​The National Education Association details some of the duties performed by school secretaries as being “public relations specialist when a parent has a complaint; school accountant; monitoring school clubs; nurse to ailing students; receptionist-hostess for guests; counselor to students and sometimes colleagues; administrative aide to faculty members; clerk to teachers; and communications officer to journalists.”  At PORTA, secretaries do all this and often more.
 
Julia Territo, secretary at PORTA Central, describes her job as being “much more than a message taker.  Some of our job requirements are technical and deadline oriented, such as state attendance reporting.”  Given that average daily attendance figures have a direct effect on state aid the district receives, accurate record keeping and timely reporting is an absolute necessity at PORTA.
 
Jessica King, secretary at PORTA Junior High adds “Something that most people don't realize is that we take care of more than just the students and their paperwork. We take care of the staff and parents too! So at any given time, we are needed by at least one person (student, parent, staff member) for any and every thing school-related. We are thought to be the owners of all knowledge, and we do our best to be just that.”  Robin Wheaton, secretary at PORTA Elementary agreed, saying, “I'm being pulled in many different directions, not just with one class of 20 students but with the entire Elementary student body.   While I love all aspects of my job, I'm sometimes trying to focus on one thing in particular so I worry I may come across as scattered when asked a question!”
 
PORTA’s secretaries come from a variety of backgrounds and often had jobs in the district prior to taking on secretarial duties.  Wheaton, for example, “began at PORTA as an individual aide.  My desire to work in the district started as a need to be close to home to easily handle ‘mom duties.’”  King, a past PORTA attendee “needed to transition from stay-at-home mom to a working mom of small children, I wanted to have a position that still allowed me to be close to them and on a similar schedule.”  Territo points to having begun “as a volunteer and office sub.” 
 
Being a secretary often means adapting to changes that, as King states, can make the “job easier and harder at the same time.”  She says technology can make tasks “easier and less time-consuming, [while] others are complicated and come with more responsibility with the addition of new devices, programs, and even social media.”  Territo reports, “The biggest change I notice is the emphasis on and need for safety.  The district conducts safety drills so that the staff of each building is as prepared as possible for an emergency.  The emphasis on safety is a sad development, but so necessary in this day and age.”
 
Being a secretary at PORTA often means being the recipient of student “gifts.”  Wheaton identified one of her “favorite things as when the students bring me handmade artwork made just for me.  My name has been spelled many different ways & I love each and every one!” At Central, Territo often receives “notes from the students thanking me for what I do.  Often, their impression of my role is humorous but always sweet!”
 
At the heart of the job, school secretaries make a huge difference in their buildings.  King expressed her delighted surprise to see “the impact I actually make on our students. We know that every adult in the building affects our students both positively and negatively, but I didn't think that the school secretary could mean so much to some of our kids.”
 
Picture: Robin Wheaton’s “gift”

​This being the week when turkeys are nervous while families and friends gather closer, it seems appropriate to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of school life to think about the things here in the PORTA District for which we are grateful.
 
First and foremost, staff in the district are grateful to parents and guardians for supporting the students who attend PORTA, because education is not, nor has it ever been, a one-person job.  When students come to school ready to learn, it’s because they’ve been sent that way from home. That can be hard to do, especially in this modern world, when parents/guardians may be doing it alone, doing it working multiple jobs, or doing it while building a career or a marriage.  Honestly, just parenting, with no other issues plaguing us can be a challenge.  So many of our PORTA students come to school ready to learn, and a foundational aspect of that is the preparation at home.  Thank you to all the parents and guardians this Thanksgiving season.
 
Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t express gratitude to the teaching staff. In addition to teaching every student, every school day, they spend time outside of the school day planning lessons, grading papers, pursuing professional development, coaching and/or sponsoring an extra-curricular or an enrichment activity, and many of them fall into the category of parent/guardian as well.  They serve not only as educators, but often as mentors for students who need some additional adult guidance or role model.  They help students in need, whether it be a student who needs glasses, but may be struggling to afford them or a student who is in crisis and needs professional support.  Teachers often help students make connections between services they and their families may not know are available, one of the many tasks they do that isn’t in the “job description” but is a part of doing the job well. . 
 
The PORTA support services--bus drivers, cafeteria workers, speech pathologists, social workers, custodians, and office staff--also deserve our gratitude during this season.  These are the folks who make sure everything runs smoothly so the teachers can do their job of teaching.  Having a neat classroom to do it in, having kids safely bussed in so they can attend school, helping students who have physical or emotional issues, offering students nutritious meals, and doing all the paperwork that needs to be done to keep a school functioning are tasks most of us assume happen magically.  These are the magicians who get it done, and PORTA does its job as well as it does because of the foundation the support staff builds.
 
Our administration, building principals, superintendent, athletic director, and school board play key roles in the district climate and direction.  They are the liaisons between the state statutes and mandates and the work we do on a daily basis educating children.  When a building runs well, teachers and staff can comfortably go about their business without worrying about the minutiae that are an everyday part of an administrator's life.  Compliance documents, changes in the school code, the latest news on funding and budgets are all vitally necessary parts of education.  Administration not only make sure PORTA stays on top of those changes, they make sure PORTA staff know what’s going on and how it will affect them.  Those of us who have worked in a district in which this doesn’t happen know how important it is to be in a district in which it does.
 
And finally, how could we not give a sincere thanks to the community which supports the schools?  Each of elements of PORTA--Petersburg, Oakford, Rock Creek, Talulla and Atterberry, and all the countryside in-between--never fails to support the schools when asked.  From buying puffins for History Club to support Honor Flights to donating time or expertise when PORTA Elementary and/or Central puts on a Family Fun Night, our community steps forward to support the students by supporting the district.
 
We all know the efforts put forth to support education at PORTA are targeted at students.  And, when we stop to think about what that means, we must acknowledge that means we are all thinking toward the future.   How grateful we are to live and/or work in a community that believes the future is so important.  How important that we take the time this Thanksgiving Season to remember it.

​Most of us did some cooking or sewing when we were in junior high or high school.  Some of us likely have fond memories of baking cookies in junior high or high school, but things have changed so much since “back in the day.”  It’s not “Home Ec” anymore; it’s Family and Consumer Science—FACS in acronym—and PORTA High School offers a rich array of opportunities under the FACS umbrella.
 
Britney Jones, FACS teacher and club sponsor, joined PORTA after searching for a Family and Consumer Science Teaching position in Chicago, only to find there were not many openings. When she saw the opportunity at PORTA, she jumped at it, delighted to be living her dream of being a FACS Teacher. As she stated, “I am a huge Disney fan and I believe dreams do come true because here I am, proud to be a Bluejay.”
 
As the teacher of the many FACS classes PORTA offers, Jones has seen the approach to teaching about food evolve over the years. Whereas cooking used to be the province of females, Jones has “a lot more males taking my classes than females.” These students are also in the kitchen two to three times a week.
 
Of the many classes PORTA offers, such as Foods, Parenting, Housing, Child Development, or Culinary Arts, Jones recommends that students take Foods I and II and Child Development, if nothing else, from the FACS curriculum.  As she argues, “Foods I and II are crucial life skills classes to have in your life. Everyone needs to know and understand the importance of reading a recipe, cooking your food thoroughly, practicing safety and sanitation in the kitchen, and understanding nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” 
 
Jones also recommends Child Development since everyone will encounter children, whether or not they become parents.  Child Development explores caring for children from newborns to teenagers, so when students learn about the emotional and social development of children, they’re also learning about themselves.  Jones “loves to talk about [her students’] childhoods and use their real life experiences to learn from.”
 
