Portland High School

Senior Handbook

Class of 2008

 Adobe version

The Portland High School Senior Handbook is compiled to communicate to PHS seniors and their parents regarding issues revolving around the students’ last year at Portland High School.  The handbook will delineate policy issues, dates, times, and places that are important to know as we head towards commencement.  If you have any questions regarding any information contained within this handbook, please do not hesitate to call the High School Office (647-2981).

 

Graduation Requirements

By Board of Education policy, in order to receive a diploma and participate in commencement exercises, a student must have completed a course of study in which they have earned a minimum of 22 credits, with all required class credits having been fulfilled.  As a reminder, those required class credits are:

            English Language Arts                                               4.0 Credits

            Communications                                                         0.5 Credits

            Mathematics                                                                2.0 Credits

            Social Studies                                                             3.0 Credits

            Science                                                                        2.0 Credits

            Computer Applications                                               0.5 Credits

            Physical Education                                                     1.0 Credit

 

All requisite coursework must be successfully completed by May 28, 2008 in order for a student to participate in commencement exercises.

 

Senior credit audits are conducted by the counselor.  If you have any questions regarding credits, please contact the Counseling Office.  Additional information is available in the PHS Student Handbook.

 

Attendance

We at Portland High School believe that each and every scheduled day of school is valuable, and a student’s presence in school is essential to become successful.  Portland High School does not recognize or condone any event that has been referred to as a “senior skip day”.

Any day resembling a “senior skip day” is a disruption to the educational progress of students missing that day of instruction, not to mention the educational process of the building.  As educators we can not, and will not, allow this pattern of behavior to perpetuate itself. 

 

While a graduation date for the Class of 2008 has been established (June 2, 2008), the last day of school for the Class of 2008 (May 28, 2008) is tentative.  Any day utilized as a “senior skip day”, as defined by minimum class attendance, will cause an additional mandatory day of attendance be added on to the end of the school year for seniors.

 

 

 

 

Michigan Merit Exam/Michigan Promise Scholarship

The Michigan Promise scholarship provides up to $4,000 to high school graduates for successfully completing two years of postsecondary education. All students who took the state assessment test (Michigan Merit Exam) have the opportunity to receive up to $4,000 if they meet all eligibility requirements. Students who receive qualifying scores (Level II or above) in each of the required components on the test are eligible to receive up to half of their scholarship in the first two years (in installments of $1,000 in the first year and $1,000 in the second year of enrollment).

Program Limits

Students must initiate the use of their scholarship within two years of high school graduation and all funds must be fully utilized within four years of initiation. Students who initiate their scholarship in the 2008-09 academic year must utilize all funds by the end of the 2011-12 academic year.

Eligibility

• Take the state assessment test (MME).

• Have not received a Merit Award under the Merit Award Act.

• Must certify his or her eligibility for a scholarship installment payment.

• Enroll at an approved Michigan postsecondary institution or a military service academy within two years of becoming a high school graduate (two-year period would be extended for service in armed forces or Peace Corps).

• Complete the postsecondary education requirements (Associate’s degree, two-year certificate, vocational education program or 50% of the academic requirements for a Bachelor’s degree, which is 60 semester or 90 term credits) within four years of initial enrollment.

• Achieve a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 (except for students completing vocational education programs that do not record grades; proof of course completion is required).

• Be a high school graduate or have passed the GED or any other graduate equivalency exam approved by the State Board of Education.

• Be a Michigan resident.

More Information

Visit www.michigan.gov/promise. Contact the Michigan Promise scholarship program, Office of Scholarships and Grants, at the toll-free number 1-888-4-GRANTS (1-888-447-2687) or e-mail osg@michigan.gov.

 

College Applications/Testing/Visitations

Seniors and parents are strongly encouraged to work with the Counseling Office in regard to the college application process.  Be advised that most colleges and universities are closing down the admission process earlier and earlier (usually around December); therefore timely decision-making and application are a necessity. When making on-line application to a post-secondary institution, it is a MUST that your counselor be given the hard-copy “counselor page” to complete so that the application process may be completed with the submission of transcripts and ACT/SAT scores. Seniors and parents should also be advised that the ability to take/re-take college entrance examinations (ACT/SAT) exists throughout the school year.  Contact the Counseling Office for more information. 

