Five P-H-M elementary schools are being recognized by the state for high levels of reading proficiency based on their latest IREAD results.

The Indiana Department of Education recently honored schools across the state that achieved a 95% or higher pass rate on the IREAD assessment, which measures third-grade reading proficiency.

Five P-H-M schools earned that distinction:

• Horizon – 100%
• Prairie Vista – 98.9%
• Mary Frank – 98.2%
• Northpoint – 97.1%
• Bittersweet – 95.9%

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.

Several other P-H-M elementary schools also turned in strong 2025 IREAD results, with many just below the 95% recognition mark. 93.7% of all P-H-M third graders passed IREAD, a 6.9 percentage point increase from the previous year and the largest gain in district history. Click here to read more about this IREAD success.

That growth not only reflects progress across the district, but also helped P-H-M outperform the state average by more than six percentage points.

Still, the recognition highlights the continued focus on early literacy across P-H-M classrooms. From strong instruction to targeted supports, students are building the reading skills they need for long-term success.

This recognition is another example of #PHMExcellence in action.

P-H-M elementary students put their spelling skills on display this week during the 39th Annual P-H-M Elementary Spell Bowl, held at the Penn High School Entrepreneurial Operating Systems Center for Performing Arts.

The annual event brought together student teams from across the district for an evening of academic competition and school pride. Families, staff, and supporters filled the venue to cheer on students as they worked through challenging rounds of words at the third, fourth, and fifth grade levels.

Penn High School Spell Bowl Coach Angela Yarrell served as emcee for the evening, and Superintendent Dr. Heather Short welcomed families to the event.

Northpoint had a standout night, earning first-place finishes in all three grade levels.

In the third grade competition, Northpoint took first place with 28 points, followed by Horizon with 26 points and Bittersweet with 24.

The fourth grade competition delivered one of the most memorable moments of the night. Northpoint and Prairie Vista both finished with 29 points, sending the contest into a three-round tiebreaker that lasted 15 words total. Northpoint ultimately claimed first place after the extended battle. Bittersweet and Mary Frank tied for third place with 27 points each.

The fifth grade competition ended with an especially impressive finish, as Northpoint earned a perfect score of 30 points to take first place. Bittersweet followed in second with 26 points, and Madison placed third with 23.

The annual Spell Bowl continues to highlight the hard work of P-H-M students and staff while giving elementary students a chance to showcase their academic talents on a district stage.

2026 Spell Bowl Results

3rd Grade
1st: Northpoint – 28 points
2nd: Horizon – 26 points
3rd: Bittersweet – 24 points

4th Grade
1st: Northpoint – 29 points (won in tiebreaker)
2nd: Prairie Vista – 29 points
3rd: Bittersweet and Mary Frank – 27 points

5th Grade
1st: Northpoint – 30 points
2nd: Bittersweet – 26 points
3rd: Madison – 23 points

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.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is proud to recognize a group of outstanding educators whose work has led to exceptional student growth and achievement across multiple grade levels and subject areas. These teachers are being recognized for their measurable instructional impact and dedication to helping students succeed.

Penn High School

Keith O’Connell – AP U.S. History

Julie Huxford – AP Language and Composition

Keith O’Connell and Julie Huxford are being recognized for outstanding student performance in Advanced Placement coursework at Penn High School. Both teachers had the highest percentage of students earning a score of 3 or higher on their respective AP exams last year. Over the past three years, AP U.S. History results have improved from -1% to +8% compared to state averages, while AP Language and Composition results have increased from +11% to +18% when compared to state performance. The two educators also teach a Seminar class together, allowing students to benefit from their collaborative approach and shared expertise. Read more about Keith O’Connell and Julie Huxford.

Discovery Middle School

Patrick O’Malley – 8th Grade ELA

Patrick O’Malley achieved the highest overall growth in two of his classes from ELA Checkpoint 1 to ELA Checkpoint 2, with an average growth of 67 scale points. This marked the highest growth among all 8th grade ELA classes. Read more about Patrick O’Malley.

Grissom Middle School

Laura Plasschaert – 8th Grade Math

Laura Plasschaert demonstrated impressive growth in 8th grade Math, achieving a 49-point variance from Math Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2. Read more about Laura Plasschaert.

Schmucker Middle School

Nancy Ladson – Advanced 7th Grade

Nancy Ladson is being recognized for exceptional student growth in Advanced 7th Grade. From Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2, her class achieved a gain of 145 scale points, one of the strongest gains observed during this assessment window. Read more about Nancy Ladson.

Elsie Rogers Elementary School

Krystle Mauro – Grade 3 Math

Krystle Mauro is being recognized for strong student growth in Math between Checkpoint 1 and Checkpoint 2. Using average class scale scores, her students demonstrated a gain of 52 scale points, reflecting meaningful progress and instructional impact. Read more about Krystle Mauro.

