Test scores aren’t the only way to measure success, Portage Township Schools Superintendent Amanda Alaniz said in her annual State of the Schools address.
Alaniz spoke at a Greater Porter Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday in the Levenda Learning Lab at Portage High School.
“It goes without saying that the ability to educate our children and provide the experiences that we imagine for their future, not our past, is worth the effort.”
“I am truly filled with pride, passion and energy,” she said.
“Our student academic growth is clear and encouraging,” she said.
That said, there’s still work to do regarding English and math, she acknowledged.
“Our elementary IREAD scores are up 10% over last year, surpassing the state average,” Alaniz said. “These results reflect the dedication of our teachers and support staff, the engagement of our students and the strong support of family.”
At the high school, participation has increased in dual credit, advanced placement and career and technical education programs, she said.
“Within our school district, instructional excellence remains our focus,” Alaniz said.
Assessment data guides student learning, she said.
“Today I want to make it abundantly clear that achievement is not measured by test scores alone,” Alaniz said. “It is found in the more than 52,000 meals served children this summer.”
Students get meals every school day free of charge to their families. The district prioritizes preparing food “that is quality, nutritious and cost-effective so that we can continue to provide this program,” she said.
“The success of our school district is also indicated in the work of our health services team, who has ensured that every one of our schools is now heart safe certified, the first in our county and one of the first in the state of Indiana during our 2024-25 school year,” Alaniz said.
This year, the team is training students to perform CPR in emergencies. “This again is success,” she said.
Millions of dollars in grants pay for teacher training, English as a second language lessons and enrichment opportunities for students, she said.
The buildings and grounds staff keep facilities safe and secure. Replacing HVAC systems improves air quality, and replacing lighting makes it easier to learn, Alaniz said.
“Making sure our students walk into the building ready to learn, this is success,” she said.
The transportation team and district prioritize working with partners and families so no child has to go home to an empty house, Alaniz said.
Mike Jessen, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, singled out Portage as being the only district that buses students from any school to an after-school program at a Boys and Girls Club. The district sends kids to either the Portage or South Haven club.
The nationally recognized communications team keeps families informed and engaged, she noted.
“Every single department contributes to creating schools that are safe, welcoming and supportive of all learners,” Alaniz said.
As the district prepares to build its first new school in 45 years, opening in 2029, fifth- and sixth-graders will be moving into a newly reimagined intermediate school next year. All seventh- and eighth-graders will move into a new middle school.
The project includes razing Aylesworth Elementary School, building a new middle school on that site, and razing the existing Willowcreek Middle School once the new middle school is open. Bids are set to be received this fall.
Bids are also set to be accepted this fall on the district’s first solar installation.
The district is rare in Indiana in not asking taxpayers to approve a referendum to increase property tax revenue.
Honoring tradition includes the PHS robotics, marching band and JROTC programs. They are “the foundation of what has made Portage successful,” Alaniz said.
Soon, PHS will have a three-story band tower, she said.
The district is also upgrading outdoor facilities, including turf on baseball and softball fields at PHS.
PACE Virtual Academy, launched this fall, is serving more than 100 students in grades 6-12.
Preschool opportunities are being expanded, too. “And truly, we’re just getting started,” she said.
The district is also focused on instilling values like respect to students. The chamber is partnering to expand the program to the business community as well.
“At a time when students are watching and listening closely, we are reminded that modeling these values matters every single day,” Alaniz said.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.