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.

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!

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.

Race Results:

5^th 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:

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

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 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 Elementary invites prospective families to experience learning in action at our open house event on Monday, Feb. 19 from 5:30-6:30 P.M.. Our Elementary Showcase gives you a firsthand look at our classrooms, meet our educators, and explore the many programs and supports that help every child succeed. This event is designed specifically to engage families who are considering the P-H-M school district and help them register their child. This event is free to attend. Make sure to register in advance here:

Bittersweet Elementary Showcase Details

Date: February 19
Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: Bittersweet Elementary School

What You’ll See at the Bittersweet Showcase

Families will experience the heart of what makes Bittersweet Elementary such a special place to learn, grow, and belong.

Strong Academic Foundations

• Consistently high ILEARN and IREAD performance, outperforming the state and showing internal growth

• A high percentage of third-grade students passing IREAD with no retentions

• Science of Reading instruction, with virtually all teachers trained and certified

• High-quality classroom learning experiences designed for early success

A School Built on Community & Care

• Strong parent involvement through an active PTO, daily volunteers, and family leadership

• A Caring Closet providing winter gear and essentials for families in need

• In-house food drive and Adopt-a-Family program

• Cultivate program supporting families beyond the classroom

• A welcoming, connected school culture supported by a robust social committee

Real-World Learning & P-H-M Partnerships

• Poetry Club readers from Schmucker Middle School

• Culinary partnership with Penn High School

• Kids Club tutoring from Penn High School students

• Penn basketball players reading to our students

• Cadet teachers supporting classrooms

• Eagle Scout students improving our nature center

• Pen pal programs with Moran and Madison Elementary

Enrichment, Leadership & Beyond-the-Classroom Experiences

• Student Council

• Kids Club

• Camp Eberhart

• Clubs, competitions, and enrichment opportunities

• Running Is Elementary

• Short Circuits

A School That Invests in Innovation

• Three PHMEF grants received this year supporting new learning opportunities

• Ongoing investments in student programs, staff development, and enrichment

Why Families Choose Bittersweet

Bittersweet Elementary School is part of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, which is recognized as the premier school district in northern Indiana with a reputation for excellence. P-H-M is among Indiana’s top performing public school corporations, ranking in the Top 4% of ILEARN student performance and Penn High School’s graduation rate is 98%.

Bittersweet has also earned the distinction of being ranked Indiana’s #94 for Public Elementary Schools by U.S. News & World Report (Data is based on the 2021–2022, 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 school years).

We are the Bobcats and our culture is captured in our  Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) plan and school motto, which is P.A.W.S. We teach our students that when they are Polite, Accountable, make Wise choices, and practice Safey of themselves and others, our school community benefits. Click here to read an example of the Bittersweet P.A.W.S. in practice.

Students are connected to each other and the greater school community so that they realize the are part of the Bittersweet family. The school as a whole participates in many project fundraisers that connect us together and also provide fun activities for the students, whether it’s the Bobcat Blitz Color Run or Silly String Showdown.

Our staff of compassionate and engaged teachers receive ongoing professional development.

We are a 1:1 Technology district, which means that every student at Bittersweet, as well as every student in the P-H-M school district, has access to their own Chromebook that they use every day in the classroom (kindergartners use iPads). 

History

We opened our doors in August 1980. Our school colors are red, white and black.

Grades: K-5

Click for most recent enrollment data

Bittersweet students will attend Schmucker Middle School and Penn High School.

Start Your Child’s P-H-M Journey at Bittersweet

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. We invite you to come see why so many families call Bittersweet home.

• February 19 | 5:30–6:30 PM | Bittersweet Elementary School
• [RSVP for the Showcase]
• [Learn About Pre-K & Kindergarten Enrollment]

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

Friday, September 23^rd, 2022

Family Fun Zone

• Time 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Behind Penn High School in the Door E Parking Lot / West of TCU Freed Field
• Inflatables and Food Trucks

Saint Joseph Health System Health Fair

• Time 4:30 – 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
• Penn High School Student Groups and Clubs are invited to march

Penn vs Marian

• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: $6
• Children in grades K-12 get in FREE with a paying adult

Saturday, September 24th, 2022

Silver Mile Bubble & Color Run for Education – Sign up Here!

• 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

The letter below was emailed to parents and staff on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.

