Meet the Principal
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
- I did not start playing the guitar until I became Principal at Portage.
- My wife and I love to travel and our favorite place to visit is Aruba.
- I love movies and collect movie soundtracks. I have over 500 movie soundtracks on vinyl records.
- We have a "band" comprised of Portage Staff and students that plays live music at various times of the year.
- I once got the chance to play in a basketball game with other DeKalb High School graduates against a team of recent IU graduates (2003 seniors + Damon Bailey). Even though I was never allowed to shoot 3-pointers as a high school or college player (coach's orders), I managed to hit six 3-pointers against the IU players in that game.
PRINCIPAL MICHAEL CHRISTNER
My path to Portage Middle School is probably one that you wouldn't expect. When I was growing up, many of my family members were teachers and school administrators. Because of this, the last thing I wanted to do as a kid was to be an educator! What I really wanted to do was be a professional baseball player or a veterinarian. I did not have a great middle school experience, so by the time I reached high school I had no interest in being a teacher.
Through my time at DeKalb High School and Grace College, I had a series of amazing teachers, professors, and coaches who consistently put me in a position to work with younger students. Not only was I having a lot of fun, but I realized that I was really good at working with kids. By the time I was halfway through college, I had completely changed my mind and perspective. It became clear that I was meant to be an educator, so I switched my major and started on a path that eventually led me to becoming a Middle School Principal. My main passion and reasoning for working with middle school students is to try to make sure that all students have a better experience than I did. I've now been the Principal here at Portage Middle School since the 2013-2014 school year.
Contrary to popular belief with the students, I do not live at Portage Middle School. I have a wife, 2 children (who are both grown and live on their own now), 3 cats and 1 dog. When I have free time, I like to watch movies, play sports, play my guitar, and collect records.
