Week of October 26 - October 30
Week of October 26 - October 30
Embedded Files
The Pioneer Rundown
The Pioneer Rundown
Your 30-second look at this week's news!
From Mr. Bailey
From Mr. Bailey
Pioneer Families,
It's hard to believe we're already approaching the end of our first quarter! As we head into the final week, I encourage you to check in with your Pioneer about their grades, missing assignments, and goals for finishing the quarter strong.
There's also plenty happening at West! From our choir concert and Red Ribbon Week activities to upcoming celebrations and opportunities for students to get involved, it's an exciting time to be a Pioneer.
As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership. Take a few minutes to explore this week's Pioneer Family News so you don't miss what's coming up!
Have a great weekend!
#AllIn #TheWestWay
NEED TO KNOW
NEED TO KNOW
Important information for Pioneer families
Choir Concert Oct. 27
Choir Concert Oct. 27
Join us for an evening of music!
Our 6th Grade and 7th/8th Grade Choirs are ready to take the stage for their Fall Choir Concert! Come out and support our talented Pioneers as they showcase their hard work!
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
7:00–8:30 PM
Portage Northern Auditorium
We hope to see our Pioneer families there for a great evening of music! 🎵
Quarter 1 ends Oct. 30
Quarter 1 ends Oct. 30
We're wrapping up Quarter 1 with some fun! On Friday, October 30, West will host PBIS Minute to Win It Assembliesto celebrate students who have demonstrated responsibility throughout the quarter.
Students with three or fewer missing assignments and no in-school or out-of-school suspensions will qualify to participate. The deadline to submit missing work to attend is Tuesday, October 27.
Let's finish Quarter 1 strong, Pioneers!
Click below for full event details and eligibilty information.
WMS Ski Club 26-27
WMS Ski Club 26-27
West Middle School Ski Club is BACK!
Get ready to hit the slopes this winter! Our Pioneers and families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Timber Ridge Ski Area with special Ski Club discounts!
$45 Punch Cards – Available for students and adults!
Discounts on lift tickets, rentals, tubing, and student ski lessons!
Registration Deadline: November 12
Register Today: https://tinyurl.com/wms-ski-club
Don't miss out on some winter fun!
PIONEERS IN ACTION
PIONEERS IN ACTION
Celebrating learning, leadership & The West Way
Red Ribbon Week 2026
Red Ribbon Week 2026
Red Ribbon Week is Coming to West!
Next week, October 26–30, we're celebrating Red Ribbon Week! Pioneers are encouraged to participate in our themed dress-up days as we promote healthy, drug-free choices! Learn more about Red Ribbon Week here.
We're kicking things off Monday by ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET! Dress your best and get ready for a great week!
Check out the schedule for each day's theme!
Monday, October 26 - DRESS YOUR BEST DAY Roll out the Red Carpet for Red Ribbon Week!
Tuesday, October 27 - NEON DAY Our future is bright without drugs!
Wednesday, October 28 - CAMOUFLAGE DAY Drugs can't find me!
Thursday, October 29 - SUPERHERO DAY My super power is staying drug free!
Friday, October 30 - ORANGE AND BLACK DAY Say Boo to drugs!
A special shoutout to the following Pioneers who represented West at Tuesday's The City of Portage MI council meeting by reading a proclamation recognizing Red Ribbon Week!
* Reese B.
* Saini B.
* Forrest H.
* Emelia K.
* Dhiyana V.
* Zariah W.
We're proud of these students for helping spread this important message throughout our community!
Let's make it a great week, Pioneers!
Student Opportunities: Contests, Challenges & More!
Student Opportunities: Contests, Challenges & More!
There are some exciting opportunities available for students to explore their interests, try something new, and challenge themselves beyond the classroom!
From creative contests and STEM competitions to environmental projects and community activities, there's something for a variety of interests and grade levels.
Take a look at the opportunities linked below, including important deadlines, eligibility requirements, and information on how to participate. We encourage families to explore these together and consider getting involved!
