Pizza with the Principal

Last Friday, October 18th, students got to taste their rewards from the “Pizza with the Principal” program! 

The pizza party is our way of celebrating students who have worked hard and reached their reading goals. For those who didn’t participate this time or didn’t meet the required number of books, there will be more opportunities this school year to get involved. Stay tuned for updates on when the next round of “Pizza with the Principal” kicks off!

Keep encouraging your child to read—it’s a rewarding journey, and who doesn’t love pizza as a bonus?

Girl in pink shirt laughing at camera in school cafeteria.
A group of people posing for a picture in a school cafeteria.
Three people posing in front of a pizza shaped like a slice of pizza. The person on the left is wearing a shirt that says
Woman posing with cardboard pizza cutout in school cafeteria.
Woman holding a pizza in front of her, posing for a picture with a smiling boy behind her.
Three young girls posing in front of a table with pizza, smiling at the camera.
Three children posing with a woman in a pizza costume in a classroom setting.
Woman in pink shirt holding pizza box, standing next to man in black t-shirt and jeans.
Young boy in pink shirt sitting at table in school cafeteria.
Young girl in a classroom setting, smiling at camera.
Girl holding a book in front of her face, smiling at the camera. She is standing in a room with tables and chairs, and there
Girl holding slice of pizza in school cafeteria.
Little girl holding a slice of pizza in a school cafeteria.
Woman in pink shirt holding child in front of pizza costume.
Little girl in pink shirt smiling at camera in school setting.
Person in blue hoodie holding a book, kneeling on one knee in front of a bulletin board.
Girl in glasses smiling at camera, standing next to table with books.
Young boy performing handstand in gym.

Moran First Graders Visit Their Pen Pals at Bittersweet

Bittersweet and Moran first graders have been forming new friendships through a pen pals program that connects students from both schools. Throughout the school year, the students exchanged letters, learning about each other’s hobbies, families, and school experiences.

Today, the Moran students had the chance to meet their Bittersweet pen pals in person during an exciting visit.

The day’s highlight was a trip to the PHM Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium, where the students watched an engaging show about our Solar System.

Planetarium

They learned about planets, stars, and other celestial wonders while deepening their connections with their new friends. This collaboration between the schools encourages writing skills, curiosity about the world, and the joy of new friendships.

See more photos below!

Two young girls posing for a picture in an indoor setting, one wearing a black and white plaid skirt and the other in a
A computer screen displaying a space scene with a cityscape in the background and a large moon in the sky.
This is a composite image showing two different scenes from a video game, featuring space exploration themes and graphics.
Woman in white jacket standing in front of children, gesturing with her hands while speaking into microphone.
Young girl in a movie theater.
Little girl in pink shirt standing in front of movie theater seats.
Two young girls posing together in front of a museum display.
Boy in a theater seat, smiling at the camera.
Woman standing in front of whiteboard filled with educational materials, holding a book.
Young boy sitting at a table in a room, smiling towards the camera.
Two young boys sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling at the camera.
Two children watching a movie in a theater.
Two young girls sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling and looking towards the camera.
A young boy with a big smile sits at a desk in a classroom.
Young boy sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling at the camera.
Boy in blue hoodie sitting on floor in classroom.
Two children sitting in a dark movie theater.
Teacher presenting to students in a classroom setting.
Empty movie theater seats in a dark room with a red light on the ceiling.
Boy smiling in airplane seat.
People watching a movie in a dark room.
Woman in a blue shirt standing in front of a display case filled with plaques and trophies.

Spotlight on Bittersweet students at PHM Board Meeting

Our school hosted the Monday, October 7 P-H-M Board of School Trustees meeting. It was an opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of the amazing things our students and staff are doing.

Principal Shonda Masterson kicked the meeting off by sharing with the School Trustees Bittersweet’s test data–Bittersweet students scored in the Top 5% of schools on last year’s ILEARN. Principal Masterson credited the teachers and the use of formative assessment with a focus on fostering stronger and more confident student writers. 

Principal Shonda Masterson speaking at PHM Board meeting

Creative writing exercises are being used at all levels. As an example second graders wrote about their field trip to Kercher’s Apple Orchard using their story vocabulary words. Alyssa Moles, Emmalyn Fazi, Steven Johnson, Cami Cromartie read their stories to the Board Members.

Students reading their stories Students reading their stories

Other Bittersweet highlights included:

  • pictures from 1st grade’s visit to nearby Garden at Chapel Hill Cemetery last Memorial Day to honor deceased veterans
  • the Pen Pals program for 1st and 5th graders to other P-H-M elementary schools
  • sharing the Bittersweet P.A.W.S. Pledge written by Media Aide Julie Villalba 

The spotlight on Bittersweet ended with a performance by Mrs. Cayleen Balbo-Veal’s 5th grade music students.

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

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.
1 2 ... 7

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.
1 2 3

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.