Community Tailgate, Friday August 21, 2026

P-H-M’s Annual Community Tailgate is a long-standing tradition that brings families, students, staff, and community members together to show their Penn pride. The event is held before the Penn Football home opener and is a chance for everyone across the district to connect, celebrate, and support the Kingsmen.

This year’s home opener will be against Valparaiso. Click here for game ticket info.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. You must have a ticket to the football game to enter. Once inside the stadium head down to the white tents in the south end zone at the Yeoman Family Plaza to buy your $6.00 Meal Ticket.

An advertisement for a tailgate event at a high school football game on Friday, August 21st from 6:00 to 9:30pm

Do you have an incoming kindergartner or a Penn senior? 

P-H-M Education Foundation is hosting a special “Kindergarten Kickoff” before this year’s football game!

The Class of 2027 will welcome the future Class of 2039 into the P-H-M family by meeting kindergartners on the 50-yard line of the Kingsmen football field and presenting them with black and gold pom-poms.

Click here for more details and to sign your student up to participate.

Kicking off the Inaugural “Kindergarten Kickoff”

This school year Penn High School will launch a new tradition celebrating the connection between Penn’s incoming Senior Class of 2027 and the Kindergarten Class of 2039.

At Penn’s first home football game on Friday, August 21 after the Community Tailgate (click here for more details on this event) and before the Penn-Valpo game, incoming kindergartners will be welcomed to the P-H-M family during our inaugural Kindergarten Kickoff celebration.

As part of this special event, Penn seniors will meet the kindergartners at the 50-yard line and pass them black and gold pom-poms, symbolizing the beginning of their journey as future Kingsmen and Lady Kingsmen.

This simple but meaningful moment represents the tradition, pride, and community that make Penn High School and P-H-M special. 

Info for Kindergarten Families

Interested in signing your kindergarten student up to participate. Click here to fill out this form to register.
 
 

Three young girls holding pom poms, standing on a street next to a car and a truck.Event Details:

  • 5:30-7:00 p.m., come to the Community Tailgate. You can feed each member of your family for just $6.00! Click here for those event details.
  • Check in for Kindergarten Kickoff at the PHM Education Foundation Table by 6:00 p.m.
  • Pick up your child’s t-shirt (if purchased)
  • Enjoy the festivities and connect with other P-H-M families
  • One adult should stay with their child until they walk onto the field and will remain in the end zone to meet them afterwards
  • Get your cell phones ready to take pictures of your student participating in the Kindergarten Kickoff!

Stay for the game:

After the Community Tailgate and the Kindergarten Kickoff event, families are encouraged to stay and cheer on the Kingsmen as they take on Valparaiso in their home opener.

Kindergarten and younger siblings are FREE and do NOT need a ticket!

Purchase older student and adult tickets online by clicking here.

Info for Penn Seniors Class of 2027

Penn High School student section at football gameIf you would like to participate, please click here to sign up.

Space may be limited, so we encourage you to register early.

Boys Basketball Futures League for Grades 1-8

Penn High School Boys Basketball is offering Futures Leagues for Boys in Grades 1-through-8.

There are four leagues – Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8.

Times/complete information are in the PDFs below.

The Leagues are on Sundays from Sept. 20-Oct. 18.

Register for Grades 1-2 League

Register for Grades 3-4 League

Register for Grades 5-6 League

Register for Grades 7-8 League

Boys Basketball 2026 Fall 1st-4th Basketball League

Boys Basketball 2026 5th-8th Fall League Info

 

 

Penn Girls Basketball Youth Leagues sign up set for Sunday, Aug. 23

The start of school is right around the corner and Penn Girls Basketball is ready to get back into the gym with two Youth Leagues.
 
The Future Is Now!
 
This fall Penn Girls Basketball is offering two leagues — one for players in Grades 1-2 (Girls ONLY) and our traditional league for players in Grades 3-8. 
 
Penn Youth Girls Basketball League and our Little Dribblers League Sign-ups are Sunday, Aug. 23, from 12-2 p.m. at Penn High School in the main Arena. Enter at Door D. 
 
Penn Girls Youth League registration flyer for Sunday, November 2nd at 2 pm in a gymnasium.
 
We are looking forward to seeing you there and continuing to grow the game for our Future Lady Kingsmen!!  Be a part of a winning tradition!
 
  • Bring your registration form and payment (forms attached below)
  • We will have a gear sizing station (everyone needs a Penn jersey)
  • Parents/Guardians can sign up to help coach
  • Meet the Girls Basketball High School Coaching Staff
 
️Penn Youth Girls Basketball
️️League Sign-ups
️
  • Sunday, August 23
  • 12-2 p.m.
  • Penn High School — Main Arena
  • Enter Door D

Penn Girls Basketball Little Dribblers League 2026 FORM

Penn Youth Girls Basketball League 2026 FORM Grades 3-8

P-H-M Third Graders Recognized as National Math Stars Nominees

Eleven Penn-Harris-Madison third grade students have been recognized as National Math Stars nominees through a partnership with the Indiana Department of Education.