 

Absences for college visitations may be excused, but must be arranged through the Counseling Office

Outstanding Monetary Obligations

All monetary obligations owed to the school must be reconciled by May 28, 2008 in order for a student to participate in commencement exercises.  These obligations include, but are not limited to:  textbook damage or loss charges, athletic uniform loss charges, media center/library fines or charges, and cafeteria/lunch charges.  Failure to meet these obligations will result in the student not being able to participate in commencement activities.

 

Graduation Paraphernalia

Portland High School works in cooperation with Jostens, represented by Mr. Mike Ball, as the provider of graduation caps, gowns, announcements, and other graduation-associated items.  All graduation-associated items are ordered from Jostens through Mr. Ball, following presentations to the class regarding those items.  It is imperative that ordering timelines and deadlines are met by students and parents to insure proper delivery.  For questions regarding graduation paraphernalia, please contact the High School Office.

 

Commencement Practice

The members of the graduating class of 2008 will participate in a commencement exercise practice at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.  Participation in commencement exercise practice is mandatory:  failure to participate in commencement exercise practice will prevent the student from being able to participate in the actual commencement event on June 2, 2008.

 

Commencement

Students that have successfully fulfilled all the requirements for graduation will be able to participate in commencement exercises on Monday, June 2, 2008.  There are a number of things that seniors and parents need to know about commencement:

            Date:   Monday, June 2, 2008

            Time:   8:00 p.m. sharp  

            Place:   PHS gymnasium

Senior Arrival Time:  All members of the graduating class of 2008 are expected to be in the auditorium no later that 7:15 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2008 for last minute instructions and organization.

Dress:  All members of the graduating class of 2008 will be expected to be appropriately attired in cap and gown (and any other accouterments supplied by the school, such as NHS stoles, Honor Cords, etc.).  Caps and gowns are to be free of any other adornment (pins, buttons, stickers, tape, etc.).  Personal clothing worn under the gown is subject to the following restrictions:

1.  A dress for the females and a shirt and tie for the males is always appropriate and recommended (but not required).

2.  No blue jeans (denim).

3.  No shorts.

4.  Footwear- no athletic shoes or beachwear (flip-flops/thongs/shower shoes).

5.  No hats, caps or other headwear other than the graduation mortar board (cap).

Class members will be subject to inspection to insure compliance with these requirements.  Students will not be allowed to participate in commencement exercises if these requirements are not met.

 

Ceremony:  Expect the length of commencement exercises to be from one and one-half to one and three-quarters of an hour long.  The Processional will begin at 8:00 p.m. with the faculty/staff of Portland High School leading the graduating class into the gymnasium.  It is customary for the family members and guests in the audience to stand during the Processional.  The ceremony will consist of several addresses to the class by members of the class and faculty, several musical numbers performed by the band and vocalists, and the presentation of diplomas.  Parents and others are invited to position themselves to take the photographs they want, as long as their position does not impede the commencement process.  Following the presentation of diplomas, the class, followed by the faculty/staff will exit the gymnasium.  Parents and guests are requested to remain seated until all members of the graduating class and faculty/staff have exited the gymnasium.

 

Awards and Honors

Valedictorian/Salutatorian

The students with the top two cumulative grade point averages through seven semesters (calculated to the 5th decimal point) will receive the honor of being named Valedictorian (highest GPA) and Salutatorian (second highest GPA).

Top Ten

Those students who have the top ten highest cumulative grade point averages, through seven semesters (calculated to the 5th decimal point) are recognized as the “Top Ten”.

Honor Students

The Honor Students are designated as students of the graduating class who have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50000 through seven semesters.  Honor students are signified at commencement by the wearing of “honor tassels”.

