Indiana Association of School Principals recently announced that Moran Elementary School principal, Lisa Russell, has been named District 2 Elementary Principal of the Year; along with Penn High School’s assistant principal, Josiah Parker, being named District 2 Assistant Principal of the Year!

District 2 includes the following counties: St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Fulton, Pulaski, Marshall, Starke, and LaPorte.

The winners of State Elementary Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year will be announced in November.

Mrs. Russell has been principal of Moran since 2020. Mr. Parker has been an assistant principal at Penn since 2018.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is proud to announce that Rose Montgomery, a first grade teacher at Prairie Vista Elementary, has been named the district’s 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise classroom visit from Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker on Wednesday, May 7, as part of the district’s celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week. Click to watch the video below.

Making the surprise even more special, Rose’s husband—WSBT-TV anchor and reporter Bob Montgomery—was there with a videographer to capture the moment. After the excitement settled, he had the unique opportunity to interview his wife about the honor.

Also joining the celebration were the couple’s daughters, Caroline and Katherine. Caroline is a sophomore at Penn High School, and Katherine, a 2024 Penn graduate currently attending Bethel University as a nursing major. Katherine is volunteering in her mother’s classroom through the end of the school year—a full-circle moment reflecting Rose as both a loving mother, wife, and teacher. Click to see the full photo gallery below.

With more than 30 years of service to P-H-M, Mrs. Montgomery has built a career rooted in relationships, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of every child who walks through her door. “My heartfelt belief is that these children are part of my family from the day they show up in my classroom,” Mrs. Montgomery shared. “This doesn’t end when the school year ends.”

That belief drives everything she does. Even before the school year begins, Mrs. Montgomery connects with families—especially those whose children may face challenges—so that students arrive on day one feeling welcomed and supported. “The first day shouldn’t be full of anxiety,” she said, “but filled with comfort, knowing their teacher already cares about them.”

Her connections with families are intentional and ongoing. Mrs. Montgomery regularly calls parents to share moments of progress and celebration. “I want the parent to hear the passion in my voice,” she said. “Even the most reluctant student becomes a trusted member of my extended family by the end of the year.”

Colleagues say her commitment is unmatched. “Rose is the kind of teacher who will stay up late thinking of new ways to support her students,” said colleague Hayley McTigue who was one three teachers who nominated her. “Her creativity, perseverance, and heart set her apart.”

Mrs. Montgomery embraces all aspects of a child’s growth. “As teachers, our job is so much more than teaching content,” she says. “We play basketball at recess, wipe tears, attend birthday parties, bandage knees, and offer encouragement.”

She tutors after school, attends students’ events, and continues relationships long after students leave her classroom. She’s a strong advocate for students with special needs, often working closely with parents to create individualized plans for success. “She works with parents to develop the best plan for their child—academically, behaviorally, and emotionally,” said fellow teacher Retha Stork.

For Mrs. Montgomery, teaching is about leaving a mark that goes far beyond academics. “In 40 years,” she said, “students won’t remember the reading or math lesson you worked so hard to perfect, but they will remember how you made them feel.”

During the week of May 5th, Dr. Thacker also named the district’s Secondary Teacher of the year and Certified Employee of the Year. On Monday, Schmucker 8th grade math teacher L.A. High was surprised in his classroom with the Secondary Teacher of the Year honor (click here for details). On Tuesday, Penn High School Educational Assistant Whitney Hall learned that she was Employee of the Year (click here for details).All three winners will be officially recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 21st. Thanks to the P-H-M Education Foundation, the Employee of the Year will receive a plaque and gift certificate and the two Teachers of the Year will also receive a plaque along with grants to use in their classrooms. Both TOY winners will go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in early Fall 2025 by the IDOE. Click here for more information on Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process.

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Penn High School Educational Assistant Whitney Hall received a well-deserved honor this morning when Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker announced that she has been named the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year for Penn-Harris-Madison.

Dr. Thacker, PHM and Penn Administrators, a few of Whitney’s co-workers, and of course students were all in the classroom waiting to surprise Whitney when she returned after a “meeting.” She was genuinely surprised and caught off guard. Click to watch the video below, and then click here to see the full photo gallery.

Since joining the Exceptional Education Academy at Penn in September 2020, Whitney has made a significant difference in her students’ lives. One example of her dedication is her one-on-one work and patient support with a mostly non-verbal student which led to the discovery that the student could solve algebraic equations.

Her co-workers admire Whitney’s willingness to “jump right in” and help no matter the situation. Another example of her commitment to her students is when during an adaptive PE session, Whitney didn’t hesitate to dive into the pool to swim alongside her students.