Winter Sports Sign-Ups
Winter Sports Sign-Ups
As our fall sports season comes to a close, winter sports are gearing up! Boys basketball tryouts are underway, and several other opportunities are approaching. Here's what's coming up
Portage Central Competitive Cheer - Click here for more details
Portage North Competitive Cheer - Click here for more details
Archery - Regular season practice begins November 2. Interested? Please click here for more details
Swimming and Diving - Practice begins November 30. Interested? Please click here for more details
Pioneer Clubs Are Underway!
Pioneer Clubs Are Underway!
One of the many things we are proud of here at West is the wide variety of clubs that are offered before, during, and after school for our Pioneers. The following clubs have already begun:
Esports - Madame Stylund - lstyrlund@portageps.org
Dungeons & Dragons - Mrs. Underwood - sunderwood@portageps.org
Science Olympiad - Mrs. Hake - chake@portageps.org
MathCounts! - Mrs. Cavalli - gcavallie@portagps.org
Magic the Gathering Club - Ms. Fries - afries@portageps.org
Comic Book Club - Mrs. Brandenburg - abrandenburg@portageps.org
Homework Club - Mrs. Tomlinson - ltomlinson@portageps.org (currently full)
There are still more that will be starting soon. Contact the sponsors if you have any questions. Click here to see our before & after school clubs.
Get involved! Get connected! #TheWestWay
Game Day Just Got Easier!
Game Day Just Got Easier!
Tickets can now be purchased through Eventlink. When you arrive at the game, simply scan the QR code and purchase your ticket from your phone.
Concessions can also now be purchased with a credit or debit card. Come out, support our Pioneers, and enjoy the game!
#AllIn #TheWestWay
Important Information from the Main Office
Building Responsibility & Independence
Building Responsibility & Independence
Middle school is an important time for students to develop responsibility and independence. We encourage families to help their Pioneers establish routines for checking that they have everything they need before leaving home each morning.
Whether it's a Chromebook, homeowkr, athletic gear, or other belongings, taking ownership of these items is an important life skill. We know things will occassionally be forgotten, but our goal is to help students become more responsible and reduce the need for families to make extra trips to school.
Thank you for partnering with us as we help our Pioneers grow!
How do I arrange an early dismissal for my Pioneer?
How do I arrange an early dismissal for my Pioneer?
What should I do if my Pioneer is absent or late?
What should I do if my Pioneer is absent or late?
How do I drop off an item for my Pioneer?
How do I drop off an item for my Pioneer?
THE WEEK AHEAD
THE WEEK AHEAD
Here's what's happening at West next week!
MONDAY | OCTOBER 26
🕴️DRESS YOUR BEST DAY - Red Ribbon Week
TUESDAY | OCTOBER 27
☀️NEON DAY - Red Ribbon Week
📄 Missing Assignments Due to qualify for Friday's PBIS Event
🎶6th & 7th/8th Grade Choirs Fall Concert
WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 28
😎CAMOUFLAGE DAY - Red Ribbon Week
THURSDAY | OCTOBER 29
🦸SUPERHERO DAY - Red Ribbon Week
FRIDAY | OCTOBER 30
🎃ORANGE AND BLACK DAY - Red Ribbon Week
🏆PBIS Minute to Win It Celebration Assemblies
🏫End of Q1 & 1/2 Day
VIEW FULL WMS CALENDAR BELOW
PIONEER FAMILY TOOLBOX
PIONEER FAMILY TOOLBOX
Portage West MS - https://www.portageps.org/o/wms/
Portage Public Schools - https://www.portageps.org/
School Year Calendar - https://www.portageps.org/o/pps/page/school-year-calendar
Q Student (new Skyward) - ppsurl.me/qsm
FinalForms - https://portage-mi.finalforms.com/
Transportation - https://www.portageps.org/page/transportation
Drop Off Procedures - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VFqJ2rqj-QAxfNPXVNtqZu-oe61jw2lggVjgxshnIwY/edit?usp=sharing
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