Basketball Youth League Sign-ups now availableArchived

Registration is open for Basketball Youth Leagues designed to help players develop their skills.

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

CLICK HERE for information on the Basketball Leagues for Boys in Grades 5-6 and 7-8.

CLICK HERE for information on the Basketball Leagues for Boys and Girls in Grades 1-2 and for Boys in Grades 3-4.

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.

Last Day of School, 2023-24 School Year

Friday, May 31, 2024 was the last day of the 2023-24 school year. Our mascot the Bobcat made a special appearance joining the teachers and bus drivers to give the students a memorable send-off!

 

A yellow school bus filled with students waving goodbye to a woman standing outside.
A school bus parked at a stop with students boarding, one person waving from window, last day of school 2023-24.
Children walking to school on last day of school, 2023-24.
People standing in line at a school event, with a costumed mascot posing for photos.
Three women posing in front of a school building on the last day of school, smiling and celebrating.

Bittersweet has a New Mayor!

Over the years as a student Bittersweet, Jordy Kruger earned the nickname “The Mayor of Bittersweet” because of his commanding and outgoing personality. Just like a politician he knows how to work the room! Jordy always seems to be happy and gets along with everyone; everyone loves him!

Before Jordy’s last day as a 5th grader, we thought it would be a good idea for him to “pass the torch” onto a new “Mayor of Bittersweet;” and Elliot Fratena is just the student for the job!

So on Thursday, May 30–the second to last day of school for the 2023-24 school year–Principal Shonda Masterson presented Jordy, the first “Mayor of Bittersweet” with a key to the school pass on to Elliot as the new Mayor. A few staff members and Elliot’s Dad were present for the “ceremony.”

What advice to Jordy pass on to Elliot? “If there’s any more kids in a wheelchair, never put a speed limit on them! That’s the #1 rule!”

Jordy is going into 6th grade at Schmucker and Elliot will be going into 4th grade.

Woman in wheelchair shaking hands with two young boys in a library setting.
Three children in a classroom setting, one of whom is holding a guitar, all looking at something off-camera with expressions
This is a photograph of a woman standing in a library, smiling at a young boy seated in a wheelchair. The boy is holding a
Two boys in a library, one wearing glasses, standing next to each other, looking at something off-camera.
Two young boys proudly displaying their ribbons at a school event.
Man holding a young boy in front of a table with a red ribbon on it. The man is smiling and wearing a blue shirt.
Young boy proudly holding a red dog bone shaped key chain in front of his face.
Man in blue shirt giving a high five to a young boy. They are standing in a library with other people around them.
The group of people posing in front of a colorful display at a library event, celebrating Elliot's new role as mayor of

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.

Mrs. Potts wins Impact Award

Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker started handing out the third and final round of district Impact Awards on Wednesday, May 22. The awards were given to teachers who had the most significant individual student growth with DIBLES, ILEARN, and SAT assessments for Spring 2024.

Dr. Thacker, along with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Director of Professional Development and Student Learning, visited four schools to surprise five teachers letting them know that they were the latest winners.

Sherri Potts

Here at Bittersweet, Kindergarten teacher Sherri Potts was honored for having the highest DIBELS composite growth in the district! Congrats to Mrs. Potts and her students!

As this school year comes to a close we want to thank all our teachers and students for their commitment to academic excellence this school year. The hard work really paid off!

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for covering the cost of the awards for purchasing the beautiful crystal awards given to the teacher award recipients.

 

Man in suit holding a small trophy.
Three women in a library, two standing and one sitting, posing for a picture. One woman is smiling at the camera, while
Man in suit holding a trophy, smiling at an audience of three people who are clapping. Two adults and one child behind him.
Man in suit congratulating woman on her work, both smiling at each other.
An older man and woman posing together at an event, both smiling, with the woman holding a glass plaque that reads "Sherri
Two people posing together in a room filled with educational materials, one holding an award.
Three people posing in a library setting, possibly for an event or ceremony.
People in a classroom setting, engaging in various activities.
Woman in front of children at a library.
Woman in blue shirt hugging three children in a classroom setting.