Whitney also serves as the coach of Penn’s Unified Cornhole Team, a program that brings together general education and exceptional education students in inclusive, team-based competition. Under Whitney’s guidance over the past two years, the program has grown in both participation and impact—celebrating the values of equity, inclusion, and student engagement. These are just a few examples of the impact she makes daily. Every student matters to Whitney Hall.

Whether assisting students with IEPs, assisting with classroom instruction, or mentoring fellow Educational Assistants, Whitney consistently goes above and beyond to ensure students receive the individualized support they need to be successful. She is a true team player.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Whitney plays a key leadership role in building positive culture within the Ex Ed Academy and the greater Penn community. She is a founding member of Penn’s SITA Crew, a group of Educational Assistants who organize morale-boosting activities, staff events, and opportunities to build connection and community within the Exceptional Education team.

Whitney embodies what it means to serve with heart. Her work has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and staff alike.

During the week of May 5^th, Dr. Thacker will also name P-H-M’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in a surprise announcement. On Monday, 8th grade Schmucker math teacher L.A. High was named Secondary Teacher of the year (click here for details). All three winners will be officially recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 21st. Thanks to the P-H-M Education Foundation, the Employee of the Year will receive a plaque and gift certificate and the two Teachers of the Year will also receive a plaque along with grants to use in their classrooms. Both TOY winners will go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in early Fall 2025 by the IDOE. Click here for more information on Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process.

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April Fools’ Day maybe the day of pranks, but today in Penn-Harris-Madison with a little help of the building principals Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker used this day synonymous with jokes to surprise five teachers with Spring 2025 Teacher Impact Awards. 

Joining Dr. Thacker on the fun secret surprises were Asst. Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Director of Professional Development Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, Director of Literacy Ryan Towner, Exceptional Education Director Gena Todd, and Executive Director of the P-H-M Education Foundation Jennifer Turnblom McClain.

The Impact Awards are given to P-H-M educators who had the most significant individual student growth with DIBELS, IREAD, ILEARN, and AP testing.

Five awards were given out on Tuesday, April 1st:

William “Cub” Irons, 9th grade AP History, Penn High School: Highest percentage scoring a 3 or higher on AP History of the World exam.

Awards Given Out April 3rd & 4th

While all P-H-M teachers make an impact with their students and are dedicated to helping them achieve personal academic success, the Impact Award shines the spotlight on educators who have helped their students achieve individual academic growth on their formative assessments over time.

 The first-ever Impact Awards were handed out in September 2023. The Fall 2024 Impact Awards were given out in December.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for covering the cost for the beautiful crystal awards which teachers can proudly display in their classrooms.

It was a clean sweep for Northpoint at P-H-M’s at this year’s Elementary Spell Bowl–with the 5th grade team earning a perfect score! Click here to see the photo gallery below.

The annual event, held March 25th at Penn High School, is a competition between 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade student teams from all 11 elementary schools compete. The number of points between the placing teams are within just points of each other!  

Below is this year’s “leaderboard” listing all first, second, and third place team scores:

3rd Grade Winners:

• 1st place- with 29 points, Northpoint, coached by Nichol Mondy
• 2nd place tie- with 28 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Renee Johanson
• 2nd place tie- with 28 points, Walt Disney, coached by Matt Serge
• 3rd place- with 27 points, Mary Frank, coached by Andrea Christensen

4th Grade Winners:

• 1st place- with 29 points, Northpoint, coached by Jen Payne
• 2nd place- with 25 points, Bittersweet, coached by Matt Bodnar
• 3rd place- with 23 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Rachel Kline

5th Grade Winners:

• 1st place- Perfect Score of 30 points, Northpoint, coached by Kendra Suddarth
• 2nd place- with 29 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Shelley Lebiedzinski
• 3rd place- with 28 points, Bittersweet, coached by Michelle Leniski

The teams spend weeks preparing for Spell Bowl with their teacher coaches. They may study word lists, learn about derivations (e.g., Latin roots) and rules (e.g., capitalization, pluralization), and how to spell correctly under pressure.

The format of the Spell Bowl is more like a written test. The emcee reads a word and uses the word in a sentence, the students listen and then write it on paper within a 15-second time limit. The students’ written entries are reviewed by a panel of judges and then their score is posted in front of the audience. Each correct word spelling is worth one point.

The annual event is held in Penn High School’s Center for Performing Arts to not only accommodate all the student teams, but also the students’ “fans,” which are their family, friends and other staff from their home schools!

Mrs. Franca Peluso Mulhern, P-H-M’s High Ability Coordinator, manages the Spell Bowl and works to assure that it is a positive and enriching experience for students. Academic competition can give students confidence, increase their motivation to sharpen their skills and abilities, and expand their opportunities to receive recognition.

Congratulations to all the student teams and coaches; they put in a lot of time and hard work!

