PORTER PRIDE MONTHLY

Kids EmPower Pack is Missoula Food Bank and Community Center's weekend nutrition program that helps students to stay healthy and nourished when school is not in session. Each Friday, a bag of food is provided to students who experience chronic hunger over the weekends.

Their Fresh Food Box program has boxes of food delivered to your home on the last Thursday of the month for a low cost.

Please contact Jen in the FRC for more information.

Vaping has rapidly become one of the most common forms of substance use among teens. With flavored options and discreet designs, e-cigarettes are often marketed in ways that appeal directly to young people. However, many teens are unaware of the serious health risks—ranging from nicotine addiction and respiratory issues to negative impacts on brain development. As a parent or guardian, your involvement is key. Staying informed, initiating honest conversations, and being aware of the signs of vaping can make a powerful difference. Together, we can help our children make healthy, informed choices.

On Tuesday, May 13, during WIN, we’re excited to welcome a special guest from Hellgate High School! One of the Hellgate librarians will be visiting our library to chat with any 8th graders planning to attend Hellgate next year. They’ll share what students can expect from the high school library, how to access resources, and ways to stay connected with reading and research at the next level. There will also be a few minutes at the end for students to ask questions. If your student is a future Knight, encourage them to stop by!

Get ready—SwaPalooza is headed to the library at the end of May! This exciting book swap gives students a fun way to refresh their bookshelves before summer break. If your child has gently used books of middle school interest at home they’ve finished reading, they can bring them to the library anytime between now and Friday, May 23. For every book donated, students will earn tickets to “shop” for new-to-them books during SwaPalooza, happening May 27–29. It’s a great way to encourage reading and build excitement for summer stories!

Our students have been loving the chance to connect with real authors through our BookBreaks subscription! Sixth graders enjoyed a draw-along session with Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, while seventh graders got an inside look at Lisa Fipps’ writing process for her debut novel Starfish.

Most recently, students were given the option to attend a LIVE author visit with Traci Chee, author of A Thousand Steps Into Night, on Tuesday, May 6. Students were able to hear how she combines stories from the present day with mythology to challenge readers to think critically about their sense of self and community.

Also, be sure to check out BookBreaks’ WYRI (Would You Read It?) series on our library website! In just 7 minutes, students can discover new books and hear personal tidbits from bestselling authors—bringing stories and the people behind them to life.

The last day for students to check out library books is Friday, May 16. All books are due back to the library by Friday, May 23. If your student has lost or damaged a book, please reach out to one of our librarians, Ms. Lipke or Mrs. Rieley, to discuss replacement options. Thank you for helping us keep our library collection complete and ready for next year!

Dress Code Guidelines:

• Clothing and jewelry that disrupt the learning environment are prohibited. This includes items with profanity, bias, hate, racism, or sexual connotations.
• Any clothing or jewelry that presents a safety hazard is not allowed.
• Hoods should not be worn inside the building, except on designated dress-up days.
• Underwear should not be visible beyond shoulder straps.
• Clothing must adequately cover buttocks.
• Shirts must have shoulder straps and cover from one armpit to the other.
• Shoes are required at all times.
• Blankets are not permitted during the school day or at recess.
• Costumes are allowed only on special occasions, with guidelines provided prior to the event.

Cell Phones:
Students are not allowed to operate cell phones or any electronic devices in locker rooms, bathrooms, or any areas where privacy may be compromised. Additionally, the use of cell phones during classes is prohibited unless directed by certified staff for educational purposes.

Inappropriate Display of Affection:
While we encourage positive interactions, non-threatening physical contact such as kissing and hugging is not suitable for the school environment.

Reserve your yearbook today for $25 at yearbookforever.com, or at the office. We have less than 50 copies remaining, so order now! Yearbooks will be delivered the last week of school.

Porter is building more partnerships with parents, caregivers, and community members. Please sign up on our Volunteer Portal for many opportunities to be a part of our school community. We are currently looking for support with: Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, and lunch support. You can sign up for individual days of the week or weekly. We look forward to seeing you soon! Please reach out to Ciana Kelly with any questions or support.

Our Porter Parent Council will have their next meeting on Wednesday, May 14th 6:00-7:00 pm in Mr. Edge's PLTW room. We really need as many people as we can have attend these meetings to help build collaborative relationships between our staff and our caregivers. You are so crucial to our success!

At CS Porter, we are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every student. Racism, bullying, and any form of discrimination will not be tolerated under any circumstances. We believe in the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding in all our interactions, and we expect everyone to contribute to a positive school culture. If you or someone you know is experiencing or witnessing inappropriate behavior, please reach out to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. Let’s work together to ensure our school remains a place where everyone feels valued and supported.