Save the Date: Penn High School Homecoming 2025

Penn-Harris-Madison invites students, families, alumni, and community members to celebrate Homecoming 2025 on Friday, September 26, 2025 courtesy of the PHM Education Foundation.

The annual celebration includes the Homecoming Parade on Bittersweet Road in front of Penn High School, showcasing student groups, athletic teams, school clubs, and community organizations, followed by the Penn Kingsmen football game against South Bend Adams at Everwise Freed Field.

This is an event for the ENTIRE community and will have activities for people of all ages. Mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun! More details will be shared closer to the date.

Bittersweet Hosts Retirement Parade for Dr. Thacker

After 19 years of dedicated service to Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker is retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. To honor his legacy and impact, Bittersweet Elementary School held a special retirement parade in his honor.

Students lined the halls holding homemade signs, many proudly featuring Dr. Thacker’s well-known “Triangle of Success,” which connects students, teachers, and parents—a philosophy he championed throughout his tenure. The halls were filled with smiles, cheers, and heartfelt messages of gratitude as Dr. Thacker made his way through the building.

As he walked the parade route, Dr. Thacker waved to students, pausing to offer high fives, hugs, and handshakes to staff members and teachers along the way. The celebration was a touching send-off for a leader who has spent nearly two decades prioritizing student achievement, academic excellence, and a strong school community.

Thank you, Dr. Thacker, for your years of service and unwavering commitment to the success of every child. Your leadership will leave a lasting legacy at P-H-M and beyond.

This is a group of people posing for a photograph in front of a building. They are standing on steps and holding signs. The
Man in suit standing among children clapping.
Two people posing for a picture in an office setting.
Man in suit standing among group of people, giving a thumbs up gesture.
Man in suit walking past children holding signs.
Man in suit shaking hands with children. They are in front of a school building. He is smiling and appears to be greeting
Two people walking in a hallway, waving to children who are watching them. A man wearing a suit and tie is shaking hands
Man in suit standing amidst a group of people clapping, smiling, and holding signs; he appears to be addressing an audience
A man in suit stands among a group of children holding up signs, all smiling at the camera.
People holding signs in front of a man at podium, celebrating an event.
Man shaking hands with children at a school event.
Group of people posing with a banner that reads "250522 Thacker Parade".
Man in suit giving speech at podium to crowd of people.
Group of people standing in an office, posing for a picture, all wearing pink shirts with a logo on them.

4th Graders Shine in Spring Concert

Bittersweet Elementary’s fourth graders put on a wonderful musical performance for families and friends during their concert last night.

students playing instruments

The program featured a mix of singing and instrumental numbers, showcasing all the hard work students have been doing in music class. In addition to vocal pieces, students played recorders, xylophones, and a variety of percussion instruments, adding fun rhythms and melodies to the show.

musical instruments

The concert was a great opportunity for students to build confidence and creativity while sharing their talents with the school community.

A big thank you to all the parents and families who came out to support our students—your encouragement means the world! Bravo to all our fourth graders for a job well done!

Woman standing at podium addressing audience of children in school auditorium.
Three children playing musical instruments in a group setting.
Group of children playing instruments on stage.
School children performing in a concert band.
Young students in red shirts standing on stage at a school concert.
Woman in black shirt holding a tambourine during a school concert.
Two children playing musical instruments in a classroom setting.
Two children playing musical instruments in a classroom setting.
Three girls playing musical instruments in a school concert.
Girl in yellow shirt holding a drumstick, smiling at camera.
Three children playing musical instruments in a school setting. The child on the left is holding a blue mallet and wearing a
Three children playing instruments in a school concert.
Young girl playing a drum set in front of an audience during a concert.
Boy in red shirt holding a drumstick in his hand, playing a drum.
Young boy playing a wooden xylophone in a school setting.
Girl playing a keyboard in school band.
Children playing musical instruments in a classroom setting.
Three children playing musical instruments in a group setting.
Students playing instruments in a concert band setting.
Young boy playing a drum set in a school gymnasium.
Three children playing drums in a school concert.
Young boy playing a drum in a school band performance.
Children playing musical instruments on stage.
Two boys playing flutes in a school band.
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Elementary Students Experience Musical Magic with Penn High School Symphonic Orchestra

Fourth and fifth-grade students from Bittersweet, Elm Road, Mary Frank, Meadow’s Edge, and Northpoint elementary schools recently enjoyed a musical demonstration by the Penn High School Symphonic Orchestra. This event offered the elementary students an exciting glimpse into what musical instruments may be in their future.

