2022 One-day Penn Winter Dance/Poms CampArchived

Students in grades PreK – 8th can take advantage of a one-day Penn Dance Clinic.

DATE: Saturday, December 3, 2022

TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
              (Pre-K and K 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

LOCATION: Penn High School Fitness Center (Enter through Door D)

COST: $40 (Pre-K & Kindergarten),
            $50 (1st-8th grades)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY! Please register by Friday, November 25, 2022 so t-shirts can be ordered. Late registration could result in no t-shirt.

PERFORMANCE:  Students will perform that evening at a Penn Boys Basketball Game TBD.

  • JV Game:  PreK – 2nd Grade
  • Varsity Game:  Grades 3rd – 8th

PHM Schools Polling Locations on Nov. 8Archived

Voting Information

New Short Circuits Sphero program partners 3rd graders & Penn Robotics studentsArchived

What would make more than 200 elementary students and dozens of Penn High School students show up at school on a Saturday? It would have to be something pretty cool, and there’s no doubt that P-H-M’s new  “Short Circuits” Sphero is cool! Click here to see the full photo gallery on the P-H-M District website.

Teams of third graders from all 11 P-H-M elementary schools and their Penn Robotics Team 135 coaches/mentors were excited to show off what they had learned about coding, programming, and robotics to their parents, grandparents and family members. 

The idea for Short Circuits came about from a discussion between longtime, now retired, Penn Robotics Team 135 Coach Jim Langfeldt and P-H-M Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom.

Jim Langfeldt
Jim Langfeldt at Penn Robotics Camp, June 2022

Current Team 135 Teacher Coach Kyle Marsh worked with Michael Niemier — a Professor in Computer Science and Engineering at Notre Dame — under the umbrella of his National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) grant, which funded Mr. Marsh’s summer work to write the Short Circuits coding program. Co-developer and former P-H-M teacher Jim Langfeldt has also participated in Niemier’s RET program.

During the 4-week after school practices, the Penn students have coached and mentored 3rd grade teams at all 11 elementary schools; one or two teachers at each elementary school are also involved helping to oversee the students.

During Saturday’s celebration, the 3rd grade students will demonstrate for their parents and family members what they’ve learned, including programming the Sphero robots to maneuver through the Penn Robotics student built obstacle course.

Short Circuits is sponsored by P-H-M Education Foundation. Former longtime PHM Board Member Gary Fox, and his wife Tamera, generously committed to a $20,000 donation over four years to sponsor the program. $30,000 was raised at the PHMEF 25th Anniversary Gala to pay for Sphero kits for all the elementary schools. 

Sphero Celebration
Supt. Dr. Jerry Thacker, PHM School Board Pres. Chris Riley, PHMEF Exec. Dir. Jennifer Turnblom, Fmr. School Board Pres. Gary Fox, & his wife Tamera Fox

2nd Grade Classes Release Final ButterflyArchived

Science quite literally “came to life” this Fall and our second grade students were able to see it with their own eyes!

Each second grade class had several “Butterfly Gardens”, contained habitats with live caterpillars in their rooms. As the students learned about the life cycle of butterflies they could observe the caterpillars as they fed, formed their chrysalis, then emerged as a beautiful butterfly.

butterfly emerge

Each time a butterfly was ready to be released, all of the second grade classes would gather to watch it fly away. 

Today’s release was the last one and it couldn’t have been a better day for it. See some photos below!

A colorful snake in a clear container on a table.
Butterfly in a greenhouse.
Butterfly in a netted enclosure.
Two children in a parking lot near a butterfly. A child is holding a butterfly on a stick.
Two children feeding fish at a park.
Two people interacting with a colorful fish tank, one pouring water into it while another reaches in to touch a fish.
Woman in blue shirt bending over to plant something in ground.
Two children reaching into a bucket of water to catch butterflies in a park.
Two people interacting with a small fish tank on the ground.
Children in a schoolyard, participating in an outdoor activity led by an adult.

 

 

Pen Pal Meet Up Day!Archived

Bittersweet and Moran first grade students have been writing letters back and forth through a brand new pen pals program! (Not to be confused with Penn PALS, the P-H-M preschool program)

letters

Each student has been writing to a “buddy” at the other school. The latest letter that the Bittersweet students wrote was an invitation to the Moran students to visit Bittersweet.

Today that visit happened. Not only did the “buddies” meet each other, but they also spent time with and got to know each other over the course of several hours.

Bitt and Moran student

The buddies sat together through drawing and arts and crafts lessons before heading down to the Digital Video Theater & Planetarium.

Bittersweet DVT

The pen pal program is expected to run through the duration of the school year. The Moran students plan to reciprocate the Bittersweet hospitality by inviting Bittersweet students to visit Moran some time around Thanksgiving. Stay tuned!