P-H-M’s DVT & Planetarium Renamed Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium

Mr. Art Klinger, the man credited with being the “father” of P-H-M’s DVT & Planetarium, was honored today when the facility he helped create 44 years ago was officially renamed in his honor. The new P-H-M Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium sign now hangs on the exterior of Bittersweet Elementary School, where the facility is housed. It was unveiled to cheers and applause on the afternoon of May 14, 2024. Click to watch the video below.

On hand for the unveiling and dedication were Klinger’s wife, son, and longtime friends. Also present was P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, Executive Director of P-H-M Education Foundation Jennifer Turnblom, members of PHMEF Executive Board, P-H-M School Board Members Jim Garrett and Ryan McCullough, P-H-M Administrators, and current Planetarium Director Melinda O’Malley. P-H-M former Superintendent Dr. Dean Speicher also attended. It was under Dr. Speicher’s leadership that Bittersweet school and the Planetarium opened in 1980. Bittersweet first grader teachers and students added to the celebration. The students made a banners to mark the occasion.


PHM School Trustee VP Ryan McCullough, former PHM Superintendent Dr. Dean Speicher, Art Klinger, current PHM Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, & PHM School Trustee Jim Garrett

Click to see the full photo gallery on P-H-M’s website.

Klinger began his 45 year career with P-H-M in 1970.  He taught Earth and Space Sciences at Schmucker Middle School, a position held for 10 years before taking over the Planetarium as its first director. Klinger’s interests in astronomy, aviation, and space travel made him a natural for the position. He was a pilot receiving his private pilot’s license in 1974. He was a member of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association and the International Planetarium Society. Klinger even authored an Introductory Astronomy text book that was used in Penn High School and IUSB astronomy classes; the last revision was August 2020. 

It was Klinger’s interest in the space travel history and NASA that really transformed the Planetarium. Astronaut Col. James Irwin, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 15 (8th man to land on the Moon), was the honorary speaker at the Planetarium’s public dedication in February 1981. He was the first of six astronauts to visit the Planetarium over the years; a Russian cosmonaut even visited in 1994. With every visit, personalized autographed photos were donated.

The Planetarium’s Space Museum came about through a connection Klinger made with the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum because of his application for the “Teacher in Space Project” in 1984. From that connection, 47 artifacts, including 16 that have actually been on the Moon, were loaned to the museum. Klinger eventually secured autographed pictures of all flown astronauts. He even obtained the autographed photos of the scientific minds behind the “Space Race,” like Wernher von Braun and Yuri Gagarin. Klinger states that according to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, P-H-M is the only public school district that not only has artifacts from the space program, but also has items that have been on the Moon. Click here to watch a video of Klinger talking about the importance of space exploration.

Klinger served as Director of P-H-M’s DVT, Planetarium Space Museum for 35 years retiring in 2015 after working at P-H-M for 45 years.

Dr. and Mrs. Thacker donated $10,000 to the Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation to rename the Planetarium the Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium.

This $10,000 donation is among four donations to PHMEF that Dr. and Mrs. Thacker have made as part of the Naming Rights Campaign. All recognize the contributions P-H-M employees have made to the community:

Per PHMEF’s Naming Rights fundraising initiative, 80 percent of the donation will go into Foundation’s endowment, which will in turn provide alternative and additional funding for various co-curricular and extracurricular programs. The remaining 20 percent directly funds professional development initiatives for
P-H-M teachers. Continuing the education and training of teachers is a major priority the School Corporation.

The mission of the Education Foundation is to develop alternative sources of income to support education initiatives in the School Corporation by strengthening partnerships between the community and the District. PHMEF supports education through awarding innovative teaching grants, staff development and other corporation-wide initiatives.

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