Penn student describes instrument before playing solo

The demonstration began with a slow, moving piece before transitioning into a showcase of individual instruments. Penn orchestra members lined up at the front of the stage to perform brief solos. Each instrument’s unique sound and appearance were highlighted, sparking curiosity and excitement among the elementary students.

penn teachers dress as star wars characters

The event reached its peak when two Penn teachers brought a thrilling touch of cinematic drama to the stage. Dressed as Princess Leia and Darth Vader from Star Wars, the duo engaged in a light saber battle to the delight of the audience. In a dramatic twist, Darth Vader emerged victorious and led the orchestra in a powerful rendition of the iconic “Imperial March.” Adding to the spectacle, the string players adorned their bows with LED lights, transforming them into glowing light sabers as they performed the final number.

light up bows

The demonstration not only entertained but also served as an introduction to the world of orchestral music, inspiring many young students to consider learning an instrument in the future. The Penn High School Symphonic Orchestra’s performance was a perfect blend of education and entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on its young audience.

An orchestra performing in a dimly lit auditorium.
Young musician playing drums on stage.
A conductor in a black cape stands on stage directing an orchestra, holding a baton and gesturing with his hands.
Orchestra performing in a theater, two people dressed as Darth Vader and Princess Leia from Star Wars, conductor at podium.
People playing musical instruments on stage.
Band performing on stage in front of an audience.
Woman in a Star Wars costume on stage at an event.
A person dressed as Darth Vader on stage with an orchestra.
Three musicians performing on stage. One person playing a drum set, another with a saxophone, and one holding a microphone.
Man in a tuxedo on stage holding a microphone.
Three musicians performing on stage.
Band members on stage playing instruments".
Woman playing violin on stage in front of audience.
Person operating a large audio mixing console in a theater during a performance.
A group of musicians on stage playing instruments.
Man playing a trumpet in a band.
An orchestra performing on stage with a conductor.
Two musicians playing cellos on stage in front of an audience.
Two men playing cellos on stage in a concert hall.
Man playing violin on stage during concert.
Auditorium filled with people watching a performance on stage.
An indoor scene of a symphony orchestra performing on stage.
Conductor leading an orchestra on stage.
Person playing a large tuba in an orchestra.
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Change to 2024-25 School Year Calendar

Due to the absence of local, state, or national elections on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, all P-H-M schools will be in session on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.  P-H-M will no longer have a Recess Day on this date.

As a result, the last day of school for students will now be Thursday, June 5, 2025. This is one day earlier than previously scheduled. P-H-M Teachers Association worked collaboratively with the District Administration to make these calendar changes.

Indiana law requires schools to be in session for 180 days each year. If necessary, P-H-M can utilize up to three weather-related eLearning days, as permitted under Indiana law (HB-1093). If additional makeup days are needed, they will be added to the end of the school year, following the new last student day, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Currently, no eLearning days have been called.

Change to 2024-25 School Year Calendar

Bittersweet 2nd Graders and Penn High School Students Team Up for Gingerbread Fun

This week, second-grade students from Bittersweet Elementary School joined forces with Penn High School students to kick off the holiday season with delightful gingerbread-themed activities.

On Monday and Wednesday, Bittersweet’s 2nd graders took a field trip to Penn High School, where they collaborated with Penn students in creating gingerbread houses and engaging in fun gingerbread-inspired crafts. The high school students guided their younger counterparts through rolling and cutting the dough. They also read gingerbread stories and did multiple arts and crafts with the Bittersweet students.

girl with rolling pin

The multi-day celebration culminated today, Friday, November 22nd, as the baked ginger bread was brought back to Bittersweet to be assembled into houses and decorated. Families joined the fun, adding colorful candies, frosting, and festive designs to the creations.

mom with son

Second grade students decorating gingerbread houses has been a tradition for approximately 30 years, this is the first time that Bittersweet collaborated with Penn High School. It provided students with a creative outlet, a chance to learn new skills, and an opportunity to bond across grade levels during the holiday season.