 

Little girl sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling broadly at the camera.
Young boy in blue jacket sitting at desk.
Young boy sitting at table in classroom, smiling at camera, holding pencil, surrounded by other children and adults.
Little girl sitting at a desk in a classroom.
Little girl sitting at a table in a classroom setting, smiling at the camera.
Young girl sitting at a desk in a classroom.
Two young boys sitting at desks in a classroom, working on craft projects.
Two young boys sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling and looking at the camera. They are surrounded by school supplies
Two young girls sitting at a table in a classroom setting, engaged in an activity involving craft supplies and possibly a
Two children sitting at a table in a classroom, working on crafts.
Two boys sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling and looking at the camera.
Boy sitting at desk in classroom with paper plate on table.
Children sitting at desks in a classroom, some holding pencils, posing for a group picture.
Little girl in a theater seat, smiling at camera.
Boy holding a green leaf in front of him, surrounded by classroom supplies.
Young boy holding up a hand with two fingers extended in front of him, sitting at a table with craft materials and a plate
Woman giving thumbs up in front of audience, possibly at a movie screening or presentation.
Children sitting in movie theater seats.
Young girl sitting in movie theater seat.
Three children sitting in movie theater seats, smiling at camera.
Boy in blue shirt smiling at camera, sitting at desk with pencil, book, and other school supplies behind him.
Teacher at front of classroom showing video on screen to students seated at desks.
Two boys sitting at a table in a classroom, writing on paper, surrounded by school supplies and chairs.
Three children sitting around a table in a classroom, smiling at the camera. The table is cluttered with various items
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Gaga Ball Fun for Everyone!Archived

There has been a major renovation to the Gaga Ball pit on our playground this week that makes it accessible to all of our friends.

“Gaga is a fast paced, high energy sport played in an octagonal pit. The more players the better! Dubbed a kinder gentler version of dodge ball, the game is played with a soft foam ball, and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball. Fun and easy, everyone gets a serious workout.” – Description courtesy of the Gaga Center

In early September, a fourth grade student named Jordy, who has some mobility challenges asked his teacher, Nikki Kornrumph, if she could lift him up and put him in the Gaga Ball pit.

For safety reasons that could not be done, but that conversation sparked an idea: what if there was a gate that would allow everyone to access the Gaga Ball pit?

Gaga Pit with gate

Fourth grade teacher Mrs. Kornrumph made it her mission to research and find out how we would be able to install a door on the Gaga Ball pit in order for all students to be able to play.

Mrs. Kornrumph found a gate that could be installed and contacted the Bittersweet PTO to see if they would be willing to help with funding and they were happy to do so!

Gaga Gate

Not only did the PTO pay for the gate to be installed but they also oversaw the installation process. Mr. Nate worked closely with the P-H-M maintenance staff to cut a hole in the existing Gaga Ball Pit and to securely install the gate.  

Jordy had been waiting so patiently, asking everyday if it was installed yet.  Thursday, September 22, 2022 was the day! When he went out for recess, they were just finishing the installation of the door.  

Our Office Aid Cortenay Rowe was on hand when Jordy was FINALLY able to play with his friends. Take a look at the video, he was over the moon!

Homecoming Weekend Set for September 23rd & 24thArchived

There is going to be a little something for everybody happening at Penn High School on September 23rd and 24th, so mark your calendars and be sure to bring the whole family!

Friday, September 23rd, 2022

P-H-M Education Foundation Family Fun Zone

*All monies raised by the P-H-M Education Foundation goes into funding innovative school and teacher grants which in turn provide #PHMExcellence in all 15 P-H-M schools!

Saint Joseph Health System Health Fair

  • Time 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Cost: FREE!
  • Free Health Screenings PLUS interactive booths for children

Homecoming Parade

  • Time: 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: Behind Schmucker Middle School > Bittersweet > Ends at the P-H-M ESC
    **SEE THE MAP BELOW**
  • Parade Grand Marshal P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, 2022 Penn Homecoming Court, Kingsmen Marching Band, Penn Cheerleaders, Penn student groups and clubs, local Fire trucks & Police cars

 

September 3rd Map

 

Penn Homecoming game, Kingsmen vs. Marian Knights

  • Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
    • Homecoming Court Presentation at halftime
  • Cost: $6
  • Children in grades K-5 get in FREE with a paying adult

 

Saturday, September 24th, 2022

Silver Mile Bubble & Color Run for Education – Sign up Here!
All monies raised by the P-H-M Education Foundation goes into funding innovative school and teacher grants which in turn provide #PHMExcellence in all 15 P-H-M schools!

  • Late Registration & T-Shirt Pickup
    • ​Time: 7:15-8:00 a.m.
    • Location: TCU Freed Field
  • Warm Up
    • ​Time: 8:15
    • Location: TCU Freed Field Track
  • 1-Mile Fun Run / Walk
    • ​Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
    • Cost: $10 Per Person (4 & under free!) | T-Shirt $10
      • ​Price for Preregistration by September 22nd, 2022
      • Friday & Saturday (Day of) Registration: Cost $15
    • Location: TCU Freed Field Track
  • Water and light post race snacks will be available to participants
    race map

Bobcats Around the World a Huge Success!Archived

On Thursday, April 14th, 2022, we held our inaugural Bobcats Around the World Spring Fest!

In the weeks leading up to the event, our students were busy creating art that represented cultures from around the world.

