Portage Northern High School

Portage Northern High School
Address
1000 Idaho Ave. Portage , Michigan 49024-1233
Information
School type	Public
Motto	Capture, Inspire, Teach
Founded	1965
School district	Portage Public Schools
Superintendent	Marsha Wells
Administrator	Christopher Riker
Principal	James E. French
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	1346  (2008)
Language	English
Area	Urban
Color(s)	Brown, White, Orange (Supplementary)
Mascot	Huskie
Team name	Huskies
Website	portageps.org/schools/high/nhs

Portage Northern High School is a high school in Portage, Michigan. Northern High School serves 1,350 students from ninth through twelfth grades. In addition to meeting the regular education needs of students living in the NHS attendance area, the school also houses several special education programs that address the needs of students throughout the Portage district. In addition, Northern is one of nine Michigan high schools currently authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, a rigorous curriculum for grades 11 and 12 that focuses on globalism and interdisciplinary study.

History

Portage Northern was built in 1965 to accommodate overcrowding at Portage Central High School, the school's crosstown rival. In 2007, Portage voters approved a bond issue that will fund major renovations at Portage Northern as well as an entirely new Central High School.

Academics

The school currently employs 136 faculty and staff, including 89 teachers. The school most recently earned a composite grade of B from the Michigan Department of Education based on standardized test achievement.

IBO World School

Portage Northern High School is among 564 U.S. high schools authorized to offer the highly respected International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. This challenging two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors emphasizes globalism and fosters interdisciplinary learning. Working with instructors trained and monitored by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), IB students undertake university-level course work that places them advantageously for success in post-secondary study. Many colleges and universities recognize the efforts and achievements of IB students and may award successful candidates college credit, waivers, or other benefits.

Student Activities

Clubs

The school has more than 25 student clubs. Some clubs include AMBUCS, DECA, and the Environmental Club.

Forensics

The Huskies are home to a strong speech and debate program. Northern has captured 10 state titles in forensics, and is a member of the National Forensics League. Their debate team has attended the State Championship 30 years in a row.

Arts

Portage Northern has a large arts program with a band, choir, orchestra and visual arts program. The theater program stages many acclaimed productions. The Portage Northern Wind Ensemble has played at Carnegie Hall twice, once in 1998, and also in 2008. Also, the Portage Northern Winterguard won the State Championship competition in 2005, with their Flight Attendant show, directed by Robert Jordan.

Student Senate

Portage Northern has a long standing tradition of student leadership. Many students find the Portage Northern Student Senate as a way to be involved in their school.

Athletics

Portage Northern High School has numerous Varsity and club teams, including: football, soccer, baseball, softball, swimming, diving, marching band, tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse, cross country running, track, competitive cheerleading, hockey, gymnastics, and water polo. Portage Northern competes in the Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference.

Fight Song

To the tune of Go U Northwestern

Go Portage Northern, go you Huskies go,

We are ever loyal, as we go to meet the foe,

Rah Rah Rah!

Win Northern Huskies, victory is our aim,

Go brown and white team, show them our fight team,

We are going to win this game!

External links

• Official site
• Portage Public Schools
• Student Handbook
• PNHS Drama Website