The students earned the distinction by scoring in the top 2% of all third grade students in Indiana on the mathematics portion of ILEARN.

The National Math Stars Program is a nationwide initiative that recognizes and supports exceptional young mathematicians through academic enrichment, mentorship and advanced learning opportunities.

P-H-M is proud to celebrate the following students:

Bittersweet Elementary: Niko Hernandez
Elm Road Elementary: Daniel Ashdown
Elsie Rogers Elementary: Zeke Lannan
Horizon Elementary: Booker Kieser, Claire Stewart and Rowan Aland
Meadow’s Edge Elementary: August Kelver
Northpoint Elementary: Alan Jiang, Mason Ye and Frank Li
Prairie Vista Elementary: Emily Wojcik

This recognition reflects the hard work, curiosity and perseverance of these students, as well as the support they receive from their families, teachers and school communities. P-H-M proudly celebrates this outstanding achievement and congratulates each student on this honor.

 

5th Graders Attend Annual Camp Eberhart Outdoor Education Trip

Fifth grade students spent Monday and Tuesday, May 11-12, at Camp Eberhart for their annual outdoor education trip.

Four children in helmets posing for a picture at an outdoor activity center.

During the two-day experience, students participated in a variety of activities including rock wall climbing, archery, canoeing, rope swing courses, and more. The trip gave students opportunities to challenge themselves, work together, and build confidence through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures.

Two people posing for a picture on a grassy field, one holding a bow and arrow.

Camp Eberhart, a YMCA camp, offers students experiences focused on teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving in an outdoor setting.

The annual trip is a memorable tradition for fifth graders and provides students with the chance to connect with classmates while learning outside the classroom.

Three people in a wooded area, one person holding a snake wrapped around a stick.
People sitting on a bench in a forested area wearing helmets and holding helmets. A man standing behind them is smiling and
Two children climbing a rock wall at camp.
Person in red helmet climbing rock wall at camp.
Two girls standing at a buffet table in a cafeteria, preparing food.
Man holding a stuffed animal over his head while jumping on a wooden platform.
Girl in grey hoodie smiling at camera.
Girl on a rope swing in a park.
A man and a girl are holding bows in an outdoor setting.
Person climbing a rock wall at an outdoor facility.
Child climbing a rock wall at camp.
Boy in red shirt climbing rock wall at camp.
Children running in a field during a game.
This is a person wearing a helmet and holding a rope while standing in an outdoor area.
Person in red jacket swinging on a rope.
Woman in blue jacket teaching young boy how to tie a rope into a knot.
Two people aiming bows at a target in an outdoor setting.
People climbing a rock wall at a camp.
A young boy wearing a red helmet stands in front of a group of people at camp eberhart.
Young boy in red helmet posing for picture at camp.
Young boy in red shirt holding a bow and arrow, preparing to shoot.
Girl swinging on a rope in a park.
Boy jumping in the air on a trampoline at camp.
A young boy in a wheelchair eating food at a table.

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2026 Running is Elementary Video & Photo Gallery

Race day for the annual Running is Elementary, sponsored by P-H-M’s Education Foundation, was a little windy, but gorgeous: just enough sunshine, just enough warmth, and the raindrops held off until all the races were over.

This year was one of the biggest yet with 700+ students from all 11 P-H-M elementary schools.

The one mile run is held at Penn’s Cross-country course, which is located behind Elm Road Elementary School. 

Fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to sign up for the free running club. Designated coaches at each school then train with the runners for the 6-week club culminating in the one mile race. More than 700 students participated this year!

Two 4th grade boys boys pose for pictures after their race

This picture of two 4th grade runners exemplifies what RIE is all about. 

These two boys were running neck and neck all the way to the finish line vying for first place.

After the race, the Disney boy (dark navy t-shirt) went out of his way to find the Moran runner (pink shirt) so they could take a picture together.

The students being from two different schools had never met before, but in that moment, it didn’t matter.

Running is Elementary not only teaches students about fitness and wellness, it also teaches them sportsmanship, connection and the importance of supporting and celebrating each other!

CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who participated! Click to see the list below of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners only for the four races. The list shows finish times listed by bib number and school. Parents should contact their school coach for their child’s specific time.

What makes this event so special is that students are cheered on by their fellow students, families, teachers, running coaches, principals, PHM School Board members and administrators, principals, and other PHM staff members. A photo gallery sample is below, but click here to visit the full photo gallery in the Education Foundation’s Canto photo portal.

