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.

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

Two people standing on a street, one wearing a hat and the other a vest, both looking towards the camera.
Children in school uniforms marching in a parade.
People at a parade, waving and celebrating.
Large yellow truck driving down a street during a parade.
Group of football players in uniforms walking together on a street.
Two people waving from a parade float that reads "breaking ground for deaf children" and has blue blocks on either side.
Group of people in a school parade holding signs and balloons.
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 car waving at people.
Girl in yellow animal costume at parade, smiling and waving to crowd.
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.
Fire truck driving down a street during a parade.
Three cheerleaders celebrating on a float during a parade.
Several cheerleaders celebrating on a float at a parade.
Group of people in orange safety vests standing on a street.
People running in a parade on a street.
Group of cheerleaders in red and white uniforms standing on a field.
Marching band members in uniforms, standing together in a line.
People in a parade holding signs and flags, walking down a street.
Group of people in colorful costumes, dancing on a city street during a parade.
People in costumes walking down a street during a parade.
Woman carrying child on shoulders at parade, both wearing blue dog ears.

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Parade Spectators

Girl in a tan shirt standing on sidewalk at parade.
People gathered on a street at a parade event.
Two people posing together for a picture at an event.
Three young women wearing orange safety vests standing in front of a building. They are smiling and posing for the camera.
Girl in red shirt holding cheerleading pom poms.
Five young girls in pink shirts posing for a picture at a parade.
Man in a black shirt standing next to children in blue shirts holding baseball bats.
Two children posing in front of a crowd at a parade, both wearing matching shirts and standing on a sidewalk.
Man in a black shirt standing among children wearing hard hats.
Girl in tan shirt waving at camera, standing in front of crowd.
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.
Four young women posing together at a parade, smiling and holding food items.
People gathered on a street for a parade, watching floats pass by.
Three young girls posing for a picture at a parade, wearing festive shirts and sunglasses, standing in front of a crowd of
Boy in orange shirt giving thumbs up at parade.
Three children standing in front of a building at an event, posing for a picture.
Person in orange shirt giving thumbs up at parade.
Two people posing together at a parade.
Two girls posing together at a sporting event.
People gathered at a parade, watching floats go by.
Woman in red hoodie posing with young boy at a parade event.
A group of people standing in a parking lot, watching a parade.
A group of young girls posing for a picture at a parade, smiling and wearing colorful outfits.

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Fun Zone & Expo

Three children standing in front of inflatable bounce house at an outdoor event.
Man in blue shirt pointing at ice cream cone mascot.
People gathered around a table at an outdoor event, with some standing and others seated on chairs, engaging in conversation.
Woman and child holding balloons at Penn State event.
Three people posing at an event, two in orange vests and one in a blue jersey, standing in front of a food truck.
Child sitting on a slide in an inflatable play area.
Boy sitting in a bulldozer at a construction site.
Group of people posing in front of a sign that reads "Penn HS HOCO" and "Hoco 2010".
Children playing in inflatable pools at a carnival.
People gathered around a table with a wheel of fortune and prizes at an outdoor event.
Two people carrying a baby at an outdoor event.
Young boy sitting in a red fire truck.
Woman standing at table with sign reading "NIVA" in front of her.
Two people standing in front of a sign at an event. The sign says "GNTN". One person is holding a drink and smiling towards
Child in yellow shirt reaching into container of candy at table.
Signs on fence advertising local businesses at outdoor event.
Young man in football uniform holding up peace sign, standing on field surrounded by other players.
Penn HS Hoco Expo sign on a grassy field".
People gathered around a table at an outdoor event, possibly a fundraiser or fair, with various items on display and a woman
Four women posing together at a football game, smiling and looking towards the camera.
Woman in red shirt stands near wheel of fortune at outdoor event, surrounded by people.
Group of young men in football uniforms posing for a picture at a sports event.
People standing in a field taking pictures of a sign that says "Hoco Expo".
People gathered at a park for a Penn State HOCO event, celebrating homecoming with a sign that reads "Penn State HOCO" and a

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P-H-M Schools Receive $53,600 in Robotics Grants

Today the IDOE announced the recipients of the K-12 Robotics Competition Grants and 15 Penn-Harris-Madison robotics teams from eight P-H-M schools were awarded a total grant of $53,600! 

  • Penn High School (2 existing teams) – $14,000
  • Grissom Middle School (2 existing teams) – $5,000
  • Bittersweet Elementary School (1 new team) – $3,175
  • Elm Road Elementary School (2 existing teams) – $6,137.50
  • Horizon Elementary School (2 existing teams) -$6,137.50
  • Meadows Edge Elementary School (1 new team) – $3,175
  • Northpoint Elementary School (4 new teams) – $12,800
  • Walt Disney Elementary School (1 new team) – $3,175

For all teams, existing and new teams, the grant pays for coaching stipends, team registration, competition registration, game specific materials, and supplies for building competition robots. Funds can also be used for transportation to events. 

For existing teams, most of their supplies will be updating and replacing used parts, tools, storage, and new parts needed for the new game. New teams’ supplies will be start-up kits, tools, storage, and game specific parts. 