The smiles and joy shared throughout the week are a testament to the power of collaboration and the holiday spirit!

Children making gingerbread houses at a table.
Person decorating gingerbread house with frosting and candy.
Children sitting on floor surrounded by craft supplies, smiling at camera.
Children sitting on floor working on crafts.
Man decorating gingerbread house at table with child.
Girl in kitchen wearing apron, smiling at camera.
Woman in plaid shirt and glasses smiling at camera next to a young boy wearing glasses and a blue top. They are standing in
Girl in white shirt smiling at camera while sitting at table.
Woman and child building gingerbread house in classroom.
People gathered around a table with food and treats, engaging in conversation and enjoying themselves.
Woman in purple shirt leaning over tray of gingerbread cookies on stove top oven.
Woman in kitchen preparing food, child standing next to stove, oven door open, person wearing green gloves.
Person holding a gingerbread house in front of a table with various snacks and drinks.
Two gingerbread houses on a table, one decorated like a Christmas house and the other like a Halloween house, both adorned
Boy in red apron holding rolling pin with flour on it.
Woman in kitchen, making gingerbread cookies, surrounded by children watching her work.
People gathered around a table filled with snacks, engaging in conversation.
Gingerbread houses decorated with candy, placed on a green tablecloth.
Man in black shirt and white hat standing next to a table with a child. The man is holding a small object in his hand.
Young boy sitting at table drawing.
Young girl in classroom holding treat, smiling at camera.
Gingerbread house decorated with cookies, candy, and icing, on a table during a gingerbread week event.
Boy in red apron decorating gingerbread cookies at kitchen counter.
Man decorating gingerbread house with candy canes and other festive decorations.
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October Bus Driver of the Month Kathy Green

Penn-Harris-Madison is thrilled to announce that Kathy Green, a dedicated P-H-M bus driver for over 22 years, has been named the Culver’s Bus Driver of the Month for October 2024!

While today’s presentation was made at Elsie Rogers, Kathy drives a bus for Bittersweet, Elsie Rogers and Schmucker Middle School and is beloved at each school.

Culver's Bus Driver of the Month

Kathy’s long-standing commitment to safety and her warm, friendly atmosphere on the bus have earned high praise from parents across the district.

We’re grateful to Culver’s and the P-H-M Education Foundation for supporting this monthly recognition, which celebrates the vital role our bus drivers play in the community. Thank you, Kathy, for exemplifying #PHMExcellence on the road every day!

You can nominate your favorite bus driver here, phmexcellence.com/PHMBusDriverNomination.

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Woman holding a basket of items outside a yellow school bus.
Man in a hat posing with a woman holding a box of donuts on a school bus.
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Two people standing in front of a yellow school bus, one holding a sign.
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Bus driver posing with a basket of stuffed animals in front of school bus.
Three people posing in front of a yellow school bus.
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Bus driver receiving award from passengers at school.
People gathered around a table, discussing something on a piece of paper.
People gathered around a bus, one person presenting a basket to another, possibly celebrating an award or achievement.
Woman holding a card in front of yellow school buses.

Pizza with the Principal

Last Friday, October 18th, students got to taste their rewards from the “Pizza with the Principal” program! 

The pizza party is our way of celebrating students who have worked hard and reached their reading goals. For those who didn’t participate this time or didn’t meet the required number of books, there will be more opportunities this school year to get involved. Stay tuned for updates on when the next round of “Pizza with the Principal” kicks off!

Keep encouraging your child to read—it’s a rewarding journey, and who doesn’t love pizza as a bonus?