FACS classes integrate well with other classes students take, as well.  Jones explains, “We incorporate FACS with math every time we double and divide a recipe; with history when we learn about the history of food and different cultures of foods; and with science when we understand the sciences of cookies and why we get crispy, puffy, or chewy cookies.”
 
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in Foods can take Culinary Arts, which is an advanced class. In that class, students pick their own recipes and make their own grocery lists. They prepare Sweet Treats for Teachers once a month, a highly regarded and much-anticipated event for the school faculty. They plan and prep a theme for each month, covering some twenty-two units of study in the first semester. These units include learning about the roles of people in the kitchen, creating a menu, etiquette, catering, restaurants and drive-thrus, as well as a thorough grounding in various meals/food such as breakfasts, appetizers, salads, and pasta. In the second semester, the students explore American food, then “head overseas” for International Food Studies.
 
FACS Club, a companion extra-curricular club to the FACS curriculum, gives students the opportunity to take the skills they’ve learned in FACS classes and put them to work in the community. Jones described, “FACS Club is a volunteer club that helps pay it forward to the community. We volunteer at Roots on Thanksgiving for the Community. We also write a nice check to help them purchase food for it. We donate time and toys to the Menard Animal Shelter; we make blankets for Project Linus and donate them to St. John's Children Hospital; we always help other clubs by baking goods for them to sell to help make a profit for their clubs; we cater for the musical cast and crew. We do a lot of behind the scenes for the school and community.”
 
Community members who would like to support FACS activities are invited to donate new canisters for flour and sugar.  Contact Britney Jones a bjones@porta202.org if you or your organization would like to help.  

​PORTA School’s Veteran’s Day Programs are a point of pride for the district, and a major reason for that is the musical education programs in the schools.  Three teachers:  Melissa Blankestyn, Stephanie Everson, and Raquel Reid oversee the musical education of PORTA’s  students.
 
At PORTA Elementary, Stephanie Everson, who began teaching part time at PORTA when she and her husband, Justin, the pastor of St. Paul’s Church,  moved here from California three and a half years ago. Everson teaches K-2 music, having earned her Bachelors and Masters of Music from the University of Southern California. 
 
Everson sees each PES classroom for thirty minutes, twice a week, teaching them the elements of music reading.  She also instructs the students in learning to sing on pitch, an accomplishment she explains is fundamental to music making.
 
Everson reports the second grade is involved in a lengthy music project this year, having listened to John Lithgow’s book The Remarkable Farkle McBride, for which the Cincinnati Symphony added music.  Everson directed the children write stories and act out those stories using the Sock Puppet app on their class iPads and details the students “have written and notated short tunes to be played in the background while their video is presented.”  Both she and her students look forward to sharing those projects with the community.
 
Melissa Blankestyn serves PORTA by teaching 3rd and 4th general music, and 5th, 6th, junior high and high school band, as well as directing the fall play.  In  her first year at PORTA, she targets the “tradition of excellence in the music program and the visible parent/administrative support” as deciding factors in her decision to join the Bluejay family.
 
Bringing a Bachelor's of Music Education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master's of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Blankestyn literally walks the musical walk throughout her life, as she  can be found conducting and playing reeds for the Springfield Muni, Theatre in the Park, and the Springfield Theatre Center.
 
She credits the students for making the challenge of a fast-paced, high-energy job a little easier. “I think I am most proud of the openness of my students. Adjusting to a new band director is not an easy thing and they have been open to new ideas and have rolled with change.”  For Blankestyn, “The most rewarding part of music education has to be the light of excitement in a student's eyes when they have accomplished something they deemed impossible.”
 
Raquel Reid, who began at PORTA as a student with Kris Cox as her band director from 5th grade beginner band all the way through high school “jumped at the chance to work with Cox and for this great school.” In her fifteenth year with PORTA, Reid attended Blackburn College, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Western Illinois University.
 
At PORTA, Reid teaches 3rd-6th General music, 6th grade choir, Jr. High Choir, High School Choir and Jazz Choir.  She’s also  the vocal director for the spring musical and contest manager for IHSA Solo & Ensemble contest and Organizational contest. 
 
Reid acknowledges the challenges of “balancing planning time between the three different levels of students” she teaches, but highlights the reward of “hearing the beautiful sounds that all ages can create together when given the chance.”  She notes that since  “half of the choir participates in both band and choir and therefore are only in my class two to three days a week,” that preparing for performances such as the Christmas music for the Channel 20 recording for Christmas Eve, the Festival of Trees performance, and the winter concerts at all levels makes for a lofty goal.. 
 
All the PORTA music staff emphasize the importance of home support for students involved in music.  Simple things such as encouraging students to “practice at home and support them by attending their performances” or “getting involved in the Music Boosters” can make a difference in a child’s musical education, Reid says. Everson concurs, echoing the importance of “being involved in children's school work and activities.”
 
That’s a fairly easy request to fulfill, as the music staff’s “season” never ends.  Reid explains, “We are continually working towards another performance with our groups. We rarely have a weekend that doesn't include some type of school music activity or performance.”  The community is, of course, welcome to attend all of them.

​Teachers at PORTA certainly are excited about what happens in their classrooms, but seeing students outside the classroom gives them a new perspective on those students and opens opportunities for those students to shine in a different arena.
 
At PORTA High School, one such opportunity is Student Council.  Sponsored by English teacher Andrea Hart, student council presents annual events such as Homecoming and Teacher Appreciation Week.  “I enjoy seeing kids outside the classroom and especially enjoy getting to know them when it’s not directly affecting their grades,” Hart stated. 
 
One of student council’s primary purposes is to foster camaraderie between and amongst students, and Homecoming is all about getting kids together, especially kids who might not typically interact much.  The themes, games, and class challenges during Homecoming offer students an opportunity to bond with classmates as they come together and feel more a part of their respective classes.
 
Student Council President senior Brooklyn Kesler, a student council member since 7th grade, enjoys both Homecoming and Teacher Appreciation Week.  In speaking of the latter, she reflected, “They [teachers] do a lot, and it’s a wonderful chance to say ‘thanks’ to the people who work hard every day for us.”
 
Hart and Kesler agree that Student Council can be stressful when activities are going on, but point out that membership in Student Council is a great way to meet new people and to learn how to work together with those people.   Kesler identifies the biggest challenge in Student Council as “finding a time for everyone to meet because Student Council kids are very busy. Still, as president, I’ve learned how to lead a group of people to get things done.”
 
Student Council also serves the school as a whole.  Members of Student Council have served on the handbook committee; helped adjust dress codes; developed requirements for attending Homecoming; provided mediation between students; and approved new clubs.  “Student council members have a chance to offer input on things that go on at school,” commented Hart. 
 
Hart also pointed out that being in Student Council is not as time consuming as people think it is.  “We’re not busy every single day of the year.  Our work comes in events or specific activities, and students can pick and choose which activities or events coordinate with their schedules.  Except Homecoming and Teacher Appreciation, of course,” she grinned.  “Everyone is on board for those.”
 
Hart encourages students to think about joining Student Council.  Each year, students may submit a petition for election in one of the forty spots—ten from each class--which are available for membership.  The petition consists of twenty student and six faculty signatures and requires a 3.0 GPA.
 