National Honor Society

Members of the National Honor Society are signified at commencement by the wearing of NHS stoles.

Honors Convocation/Awards Night

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 has been designated as Portland High School Senior Honors Convocation/Awards Night.  At this event there are a number of “senior specific” awards that are presented.  These awards include:

 

Marine Corp Scholastic Excellence Award                Honor Students

Marine Corp Scholar-Athlete Award                         Principal’s Leadership Award

Army Scholar-Athlete Award                                                Congressional Medal of Merit

President’s Award For Academic Excellence                        Free Press Academic All-State

Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit     Raider of the Year

Sara Starks Humanitarian Award                               All-Around Seniors

Academic Letters                                                        Departmental Awards

Free Press Scholar-Athlete                                          Athletes of the Year

Drama Award

 

Seniors and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend the Honors   Convocation/Awards Night.

 

Important Dates

Senior Class Meeting (Graduation paraphernalia)      October 10, 2007

Cap, Gown, and Announcement Order Day              October 19, 2007

Senior MME/ACT Retake window                            October 27, 2007

Senior MME/WorkKeys/Michigan Retake Day         October 30, 2007                                           

Semester Exams                                                          January 15, 16, 17, 2008

Prom                                                                            April 26, 2008

NHS Induction                                                           May 14, 2008

Honors Convocation/Awards Night                           May 21, 2008

Senior Final Examinations                                          May 27 and 28, 2008

Senior’s Last Day (Tentative)                                     May 28, 2008

Commencement Exercise Practice                              May 28, 2008 (12:15 p.m.)

Baccalaureate                                                              June 1, 2008

Commencement                                                          June 2, 2008 (8:00 p.m.)

                                                                                     

Scholarships

A number of scholarship opportunities are available to those seniors who are continuing their education at a post-secondary institution.  The Counseling Office has information on file regarding literally dozens of these opportunities.  There are, however, several scholarship opportunities that are Portland specific.  Please note:  the applications for each of these scholarships must be completed via an online form and submitted in hard copy by the requisite date.

 

            1.  Alice Harris Dowling Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is established in memory of Alice Harris Dowling.  Individual scholarships of $500 will be awarded to two successful applicants.

Application materials are available online and in the Counseling Office and are to be returned to the High School Office no later than April 25, 2008.

 

2.  Portland Federal Credit Union McCrumb Scholarship

The purpose of the McCrumb Scholarship is to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement, community involvement and excellent character. 

                                    Criteria for Selection

1.  One McCrumb Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of Portland High School or Portland St. Patrick’s High School.

2.  The recipient must have attained a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

3.  The recipient must have a good citizenship record.

4.  The student’s attitude must be that which will make additional education or training beneficial to him or her in the community.

5.  The financial situation of the student shall be taken into consideration.  Students who will be working or repaying a large part of their education funding are encouraged to apply.

6.  The student must have shown an outstanding attendance record.

 

 

Application materials will be available online at www.pfcu4me.com and in Portland Federal Credit Union branch offices after January 1, 2008, and are to be returned to the any PFCE office or mailed to PFCU, 4035 S. State Road, Ionia, Michigan 48846 Attn:  Michelle Phillips no later than March 31, 2008.

 

3.  Robertson Family Scholarship

The Robertson Family Scholarship was established in memory of Malcolm, Trophena, and Jane Robertson.  The intent is to recognize and reward active service, productive citizenship, scholastic achievement, and excellent character in a Portland Public Schools’ graduate who wishes to pursue a career in special education working with handicapped or otherwise disabled people, and/or in the educational field in general. An individual scholarship of $500 will be awarded to one successful applicant.

            Criteria for Selection

1.  Completion and submission of application and all requisite materials.

2.  Portland High School graduate.

3.  Intention to pursue a career in special education, working with the handicapped.  If no one with an interest in pursuing a career in special education or working with the handicapped applies, then consideration may be given to someone interested in education as a career.

4.  Active record of citizenship as portrayed by school-related activities, community-based service and recommendation from school and community members.

