Aug 26
Central Elementary
Open House
Open House was held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. so families could meet the school team, visit classrooms and prepare for the new year.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes + PTO calendar
Volunteer help neededCentral Stampede: Help with the 2026 Central Stampede · Oct 9
View opportunity →Information for every Central family
Everything you need, without the social-media scavenger hunt.
Find school reminders, PTO news, family resources and ways to help—whether or not you use Facebook.
Official public information, gathered in one place:This independent parent-maintained guide uses information published by Central Elementary, Portage Public Schools and the PTO. Confirm important details with the linked source.
Coming up
What parents need to know next
The most time-sensitive dates and actions from the latest school communication.
Aug 31
First day of school
Half day for Y5–5th grade
The first bell is at 8:30 a.m., the second bell is at 8:35 a.m., and dismissal is at noon.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes
Sep 1
School schedule
First full day of school
Full-day hours are 8:35 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. The first bell rings at 8:30 a.m., and outdoor staff supervision begins at 8:25 a.m.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes
Sep 4–7
Labor Day recess
No school
Schools are closed Friday and Monday for Labor Day recess. Classes resume Tuesday, September 8.
Source: PPS calendar + Mustang Family Minutes
Sep 8-18
School reminder
Fall testing window
Central's fall testing window runs September 8-18. Families can help students by keeping routines steady and arriving at school on time.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes
Sep 15
PTO meeting
Join the September PTO meeting
The first meeting of the year begins at 4:00 p.m. at Central Elementary, with an in-person or virtual option.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes
Sep 16
Family deadline
Request free student shoes
The First Day Shoe Fund provides new athletic shoes at no cost to Kalamazoo County public elementary students. Online orders close September 16.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes
Sep 17
School event
Picture Day
Central Elementary's school Picture Day is Thursday, September 17.
Source: PTO Google Calendar + Mustang Family Minutes
Sep 20
For families who moved
Submit updated proof of residency
Families who moved within the last year should email the school an updated proof-of-residency document by September 20 and include the student's name.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes
Sep 24
Dine-out fundraiser
Noodles & Company Dine Out
Dine at Noodles & Company, 6150 S. Westnedge Ave., from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The restaurant will donate 20% of participating sales.
Source: PTO newsletter
Sep 25
School schedule
Half day
Friday, September 25 is a half day for all students, with dismissal at noon.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes + PPS calendar
Oct 1
School service
Mobile Dentist
The Mobile Dentist is scheduled to visit Central Elementary on Thursday, October 1. Follow school communications for participation details.
Source: PTO newsletter calendar
Oct 2
School recognition
Custodian's Day
Central recognizes its custodial team on Friday, October 2.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes
Oct 2
Kindergarten
Field trip to Gull Meadows
Central's kindergarten field trip to Gull Meadows is scheduled for Friday, October 2. Kindergarten families should follow classroom communications for trip details.
Source: Mustang Family Minutes
Oct 5–9
Stampede spirit week
Central Stampede Spirit Days
Comfy Day Monday, Color Wars Tuesday, Crazy Hair or Socks Wednesday, Sports Day Thursday, and Blue and Yellow Day Friday.
Source: PTO newsletter
Oct 9
PTO event
Central Stampede
Central's largest PTO fundraiser returns at McCamley–Knight Field with a $20,000 schoolwide goal, grade-level run times and volunteer roles throughout the day.
Source: PTO newsletter
Oct 12
Stampede deadline
Return cash or check donations
Return cash or checks in the student's Stampede envelope by October 12. Checks should be payable to Portage Central Elementary PTO.
Source: PTO newsletter
Oct 13 · 6:00 p.m.
PTO meeting
October PTO meeting
Join the October PTO meeting in person or online at 6:00 p.m.
Source: PTO newsletter
Oct 29
School event
Picture Retakes
Central Elementary picture retakes are scheduled for Thursday, October 29.
Source: PTO newsletter calendar
Oct 30
School schedule
Half day
Friday, October 30 is a half day for students.
Source: PTO newsletter calendar
Oct 30
Family event
Trunk or Treat
Central's Trunk or Treat is scheduled for Friday, October 30. Watch PTO communications for time and participation details.
Source: PTO newsletter calendar
No future highlighted reminders are currently published. Check the full calendar below.
Combined from Mustang Family Minutes, the PPS 2026–27 calendar, the transportation letter and the PTO Google Calendar. Confirm last-minute changes with the school.
Latest communications
What families need to know
Checking the public update sources…
School newsletter · September 17, 2026
Mustang Family Minutes
The newest public newsletter covers student culture, family action items, school procedures and upcoming events.
- HERD expectations and anti-bullying strategies
- September 20 residency-document deadline for families who moved
- Attendance procedures, grading updates and Parent Advisory Council signup
- Central Stampede and upcoming PTO events
Official school channels
Central Elementary updates
The school live feed carries reminders and short announcements. The news page contains longer district and school articles.
PTO communication
Updates beyond Facebook
Important PTO links, newsletters, meeting records and contact information are available here for families who do not use social media.
Communication and family links
Find the right place quickly
Students and families
Everyday essentials
Skyward Family AccessStudent and family informationCentral lunch menuCurrent Nutrislice menusMeal MagicMeal accounts and benefit applicationsSupply listsWelcome letters and lists by gradeCalendar and eventsCombined PTO and official school datesMy Ride K-12Bus routes, stops and transportation updatesEarlier setup guidesArchived transportation and Skyward PDFs
School communication
Official updates
PTO
Participate and follow
PTO LinktreeOriginal PTO link collectionPTO newsletterLatest newsletter shared through LinktreeCentral Stampede guideFundraising, volunteer shifts, spirit days and grade scheduleVolunteer opportunitiesCurrent, specific ways to helpPrincipal remarksSchool updates shared at PTO meetingsMeeting minutes2025–26 PTO recordJoin a PTO meetingOnline meeting linkEmail the PTOportagecentralmustangs@gmail.comFacebook groupOptional community discussion channel
01
Volunteer
Many hands make Central stronger.
See exactly where help is needed, or tell us your general interests and availability for future events.
02
Support
Every contribution supports students.
Choose the PTO's PayPal or Venmo link. Please include a short note describing the fundraiser or purpose when applicable.
Reference archive
Earlier family setup guides
These start-of-year PDFs are kept for reference. Check the current school channels for updated instructions.
View the archived transportation and Skyward guides2 PDFs
Transportation · 2-page PDF
Getting ready for the bus
Find when routes become available, where to check your stop and what families should know before the first ride.
- Routes and times available August 27
- Check My Ride K-12 or Skyward
- Arrive at the stop at least five minutes early
- Courtesy-rider assignments begin October 1
Skyward · 1-page PDF
Family and Student Access help
Use this quick guide for account access, password recovery, the mobile app and short video walkthroughs.
- Sign in to the new Q Student portal
- Reset a forgotten username or password
- Reinstall and connect the mobile app
- Get help at help@portageps.org