“We have fun; and, any role that you take on that shows your ability to function as a leader looks great on resumes.  All of us need to have leadership skills—here’s a place to develop them,” said Hart.

​Many years ago, schools were bastions of the three Rs—“readin’, ‘ritin’ and ‘rithmetic,” but moderns schools offer a much broader curriculum, especially in electives.  One of the electives available to PORTA high school students, Spanish language classes, actually begins with an Intro to Foreign Language Japanese class in junior high.
 
Douglas French, the junior high foreign language teacher, describes his class as a beginning level language and culture class.  He introduces the students to Japanese culture, then helps them learn the alphabet so they can write their names.  Interestingly, there are two Japanese alphabets—one for foreign words and one for native Japanese words.  The students learn to use the alphabet to write their names, then they begin to learn colors, days of the week, and useful conversational phrases.
 
Rod Helle, the high school Spanish teacher, offers up to four years of Spanish for students, using what he terms an “old school approach to teaching Spanish.  I work the grammar day in and day out from Spanish 1 through Spanish 4.”  He explains the need for his approach, saying, “I have never seen a language learner succeed without understanding and mastering grammar.”
 
Both teachers have wide-ranging experience in foreign countries. French, in his second year at PORTA, taught English in Japan for two years, where he also met and married his spouse, Tomoko.  Helle, who is in his eleventh year at PORTA, studied at universities in Bayreuth and Mannheim Germany, Salamanca, Spain, and Guadalajara, Mexico, and has also studied woodworking in Brienz, Switzerland and Elbigenalp, Austria.  He brings a wide array of teaching experience to PORTA, including three years at Miami of Ohio, one year at the University of Cincinnati, six years at O'Fallon Township High School, and seven years at Pleasant Plains.
 
Helle and French came to foreign language teaching through very different paths.  French reports being drawn to teaching Japanese language through his love of karate, an art project based in Taosim, and a college lab partner who spoke Japanese.  Helle identifies “the beauty of languages, the structure and the rules; the fascinating exceptions to those rules; and, of course, the musicality of language” as the siren song that led him to teach. 
 
PORTA’s foreign language teachers encourage students to undertake learning a second language, pointing out the importance of seeing the world from a non-US perspective. As Helle puts it, foreign languages enable students “to be able to see the world and their lives from a different angle.  History and philosophy change and become wider and deeper.”
 
French would like parents of students to know there are many ways to foster an interest in non-US culture and language.  He suggested watching foreign films, such as Spirited Away, or Ponyo as good introductions to Japanese culture.  “Many students are drawn to anime and manga, as well.” he added.
 
Of course, not everyone will take foreign language in high school, as Helle noted, “Foreign languages are essentially a niche aspect of education in the US and that's probably not going to change any time soon.” He was quick to add, however, that “A niche can be a fascinating and productive place.”

​In a small school district, such as PORTA, teachers may be assigned to more than one building.  In the case of Geri Bell, the district librarian, all three buildings benefit from her formidable expertise.
Bell serves as librarian at PORTA Elementary, Central, and High School, which means she has the opportunity to meet students when they come into pre-K and say good-bye when they leave as graduates.  Seeing the span of the students’ lives is only one of the perks in what Bell calls “the best job in the world.”
Before coming to PORTA, Bell worked overseas, with the Department of Defense (DoD), when she was directed to pursue a Master’s in Library and Information Science (LIS), a field in which the DoD needed personnel.  She took a sabbatical from her work and pursued her education, only to find she would be writing the program for the degree. University of Illinois professor Dr. Christine Jenkins recalls, “I was an LIS professor who was making what seemed to be a last-ditch effort to get the program off the ground” having been given the task of creating a K-12 library certification path for people who were not already certified teachers.  When Bell (then Dee) came to the program, Jenkins leapt at the opportunity to work with her, and they “produced a 100+ page proposal [for the program]. In April 2001, after decades of frustration, our program was approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.” So, not only do PORTA schools enjoy the services of a top-notch librarian, they have the privilege of having employed one who literally “wrote the book” on being a high school librarian.
Fostering a love of reading at home is a critical first step for students.  Bell advised reading at home, but in a variety of ways.  She suggested modeling reading as an adult, so children see their parents/guardians engaged with text; taking turns reading; reading often, in short bursts as younger children may not be able to sit for longer stories; and reading the favorites, again and again and again.  Bell underscored the importance of helping children see that reading is “what people do” regularly. 
Being a librarian for so many different age levels requires tailoring the library experience for each age group.  At PORTA Elementary, Bell focuses on finding books that fit a students’ skill set.  Often, the students may want to walk around with a book such as one of the Harry Potter series, but “not every student is ready to read at that level,” Bell explained. “My job is helping students find books they love and can read. When a student finds that book that is just the perfect fit, it makes my heart sing.”
At PORTA Central, Bell has no shortage of students wanting to read regularly and even maintains a “go-to” yellow tablet on which she writes students’ reading requests.  “Kids tell me what they want,” she stated, “and I always have a lengthy wish list of books.”  Community members and organizations are more than welcome to donate books or money for books. Bell tapped graphic novels as one of the most innovative ways of combining text and images in a way that engages young people and reinforces their desire to read.
PORTA often uses interlibrary loan, especially at the high school, where Bell noted the physical demands of being a librarian.  “It’s not unusual for me to load of seventy-five pounds of books to deliver to the high school when research projects are in progress.”  Even without the impetus of research projects, high school students check out a lot of books, “one hundred in just the first week of school,” Bell said with satisfaction.  “Reading is vibrantly alive.”

​For adults of a certain age, the words “student council” may bring up fond memories of homecoming and float-building.  However, for PORTA Junior High, student council is about much more than homecoming week.  PORTA Junior High Student Council (PJHSC) serves the school community year round.
 
Lora Puckett, the current PJHSC advisor began her work with the group seven years ago, following the previous advisor’s move to a new school district.  Puckett, entering her eighth year of leadership, adheres to the Illinois Association of Junior High Student Council’s vision of “develop[ing] the leadership qualities of junior high/middle school students.”  When asked about the benefits students gain from developing those leadership qualities, Puckett stated, “learning to believe in yourself by developing leadership skills and being a role model for the students in your class create genuinely positive feelings both for the student council members and the student body as a whole.”
 
Students who join PJHSC become part of one of the most active student-led organizations outside of sports for junior high students. PORTA students engage in activities such as attending a summer camp at the beautiful Allerton Park in Monticello, IL, as well as two leadership workshops during the school year, and the annual State Convention in April.
 
Puckett has a personal connection with student council, as her daughter, Ashleigh Smith, a 2016 PORTA graduate, served as a senior staffer at leadership camp while completing an internship with the camp nurse. Puckett, herself, is currently serving her second three-year term as the Adult Director for the Midwest District of Illinois and has also served the last six years as a senior Staffer at the summer leadership camp.
 
PORTA has a robust history when it comes to serving the state-wide organization, as several students--Wyatt Robinson, Skylar Bumgardner, Addison McMahan, and Anna Foster—were elected as Midwest District Representatives.  Puckett remembers the moment Skylar Bumgardner was elected with special pleasure, as Bumgardner was elected in the early years of Puckett’s sponsorship.  Puckett noted, “I felt so extremely proud to have had a student of mine from PORTA selected for such an important role in my second year as an advisor.” When considering what she’s learned as the PJHSC sponsor, Puckett tagged learning “that you have to let students have successes and failures to learn to become a great leader” as a critical lesson, but adds, “It can be really difficult to step back when you know from experience something is about to backfire.”  In the end, the leadership skills the students learn are absolutely worth it.
 