Dear Parents,

It has always been our goal to have all of our students with us for in-person learning following COVID-19 safety protocols. Under the guidance of the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and the St. Joseph County Department of Health (SJCDoH), our secondary schools have either been in hybrid or virtual mode since the start of the school year because of the population size of those buildings. Since September, our elementary schools have been successfully educating students in-person. We’ve also been able to provide a virtual option for any family who was more comfortable with their student(s) learning at home. Through all of these scenarios, we’ve put the well-being and safety of our students and staff first while balancing the guidelines and protocols of federal, state, and local health agencies.

The efforts and precautions we’ve all made to help lower the community spread of COVID-19 have finally paid off! Yesterday (Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021) the IDOH released their weekly updated County metrics; and St. Joseph County’s weekly 2-metric score has improved to Yellow (click here to visit the IDOH website & view the county metrics map). SJCDoH also sent out a news release yesterday (click here to read it in full) reinforcing the IDOH’s message that “a county must maintain a lower weekly 2-metric score for two consecutive weeks before moving down to a lower Advisory Level.” St. Joseph County’s Advisory Level does remain Orange. 

I am happy to notify our secondary parents that with the approval and permission of SJCDoH and in collaboration with the P-H-M Teachers Association, on Monday, February 8th, I will be recommending to the Board of School Trustees for their approval plans for the phase-in process of transitioning secondary students (grades 6-12 whose parents chose hybrid instruction for the 2nd semester) back into the classroom for in-person instruction working up to 5 days per week. Please note that the transition begins with Mondays as a virtual day for all students and four days of in school instruction. Please click here for a detailed breakdown of the Secondary Return to Learn Transition Plan.

We have developed this plan after many discussions with our Teachers Association and local health authorities. This plan is supported by both parties because of the factors listed below:

• Not all secondary students will be brought back all at once; grades will be transitioned back in on a weekly basis. Please click here for a detailed breakdown of the Secondary Return to Learn Transition Plan.
• This is an option only for those middle and high school students whose parents declared them hybrid for the 2nd semester, until SJCDoH increases the allowable capacity in our school buildings.
• P-H-M Administration will meet weekly with SJCDoH for data monitoring of local metrics. Data will continue to guide all decision making. We hope to eventually have all students back in school for face-to-face instruction.
• St. Joseph County, like the rest of the State, is experiencing a decrease in COVID-19 cases. However, we must maintain our risk mitigation strategies to avoid an increase in numbers.
• The federal and state governments are ramping up vaccination efforts and availability. While the IDOH still has not included teachers as part of essential workers or critical infrastructure, the State’s vaccine eligibility based on age groups is moving quickly. SJCDoH continues to support teacher vaccination. 
• SJCDoH encourages social distancing of 6 ft. or more whenever possible, but recognizes and accepts that the Governor’s guidelines for schools are the following:
  • If necessary, a minimum social distancing standard of 3 ft., if everyone is masked and facing the same direction (click to read Executive Order 20-50 (renewed 1/22/21).
• P-H-M continues to track the number of student and staff COVID cases reported to us. The cases are reflected on P-H-M’s COVID Dashboard. A link to the Dashboard is on the homepage of P-H-M’s district website for staff and families to easily find; it is updated daily except for weekends, holidays, and recess breaks. 

We do realize that there are probably students and families who chose virtual learning for a variety of reasons and who may prefer to be back in school with their teachers and classmates. Again, it is our utmost desire as educators to have 100% of our students back 100%. The determination for the possibility for 6-12 virtual students to return to in-person learning will be based on the metrics, evaluation of internal data, and approval for capacity by the SJCHoD. This will remain to be under review and consideration for any changes to occur no sooner than after Spring Break.  

As stated above  and in the Secondary Return to Learn Phase-in Plan, we will be meeting weekly with SJCDoH leaders to monitor and evaluate the community and P-H-M COVID-19 case data. When we can safely return those virtual students who want to return to the classrooms, we will do so as soon as it is permissible by SJCDoH. 

Please direct specific questions about your student and school to your building principal. Secondary principals will have follow-up communications with building specific details of the transition plan.

The Board of School Trustees and I want all our families and employees to know that their safety is at the very forefront of our decision making. We will continue to make decisions in consultation with the St. Joseph County Department of Health.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jerry Thacker
Superintendent of Schools

We are pleased to welcome two new teachers to our Bittersweet staff for the 2020-21 school year!

Cayleen Balbo-Veal, Music

We’re Accepting Applications for the
2026-27 School Year

Click to learn more about P-H-M and why you should join our family.