Running is Elementary 2024 is in the Books!

The “Running is Elementary” program wrapped up its 2024 season with the main race at Elm Road Elementary School yesterday. The event saw enthusiastic participation from 4th and 5th grade students, both boys and girls, who competed in a 1-mile course that tested their endurance and speed.

The annual program, aimed at promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles among elementary school students, brought together participants from various schools in the area. 

team gets ready

Parents and teachers cheered from the sidelines as students dashed toward the finish line, each striving to put forth their best effort. The event not only highlighted the physical capabilities of the students but also emphasized the importance of physical education in the school curriculum.

Meadows Edge TEam Photo

The “Running is Elementary” program has been a key event in the community’s calendar for the last 15 years, fostering a sense of unity and encouraging children to adopt active lifestyles. Special thanks to the P-H-M Education Foundation for making it possible! 

4th Grade Girls

  • Praire Vista 6:24
  • Horizon 7:14
  • Elm Road 7:15

4th Grade Boys

  • Northpoint 6:08
  • Meadow’s Edge 6:22
  • Northpoint 6:50

5th Grade Girls

  • Bittersweet 6:42
  • Horizon 6:59
  • Meadow’s Edge 7:03

5th Grade Boys

  • Prairie Vista 6:07
  • Mary Frank 6:11
  • Horizon 6:12

 

Running is Elementary Date Announced, May 6, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that the P-H-M Education Foundation is providing funding for the 15th annual Running is Elementary program!

SAVE THE DATE!  The date is May 6 (Rain Date May 8).

All P-H-M 4th & 5th grade students are invited to participate.  Students will practice at their home schools with the culminating run at Elm Road Elementary School.

More details will follow so be on the lookout for communication regarding signups. 

Take a look at the video below to see how fun and exciting it is!

Students Lick Their Way to the Center of a Tootsie Pop

It’s the 100th day of school so our Bobcats have been doing activities centered around the number 100.

Debuting in 1970, there is a famous commercial for Tootsie Pops that asks the question: “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?”

 

Inspried by the commercial, students made a prediction on if they thought 100 licks would be enough to get to the center. Then they expirmented to see if they were right!

Students were given work sheets that went up to 100. After each lick they would mark a box to see if they were right.

counting licks

Take a look at more photos below!

Little boy in glasses licking a tootsie pop.
Girl in wheelchair licking a tootsie pop at her desk.
Girl in costume licking a tootsie pop.
Young girl licking a tootsie pop in a classroom setting.
Old woman in glasses sitting at a table with a tootsie pop.
Girl in a room with tables, chairs, and other children. She is wearing glasses, a hat, and eating a lollipop.
Child sitting at a desk in a classroom, licking a lollipop while holding a pencil and paper.
Two children enjoying lollipops at a table in a classroom.
Child sitting at a table working on a worksheet with a lollipop.
Person writing on a worksheet at a desk.
Little girl in glasses sitting at a table with toy popsicles.
Young boy in a classroom holding a red lollipop.
Two children in a classroom setting, one licking a tootsie pop, both wearing hats and sitting at a table with papers and
Young boy in glasses holding a lollipop, smiling at camera, sitting at a library desk.
Two children in a classroom setting, one girl licking a tootsie pop, both smiling and enjoying their treats.

Bittersweet 5th Grade Students Crush the Spellbowl Competition!

On November 13th, 2023, our 5th grade Bittersweet Spellbowl students competed at North Liberty Elementary School for the regional Spellbowl competion.

We took first place!  On November 14th 2023, we found out we tied Central Elementary School in Valparaiso for FIRST PLACE in Indiana!

Way to go, Bobcats! Special thanks to the coaches and support staff for making this possible: Mrs. Leniski, Mrs. Metcalf, and Mrs. Cichoracki!

Penn ASL Students Inspire Bittersweet First Graders with Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) students from Penn High School embarked on a special mission to Bittersweet Elementary School today. Their goal? To spread the magic of sign language and raise awareness within the community for the hearing impaired.

Bittersweet students learned the alphabet as well as basic words including colors.

Penn students teach asl to bittersweet students

The visit was not just about learning sign language; it was also about fostering understanding and empathy for the hearing-impaired members of their community. Community outreach is part of the ASL 3 curriculum.

But the story doesn’t end there. On September 15th, 2023, well over 100 students from both Penn High School and Elkhart High School came together in a powerful display of unity. Using the beauty of sign language, the signed the National Anthem at the Elkhart vs Penn football game.

