2024 Homecoming Recap

Thank you to EVERYONE who came to the 2024 Homecoming Parade and Football game. It was a terrific time not only for the Penn students, but also for the entire community.

The Parade, Expo, Fun Zone, Food Trucks and Fireworks were all bigger and better than ever.

After the game was over, the fans in attendance were treated to a fireworks show set to music!

There are three photo galleries below, one of the parade floats and participants, one of the parade spectators and one of the fun zone and expo. Take a look and we’ll see you in 2025!

Parade Floats

People standing behind a sign that says "CAUTION DO NOT CROSS".
People walking down a street in a parade, with a jeep behind them. The scene is set during the daytime under clear skies.
People walking down street with floats, including one shaped like a tank with flag, and others with signs and decorations.
Large yellow truck driving down a street during a parade.
Group of people holding a sign at a parade.
Two people waving from a parade float that reads "breaking ground for deaf children" and has blue blocks on either side.
Two young men in football uniforms giving thumbs up, standing on a street during a parade.
Colorful display of a float in a parade, featuring a building decorated with various signs and images, including a woman's
Group of cheerleaders in uniforms holding pom poms, standing on a street during a parade.
Man in a construction helmet driving a truck during a parade.
Older man driving golf cart in parade.
People sitting on a truck bed during a parade.
Group of people standing on a stage at a parade, holding signs and waving to the crowd.
People walking in a parade, some wearing safety vests.
Three cheerleaders celebrating on a float during a parade.
People walking in a parade, some waving at the camera, all smiling and enjoying themselves.
Children in school uniforms marching down street in parade.
People in colorful costumes riding a decorated truck at a parade.
Marching band members in uniforms playing instruments on a street.
Marching band members in uniforms, standing together in a line.
Girl in black shirt waving at camera during parade.
Group of people in colorful costumes, dancing on a city street during a parade.
Man waving from convertible car during parade.
Woman carrying child on shoulders at parade, both wearing blue dog ears.
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Parade Spectators

Girl in tan shirt waving at camera with hand on hip. Crowd of people watching parade behind her.
Man in grey shirt standing among children holding blue foam clappers.
People waving at a parade, celebrating an event.
People gathered in a parking lot during a parade.
Three girls wearing sunglasses and t-shirts at a parade, smiling and posing for the camera.
Two young boys posing for a picture at an event.
Girls in colorful costumes posing for a picture at a parade.
A group of people gathered on a street corner during a parade, holding balloons and flags, smiling at the camera.
People gathered at a parade, watching floats go by.
Four women in colorful shirts posing for a picture at an outdoor event.
Young boy drinking soda at a parade, smiling and giving thumbs up.
Three children standing together at a parade, smiling towards the camera.
Five young girls wearing pink shirts posing for a picture at a parade.
Girl holding pom poms at parade.
Two people posing together at a parade.
Two girls posing together at a sporting event.
This is a photograph of a young man wearing an orange t-shirt giving a thumbs up and standing in front of a crowd at what
Two children posing at a parade event.
People gathered on sidewalks at a parade, watching floats pass by.
Woman in red hoodie hugging young boy at parade.
Three girls posing in front of a building, wearing safety vests and holding clipboards, standing next to each other.

Fun Zone & Expo

Person sliding down inflatable slide at carnival.
Woman holding sign at outdoor event, surrounded by people and signs.
Two people in colorful costumes standing next to each other at an event.
Woman and child holding balloons at Penn State event.
People gathered around a table at an outdoor event.
Child sitting on a slide in an inflatable play area.
Two women posing together at a sports event, one wearing a cheerleader uniform, both smiling and looking towards the camera.
Group of people posing in front of a sign that reads "Penn HS HOCO" and "Hoco 2010".
People gathered at a food truck event in a parking lot.
Grilled food on a barbecue grill.
Three women posing together at an event, smiling and holding food items, standing in front of a trailer with a sign that
Young boy sitting in a red fire truck.
Woman standing at table with sign reading "NIVA" in front of her.
Woman in yellow shirt standing next to table with items on it.
Child in yellow shirt reaching into container of candy at table.
Cheerleaders in front of sign that says "PENN" at a football game.
Three people posing in front of a bounce house at an outdoor event.
Two young boys posing together at an event, one wearing glasses and a green shirt, both smiling and looking at the camera.
Boy wearing a neon green shirt standing on an inflatable surface.
Four women posing together at a football game, smiling and looking towards the camera.
Man in a yellow baseball jersey sitting at a table.
Two young boys posing for a picture at a sports event.
Two women standing in front of a tent at an event, one wearing a yellow shirt with a skull on it and the other in a pink top.
Two women standing next to each other at a food truck event, one holding an American flag and both smiling.
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Homecoming 2024 Details

Attention P-H-M families and community members! Mark your calendars for the annual Homecoming Celebration on Friday, October 4, 2024. Penn High School students, don’t forget the Homecoming Dance is on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
 
This event is ONLY possible through the generous support of the P-H-M Education Foundation, Presenting Sponsor “Drive and Shine” and our other incredible sponsors. Click here to see the videos and pictures from last year’s amazing event.
 

Friday, October 4, 2024

Family Fun Zone
• Time: 4-7 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Jordan Automotive Group Baseball Stadium
• What: Bounce Houses, Gaga Ball, Obstacle Courses, 22 ft slide and more!
• The Family Fun Zone is Free thanks to Fun Zone Sponsors Gary and Tammy Fox 

Vendor Expo
• Time: 4-7 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: First Base Side of the Jordan Automotive Group Baseball Stadium
• What: Tables with vendors sharing valuable information & Free “Go Penn” temporary tattoos for all Kingsmen and future Kingsmen!