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Principal Madelyn Beers welcomed the Board of School Trustees to Elm Road Elementary on Monday, March 24. Principal Beers and Asst. to the Principal Jenni McCarthy, with the help of WEGL News student “TV anchors,” delivered all the news about the school’s academics and activities, intentional practices and community building. Click here to view Principal Beers’ presentation.

The “Elm Road Jumpers” showed off their best jump rope tricks. Music class students gave their rendition of “Somebody That I Used To Know;” and news of Elm Road’s #PHMExcellence was on full display!

Penn High School Principal Dr. Sean Galiher, along with assistant principals, director of athletics and students showed off and explained how Penn is “Building Bright Futures.”

At the Penn-Harris-Board of School Trustees meeting held Monday, Feb. 10 at Penn, the high school demonstrated how they are putting this year’s theme into action in everything they do.

From highlights from the Homecoming parade in the fall to reports on Penn’s amazing 98% graduation rate and everything in between. Other reports included:

• Building & Trades program (now in its 56th year!)
• Engineering Design & Development program (competed against and beat college students in the TECH 120 class at Purdue) 
• Class of 2025 students on track for an Honors Diploma
• AP Enrollment & Success
• SAT Performance
• Attendance
• Athletic & Academic Teams update
• Teacher Professional Development update
• … and so much more!

Click here to view Principal Dr. Galiher’s full presentation.

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We’re looking for new & veteran teachers, or soon-to-be graduates … WE WANT TO TALK TO YOU! We’re hiring ROCK STAR elementary and secondary teachers for Fall 2025! 

Click here for more about WHY you should join the P-H-M Family!

Every teacher candidate will be GUARANTEED one face-to-face interview with a P-H-M administrator.

WHEN & WHERE

• Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

• Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

• School Location: Schmucker Middle School (Door B)

• Address: 56045 Bittersweet Rd., Mishawaka

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Upon arrival, you will sign in before waiting in a common area until it is your turn
• These are REAL interviews, please dress professionally
• When it’s your turn to be interviewed, please turn off your phone or switch it to “Airplane Mode”
• It’s important to have your Application & Resume on file, please submit an online application BEFORE coming to the job fair.
• If you do not have an updated online application on file with P-H-M Schools, a hardcopy of your resume is recommended, but not required.

Can’t make it to the job fair? Please go ahead and submit an online application.

Addition Questions? Please contact PHMhumanresourcesinfo@phm.k12.in.us

Congratulations to Mr. Curt Rallo, Penn High School Journalism teacher, Penn Sports Information Director, and member of the P-H-M District Communications Team for being named to the Class of 2025 Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame.

Mr. Rallo is a graduate of Penn High School earning his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University-South Bend and a master’s degree from Bethel University.

Mr. Rallo is a working journalist in the truest sense of the word. His experience includes working for the South Bend Tribune for 38 years, covering local high school sports, Big Ten Men’s Basketball and Football, the University of Notre Dame, as well as spot coverage of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Just some of the notable pro athletes he’s covered include: Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Skylar Diggins, Pat Connaughton, and Michael Jordan (basketball and baseball). While covering college and professional sports, Mr. Rallo reported on the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Maui Invitational, NCAA men’s basketball Final Fours (I.U. and Michigan State) and women’s basketball Final Fours (Notre Dame 6x), covering MLB, NFL and NBA playoffs.

For his work covering Indiana high school sports, Mr. Rallo was recognized by the IHSAA with the Distinguished Media Service Award  in 1996.

Mr. Rallo brought his broad depth of experience in sports reporting back to Penn High School when he began teaching in 2001 while still working at the Tribune. He’s now been with P-H-M for 24 years teaching Sports Journalism and serving as the Sports ID for the Kingsmen Athletic Department. He’s also been known to call some Kingsmen games/matches. Mr. Rallo oversees a team of student writers, photographers, videographers, graphic artists, etc. serving as Penn’s own independent sports media outlet. Mr. Rallo and his students impressively cover all of Penn’s teams giving his students real hands-on experiences of doing everything from live play by play on the Pennant YouTube Channel, feature stories on the Pennant website, and in depth conversations with student-athletes and coaches on the Pennant Podcast. Mr. Rallo and the student sports journalists also manage Pennant Facebook, Instagram, and X. Mr. Rallo teaches his students the importance of deadlines and in this age of social media covering sporting events in real time. The volume, but more importantly the quality, of content Mr. Rallo covers with his dedicated team of students makes him beyond worthy of this recognition. His students are very fortunate to learn from a true and talented professional.

It’s hard to believe with all that he does at Penn High School, but Mr. Rallo still does freelance work covering Notre Dame football and basketball for the Associated Press.

Mr. Rallo will be inducted at the annual awards banquet to be held in early April in Greenwood. Click for more details on the other inductees on the Stateline Sports Network website.