Penn and Elkhart students sign the National anthem

The community outreach of Penn’s ASL program showcases the power of education, empathy, and unity in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Three people sitting at a table working on activities, possibly in an educational setting.
Teacher standing at front of classroom, giving directions to students.
Three children sitting at a table in a classroom, engaged in an activity.
Young boy in glasses sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling broadly.
Two women posing at a children's classroom desk.
Two children giving peace signs at a table in what appears to be a classroom setting.
Children sitting at a table in a classroom setting, engaged in an activity, surrounded by educational materials and toys.
Man in American flag shorts celebrating on football field.
Woman in black hoodie posing on football field.
Three people standing on a football field; two women wearing red tops and one woman in a white top; all three are giving
Woman in black hoodie standing on football field waving.
Woman in floral shirt directing marching band during performance.
Man in black hoodie gesturing with hands while standing at front of classroom.
Girl in blue sweatshirt pointing at something.
Group of people clapping at a football game.
Woman standing at a table with children, engaged in an activity.
Two people sitting at a table in a classroom setting.
Woman and child sitting at table in classroom setting, smiling at camera.
Two people sitting at a table in a classroom. A child is making a peace sign with their hand while smiling at the camera.
Little girl making a peace sign gesture in front of classmates.
Children in a classroom pointing at something on the floor.
Two children sitting at a table, working on coloring pages, with one child using a pencil to trace an image and the other
Woman sitting on floor next to child, both looking upwards.
Children sitting at a table in a classroom, engaged in an activity involving colorful markers and paper.

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Bittersweet Elementary Walkathon: A Step Towards Thriving Education

Bittersweet Elementary recently witnessed an outpouring of support and enthusiasm during its annual Walkathon event. The elementary school, known for fostering an environment where student learning thrives, once again demonstrated the power of community, as students, staff, and some family volunteers came together to raise funds for a brighter future.

walkathon students posing

Incredible Students: The heart of any school is its students, and Bittersweet Elementary boasts an incredible group of young learners who are not only passionate about their education but also eager to make a positive impact on their community. 

Awesome Staff: The staff at Bittersweet Elementary play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience. They understand that building strong relationships with students is the key to optimal learning. During the Walkathon, they showed their support not only by participating but by cheering on the students every step of the way.

Incredible Support of Families: The backbone of Bittersweet Elementary is its supportive and engaged families. Their generosity and commitment to the school are truly remarkable. Their presence and involvement in the Walkathon highlighted the strong bond between the school and its community.

The funds raised during this year’s Walkathon will contribute to several essential aspects of the school:

1. Classroom Supplies: Ensuring that every classroom is well-equipped with the necessary learning materials is crucial for effective education.

2. Art Program: Encouraging creativity through art is an integral part of Bittersweet Elementary’s curriculum. The funds will help maintain and expand this vital program.

3. Field Trip Transportation: Field trips provide students with hands-on learning experiences. The funds will help cover transportation costs, allowing students to explore the world beyond the classroom.

4. Positive Behavior Rewards (PAWS): Recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior helps create a harmonious and respectful learning environment.

5. Community Building Events: These events foster a sense of belonging and unity among students, staff, and families, enhancing the overall school experience.

6. Student Only Special Days/Activities: Special days and activities add excitement to the school calendar and create cherished memories for students.

7. Extracurricular Education: Supporting extracurricular activities allows students to explore their interests and talents outside of the regular curriculum.

Walkathon students pose

The success of the Walkathon is a testament to the shared commitment to providing Bittersweet Elementary students with the best educational experience possible. The school acknowledges that no donation is too small, and every contribution plays a significant role in shaping the future of its students.

Bittersweet Elementary extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and supported the Walkathon. It is through the collective effort of students, staff, and families that this event was a resounding success, reminding us all that at Bittersweet Elementary, the journey of education is truly a community endeavor.

Four young girls posing together in yellow shirts at a track, smiling and giving peace signs.
Group of people posing on a track for a walkathon event.
Two girls posing in front of a stadium, one holding a camera, both smiling for the photo.
Two people standing on track at night. One person wearing a colorful costume and another in casual clothes. Both are smiling.
A group of people walking together in a line on a track.
People running in a stadium during a walkathon event.
Two children walking together on a track in a stadium.
Two young girls posing together in front of an athletic track, both wearing glasses and orange shirts, one holding a blanket
Children walking in a line on a track during a walkathon event.
Group of people walking together in a school setting.
Three children in red shirts standing on a track at a walkathon event.
Four girls in red shirts standing on a track, smiling at the camera.
People walking in a line on a track during a walkathon event.
Boy in orange shirt giving thumbs up at track.
Two young girls posing together in yellow shirts, smiling at the camera, on a field during a walkathon event.
Four children posing in front of a track for a walkathon event.
Girl in blue shirt walking on track during walkathon.
Group of children in colorful tie-dye shirts posing for a picture on a track.
Two young girls posing in front of a track at a walkathon event.
Girl in yellow shirt holding a cat on her shoulder.
Two people at a track during a walkathon event.
Two people standing on a track, one adult and one child, both wearing t-shirts with designs on them.
Four children in colorful tie-dye shirts posing for a picture at a track.
Two girls posing together at a sports event, both wearing red shirts with white lettering and one girl has a cat emblem on

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