Below are the times for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners:

Race Results:

5th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 06:49.07, Bib # 244, Northpoint
  2. 06:50.53, Bib # 235, Northpoint
  3. 07:05.08, Bib # 187, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

  1. Horizon
  2. Mary Frank
  3. Northpoint

5th Grade Boys Winners

  1. 06:14.75, Bib # 597, Northpoint
  2. 06:16.06, Bib # 650, Madison
  3. 06:29.29, Bib # 590, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Horizon
  3. Elm Road

4th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 07:06.27, Bib # 62, Horizon
  2. 07:30.09, Bib # 31, Elm Road
  3. 07:31.47, Bib # 75, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

  1. Prairie Vista
  2. Northpoint
  3. Bittersweet

4th Grade Boys Winners:

  1. 06:34.34, Bib # 438, Walt Disney
  2. 06:34.73, Bib # 392, Moran
  3. 06:48.85, Bib # 402, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Bittersweet
  3. Elm Road

Here’s a breakdown of the shirt colors:

Bittersweet Yellow
Elm Road  Kelly Green
Elsie Rogers Teal
Horizon Orange
Madison Purple
Mary Frank Lime Green
Meadow’s Edge Turquoise
Moran Hot Pink
Northpoint Royal Blue
Prairie Vista Red
Walt Disney Navy Blue

Thank you to Cindy Batalis (physical education teacher at Mary Frank Elementary School) whose own love for running and her desire to pass that love on is the passion and brain child behind Running is Elementary. Thank you to all the PHM teachers, running coaches, school staff, and Penn Cross Country student-athletes who help out every year, along with P-H-M Education Foudation Board members and volunteers.

Thank you PHMEF and all their amazing sponsors that make this event possible for our students:

  • Martin’s donated the post race snacks
  • Royal Excursion donated transportation to auxiliary parking lots
  • Benchmark Family Services helped PHMEF offset costs
  • Culver’s provided gift baskets for a prize drawing
  • Kona Ice and Tom’s Coffee did givebacks 
  • Attorney Katy Wrona was also a sponsor
Post race snack table

Running is Elementary: Tom's Coffee truck Running is Elementary: Kona Ice truck

 

Running is Elementary Parent Information

2026 Running is Elementary will be held Monday, May 4 (Rain Date Wednesday, May 6) at Elm Road Elementary School, 59400 Elm Rd, Mishawaka.

Timeline of Events:

  • 2:50 p.m. – Introductions
  • 3:00 p.m. – 5th gr. Girls Race
  • 3:20 p.m. – 5th gr. Boys Race
  • 3:40 p.m. – 4th gr. Girls Race
  • 4:00 p.m. – 4th gr. Boys Race

Parking Information:

  • Elm Road will be filled first before using Grissom Middle School, 13881 Kern Rd., Mishawaka
  • Family/Spectator parking at the bottom of Elm Road School as space allows. This area will be primarily be for principals, coaches, and volunteers

ALL Runners need to be picked up no later than 4:30 at Elm Road. Runners may leave following completion of their grade’s run by checking out with the coach. 

RAIN DATE: Principals will be notified by Noon on Monday and information will be posted on elementary schools’ website along with P-H-M & Education Foundation website PHMEF.org 

Bittersweet Elementary Earns State Recognition for IREAD Performance

Person holding a framed award in front of a colorful wall.Bittersweet Elementary is being recognized by the state for strong student achievement in reading based on the latest IREAD results.

The Indiana Department of Education recently honored schools that achieved a 95% or higher pass rate on the third-grade IREAD assessment.

Bittersweet earned a 95.9% pass rate, meeting the state’s benchmark for recognition.

The schools were recognized during a statewide literacy celebration held over spring break last week. Because of the timing, P-H-M representatives were unable to attend.

Bittersweet’s success is part of a broader district-wide effort. In 2025, 93.7% of all P-H-M third graders passed IREAD, representing the largest gain in district history.

The results reflect a continued commitment to early literacy and student success across P-H-M classrooms.

This recognition is another example of #PHMExcellence in action.

Bittersweet Students Place Across All Grade Levels at PHM Spell Bowl

Bittersweet Elementary students had a strong and consistent showing at the 39th Annual P-H-M Elementary Spell Bowl, held this week at the Penn High School Entrepreneurial Operating Systems Center for Performing Arts.

Bittersweet placed in all three grade levels. The third grade team earned third place with 24 points. In fourth grade, Bittersweet tied for third place with 27 points. The fifth grade team secured second place with 26 points.

The event brought together students from across the district to showcase their spelling skills in a team-based format. Northpoint led the overall results, earning first place in all three grade levels, including a perfect score in fifth grade.

The fourth grade competition featured an exciting three-round tiebreaker between Northpoint and Prairie Vista, lasting 15 words, with Northpoint ultimately claiming first place.

Penn High School Spell Bowl Coach Angela Yarrell served as emcee, and Superintendent Dr. Heather Short welcomed families to the event.

2026 Results

3rd Grade
1st: Northpoint – 28 points
2nd: Horizon – 26 points
3rd: Bittersweet – 24 points

4th Grade
1st: Northpoint – 29 points (won in tiebreaker)
2nd: Prairie Vista – 29 points
3rd: Bittersweet and Mary Frank – 27 points

5th Grade
1st: Northpoint – 30 points
2nd: Bittersweet – 26 points
3rd: Madison – 23 points