Pioneer Family News | West Middle School

Week of November 3 - November 6

The Pioneer Rundown

Your 30-second look at this week's news!

From Mr. Bailey

Pioneer Families,

We've officially made it through our first quarter! It's hard to beleive how quickly the school year is moving. I'm proud of the hard work, growth, and accomplishments we've seen from our Pioneers so far, and I'm excited about what's ahead.

As we begin Quarter 2, this is a great opportunity for students to reflect on their first nine weeks, celebrate their successes, and set new goals. Whether it's improving grades, getting more involved, or building better habits, every day is an opportunity to grow.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making West a great place for our students. Be sure to explore this week's Pioneer Family News for important updates, upcoming events, and opportunities to stay connected!

Have a great weekend!

#AllIn #TheWestWay

NEED TO KNOW

Important information for Pioneer families

Make-up Picture Day

Did you miss Picture Day? Need to do a retake?

Make-up Picture Day is Friday, November 6. Send no money; a proof or portrait package will be sent home with information on how to order (Allow 3-4 weeks).

Picture Day Attire: Choose colors that compliment your child. Solid colors and small patterns work best. Avoid clothing with large images and logos.

WMS Ski Club 26-27

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

Don't miss out on some winter fun!

7th & 8th Grade Entrance Update

Beginning Quarter 2, the 7th & 8th grade entrances open during drop off will be closed at 7:35 AM each day. This is the time the 5 minute bell rings notifying students to make their way to class. Students arriving after this time will enter through the Main Entrance.

Any questions? Reach out to Mr. Bailey at sbailey@portageps.org.

Order Your West Yearbook Today!

Capture the memories! Don't miss your chance to preserve the memories of the 2026-2027 school year! Yearbooks are just $25 when ordered by December 31. Beginning January 1, the price increases to $30.

Order early and save $5!

Order your yearbook here: Yearbook Link

PIONEERS IN ACTION

Celebrating learning, leadership & The West Way

October Students of the Month!

Our Student of the Month series continues with nominations from our Physical Education, Power Training, and Drama Departments. Each month, teachers identify students that have exhibited The West Way, either in taking care of self, taking care of others, or taking care of this place. It doesn't have to be all 3 and it doesn't have to be solely academic. These Pioneers have stepped up, achieved, improved, worked hard, or a combination of all. Our October Students of the Month are:

6th Grade

Addison Buss
Camilla Green
Jaxx Nixon
Ashton Parker

7th Grade

Heston Alexander
Reese Davis
Ayse Lent

8th Grade

Audrey Blind
Naomi Borish
Mars Underwood

Click here to watch the October Student of the Month video!

Library Cafe Book Tasting

Earlier this week, some of our scholars were welcomed to a literary experience called "Library Cafe Book Tasting." While enjoying light snacks and refreshments, Pioneers were able to explore different books while discussing them with our Library team, their teacher, and each other.

Check out pictures from the event! Way to creatively engage our Pioneers team!

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!

[EXPLORE STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES]

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

WMS PTSO Announcements

WMS Dine Out Night Nov. 4 @

Noodles & Company!

SAVE THE DATE! WEST PTSO DINE OUT!

Mark your calendars for November 4th at Noodles & Company!

Skip the cooking, grab your favorite noodles, and support West Middle School PTSO! It's a win-win!

Eat good. Do good. Support West!

Get Involved at West!

Join us for our next PTSO meeting on

Wednesday, November 11, from 6-7 PM at West Middle School!

Come share ideas, connect with other Pioneer families, and help support our school community. Everyone is welcome!

#AllIn #TheWestWay

Our West Middle School PTSO Shoe Drive is underway! Donate your gently worn, used, or new shoes to help support our students, staff, and Winston, our comfort dog!

Drop off donations in the cube outside the main office through December 2!

Every pair makes a difference!

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

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!