Portage Schools Reset No Place for Hate Baseline Amid Major Realignment
Portage Township Schools in Indiana are establishing a new baseline for its No Place for Hate initiative as the district undergoes significant structural realignment. Starting next fall, the district will reconfigure grade levels, replacing Willowcreek Middle School with a new Aylesworth Middle School and converting Fegely Middle School into an intermediate school for fifth and sixth graders. Director of Grants and Assessments Linda Williams reported that while some metrics showed slight declines, student-teacher relationships improved by 5%, and school climate rankings for grades 3-5 reached the 70th percentile nationally. Superintendent Amanda Alaniz emphasized the program's success in fostering positive reinforcement, noting an overwhelming volume of positive referrals that initially flooded her inbox. The initiative, now in its third year, involves both staff and students pledging to support diversity and reduce bullying. Officials aim for steady, long-term cultural shifts rather than rapid changes. Additionally, the school board approved the purchase of four new school buses and 950 Chromebooks to support district operations and technology needs during this transition period.
Wire timeline
Portage Schools Reset No Place for Hate Baseline Amid Major Realignment
Portage Township Schools in Indiana are establishing a new baseline for its No Place for Hate initiative as the district undergoes significant structural realignment. Starting next fall, the district will reconfigure grade levels, replacing Willowcreek Middle School with a new Aylesworth Middle School and converting Fegely Middle School into an intermediate school for fifth and sixth graders. Director of Grants and Assessments Linda Williams reported that while some metrics showed slight declines, student-teacher relationships improved by 5%, and school climate rankings for grades 3-5 reached the 70th percentile nationally. Superintendent Amanda Alaniz emphasized the program's success in fostering positive reinforcement, noting an overwhelming volume of positive referrals that initially flooded her inbox. The initiative, now in its third year, involves both staff and students pledging to support diversity and reduce bullying. Officials aim for steady, long-term cultural shifts rather than rapid changes. Additionally, the school board approved the purchase of four new school buses and 950 Chromebooks to support district operations and technology needs during this transition period.
chicagotribune