Last year, PJHSC sponsored Pack the Place Nights in September; Trick-or-Treated for canned goods to donate to the Menard County Food Pantry in October; hosted a movie night in November; led a Deck The Halls Party in which students decorated their lockers in December; coordinated Spirit Week in January; spent Valentine’s Day at Sunny Acres, which included the student council donating a new calling board for the residents; and held a variety of fund raisers for charity throughout the year.  Puckett pointed out that the PJHSC was recognized at the State Convention “for its contribution to the State Wide Service Project, Let It Be Us, an organization that helps foster kids go to summer camp and become adopted.”  PJHSC looks forward to an equally busy year this year.

​“What Can I Do To Help?”
It’s a question we always ask, and sometimes it’s hard to find the answer. 
These teacher-led workshops are designed to give you some insight into school based activities that you can use at home to help your student. 
Held on the first Wednesday of each month, you are invited to come to our classrooms and work with us to come up with new and exciting ways to advance your student’s first classroom – your home!

Please come out and support your classroom teachers. They are giving their free time to help ensure your children succeed.

First Wednesday of Every Month
Petersburg Elementary School
6:30 – 7:00 PRE-K and K
7:00 – 7:30 1st and 2nd
(All are welcome to attend regardless of age group!)
Childcare provided!
​

“Getting to spend time in my child’s classroom opened my eyes to things I can try at home without making it seem like work!”
-Second Grade Parent (2016-2017)

Workshop Schedule
September 6
INTRO TO DOJO AND BACK TO SCHOOL Q&A Join Mrs. Kyes, Mrs. Wankel and other members of our staff for a night of getting to know our schoolwide behavior management program, ClassDojo.  This night of fun will help you make the most of the Dojo connection as well as give you a chance to ask staff any questions you might have!

October 4
FLUENCY FUN! Fluency isn’t just about speed, it’s about building strength as an oral and independent reader.  Learn how to find texts that are appropriate for your child, different skills to build their confidence as a reader and observe some classroom strategies that you can use at home or on the go. Pre-K and K families will learn how to master the alphabet and reading fundamentals, while families with older students learn how to develop speed and comprehension!  Mrs. Garner and staff will present this workshop.
 
November  1
MASTERING MATH FACTS  Join Miss Mountain and Miss Rita to brush up on fun and engaging ways to build math mastery at home.  You may even go home with supplies to help engage your child while helping them gain skills by using math everyday!  Math isn’t scary…come learn how to make it fun!

December 6
SPELLING TIPS AND TRICKS! Spelling is one of the most common ways we teach our students to study and learn at home, and something that will serve them well their entire lives!  But we can only write those words so many times.  Come to the classroom and play fun spelling games and activities that arm you with a bag of tricks that make spelling study feel like game time!  Join Mrs. Smith and staff for a night of spelling challenge fun!

 January 3
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX! Sometimes our students learn in ways that don’t fit into reading or math.  They are learning all the time and sometimes a challenge is just what they need!  Mrs. Hacke will discuss ways to encourage and enrich thinking in your student: create home-based projects and challenges and get them learning in their community.
 
 February 7
TECHNOLOGY HACKS! We all know the struggle of limiting screentime, but sometimes we can use technology to our advantage! Come play on our smartboards and ipads with Mrs. Thomas, and try your hand at some apps and websites that you can access at home to make the most of your students screentime.  Link your home technology to school and open up endless possibilities.

March 7
BUILDING RESPONSIBILITY! Some students work well when you are looking over their shoulder, but struggle to work independently.  How can we help them go out on their own to gain pride in their own work? Join Mrs. Beckerman and Mrs. Vincent to look at some different ways you can encourage growth in your student both academically and emotionally and let them show you what they are capable of!
 
May 2
SUMMER SLIDE STOPPERS! All students struggle to retain what they learn from year to year after taking a three month summer break!  Learn some ways you can engage them over the summer!  Find some resources that you can use to get materials at home or at school that will give you the tools to teach at home in ways that keep them excited about learning.
 
 
 
 
 

​PORTA District #202 is fortunate to have a stellar cast of teachers working with the pre-k and kindergarten students, those youngsters who are just beginning their school experience. Welcoming these students to the Bluejay family are Pre-K/K teachers Hailey Blair, Tammy Garner, Jill Hoke, Kristin Johnson, Hannah Kyes, Brooke Mountain, Samantha Sloman, and Nikki Zimmerman.

People often wonder what draws teachers to pre-k and kindergarten classrooms, and PORTA's teachers have a wide array of reasons for engaging with the youngest students.  Samantha Sloman identified her "love of working with children," as did many of the pre-k/k teachers. Jill Hoke added the very practical "having the same schedule as my own children," while Hailey Blair couldn't "remember a time when I didn't want to be a teacher."  She said, "I watched my mom work in Pre-K and knew that's what I wanted to do."
 
Teaching, though, is not an easy profession, and prek-k comes with its own unique set of challenges.  As Kristin Johnson stated, "There is a very large gap between the state's expectations for pre-k and kindergarten, which makes it difficult to find ways to prepare children for kindergarten while still following state guidelines." People may not realize how small changes, such as 2013's mandate that all pre-k students go to school five days a week, instead of four, or shifting a child from half to full day, can have big implications for the school day.  Everything from bus routes to nutrition must be considered.  For example, pre-k students are often grazers, which can make proper nutrition with only one meal a day a challenge. Adding another day to a four-day week means running more buses, which means higher expenditures generally without additional money from the state to cover the new mandate.  
 
PORTA's pre-k/kindergarten staff brings a wealth of experience to bear on all the challenges of early childhood teaching.  They average 10.5 years in the profession.  Many of the staff came to PORTA from other districts, such as Hailey Blair, who is in her fifth year at PORTA, having come from A-C Central, and Jill Hoke, a ten-year veteran, who joined PORTA two years ago from Havana. 
 
Although PORTA does draw teachers from surrounding areas, it is fair to say PORTA has a sort  of "grow your own" program going.  Students who went to PORTA often come back to become teachers in the district. Nikki Zimmerman reported, "My husband and I both attended PORTA schools (we were in Mrs. Conklin's sixth grade class together) and most of our family lives in or around Petersburg. It was always our dream for me to get to teach in the same district where our own children go to school. I feel there is no better place to teach or attend school."  Hannah Kyes, another home-town teacher, echoed Zimmerman's comments.  "Growing up in Petersburg and attending PORTA from K-12th grade, I always had a desire to come back and teach in my hometown. I love working with and teaching familiar faces that I know from the community."
 
Even if they don't come from the immediate vicinity, teachers tend to come to PORTA to stay, which makes the students' experiences in pre-k and kindergarten much richer. Every teacher interviewed pointed to the support given Petersburg community and families as a primary reason for staying with the district. Tammy Garner summed it up succinctly:  "I love teaching at PORTA."
 
