Pioneer Parent News

Week of Feb. 9, 2026

Count Day Notification

Wednesday, February 11, is Count Day for the entire school. On this day, any student who is tardy, absent, or dismissed early for an appointment or any other reason must provide written documentation from a parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence.

Sixth grade will also observe Count Day on Thursday, February 12, in addition to Wednesday, February 11. Written documentation will be required for any tardy, absence, or early dismissal on either of these days.

Please note that phone calls will not excuse absences on Count Day. Acceptable documentation includes a handwritten note from a parent or guardian or official documentation from a medical provider.

If a student must be dismissed early on Count Day, a parent or guardian is required to come into the building to complete the dismissal process. Students will not be released based on phone calls on Count Day.

Attached to this notice are the required Count Day documentation forms. Please complete and return the appropriate form to the main office as soon as possible if your student was absent or tardy on Count Day.

If you have any questions, please contact the main office. Thank you for your cooperation.

Office 269-323-5800

6th Grade Spring 2026 COUNT DAY LETTER.docx.pdf

Spring 2026 COUNT DAY LETTER.docx.pdf

WMS FUNDRAISER DETAILS

Portage West Middle School is excited to announce our upcoming school fundraiser, running February 17–February 26, 2026. This year, we are partnering with 99 Pledges to help us reach our fundraising goal of $18,000.

Funds raised through this fundraiser directly support our students and school community. Donations will help provide:

Field trips that enhance classroom learning
Clubs and activities that encourage student engagement and connection
Care for Winston, our beloved therapy dog, including veterinary bills and ongoing care
Supplies for the Woo Hoo Store to promote positive behavior and school spirit
Additional school needs that help our students learn, grow, and succeed

More details, including how to participate and donate through 99 Pledges, will be sent out Monday, February 16.

Every contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful difference. Your support helps create enriching opportunities, maintain essential programs, and ensure our students have the resources they need both academically and emotionally.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the main office at 269-323-5800. Thank you for your continued support of Portage West Middle School and for investing in the success of our students.

Portage Northern & Portage Central

8th Grade Welcome Night Info.

8th Grade welcome night will be Feb. 24th from 6-8pm at

both Northern & Central High School.

If you have questions please reach out to your high school.

5th Grade Welcome Night Info.

5th grade welcome night will be Feb. 25th for all middle schools.

Time: 6pm-8pm

If you have questions please reach out to your middle school office.

West Sports & Events:

Congratulations Math counts for winning the regional competition!

Career Connect Open House Flyer 2026.pdf

A district-wide opioid education event coming this March

This past year, the city of Portage granted Portage Public Schools funding from the Michigan Opioid Settlement to offer services to our PPS students and local community in the 2025-2026 school year. Thanks to this financial support and the organizational efforts of some incredible PC educators, we are pleased to announce the details of a district-wide opioid education event coming soon to our community.

Becky Savage, author of #OneChoice and co-founder of the 525 Foundation, a nurse educator, and National speaker who educates teens, parents, first responders, and school officials on the dangers of prescription drug misuse will be coming to PPS on March 9-11.

She will be speaking to all 8th graders, 11th and 12th graders. Her mission is to "prevent loss through education and awareness.” As a mom who lost two of her boys to opioids, this topic is near and dear to her heart. She educates students about the impact one choice can make on your life, discusses refusal skills, pill identification, and more.

We would also like to invite you to hear Becky speak on the evening of March 11. This event is free and open to the community. The conversation will be centered on the dangers of alcohol and prescription drug misuse and abuse.

We understand the sensitivity of these topics and will have support in place during and after all of our school events for anyone who wants to talk, needs support, or just wants more information.

We hope you can attend the evening event at Portage Central High School Auditorium. More information to come on these upcoming events.