualify for either free or reduced meals.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Susan Livingston, Director of Dining Services, at 269-323-5155 or via email at slivingston@portageps.org.
OCTOBER 8 PSAT - 8th GRADE On October 8th, 8th-grade students across the State of Michigan will be taking the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). The Michigan Department of Education selected PSAT as the required state assessment for all 8th-grade students, which measures their growth in Math and English Language Arts. The PSAT is taken several times over a student’s middle/high school career. The aggregate results of this assessment are used by each middle school and high school to improve our instruction and delivery of content further. Individual results can help your student identify academic areas to focus on in preparation for the SAT, which is taken in the student’s junior year.
OCTOBER 8 SCHEDULE CHANGE - 6th and 7th GRADES In order to allow 8th graders the space and time to focus on the PSAT, the school day for the 6th and 7th-grade classes will begin at 11:00 a.m. on October 8th at all PPS middle schools. This is similar to the schedule we follow at high schools when students take the SAT. If your 6th or 7th-grade student does not have a way to get to school at 11:00 am, they may ride the bus in the morning as usual, and we will provide a space for them to work on homework or read silently. Lunch will be provided for all grade levels on this day.
MUSTANG MANIA Hello, PCMS Families! We kicked off our Mustang Mania Fundraiser this past week! In order for the school-wide party to take place, we have to raise $25,000 as a school. We have grade competitions going on. Plus, we will be raffling off an iPad and other prizes! Students get one ticket for every $5 raised to be entered into the raffle drawing!
You can donate online at https://app.99pledges.com/fund/PCMS2025 or cash and check donations can be sent in their yellow envelope to be returned by October 11th.
We will have our fun inflatable party called Mustang Mania on October 20th at the Stable and practice fields (rain date Friday, 10/24). We need help to make the party happen! Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA8AC2DA2F9C34-58713895-mustang#/
Thanks!
PCMS PTO
CMS MAKER SPACE MATERIALS Our middle school library is home to a Maker Space, a creative, hands-on area where students can design, build, explore, and problem-solve. Throughout the year students will will have the opportunity to work on creative challenges, crafting, or collaborative projects. The Maker Space encourages innovation, teamwork, and critical thinking.
To keep this space stocked with engaging materials, we are seeking donations of supplies. If you’d like to support our students, please visit our Amazon Wishlist.
Thank you for helping us inspire creativity and curiosity in our learners!
ARCHERY For students interested in our archery team, 6th grade practice begins Mon Oct 6th, 7th and 8th grade starts Nov 3rd. If you are interested in participating, pleae fill out the Archery Sign Up Form.
8TH GRADE WASHINGTON TRIP There will be an informational meeting about the 2026 Washington DC Trip on September 30 at 6:30 in the CMS Commons. For more information about the trip including cost, dates and how to register, please see the 2026 CMS Washington DC Website. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Juodawlkis mjuodawlkis@portageps.org (269)323-5615