 
 
Parents/guardians often wonder how they might best get their students ready for pre-k or kindergarten.  PORTA's teachers offer practical advice for parents and guardians helping their children transition into school.  For those whose children aren't old enough for school, Nikki Zimmerman advised, "the best thing you can do with your children to prepare them for school is to read to them when they are babies and never stop."   For those beginning school, Samantha Sloman suggested "Before school begins, starting routines and expectations at home, helps prepare children or the routines at school."  Once school is underway, Hannah Kyes recommended "simply taking time to ask your child about what we are doing in class; show them that you are interested in their schooling, and help push them academically. Together parents and teachers can do more than either can alone." 

​PORTA High School is delighted to welcome a number of new teachers this year, including Andrew Biermann, Melissa Blankenstein, James Brauer, Elizabeth Carter, Jill Hoke, Linnay Taylor, and Brianna Todd.  They join the district as PE/driver’s ed teacher, 5-12 band director, high school ag teacher, part-time junior high English teacher, part-time pre-K teacher, high school guidance counselor, and school nurse, respectively.
 
Many of the new teachers have long associations with PORTA.  Jim Brauer, for example, credits his daughter, Sara, for having inspired him to teach, while Andrew Biermann points to  “coaching at PORTA the last seven years and getting to know the kids and faculty” as the root of his desire to teach for the district.  Seventh grade English teacher Elizabeth Carter’s observation that “PORTA school district offers that small town community feeling that was important to me as a teacher and as a parent of three kids in this district” tends to typify the general feeling of both new and returning teachers in the PORTA district.
 
When asked about the things they wished everyone knew about teaching, the new staff commonly identified the time and effort required to develop rigorous and relevant lessons for their students.  The common joke, “What are three reasons to get into teaching?  June, July, and August,” really doesn’t reflect what teachers do today.  Most teachers spend much of their summer time taking classes and/or workshops to enhance their teaching skills or revisiting and revising lessons  to improve them for the coming year.  As Andrew Biermann states, “I wish people knew how much time teachers spent working after school and in the summer preparing to educate children.”  In its 2015 article “The Myth of a Teacher’s ‘Summer Vacation,’” The Atlantic pointed to the variety of items that can populate a teacher’s summer, including, “attending meetings, developing school curriculum, helping train new teachers, contacting families of  students...graduate-school coursework...classroom organization or relocation, and so on.”
 
Another common thread uniting the new and veteran PORTA teachers is their dedication to student success.  Guidance Counselor Linnay Taylor identifies one of the magical moments that makes teaching such a personally rewarding profession, saying, “It is amazing to help a student discover what they want to do with their life, set goals towards reaching those dreams, then be able to accomplish that after high school.”
 
Educators may not always get the chance to see the results of their work many years down the road, as it’s often difficult to measure the degree to which teachers influence their students. Andy Biermann knows, however, the joy that results from seeing gains students make over the course of a year.  He describes his “favorite part [of being a teacher] as watching how kids grow academically from the beginning of the year to the end.”
 
The challenge of creating a demanding, yet supportive, school climate is especially important today, and one that PORTA teachers gladly embrace.  Guidance Counselor Taylor notes the significant challenges teachers face as they “not only teach reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also support students socially and emotionally.  Teachers are mentors as well as educators, guiding students on this journey we call life.”
 
Picture l to r:  James Brauer, Linnay Taylor, Brianna Todd, Melissa Blankenstein, Elizabeth Carter, and Andrew Biermann

As many of you know, the first day of school (August 21st) is also the date of a very rare solar eclipse that will be near totality in our area.  We believe this is an amazing opportunity for our students to learn and witness the solar eclipse.  We are planning on an organized effort to allow students to witness and learn about the solar eclipse on the August 21st.  We have purchased solar viewing glasses, will live stream the solar eclipse to classrooms and other area’s in the buildings and have various activities designed to help student better understand the solar eclipse and rare nature of such an event.  While we feel this is a great learning experience, Safety of our children is our first priority and as such we will have a dedicated time period in which we will allow students outside under the supervision of staff to view the eclipse.  Students will understand the dangers of viewing an eclipse and safety will be stressed.  As always we would ask your help in emphasizing safety to your children when discussing the eclipse.
 
The plan will be to allow students to be outside (weather permitting) to view the eclipse between 12:50 to approximately 1:50 PM, with the near total eclipse taking place at 1:17 pm our time. Please see the link with the animated solar eclipse timeline.  During the hour period students will have the opportunity to view the eclipse and share learning opportunities. 
 
We invite parents who would like to participate to attend the event at your particular school.  All we ask is that you notify the office by phone or send a note with your student explaining you plan on attending the solar eclipse viewing.  This is a great opportunity for you to take part in a school event and you can help us insure the safety of our children. 
 
We understand some families might choose to drive to Southern Illinois in order to see the full eclipse and we are happy to excuse your child to do so.  We also understand some parents might not want their children to participate and will not send them to school on the 21st.  We understand your concerns as well. 
 
It is our goal to utilize this momentous occasion as a great learning opportunity and hope all can attend in some fashion or another.  We thought about sending buses to southern Illinois to view the eclipse but felt doing so would put students in danger because of the mass amount of viewers who are already traveling to the region for the eclipse.  We also considered delaying he opening day to avoid the eclipse, but felt many if not most children would not have the opportunity at home to view this wonderful phenomenon safely.
 
We thank you for your support in this endeavor, and reiterate we would love to have family participation in our activities for this once in a lifetime event.  We offer several attachments that may give you more information about the eclipse, safety tips for viewing and activities that can be completed.  We look forward to our 1st day of school on the 21st of August.  
Solar Eclipse Safety Tips
​Animated Solar Eclipse Timeline 
​Solar Eclipse information
Solar eclipse viewer

Semi-Annually the Board of Education receives a "State of the District" report.  At the end of the Fiscal Year that report gives information of the previous school year in a summary fashion.  Please find the "State of the District" report here.

Dear Parents and Guardians:
This letter is to make you aware of the popular Netflix original series 13 Reasons Why.
Within the last week or so, our staff have been made aware of a new series that is being shown on Netflix which has the potential to glamorize suicide and has a large amount of graphic content and as such, the PORTA District would like to make sure parents are aware.  The story revolves around a High School student who leaves behind 13 tape recordings telling why she took her own life.  Her friends try to piece together Hannah's final days in the series, "Thirteen Reasons Why". 
After hearing from students about the series, several PORTA Staff Members have taken the time to watch the series and feel that, young people and teens could interpret the message that suicide is a viable and/or romanticized option. The show’s content is extremely graphic, with disturbing scenes in each episode, which may be difficult for young impressionable minds to watch and process in an appropriate manner.
What has become evident to our staff is that the show mentions no behavioral or treatment options that were or could have been offered to Hannah, it glamorizes Suicide and there is no notion of teens seeking help for any indicators that might lead to suicidal tendencies. Additionally, there are several scenes depicting rape, bullying, alcoholism and suicide in which teens do not seek help or any kind of resource. Finally, the graphic portrayal of Hannah's suicide is/was disturbing to the degree that staff have reported the scenes cause them to lose sleep at the thought of young impressionable teens witnessing the event.
While we cannot determine what parents allow students to watch or read we caution everyone to monitor programming students are watching and if you feel watching "Thirteen Reasons Why" is appropriate please use the opportunity to discuss a very complicated issue with your children.   However, as the time passes staff members will continue to monitor conversations and actions within the school walls and as we become concerned about any student or students parents will be notified as a step to insure the safety of our children.