The P-H-M proposal was selected from more than 145 grant proposals submitted for this funding opportunity, 137 school corporations and non-profit groups were ultimately chosen. The IDOE review team was impressed with P-H-M’s plan to design, construct, program, and participate in competitions with the goal of increasing Indiana student interest in STEM.

This grant removes barriers for schools and gives students opportunities to excel. It also creates a P-H-M pipeline of future Kingsmen robotics students with experience and excitement about robotics. Ultimately this opportunity gives students more STEM co-curricular experiences and broadens their horizons for future careers.

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

Sarah Hildebrandt Parade Photo Gallery (Sept. 8, 2024)

On Sunday, September 8, the Michiana community joined Penn and P-H-M in giving Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hildebrandt a Heroine’s Welcome!

Before Sarah’s “Welcome Home” kicked off, the local media got some one-on-one time with Sarah, her parents, and Penn Head Wrestling Coach Brad Harper during a news conference. Coach Harper was Sarah’s wrestling coach when she was at Penn; he became her personal coach and coached her at the Tokyo Olympics wear she won Bronze. Coach Harper planned this special homecoming for Sarah. Click to see the full photo gallery below.

Sarah Hildebrandt pre-Parade News Conference (Sept. 8, 2024)
Penn Wrestling Coach Brad Harper, Sarah Hildebrandt, Nancy and Chris Hildebrandt

The parade left from Penn High School and went down McKinley approximately two miles and ended at Zolman’s Tire.

Thank you to all the parade participants who volunteered their time on a Sunday afternoon: Mishawaka and Penn Twp. Fire Departments, St. Joseph County Police, the Marching Kingsmen, Penn Girls and Boys Wrestling Teams, Penn Cheerleaders, Penn Youth Wrestling Club, Rocket Football cheerleaders, and Dr. and Mrs. Thacker. Along with Sarah with her mom Nancy and dad Chris, Sarah’s extended family were also in the parade. Sarah and her parents were in a golden yellow convertible Mustang driven by St. Joseph County Sheriff Bill Redman. Thank you to Zolman’s Tire for supplying some trucks.

Sarah Hildebrandt Parade (Sept. 8, 2024)

After the parade was over, hundreds gathered at Urban Swirl in Granger for an Olympic Celebration emceed by Mark McGill. A representative from Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood’s office read a proclamation declaring September 8th as Sarah Hildebrandt Day! U.S. Congressman Rudy Yakym read the historical entry on Sarah’s Olympic achievement that he will be submitting to the official U.S. Congressional Record.

Sarah was able to see and catch up with the coach who gave her first break, then Discovery Middle School Wrestling Coach Raoul Donati.

Sarah Hildebrandt Celebration (Sept. 8, 2024) Sarah Hildebrandt Parade Photo Gallery (Sept. 8, 2024) Sarah Hildebrandt Parade Photo Gallery (Sept. 8, 2024)

Sarah threw out free T-shirts featuring her smiley face tattoo on the front and her viral X tweet on the back.

Girl holding a red t-shirt with a white smiley face on it. She is standing outside in front of a building.
People gathered outside a restaurant, some waving, others standing in line; a woman on a stage behind the crowd, holding
Group of people celebrating at an outdoor event.
Young girl holding a red t-shirt with white writing that reads "duck".
Sarah Hildebrandt celebrating her Olympic success with a humorous meme.

Grateful for all the love and support that her hometown gave her, Sarah graciously took hundreds of pictures with all of her adoring fans. She also signed hundreds of autographs on posters, shirts, singlets, wrestling shoes and even foreheads! 

Sarah Hildebrandt Olympic Celebration (Sept. 8, 2024)

Check it all out in the photo gallery below.

This is a photograph of an outdoor event where a group of people are gathered around a man holding a flag, and another
Two young women posing together at a sports event. One is wearing a medal around her neck and they are both smiling.
Family members posing in front of a semi truck at a parade.
An elderly man speaking at an outdoor event, surrounded by a crowd of people and vehicles.
People gathered outside a building for an event, with one individual standing on a stage holding a microphone.
People at a parade holding flags, some are standing while others are sitting on a truck.
People gathered at a parade, waving flags and cheering, with a building in the background.
Two people standing on a bridge holding a sign that reads "USA" and "Olympics". They are waving at the camera.
Woman in a convertible car celebrating victory at parade.
People gathered around a table at an outdoor event, signing autographs on items displayed.
Two people posing with a trophy, one person wearing a red shirt, another in blue and white, and an American flag in
Woman in red, white, and blue jacket posing with older man wearing a medal around his neck.
This is a photograph of an antique car driving on a street during a parade. The car has a yellow sign on its side that reads
Man in red shirt standing next to another man, both smiling, wearing a hat, in front of a restaurant.
People sitting on a flatbed truck during a parade.
Man in red shirt throwing something to crowd at parade.
Parade of cars driving down a street in a small town.
Two women at a table, one signing autographs, other looking on; both are smiling and appear to be enjoying themselves.
People sitting at a table in front of a microphone. A man is holding a red shirt and a woman is holding a blue shirt. They
Two people sitting at a table with a microphone, in front of a banner that reads "PENNHILL" and has a logo for "Fighting
A group of people on a flatbed truck celebrating an event, with some waving flags and others holding signs.
People gathered outside a restaurant, some holding signs, others standing in line, all seemingly waiting for something.
People on a parade float waving to crowd; American flag in background.
Two people standing on a street corner in front of a brick building during daylight hours.

