The back-to-school season is an exciting time for students, staff and families. From important dates to school supply lists, there is a lot of information that families need to know.
Every summer, the elementary and middle schools are closed to the public and do not have staff present to answer phone calls. The PPS Administration Building (1807 Mustang Drive) and the high schools are open, limited hours, all summer long.
This year, the schools will reopen to the public on DATE
Please refer to this page for frequently asked questions during this exciting time.
Bell Schedules
Elementary Schools:
Full Days: 8:35 AM – 3:40 PM
Half Days: 8:35 AM – Noon
Middle & High Schools:
Full Days: 7:40 AM – 2:40 PM
Half Days: 7:40 AM – 10:55 AM
School Year Calendar
The first day of school is DATE.
The entire PPS 2024-25 District Calendar is not yet released. The complete calendar is contingent on ongoing negotiations with the Portage Education Association and will be released as soon as possible.
While negotiations continue for the remainder of calendar, please refer to the Countywide Common Calendar. Major breaks like Spring Recess are common across the county. Click on the link below to view the 2024-25 Kalamazoo County More Common Calendar.
School Open Houses & Student Orientation
Open Houses:
Elementary: DATE
Middle: DATE
High: DATE
Orientation Schedule: All student orientation events will be held DATE. Please see below for specific times and email your child's principal with any questions.
Portage Central High:
Freshmen: TIME.
Transfer student: TIME
Portage Northern High:
Freshmen: TIME
Central, North & West Middle Schools
6th Grade: TIME
School Supply Lists
Every elementary school releases school supply lists to help parents plan for the new school year. You can find those lists linked on the homepage of each elementary school or under Documents within the menu.
Families of students in middle and high school should expect to hear from their child's teacher during the first few days of school regarding any items they will need for specific classes.
How We Communicate
We will communicate with families and staff using a variety of methods including:
social media
texting/robocalls
push notifications via the PPS app
our website
email
Please review the details at this link and be sure to keep your contact information up-to-date in Skyward Family Access.
New last year, families can also receive push notifications on their phone for a quicker and more mobile-friendly way to receive critical information. Scan the QR code to download the new PPS app today!
Transportation
Your child's assigned bus stop/route can now be found in Skyward Family Access. Thank you for your patience, as bus routes and bus stops are finalized in the final days of summer break in order to include every student who needs a ride to and from school.
Families should also expect to hear from their child's principal for specific instructions on parent drop-off procedures.
Teacher Assignments & Class Schedules
Students received their class schedule or teacher assignment at Open House/Orientation and via Skyward Family Access.
Thank you for your patience, as staff returned to the schools on DATE to process new student enrollments.
Schools of Choice
Did you complete an In-District Transfer Request or Non-Resident Transfer Application prior to the 2024-25 school year?
You will be notified of the District's decision regarding your application no later than Aug. 18.
School Safety
Student and staff safety is the number one priority at PPS.
Please review how the District will communicate with families in the event of an emergency at this link.
We also encourage our students to stay safe and report anything that threatens student or school safety. Visit OK2SAY to report.
Free Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be free for ALL PPS students, regardless of family income. This was made possible by the State of Michigan budget. ?????
PPS asks that families who believe they would qualify for Federal Free and Reduced Price meals based on their income should still complete the application. Doing so provides necessary funding for student support programs.
Please note that the application is for Federal meal benefits. If you complete the application and are notified that you did not qualify for Federal meal benefits, your child will still receive free meals because of the State of Michigan budget.
Student Medication
As the first day of school approaches, please note that any medication kept at the school, whether prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter medication, ointments, medical creams, etc.), will require a medication consent form filled out and signed by parents/guardians.
Please visit our Student Medication page for more information and forms.
Is your question not answered above? Please email your child's principal, call the school staff or call the PPS Administration Building at 269-323-5000.