We also encourage parents to research the series to fully understand the graphic nature  and the potential harm it could cause your child.  
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. Should you feel the need for more information or support, please contact your child’s principal.

As a way to begin a conversation with your child, the Jed Foundation offers talking points associated with "Thirteen Reasons Why", Please feel free to click the link below to begin your dialog with your child.  

​https://www.jedfoundation.org/13-reasons-why-talking-points/

Did you know the State of Illinois has gone two years without a budget, let alone a balanced budget?  You might have also heard that schools are receiving full funding, but a little digging will prove that statement untrue.
While every school district in Illinois has very similar financial concerns, We can only share those that impact PORTA.  The PORTA District receives funding from the State of Illinois for Transportation, Early Childhood Education, Special Education reimbursements, School Lunch and breakfast and General State Aid.  To the State of Illinois’ credit it has maintained General State Aid Payments throughout the 2016-17 school term, but that has not been the case in several previous school years and in the case of PORTA Schools General State Aid has been reduced from 3.4 Million dollars in 2009 to just under 1.7 million in 2017.
As of April 1, 2017 the State of Illinois owes the PORTA District a total of $687,829.90. 
                Special Education Funding owed--$172,131.70
                Transportation Funding owed--$325,173.50
                Truancy Program funding owed--$49,491
                PreK Funding owed--$138,196
 
While these numbers are staggering and have a dramatic impact on cash flow and budgeting within our district the final outcome is more devastating. If the current trend continues we estimate the State will owe the PORTA District $1,183,799 as of June 30, 2017.  As a quick perspective the $1,183,799 is nearly 12.5% of the PORTA Education Fund budget. 
One could say that politics are holding up the passing of a budget and to a degree most would agree, but did you know that in the past year the Illinois Legislature was able to introduce 6000 bills while in political gridlock, all within the 3 whole months your legislators were in session.  That is an average of 67 bills introduced each day over that 3 month period.
Did you know in the last 5 years the Legislature passed 50 School Mandates with no additional funding and as you read this the latest mandate will require seat-belts on school buses?  If a seat-belts on buses law passes it is estimated that the PORTA District will need to increase the bus fleet by 4 buses at a cost of $80,000 per bus and the seat belt addition alone is expected to cost about $7000 per bus.  The PORTA District could see an increase in transportation costs of $474,000 in the initial year if this legislation passes.  All while receiving no transportation payments from the State of Illinois in the 2016-17 school year.
 
As Taxpayers and supporters of the PORTA District we should not allow this “dysfunction” to continue.  Schools need the State of Illinois to pass a budget that fully funds schools at a level that is adequate to provide a consistent and appropriate education across the State of Illinois.
 
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS AND DEMAND THEY PASS A BUDGET and Fully Fund Schools!!

​Senate District #44                                                                                                              Representative District  #87
William E. Brady--Republican                                                                                         Tim Butler
State Senator                                                                                                                         State Representative
contact: http://brady.senategop.org/Contact/Contact-Form                                    Email:  butler@ilhousegop.org
103B State Capitol Building                                                                                                 1128-E Stratton Office Building
Springfield IL 62706                                                                                                             Springfield, IL 62706                                                  
Phone: 217-782-6216                                                                                                             Phone:  217-782-0053
Fax:  217-782-4079

 On March 8th the PEA held the "Meet The Candidate Night" in the High School Library.  The Event was live Streamed on HFS Network and for those who would like more information about the evening and the candidates please click on the following Link:  "MEET THE CANDIDATES"

On April 4, 2017 voters will be asked to go to the polls and cast their votes for various elected officials.  As part of the April 4th election 8 candidates are running for the PORTA Board of Education.  Voters will be asked to vote for the following candidates who hope to fill four open seats on the PORTA Board of education.  The Board open seats include 3 four year terms and one 2-year term.  All candidates are running for a four year term and so the ballot will ask voters to vote for three of the following candidates and then following the election the new Board will appoint the fourth to a 2 year unexpired term from the candidates who received the next highest number of votes after filling the three four-year terms. In the April 4th election candidates reside in three different townships and no more than three members can be on the Board from any one township.  As such, in the upcoming election two members will be elected from Township 18n6w, one member will be elected from 18n7w and one member will be elected from 18n8w.  Below are individual Bio's of each candidate, as you consider their credentials please keep in mind that only those who receive the most votes in each township will be elected to the board seat and because there is a limit to the number of members that may come from each township it is possible to be a top three vote recipient and not be elected.  For a better understanding candidates are listed here by Township and the total number of candidates who can be elected from each is also noted.
 

Township 18N6W- Not more than Two could be elected or appointed
Jason Burris
Jeremy Garner
Mindy Kinder
Ryan Woods

Township 18N7W--Not more one could be elected or appointed
Bill Shaub'
Ashley Trueblood
Toby Turek

Township 18N8W--Not more than one could be elected or appointed
Jeff Smith

​Jason Burris
Wood Land Lakes, Petersburg, IL
 
I currently serve on the PORTA School Board and am running for my second full-term. 
 
I was born and raised in Havana, IL graduating from Havana High School in 1990 and from Western Illinois University with a B.A. Degree in 2002.  I have served with the Illinois Army National Guard for 27 years and am employed as a Senior Human Resources Supervisor for the Illinois Army National Guard.  My wife Annette and I have two children.  Our daughter Devan is a 2015 PORTA graduate and current sophomore at the University of Kansas, and Joseph is an 11th grade student at PORTA High School. 
 
A career opportunity brought us to the Springfield area in 2004 and at that time we chose to move to Petersburg specifically to put our children into the PORTA School District.  What we found in PORTA was a district with a small school feel that had a very good academic reputation as well as an abundance of extra-curricular opportunities for our children.  We chose PORTA over other neighboring school districts and have never regretted that decision. 
 
In my time living in the PORTA School District I have previously volunteered and served as the Committee Chair, Cub Master and Den Leader with local Cub Scout Pack 54.  I have volunteered as an Assistant Coach for several youth sports leagues.  I currently volunteer as an Assistant High School Wrestling Coach at PORTA.  I am also a member of Clinton Lodge No. 19 in Petersburg. 
 
With our current state budget issues education funding has become a challenging issue for our small district.  While we must be fiscally responsible to ensure the long-term health of the district, we must work to find creative means to ensure continued opportunities for our students.  I believe in providing a well-rounded education and numerous opportunities for all of our students.  College-bound or those looking for vocational or technical education opportunities should have those choices available to them at PORTA.  I have always appreciated the abundance of opportunities our district offers and will work to ensure those opportunities continue and expand for future PORTA students. 
 
My ultimate goal is for PORTA School District to become the top small school district in Central Illinois.  

​Jeremy Garner
Jeremy Garner has been a resident of the southeastern part of the Porta district for three years. He is married to Mrs Garner who is a kindergarten teacher at Porta elementary. He has two children Sierra ( who is in 8 th grade) and Westin (who is in pre-k). Jeremy is a graduate of A-C Central and majored in secondary education at Illionis College. He has worked for the Illinois Department Of Corrections for the past 20 years. He was on the A-C Central Board Of Education for 7 years. 

" I believe I have the experience needed to be an asset for the Porta board of education. Prior to moving to Petersburg, I was on the A-C board for seven years. During those years, we had to make changes to education and come up with several cost cutting solutions to deal with the lack of payments from state funding. I feel during that time we made smart decisions that kept education at the highest level possible with less funding.  If I am elected to the board I will bring that experience with me and the thought of education first with the least amount of stress on the tax payers as possible."