Girl in pink shirt laughing at camera in school cafeteria.
A group of people posing for a picture in a school cafeteria.
Three people posing in front of a pizza shaped like a slice of pizza. The person on the left is wearing a shirt that says
Woman posing with cardboard pizza cutout in school cafeteria.
Woman holding a pizza in front of her, posing for a picture with a smiling boy behind her.
Three young girls posing in front of a table with pizza, smiling at the camera.
Three children posing with a woman in a pizza costume in a classroom setting.
Woman in pink shirt holding pizza box, standing next to man in black t-shirt and jeans.
Young boy in pink shirt sitting at table in school cafeteria.
Young girl in a classroom setting, smiling at camera.
Girl holding a book in front of her face, smiling at the camera. She is standing in a room with tables and chairs, and there
Girl holding slice of pizza in school cafeteria.
Little girl holding a slice of pizza in a school cafeteria.
Woman in pink shirt holding child in front of pizza costume.
Little girl in pink shirt smiling at camera in school setting.
Person in blue hoodie holding a book, kneeling on one knee in front of a bulletin board.
Girl in glasses smiling at camera, standing next to table with books.
Young boy performing handstand in gym.

Moran First Graders Visit Their Pen Pals at Bittersweet

Bittersweet and Moran first graders have been forming new friendships through a pen pals program that connects students from both schools. Throughout the school year, the students exchanged letters, learning about each other’s hobbies, families, and school experiences.

Today, the Moran students had the chance to meet their Bittersweet pen pals in person during an exciting visit.

The day’s highlight was a trip to the PHM Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium, where the students watched an engaging show about our Solar System.

Planetarium

They learned about planets, stars, and other celestial wonders while deepening their connections with their new friends. This collaboration between the schools encourages writing skills, curiosity about the world, and the joy of new friendships.

See more photos below!

Two young girls posing for a picture in an indoor setting, one wearing a black and white plaid skirt and the other in a
A computer screen displaying a space scene with a cityscape in the background and a large moon in the sky.
This is a composite image showing two different scenes from a video game, featuring space exploration themes and graphics.
Woman in white jacket standing in front of children, gesturing with her hands while speaking into microphone.
Young girl in a movie theater.
Little girl in pink shirt standing in front of movie theater seats.
Two young girls posing together in front of a museum display.
Boy in a theater seat, smiling at the camera.
Woman standing in front of whiteboard filled with educational materials, holding a book.
Young boy sitting at a table in a room, smiling towards the camera.
Two young boys sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling at the camera.
Two children watching a movie in a theater.
Two young girls sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling and looking towards the camera.
A young boy with a big smile sits at a desk in a classroom.
Young boy sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling at the camera.
Boy in blue hoodie sitting on floor in classroom.
Two children sitting in a dark movie theater.
Teacher presenting to students in a classroom setting.
Empty movie theater seats in a dark room with a red light on the ceiling.
Boy smiling in airplane seat.
People watching a movie in a dark room.
Woman in a blue shirt standing in front of a display case filled with plaques and trophies.

2nd Graders Visit The Pumpkin Patch

On Monday, October 7th, our 2nd grade students enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Kercher’s Apple Orchard in Goshen Indiana.

Thank you to all of our staff and parent volunteers for making this memorable day possible.

Take a look at the photos below:

Little girl holding a pumpkin in an apple orchard.
Group of people posing in front of a truck at an apple orchard.
Group of people posing in front of a hay bale with pumpkins, smiling at the camera.
People in a field surrounded by pumpkins, standing near each other, on a sunny day.
People sitting in a field, gathered around a truck, with some holding bags of groceries and others interacting with each
Three people standing in front of cornfield.
People walking through a field of pumpkins.
People standing in a field of pumpkins, possibly at an apple orchard.
People walking through a cornfield.
People gathered in a field, listening to someone speaking at an apple orchard event.
People standing in a group outside during the day.
Woman and child standing near pumpkins in a field.
Young boy standing in front of a sign for an apple orchard.
Young boy in a field of corn.
Three boys sitting on a hay bale at an apple orchard.
Children posing in front of a pumpkin patch at an apple orchard.
People sitting in a truck bed full of pumpkins at an apple orchard.
Family of three enjoying a day out at an apple orchard in autumn.
Three children standing in front of a table filled with pumpkins at an outdoor market.
People gathered around a table filled with pumpkins at an apple orchard.
Family sitting on hay bale at apple orchard.
People posing in front of a pumpkin patch at an apple orchard.
Little boy standing in front of a large apple sculpture.
Little girl standing in front of apple orchard sign.