Staff Recognitions at Jan. 13, 2025 School Board Meeting

Several staff recognitions were a part of the Board of School Trustees Meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Impact Award Winners: Five out of the seven teachers who were named Impact Award winners for Fall 2024 (click here for more details) were able to attend the Board Meeting:

• L.A. (Kriss) High, 8th grade Math, Schmucker Middle School
• Sarah Budd, Resource Teacher, Meadow’s Edge
• Ali Renz, Interventionist, Elm Road Elementary School
• Hollie Truckowski, Reading Specialist, Elsie Rogers Elementary School
• Brianne Blanda, 7th grade, Grissom Middle School 

Click to watch the short video clip below that showcases all the winners.

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Steve Miskin was approved as the new Associate Director of Facilities. Steve has 36 years of extensive experience in facility operations and management. He currently serves as the Director of facilities for School City of Mishawaka, a position he has held since 2022. Before working for Mishawaka Schools, Steve worked for South Bend Community School Corporation for 33 years holding several key facility leadership positions such as Director of Facilities for Services for Education (a contracted service for the South Bend Community School Corporation), Assistant Director and then Director of Buildings and Grounds, and Building Engineer. Steve and his wife are proud parents of Penn High School graduates and currently have two grandchildren in P-H-M Schools.bMiskin’s first day with P-H-M will be Monday, January 27, 2025.

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J.R. (James) Westveer was approved as the new Custodial Operations Manager. J.R. brings 22 years of experience in facility operations and management, including managing the facilities of Navy Pier in Chicago. He currently serves as the Custodial Operations Manager for Services for Education, a contracted service for the South Bend Community School Corporation. J.R. and his wife are proud members of the P-H-M community with their daughters attending P-H-M schools. His first day with P-H-M will be Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

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Kelley and Mark Watts will serve as coaches of Penn High School’s new Boys Volleyball Team, which  became a fully recognized and IHSAA sanctioned sport in April 2024; the season begins in March 2025. Mrs. Watts is a well-respected and popular Spanish teacher within the Penn community also known as Señora Watts. She has coaching experience and a proven ability to connect with students, fostering relationships that encourage participation and engagement. Señora Watts’ leadership qualities will be instrumental in creating a positive team culture. 

Mr. Watts, a former Penn teacher, retired from P-H-M after 28 years in 2019. Mr. Watts played Volleyball at a high level and has extensive coaching experience with both boys and girls teams. His technical expertise and understanding of the game will provide a solid framework for developing skills, strategies, and overall program competitiveness. Click here to read more about Kelley and Mark Watts on The Pennant’s website.

Combining their unique skills and perspectives, this husband & wife, co-head coaching team will set our boys volleyball program on a path to success both on and off the court.

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Spotlight on Penn High School’s Fine Arts Academy and the Management & Business Academy: Both Academies were highlighted as Instruction Reports. Fine Arts Academy Leader Glenn Northern presented, as well as M & B Academy Leader Kyle Berres. Berres included DECA students Denzel Mwalwanda and Matthew Deahl. The three posed for pictures afterwards. Click here to view a PDF of both Academy presentations; and click here to watch a recording of it on YouTube.