​Mindy KinderMy name is Melinda (Mindy) Kinder.  I am running for school board and I am asking for your vote. 
My family and I have lived in Petersburg since 2008.  My daughter graduated from PORTA High School in 2016 and is now attending Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.  My son is currently in kindergarten at Petersburg Elementary School.  The school district was a major part of our decision to relocate to this wonderful community, and from academics to sports we have not been disappointed. 
My husband and I are active members of the Petersburg/Menard County community.  My husband is a volunteer firefighter and I am a member of the Menard County Jaycees and Town and Country Women’s Club.  I have served as President of both clubs, and Treasurer of the Jaycees.  I am currently co-president of the Petersburg Elementary School PTO.  I have participated in organizing and overseeing several events that benefited the community, including but not limited to, organizing the Super Hero fun run for the kids at Harvest Fest (the proceeds of which were donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital), organizing the children’s Halloween parade and working with the community to fight the flood. 
I graduated from Beloit College in Beloit, WI in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology and minoring in legal studies.  I am currently attending the University of Illinois at Springfield to obtain my Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).  I have worked for the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) for over 13 years.  My current position is an auditor.  As an auditor, I review school district records to ensure accurate reporting of TRS members (teachers, administrators, etc.) service and earnings.
I am running for school board because I feel a sense of duty to provide back to the community and to ensure the future for our children is as bright as possible.  I want to be part of a team that creates a model that ensures all children have access to the best education in this fast moving world while holding true to the small town values that are so critical to grounding them as people.  I am looking forward to ensuring PORTA reaches its current goals, as well as set the vision and goals for the future.  I want to devote my knowledge, skills and energy to making PORTA the best school district in Illinois.  I feel my education, community spirit, and background make me a highly qualified candidate to serve on the board.  I want to make sure that not just my child, but that all children receive the best education possible.    
I thank you for your consideration.

​Bill Shaub was born in Grand Rapids, MI and grew up in Lockport, IL. He is the oldest of four boys. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and was recruited to play football at Millikin University, where he played all four years.  Bill was also a Millikin defensive line coach for one year as he completed his double major. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in History as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education.  After student teaching at Decatur MacArthur High School and serving as the high school girls softball coach, Bill was offered a full-time management position with Walgreens, where he’d been working part-time as a photo clerk.  Fifteen years later, Bill continues to work for Walgreens as a District Manager.  Bill is married to Lindsey Shaub, an individual aide at Petersburg Elementary and PORTA junior high volleyball coach, and they have two children, Trace, a 6th grader, and Tristan, a 3rd grader, both at PORTA Central.
Bill has been a volunteer teacher for 7 years for the Junior Achievement Program, an organization which teaches children to value free enterprise as well as basic financial management skills. He has also served on numerous boards of directors, among them, the Bourbonnais Bears Youth Football Organization, Kanakakee County Drug Court, having served as president for one year, Committee Member for the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Riverside Hospital PULSE Board Member.
A month after moving to Petersburg in 2015 from Bourbonnais, IL, Bill began volunteering as a coach with the Petersburg Junior Football program as well as the PORTA wrestling program. 
Message from the candidate: the reason I have chosen to run for school board is to be an advocate for both the students and the parents.  I enjoy being involved with the community and I hope to support an already established school system with a new perspective.  

​Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith was born and raised in Petersburg, IL and has continued to live here all his life. He graduated from PORTA High School in 1989 and from the University of Illinois in 1992.  After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Economics, Jeff worked as a substitute teacher while continuing his career in the agricultural field.  Now, Jeff farms full time with his father on the family farm west of Petersburg.  Jeff has one son, Luke, who is currently a freshman at PORTA High School.

Jeff has volunteered to coach many youth sports, including baseball, basketball and soccer.  He is also on the Menard County Soil and Water Board where he serves as Treasurer. 
​
Message from the Candidate—I have chosen to run for the PORTA School Board so I can contribute to the well-being of our school district.  During the last two years, I have served on the negotiating committee with certified staff and on the building and grounds committee.  Now that I have a better understanding of the budget, I appreciate both its constraints and complexities.  After serving on the PORTA School Board the last two years, I know the time commitment and am willing to serve the school and community.

​Ashley Trueblood and her husband, Kerry, have been residents of Petersburg for the last 17 years. She has one child in the district and one that graduated from Porta High School in 2016.  Ashley is the K-6 art teacher (13 years) and district union president for Athens Schools.  She also has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.  She values teachers and their educated perspectives when it comes to solving problems within the district.  
 
Mrs. Trueblood made the decision to run for School board because of some of the truly amazing teachers her children have encountered during their time in the district.  Her oldest son, Clayton is now at Murray State University where he is working successfully for his degree in Agricultural Business because of the tremendous influence of teachers and staff in the district. Ashley has found in her experience as a teacher that the teachers are the heart and soul in any district.  
 
Ashley has also worked closely with several organizations and fundraisers in the district throughout the past few years.  Her own small business, Picasso On The Prairie (whose mission is to bring arts enrichment and education to adults and children alike) has hosted numerous fundraisers and supports for various district organizations, giving her a unique insight into the skills and needs of several school groups.  

​Robert “Toby” Turek
I was born and raised in Petersburg, and graduated from PORTA in 2000.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Business Administration.  I currently work for the Illinois State Board of Education in the Federal and State Monitoring Division.  I am familiar with school finance as my job entails auditing school district programs including General State Aid, Transportation, Title I & II and many others. 
I have a long history of volunteering my services at the PORTA School District from coaching wrestling, compiling stats for football and helping in the construction of the fitness center. I view service on the school board as the greatest way to give back to the community that started my life of learning. I have a strong desire to ensure that the students of the PORTA School District get the best education possible.

​Ryan Woods
Ryan Woods currently is employed for the Illinois State Police as a Trooper.  Received a Bachelor's degree in both Accountancy and Business Administration from UIS.  My wife and I have lived in Petersburg since 2006 on a farm my grandfather bought in the 1940's.  I have two kids, one in first grade and the other in second grade at Petersburg Elementary.  They currently participate in basketball, baseball, wrestling, cheerleading, and swimming at PORTA. I have been a volunteer coach for both basketball and baseball in the Petersburg community. 
My experience in Accountancy and Business Administration would be beneficial to balancing budgets and making difficult financial decisions associated with the school.  My work experience has provided me with an advanced ability to make tough decisions in a stressful environment. I am interested in serving on the school board to ensure continued and future success of the PORTA school district. 