5.  Good character as evidence by recommendations from school and/or community members.

6.  Have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) as of the end of the first semester of the individual’s senior year.

Application materials are available online and in the Counseling Office and are to be returned to the High School Office no later than April 25, 2008.

 

4.  Storz-Smith Scholarship

The Storz-Smith Scholarship is made possible through an endowment made by Shirley Storz-Smith. An individual scholarship of $500 will be awarded to one successful applicant.

            Criteria for Selection

1.  Completion and submission of application and all requisite materials.

2.  The recipient will be a student attending a trade school or a student seeking an associate’s degree at a community college.

Application materials are available online and in the Counseling Office and are to be returned to the High School Office no later than April 25, 2008.

 

 

 

5.         Suzanne J. Buche Memorial Scholarship

This award was established in 2005 in memory of Suzi Buche, an active supporter of the Portland High school athletic program.  An individual scholarship of $1000 will be awarded to the successful applicant.

            Criteria for Selection

1.      Completion and submission of application and all requisite    

       materials.

2.      Portland High School graduate.

3.      Have at least a 2.5 overall Grade Point Average as of the end of the first semester of the individual’s senior year.

4.      Active record of citizenship as portrayed by school related activities, community based service and recommendation from school and community members.

5.      Participated in at least one varsity sport during their senior year at Portland High School.

6.      Complete a 250 word essay on the lessons in life they have learned from participating in high school athletics.

Application materials are available online and in the Athletic Director’s Office and must be returned to the Portland High School Athletic Director’s Office by April 25, 2008.

 

6.  W. W. Sprague Family Scholarship

This award was established in 2006 and is intended to reward one male and one female graduating senior who are of good character and have demonstrated a willingness to work hard in order to succeed.  Individual scholarships of $1000 will be awarded to successful applicants.

            Criteria for Selection

1.  Completion and submission of application and all requisite    

     materials.

2.  Current year Portland High School graduate.

3.  Demonstration of good character.

4.  Demonstration of willingness to work hard in order to succeed.

Application materials are available online and in the Counseling Office and are to be returned to the High School Office no later than April 25, 2008.

 

7.      Temple Scholarship

The Temple Scholarship was initiated by former Portland teacher Anne Dennis in memory of her mother, Ann Temple.  This scholarship is to be granted to a student who is in need of encouragement to continue his/her education. There is no limitation to be placed on the type of degree, educational institution, or grade point average, only that the student continues his/her education beyond high school (12th grade level).  The scholarship money must be used within one calendar year from receipt

 

 

Application materials are available online and in the Counseling Office and are to be returned to the High School Office no later than April 25, 2008.

8.  TRW Scholarship

Individual scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to three eligible graduating seniors from Portland High School and St. Patrick’s High School.  The purpose of the scholarships is to reward academic excellence in connection with school and community involvement.

Criteria for Selection

1.  Completion and submission of application and all requisite materials.

2.  A senior in good standing and eligible for graduation on June 2, 2008.

3.  Possess an overall high school GPA of 3.30 or better.

4.  Attend a college in the fall of 2008 on a full-time basis.

5.  Pursue a course of study (major) in one of the following areas:

            A.  Science (chemistry, physics, etc.)

            B.  Mathematics

            C.  Engineering or engineering support field

            D.  Business

            E.  Science Education

            F.  Mathematics Education

Application materials are available online and in the Counseling Office and must be returned to the Portland High School Office no later than 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2008.

 

            9.  Portland Athletic Booster Kozachik Scholarship

This scholarship, granted in the name of Dr. Martin Kozachik, is intended to reward scholarship, leadership, sportsmanship, character, and service in PHS athletes.

            Criteria for Selection

                        1.  Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

2.  Participation in two varsity sports and at least one varsity sport  

     during their senior year.

3.  Involvement in school-sponsored activities, including other team memberships.

Application materials are available online and in the Athletic Director’s Office and must be returned to the Portland High School Athletic Director’s Office by May 2, 2008.