The state has created a report card for all schools in Indiana. Portage High School has received an "A" for the fourth year in a row.
Woo-hoo!
The State of Indiana has criteria in place to determine school and district grades. The high school report card is based on four categories: Algebra I State End of Course Assessment, English 10 State End of Course Assessment, Graduation and CCR (College and Career Readiness) Achievement.
Our staff and students have risen to the challenge to improve our Algebra I and English 10 test scores. 92 percent of our 10th graders passed the Algebra I assessment and 85 percent passed the English 10 assessment. These scores have continued to climb.
How does this happen?
Hard work, great attitudes, teamwork and always reflecting on how to improve. 92 percent of our students graduated on time and 45 percent of our students received dual credits (college coursework in high school) and/or passed an AP (Advanced Placement) test.
PHS takes it one step further. We rise to the challenge of an “A” on the state report card, but we have our own criteria, too. We model the 5 Critical Values: be honest, be responsible, be fair, be compassionate and be responsible.
These values are intertwined in our school day to help our students beyond the school day. Daily we build relationships with our students to create a safe, welcoming learning environment. We want each of our students to reach their personal best.
Getting ready for “real” life is another criteria for helping our students become successful beyond high school. We offer a wide variety of vocational classes, dual credits and AP classes to help our students explore and further their career plans after they graduate. Our staff talks with students about future plans and what it takes to get there on a daily basis. We are working on expanding our career exploration next year to improve upon the ever-changing careers offered to our students.
Soon our students will be participating in our Manufacturing Day that highlights local businesses and what they have to offer as a career. We will then have follow up activities and discussion to help students create the path they need to follow to land in the career they choose. Last month we offered a College Fair for students to explore the wide variety of post-secondary education opportunities available.
Finally, our athletic, music, theater departments, and variety of clubs offer another opportunity for our students to find their niche. This is an opportunity to work on discipline, find a new interest or spark a career interest. We are proud of the wide variety of choices we offer at our high school.
Yes, we are very proud of our “A” and did a little celebrating, but now we look forward.
What can we do as a staff, community and school to help our students go out and live the “good life” beyond high school?
Helping our students find their slice of the pie is a win/win for all involved. Next time you see a PHS student or staff, give them a shout out for their hard work and tell them to keep it up.
Jen Sass is principal at Portage High School.