​Good Afternoon,
After an extensive investigation by PORTA Administration and Menard County Sheriff’s office we have determined any threat to the School in relation to the most recent reports received last evening are not credible at this time. All parties have been interviewed by the Menard County Sheriff’s department and all are confident that PORTA Schools are safe from any threat at this time.  Therefore, at 1:00 PM on January 25, 2017 the soft-lockdown of the PORTA Schools has been lifted and all activities will resume to normal.
We understand this event took some time to resolve but the investigation was further complicated by the fact that interviews had to be conducted from residents outside Menard County.  Thank you for your understanding in these matters as we strive to continue to provide a safe learning environment. 
Thank You
Matthew W. Brue  

​Good Morning,
The PORTA District is on heightened alert this morning after an investigation of an incident that occurred last evening.  The Menard County Sheriff’s Department and PORTA Administration were made aware of an unusual situation that raised the cause for concern.  The matter has been investigated over the late evening hours and all parties concerned believe there is no credible threat.  But as a precaution, increased police presence at District buildings will be maintained and Staff has been notified of the situation and are on heightened alert as well.  While the actions taken by the district and Menard County Sheriff's office might be excessive in this case, our main concern is the safety of students and staff. 
We have every inclination that there is no credible threat at this time and our actions are precautionary at this time.  If other information comes available that would change the alert status the district will notify families and the community immediately.
Thank You
Matthew W. Brue  

​Megan Kruse, who has been offered the PORTA Jr. High Principal has already, in her short career, proven herself as a distinguished educator. As the 2015 recipient of the Illinois Principals Association Award for Outstanding Service to Children, Megan has been recognized by her peers as an outstanding educator.    She started her education career teaching Spanish to 7th- 12th grade students and spent six years in the Ridgeview School District. While teaching at Ridgeview, Megan participated on the District Leadership Committee, led a student mentoring effort to help student course planning and time management and wrote a successful IPAD grant that benefited the school’s programs.  Ms. Megan Kruse’s dedication to children, families and the PORTA Community was extremely evident throughout the interview process.

In the Fall of 2016, Ms. Kruse became an administrative intern for the PORTA District, while also being employed as the Jr High Secretary.  In the six months Megan has been employed at PORTA, she has taken a proactive role in supporting students, families, and educational professionals. Ms. Kruse will finalize her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Foundations from Illinois State University, following the successful completion of her current internship.
 
Megan Kruse’s educational background and personal experiences have helped shape her philosophy of education. As a PORTA Alumni, Megan has shared her desire to help all PORTA students learn at the highest levels possible and to become a valuable member of our community. 
 
The interview process for the PORTA Jr. High Principal consisted of two interview teams, the first comprised of parents, teachers, a student and Board member and the second comprised of administrative personnel and a board member.  Select candidates were interviewed by both teams and the final two candidates were interviewed by the combined committees on Saturday December 3, 2016.  At the conclusion of interviews Ms. Megan Kruse was the unanimous choice of the committees. Two parent committee members, Betsy LaMaster and Brandy Zanger shared the attached comments about the process and outcome.
 
The PORTA Board was excited to include various interest groups in the interview process and feel the transparency involved in the process is a positive method of building community, family and staff support.  Additionally, the Board of Education would like to extend a sincere “Thank You” to all who participated in the successful interview process. 

​After 23 years of outstanding service, Mr. Darren Hartry is retiring as Principal of PORTA JR/Sr High School at the end of this school year.   The PORTA Board of Education has elected to transfer Mrs. Amy McMahan to the High School Principal’s position and to seek a new Jr. High Principal for the upcoming 2017-18 school term.  As such, a committee comprised of staff, parents, community members and a student will be sought to conduct interviews beginning on November 30, 2016.  The Interview team will be expected to be available on the 30th of November, December 3rd, 6th, 7th to interview candidates and deliberate within the committee on a final candidate.  Interviews held on November 30, December 6 and 7 will be held in the evening, while December 3rd may be held throughout the day.
If you or someone you know might be interested in participating on the interview committee please contact Matt Brue at 217-632-3803 x 1403 or at mbrue@porta202.org to express your interest.  

Have you or someone you know thought about working as an Aide (paraprofessional) for the school district, but did not know where to start or who to talk to about becoming certified and employable.  On November 9, 2016 you can learn about the steps one must complete to qualify as a Certified Paraprofessional.   
The PORTA District, as well, as most other school districts in Illinois are in need of Qualified/Certified paraprofessionals.  After earning certification you will be qualified to work as a paraprofessional in any Illinois school district.  This meeting is developed to help interested participants become certified to fill future open positions.

PORTA CUSD 202 and ROE 51 will host an informational group session for anyone interested in the Paraprofessional Certificate. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2016 in the PORTA High School Library.
Regional Assistant Superintendent Shannon Fehrholz and Superintendent Matt Brue will host the group informational session for anyone who has an interest in becoming a Certified Teachers Aid (paraprofessional). Program and certification questions will be addressed.  

Any questions can be directed to Supt. Matt Brue at 217-632-3803 ex. 1403 or by e-mail, mbrue@porta202.org
 
 The following licensure stipulations will be discussed and potential candidates will have the opportunity to ask questions and begin the process of certification. 

To qualify for an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Paraprofessional You must be at least 20 years of age AND One of the following three (3) options must be demonstrated:

1. Completed 60 semester hours of college credit at a regionally accredited institution of higher education (evidence is an official transcript); or
2. Obtained an associate degree (or higher) at a regionally accredited institution of higher education (evidence is an official transcript); or
3. Present Proof of a High School Diploma and meet a formal State assessment by ONE of the following means:
   1. Passed the ETS ParaPro assessment with a score of 460 or higher (evidence is an official score report); or
   2. Passed the applicable ACT WorkKeys assessments (Applied Mathematics-4, Reading for Information-4, Writing/Business Writing-3)

Application Process:

1. A submitted application and fee in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS); and
2. ONE of the following:
   1. Official* transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university; or
   2. Evidence of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalency**; and A copy of the ETS ParaPro score report (460 or higher); or
   3. Evidence of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalency**; and A copy of the WorkKeys score report (Applied Mathematics - 4, Reading for Information - 4, Writing/Business Writing - 3)

 
*To be official, transcripts must be submitted in an envelope sealed by the college or university or be sent directly by the institution. Transcripts received that are not in a sealed envelope from the university or not sent directly from the university will be considered unofficial and cannot be used for evaluation purposes.

​Research shows that family engagement promotes student success. Students with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades, pass their classes, attend school regularly, have better social skills, and go on to postsecondary education.
The PORTA District has taken initial steps to identify ways to engage our families more consistently and purposefully.  Increasing communication options has been a Board of Education goal and as such the District will begin to use “Remind” as an additional district-wide communication tool. 
Remind is a free messaging app that’s built for the way educators work today. More than 2.5 million educators in the United States currently use Remind to reach students and parents with quick, simple messages on any device.
Over 80% of the teachers who use Remind say that the product has positively impacted teaching and learning in their classrooms— and administrators have used Remind to change the way they communicate with their school communities,  too.
Remind messages can be received by text, app, email, or web— no smartphones necessary.
Remind is free to use for teachers, students, and parents. Standard text messaging rates apply to text notifications, but there are no additional costs. In other words, getting a Remind message is just like getting a message from a friend.
Remind saves all communication to user accounts. This record can’t be edited or deleted within an account, so teachers, students, and parents can access a complete message history at any time—great for communication logs and general FOIA requests. Personal phone numbers are never connected to “Remind” messages. Students and parents don’t see educator phone numbers, and educators don’t see student and parent phone numbers, either.
Remind takes data privacy very seriously. Personal data is never shared or sold, and standard encryption methods like SSL are used to protect user information. Remind is also COPPA-compliant, which means that safeguards are included to help protect children under 13.
 
As a Parent or Guardian you will receive a notification either via email or cell number from “Remind” offering you the ability to receive notifications from your school.  If you are concerned your cell number or email is not updated in Skyward please contact your school’s office and offer correct information.  Remind will be of great value to you as a parent/guardian, whether information received relates to school safety or general announcements.  In any case you will be better informed.  Please look for your upcoming notification.