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 22
Family event
Donuts with Grownups
Join Central families for donuts on the playground. RSVP by Friday, September 18; every student attending must be accompanied by an adult.
Source: PTO Google Calendar
Sep 24
Dine-out fundraiser
Noodles & Company Dine Out
Central families are invited to the September dine-out fundraiser. Time and location details are still to be confirmed.
Source: PTO Google Calendar
Sep 25
School schedule
Half day
Friday, September 25 is a half day for students. Watch official school communications for dismissal details.
Source: PPS calendar + PTO Google Calendar
Oct 9
PTO event
Central Stampede
The Central Stampede is the PTO's largest fundraiser. Families can now choose a volunteer role and shift for the October 9 event.
Source: PTO Google Calendar + SignUpGenius
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 · August 28, 2026
Mustang Family Minutes
The newest public newsletter covers first-day routines, family resources and important September dates.
- First-day, school-hour and car-loop information
- ClassDojo, transportation and food-service updates
- Medication and wireless-device policies
- September dates and the first PTO meeting
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.
Parent guides
Help for two common back-to-school tasks
The original district documents are stored here with stable, easy-to-find links.
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
Communication and family links
Find the right place quickly
Students and families
Everyday essentials
Skyward Family AccessStudent and family informationJoin Central on ClassDojoRequest access to the school communityCentral 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 updatesTransportation guidePPS bus information for familiesSkyward setup guideLogin, app and video walkthroughs
School communication
Official updates
PTO
Participate and follow
PTO LinktreeOriginal PTO link collectionPTO newsletterLatest newsletter shared through LinktreeVolunteer opportunitiesCurrent, specific ways to helpMeeting 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.