Mary Frank Elementary School

Rachel Kelleher – Grade 4

Rachel Kelleher achieved the highest overall growth in the district for both ELA and Math in 4th grade from Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2. Her classes showed an 81-point variance in ELA and a 64-point variance in Math, demonstrating exceptional achievement across subjects.

Nicole Greene – Grade 4

Nicole Greene, who teams with Kelleher at Mary Frank, achieved the second highest overall growth for 4th grade ELA with a 65-point variance from Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2. Read more about Rachel Kelleher and Nicole Greene.

Horizon Elementary School

Natalie Hapke – Grade 1

Natalie Hapke achieved the highest growth in Grade 1 from Beginning of Year (BOY) to Middle of Year (MOY), with 55% growth. Read more about Natalie Hapke.

Elm Road Elementary School

Melissa Barnes – Kindergarten

Melissa Barnes achieved the highest growth in Kindergarten from Beginning of Year (BOY) to Middle of Year (MOY), also reaching 55% growth. Read more about Melissa Barnes.

P-H-M is proud to celebrate the dedication, innovation, and instructional excellence of these educators. Their work continues to support student achievement and reflects the district’s commitment to academic excellence for all learners.

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.

Click on the links to see past impact award winners: 2023, 2024, 2025.

Penn High School’s Class of 2026 has earned a record-high 15 National Merit Scholarship Finalists—placing those students among the top one percent of high school students nationwide! This milestone marks the most National Merit Finalists in Penn High School history and represents a significant academic achievement for the Penn-Harris-Madison community.

The 15 students include:

• Sreeja Bhattacharjee
• Mehreen Buchh
• Balthasar Cammett
• Madeline Dunn
• Connor Geoghegan
• Zachary Girton
• Quinn Hayden
• Wasif Javed
• Sultaan Khan
• Trenton Mager
• Ishita Masetty
• Leo Ni
• Joshua Oh
• Roman Ramos
• Grant Spadafore

Approximately 15,000 high school seniors nationwide have been named 2026 National Merit Scholarship Finalists, representing the top one percent of students in the United States. Selected from more than 16,000 Semifinalists announced in September 2025, finalists must complete a rigorous application process that includes confirming high PSAT/NMSQT performance with a qualifying SAT or ACT score, maintaining an outstanding academic record (generally a 3.5 GPA or higher), earning a high school recommendation, and submitting a self-descriptive essay. Of those finalists, approximately 6,930 students will ultimately receive National Merit Scholarships, with winners announced between April and July 2026. Click here for more details.

Penn High School Principal Rachel Fry commented on how the achievement reflects the dedication of students and the academic excellence Penn faculty provided … 

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate our 15 National Merit Scholarship Finalists, the most in our school’s history. Even more impressive, every one of our semi-finalists advanced to finalist standing, a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. This remarkable achievement reflects not only the talent and effort of these students, but also the commitment of our teachers, families, and school community who support them each day. It is an exciting accomplishment and I could not be more proud of this outstanding group of scholars.”

Penn-Harris-Madison is pleased to be able to offer enrollment to non-resident students on a limited basis for the 2026-27 school year.

Families living in neighboring school districts interested in having their elementary children attend a P-H-M elementary school can apply for that opportunity.

The window to apply for available non-resident seats will open Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. and close on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. 

On March 2 at 8:30 a.m., P-H-M will post the schools, grades and number of seats available for the upcoming school year. Families must complete an online application between March 2 – 20.

The NRS application will be posted on www.phmschools.org/non-resident-student-enrollment/ on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

There is no first-come, first-served advantage. 

📍 Penn High School | 🗓 March 7–8, 2026
🎟 Admission: Free

Penn High School will host a FIRST Indiana Robotics District Competition on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, 2026. The competition will take place in the Main Arena and feature more than 40 teams from across Indiana.

Click here to see a photo gallery of last year’s competition.

📅 Event Schedule

Saturday, March 7

• 10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies

• All Day – Qualification Matches

• @7:00 p.m. – Competition concludes

• 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – Next Gen Day (Fitness Center)

Sunday, March 8

• 9:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies

• 2:00–5:00 p.m. – Playoff Matches & Awards

🤖 About the Competition

• Theme: FIRST AGE (Archaeology)

• Game: REBUILT

• This event serves as a qualifier for the FIRST Indiana Robotics Championship
  (April 17–19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds)

• Top teams may advance to the FIRST Robotics World Championships

👉 Click here for more information on the REBUILT game

🚗 Parking & Entry

• Parking: Penn High School parking lots: Main, Softball, Soccer; and across the street at Schmucker Middle School

• Spectator Entrance: Door D (northwest corner of the school)

🍔 Food & Amenities

• Food trucks available both days

• Spectator-friendly event for all ages

🚀 Next Gen Day (Saturday Only)

11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Fitness Center
Kids and families can explore robots, hands-on STEM activities, and future-focused technology during this interactive experience. Next Gen is open to all fans attending the tournament and immediately follows Books & Bots, which is only for P-H-M elementary students.

