Portage West Middle School

Welcome Jason Messenger as Michigan’s new #NASSP State Coordinator! Jason leads Portage West Middle School & brings 25 years in public ed, plus 20 years as a principal. We’re thrilled to have Jason join us and look forward to the great things he will bring to the team! @massp

The Starfish Story One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up starfish and gently throwing them into the ocean. Curious, he approached the boy and asked, "Why are you doing this?" The boy replied, "The tide is going out, and if I don't throw them back, they'll die." The man chuckled and said, "But there are miles of beach and thousands of starfish. You can't possibly make a difference." The boy listened politely, then bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the sea. Smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one." This story is a powerful reminder that while we may not be able to solve every problem or help every student, our efforts can still make a significant difference in individual lives. As educators, each act of kindness, each lesson taught, and each moment of encouragement can change a child's life for the better. Let's remember that every starfish matters. 🌟