1 2 ... 5

2024 Community Connections Fair

P-H-M’s ENL Department is hosting their annual Community Connections Fair on Saturday, October 5th!
 
2024 Community Connections Fair
 
Join us for activities, arts & crafts, food, performances, and to learn about resources in our community. It is completely FREE and all P-H-M families are invited to attend. Click here to see photos on Facebook of past Fairs.
 
If you have somebody in your family that would like to perform for our event showcasing a traditional act from your family’s culture, click here to fill out a form to participate.
 
We can’t wait to see you there!

Sarah Hildebrandt Parade

Penn High School’s “Golden Girl” is coming home! On Sunday, September 8th the community will have a celebratory parade for the Female Wrestler Olympic Gold Medalist.

The parade starts at 3:00 at the intersection of Bittersweet and McKinley Highway. The parade will proceed West down McKinley Highway and will end at Zolman’s Tire (2014 E McKinley Ave., Mishawaka).

There will be an Olympic Celebration 4:30 p.m. at Urban Swirl (Heritage Square, Granger). Congressman Rudy Yakym will present Sarah with a special gift; and Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood’s office will present a proclamation. Mark McGill will emcee the event.

There will be free posters, available on a first come, first serve basis. T-shirts will also be available for sale.

Sarah Hildebrandt parade info

Sarah Hildebrandt earned a Gold Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in Women’s Wrestling (50kg). Hildebrandt was one of two American women to win a Gold Medal in Wrestling at the 2024 Olympics. She is also just the fourth woman to win Gold in Team USA Wrestling history.

Hildebrandt earned a Bronze Medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She is also a two-time national collegiate champion. A 2011 graduate of Penn High School, Hildebrandt became the first female to qualify for the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Wrestling Semi-State competition and led Penn High School to the IHSAA Team Championship. Her personal coach is Penn Boys Wrestling Head Coach Brad Harper.

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.

PHM Introduces ParentSquare, new parent communication tool

With the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, P-H-M is switching to ParentSquare, a new unified, user-friendly, communications platform designed with parents and guardians in mind. CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE INFO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED.

Download the ParentSquare app

ParentSquare provides a centralized location for families to receive communications from school principals, teachers, coaches, and front office staff on all their students, in all schools, in all classrooms! CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE INFO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED. 

Parents/guardians receive alerts, updates, and posts on:

  • important notifications, such as school closings and delays
  • attendance
  • principal & teacher newsletters
  • school & classroom calendar of events
  • volunteer & RSVP for events
  • fill out permission slips & other forms
  • … ALL IN ONE LOCATION!

Families chose their preferred mode of communication for non-urgent notifications– app, text, email, phone. Parents/guardians can also chose to have all communications automatically translated to their preferred first language.

As we approach the first day of school (Wednesday, August 21), principals and teachers will be using ParentSquare to share important “Back to School” information. Parents and guardians are asked to activate their accounts by Monday, August 12, 2024.

PLEASE NOTE: If your child is transitioning to a new building from last school year, the information will be updated later this summer. You are still able to register for ParentSquare.

To activate parent/guardian accounts, parents need to check their email for the welcome and introductory email.

The email was sent between Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12, 2024 with the subject line: “Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp. is now using ParentSquare.” 

The sender of the email will appear as “Penn-Harris-Madison via ParentSquare” with a donotreply @parentsquare.com email address, similar to this … 

Class of 2024 Seniors Come Back to Bittersweet

Every year the graduating seniors go back to their former elementary schools for “Senior Parades.” It’s fun not only for the students to see their former teachers, but it’s also fun for the current elementary students to see the graduates, congratulate them and wish them good luck!

Bittersweet’s Senior Parade was the last day of school Friday, May 31, 2024.

Graduates in caps and gowns walking on stage, children reaching out to touch them, a group of people clapping.
Graduates in caps and gowns walking across a stage.
Graduating students walking in procession, smiling as they receive high fives from audience.
Graduates posing in front of a building, holding signs and celebrating their achievement.
A group of graduating students posing in front of a school sign, proudly displaying their academic achievements and
Children holding signs at a parade, celebrating their graduation.
Graduates in caps and gowns walking down a hallway, children reaching out to them, people clapping, signs of celebration,
Two women posing for a picture at graduation ceremony.
Graduation ceremony in progress, graduates walking across stage with caps and gowns, audience watching from stands, proud
Children sitting on the floor, holding signs and posters.
Woman in graduation gown walking through a crowd of children, some holding signs, others clapping and cheering.
Graduates in caps and gowns walking down a hallway.