Well, here we are the first day of school. A sigh of relief is heard around the region by a multitude of parents. I know some parents have a hard time with this day because it may be the first day they've been separated from their child for more than a couple hours.

Whatever this day may bring for you, I wish for all Portage Township children to have a safe and knowledge-filled year.

Michael Berta, Portage Schools Superintendent, has been speaking on the success rate of our students in our public schools. That is evident in the fact of rising ISTEP scores, which has produced our exemplary school district status. Of course, cooperation amongst teachers, staff and students and all the hard work put in at all levels has made this all possible.

Let's face it, every city and town has day to day problems that crop up for one reason or another but I believe that our schools are proactive rather than reactive in those matters. They have the best of the best out there securing, teaching and counseling our kids to help make them better human beings. Of course, all this knowledge will not be retained if it is not reinforced at home. So we, in our part as parents or guardians, must be there for our kids as well.

Come on everybody, let's make this another banner year for Portage Township schools.

For all of you volunteer-types that love to help your fellow man(or woman), this weekend is your cup of tea! It's the United Ways Day of Caring on this Friday and Saturday.

Day of Caring involves community members forming teams to help those non-for-profit organizations that help us all year long with programs to increase our quality of life in our respective community.

There are a multitude of opportunities here in Portage Township that you could sign up for to satisfy your appetite to help others. A gift of time is always appreciated these days in our hurried lifestyle society.

For more information and to sign up check their website at www.unitedwaypc.org or call (219) 464-3583.

Last on my list is a great event sponsored by the Pride in Portage Committee to get out for a FREE family evening of entertainment. It's Monday Night at the Movies, held at Founders Square Park, just off of Hamstrom Road on Main St. Yes, that's right a free movie with popcorn to boot! The movie this Monday will be "Happy Feet."

This is a great time for everyone to get out of the house and enjoy family, food and friends. The show starts at 8 p.m. and you are reminded to bring a blanket or lawn chair to get comfy under the stars.

There are several downtown restaurants that are offering Monday Night Movie Specials including: Clancy's, Dari Queen, El Patron, J & J's Pizza, La Chiquita and Rosewood.

For great family fun, come on out! Portage rocks!

The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. She can be reached at (219) 764-2187 or robinwilkening@remax.net.