The art was on full display as families toured our hallways during the festival.

Not only did the students create the art, but they also learned a lesson about the place they were painting / drawing so it was educational too.

In addition to the international art gallery, we had games, face painting, a raffle, bounce houses and more located throughout the school. 

To make it a one-stop shop for entertainment, we also had wonderful food trucks offering a variety of options for supper.

We’d like to think our WONDERFUL hardworking and creative PTO as well as the community sponsors that made this possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!!!

Take a look at the pictures below!

Young girl posing in front of a display of children's art on a purple wall.
This is a photograph of a man carrying a young girl on his shoulders in front of a backdrop that includes a tree and a sign
Three children posing in front of an inflatable bounce house at a carnival.
Children at a table in a library, creating crafts using construction paper and markers.
Young boy sitting in front of a display of olympic rings posters on a blue wall.
Boy in front of a wall of children's artwork at an art exhibition.
Four girls posing in front of a building during spring fest.
Children in a library participating in a fishing activity.
Young girl applying makeup to her face in a room with dining tables and chairs.
In a bustling airport lobby, a man and a child are interacting with colorful luggage tags on display.
Woman applying makeup to woman's face at table in room.
Woman applying green face paint to boy's face in library setting.
This is an indoor bounce house set up for a carnival event.
An art display featuring a collection of drawings of elephants in various styles and colors.
This is a photograph of a classroom display board featuring various colorful artwork, including paintings of birds and fish,
Children gathered around a chalkboard with writing on it.
People in a room celebrating spring fest, some are dancing while others look on, all wearing casual clothes.
Three people in a room with a signboard that has writing on it.
Children playing with a chalkboard sign at a school event.
People gathered around a table with a chalkboard, engaging in an activity.
Two young girls posing in a classroom setting, one wearing a red hoodie with "SECARE" written on it and the other in a white
People gathered in a gymnasium for a fundraiser event.
The bulletin board is filled with colorful posters and drawings, including a panda, a fish, and a tree, arranged in rows.
Girl in white shirt holding a red balloon on a school field.
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Young Authors’ Conference, Sat. March 5Archived

(picture above was taken March 2019)

Mark your 2022 calendars for P-H-M’s Young Authors’ Conference:

Saturday, March 5

8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Schmucker Middle School

P-H-M Elementary students, grades K-5

Registration Fee: $5 per child

Online registration is at phm.revtrak.net. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 18, 2022.

 

The Young Authors’ Conference is for P-H-M students in grades K-5. The event, sponsored by Corporations for Education, a division of the P-H-M Education Foundation, provides an opportunity for students and their parents to meet and hear from a well-known children’s authors. Click here to view the photo gallery of the 2019 event.

This year students and their parents will meet and hear from well-known children’s author, teacher, and speaker, Gabrielle Balkan. Mrs. Balkan is best known for non-fiction books that delight readers ages 3-12 with curious and essential facts about the United States, animal record-breakers, and ground-breaking artists. Mrs. Balkan will share her experiences as a writer and illustrator during her engaging, grade-level  presentations.

Participants and parents will also enjoy an interactive, up-close animal experience from the Potawatomi Zoo staff.   As part of the morning activities, students will share their own writing piece in small, adult-led group sessions with students from other P-H-M elementary schools. While students are meeting with their peers, parents will join P-H-M Teacher and writing expert, Mary Nicolini, as she explores how writing can be a method for remembering and preserving events using real-life stories, drawings, and photographs.

Elementary student attendees will also work in small adult-led breakout sessions sharing their own writing pieces with other P-H-M students.

COST: The registration fee of $5.00 per child is used for conference expenses. There is no cost for the parent. One parent only must accompany students!  However, keep in mind that students and parents will separate for a portion of the day.  YOUNGER siblings may not accompany adults. This experience is for your young author and parent.

REGISTRATION: Online registration will be available at phm.revtrak.net. If you don’t have a P-H-M Revtrak account, you will need to create one. There is a fee for using this service. The deadline for registration will be Friday, February 18.

CONFIRMATION: Participating students will receive additional information prior to the conference through their home school at the beginning of March.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Schirripa at .

2022 Middle School Instrument Selection NightArchived

Discovery 

Tuesday, Feb. 22 and Wednesday, Feb. 23

4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Schmucker 

Monday, Feb. 28 and Tuesday, March 1

4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Grissom 

Monday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 15

4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is nationally recognized as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” offering choir, band and orchestra at Schmucker, Discovery and Grissom Middle Schools.

Every P-H-M 5th grader who will be attending a P-H-M middle school as an incoming 6th grader in the Fall 2022 has the opportunity to join an instrumental music class, which includes either band or orchestra. “Instrument Selection Night” is when students and families get to make their choice!

At “Instrument Selection Night,” a music professional will be available to give students advice about which instrument may be best suited for them. They will be allowed to “try out” instruments from various instrument groups. Click here to download, view and print more information on Instrument Selection Night.

In order to join 6th grade band or orchestra, students must select an instrument that they will learn, practice and perform for the school year.  Click this link to sign-up for your appointment at your designated school and date.