Food Trucks
• Time: 4-7 p.m.
• Cost: Varies
• Location: North End of Penn High School Parking Lots
• What: Get dinner or a snack from a varity of delicious local food trucks!

Homecoming Parade
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Wraps around the rear of Schmucker Middle School, Left turn onto Bittersweet Road, Right turn past Penn Student Parking (See Map)
• What: Each P-H-M Elementary and Middle school will be marching as well as floats created by a varity of Penn High School sports, clubs and students groups.  Don’t forget to vote for your favorite float at the Expo!

Football Game
• What: Penn vs Elkhart
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: $6 in advance (online or high school students may purchase in the Penn Athletic Office until 8 a.m. on Friday) $7 at the gate (or after 8 a.m. in the Penn Athletic Office)
  Any elementary student or younger, who attends with a paying adult, is free! (Ex. 1 paying parent with 3 elementary children, all 3 children are free)  
• Location: Everwise Freed Field
• Click for facility Rules to Remember

Parking
• Cost: $3 to park in lots around Penn High School (See Map)
  All money raised through parking supports the Penn High School Band Boosters 
• Cost: Free to park in Schmucker, Pennway, Baseball and softball lots (See Map)
  Families are encouraged to arrive early to allow plenty of time to find parking and walk to the events

Fireworks
• Time: TBD – After Football Game
• Location: Everwise Freed Field
• What: Spectacular firework’s show to end the evening

Click Map to Expand
Homecoming 2024 Details

Saturday, October 5, 2024

“An Enchanted Evening” Homecoming Dance
• Time: 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Location: Everwise Freed Field & Yeoman Family Plaza
• Cost: $25 Per Ticket
• Purchase Tickets Here
• What: An Enchanted Evening for PHS students! Great music, games, and food! Plus, new addition of a 360 -degree videography photo booth!

October 1-7, 2024

Silent Auction
• Beginning October 1st, bid on a variety of items compliments of our community partners
• Click Here for Silent Auction 
• All proceeds benefit the P-H-M Education Foundation

For sponsorship opportunities or other information, please reach out to Jen Turnblom

Rules to Remember:

  • No reentry; once you leave, you are not allowed back in.
  • No outside food or beverages, no insulated cups
  • No backpacks
    • Diaper bags & large women’s purses are allowed
  • Penn does not have a clear bag policy
  • No electronic noise makers
  • No Footballs or Beach Balls
  • No weapons of any kind
  • No alcohol
  • No Smoking/Vaping products of any kind. All PHM school property is smoke free.
  • No open flames at private tailgating

Girls Basketball Youth League Sign-ups September 8th, 12 p.m.Archived

Registration for the Girls Basketball Youth League will take place at Penn High School on Sunday, September 8th, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Please enter Door “D”.

Door D

This league is designed for girls in grades 3rd – 8th who live within the P-H-M District Boundaries.

Visit the PDFs posted below for information on how to register, dates/times/locations and cost.

CLICK HERE for complete league registration information.

CLICK HERE for important dates. 

2024 First Day Photo Gallery

We are so excited to have everyone back at school, please view the photo gallery below to see some “First Day of School Smiles!” 

Two women posing in a room decorated for someone's first day of work, one wearing a pink shirt and the other a yellow shirt,
Young girl sitting at desk in classroom, smiling at camera.
Young boy sitting at a desk in front of a laptop computer on the first day of school.
Two young boys playing a game in a gymnasium.
Little girl playing pool in a room with black and yellow furniture.

Honoring Heroes: Bittersweet Elementary’s Memorial Day Tribute

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it’s essential to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday: honoring and mourning the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. This year, our first-grade students embraced this spirit by creating patriotic decorations to pay tribute to these heroes.

student decorates grave

In a touching gesture, the students placed their handmade decorations at the graves of service members in the Veterans Garden at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.

decorations

Their heartfelt efforts brought a splash of color and a sense of gratitude to the resting place of those who served. This act of remembrance from such young members of our community serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of Memorial Day and the enduring legacy of our fallen service members.

 

Children in patriotic attire, possibly at a parade or event, standing on grass and holding American flags.
Two people at a grave site, one person is bending over to place a wreath on the headstone while another person stands nearby.
Two people standing near a grave with flowers on it.
Three children standing by a grave decorated for Memorial Day.
Girl in patriotic shirt standing in front of grave decorated with American flags.
Little girl holding a flag while looking at a grave.
Two boys placing flowers on a grave.
Two young girls posing in front of a grave decorated with red, white, and blue items.
Young boy holding an american flag in front of a grave marker.
Woman and child placing flowers on a grave marker.
Little girl in red jersey crouching by a grave marker, holding a small flag and flowers.
Memorial grave decorated with patriotic flags and flowers.
Memorial grave site with small American flags, a wreath, and a red, white, and blue ribbon on a pole.
Girl in front of colorful grave decorations.
Three children in front of a gravestone, saluting with their hands on their chests.
American flags and wreaths on poles in a field, commemorating Memorial Day.
A small red, white, and blue flag on a grave marker.
Woman placing a flag on a grave. Child looking at the flag. Both are standing in front of a grave.
Woman in red shirt standing near grave marker. Child wearing red shirt kneeling down to place flowers on grave marker.
Girl in blue shirt kneeling on grass near graves.
Little girl kneeling at a grave in a cemetery.
Young girl in red dress standing in front of graveyard.

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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