Come cheer on Indiana’s best student engineers and experience innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving in action!

All incoming sixth grade students and families are encouraged to consider participating band or orchestra in middle school by learning an instrument. Don’t know how to play? No problem!

Our band and orchestra teachers, with the assistance of Penn High School Fine Arts Department, facilitates Instrument Selection Nights to help students choose.

Educational research shows that learning to play an instrument helps students experience team building, nurture creativity, enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills–not to mention learning presentation skills by participating in live concerts and performances.

Here’s what you need to begin your student’s musical journey:

STEP 1: Schedule your Appointment for an Instrument Selection Night by going to: https://sites.google.com/phm.k12.in.us/phmisn/home

• You must Schedule an appointment BEFORE You Attend an Instrument Selection Night. Please complete the google form using full contact information for US Postal mailing and email addresses and phone numbers for all parents/guardians.
• At least one parent/guardian must attend the appointment with the incoming 6th grade student.
• Please select 1-3 instruments that your student would be interested in trying while at Instrument Selection Night. Arriving with a list of instruments that are appealing will help your appointment move along more smoothly. (please limit your list to a maximum of 3 instruments)
• Please note that some instrument sections fill quickly. Once filled, that instrument is no longer available for selection. To ensure that your student gets their preferred instrument choice, you are encouraged to attend an
  earlier selection night and time.

STEP 2: Attend the Instrument Selection Night

STEP 3: Obtain Your Instrument

• Each student must have an instrument in good playing condition for the first day of beginning summer classes. Quinlan & Fabish Music representatives are available to help you set up rental at Instrument Selection Night or you may obtain an instrument from another vendor. Teachers are happy to point you in the right direction when looking for another source for instrument rental or purchase.
• PLEASE use caution if you deal with a vendor other than Quinlan & Fabish Music Company. (Ask the vendor – What is your recourse if the instrument needs repair or is not playable? What is your return policy?) We would
  advise against purchasing an instrument online. Many instruments purchased online do not work well and lead to frustrated students. Reputable music repair stores will not repair poor quality instruments, as they cannot
  guarantee repair or their workmanship.
• If you wish to purchase an instrument, we would recommend the following brands:
  • String instruments (violin, viola, cello and bass): Eastman, Sheryl and Roth, Knilling, and Yamaha brands. Please have your child sized for the instrument. Playing on the correct size instrument will ensure their success and is crucial for injury-free playing.
  • Woodwind Instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone): Armstrong, Bach, Buffet, Conn, Emerson, Gemeinhardt, Haynes, LeBlanc, Selmer and Yamaha.
  • Brass Instruments (trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone): Bach, Conn, Eastman, Holton, King, and Yamaha.
  • Percussion Instruments: Specific equipment requirements will be shared for percussion at selection night appointments.
  • Again, the band and orchestra directors are happy to help you find an instrument for your student. Please contact your school’s director in advance of the first beginning summer class.
  • If your family has serious financial concerns, ask us about instruments available for use from the P-H-M
    Foundation.

STEP 4: Choose and Sign-up for a Summer Beginner Class Time

• Classes TENTATIVELY begin Monday, July 20 and end Friday, August 7th
• Classes are Monday – Friday and are 1 hour in length.

The first crucial music lessons take place in small, like-instrument classes. Students receive individualized attention to set proper playing habits for future success. Please contact your student’s middle school band or orchestra teacher if they need to miss any part of the summer classes. The teacher will connect you with an approved private teacher so your student stays current with their class. Private lessons to make-up for lost class time should be completed by the first day of school and are at the expense of the family.

Choose from these Summer Class Times:

• Flute: 8am, 10am
• Oboe: 8am
• Clarinet: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
• Alto Saxophone: 9am, 10am, 11am
• Trumpet: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
• French Horn: 8am
• Trombone: 8am, 10am, 11am
• Baritone: 9am, 11am
• Percussion: 8am, 9am, 10am
• Violin: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
• Viola: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
• Cello: 9am, 10am, 11am
• String Bass: 8am

STEP 5: Select Band or Orchestra as your 6th grade music choice

When scheduling your 6th grade classes, select Band or Orchestra for your 6th grade music choice.

Miscellaneous Information

• You will receive a letter for your beginning band or orchestra student in May.
  In late-May, a letter will be mailed to your home verifying your instrument selection, your Beginner Summer Class time, and teacher. This letter will also include carpooling information. If you have not received this mailing by June 12th, please contact Mr. Zac Coudret at zcoudret@phm.k12.in.us
• Band and Orchestra Classes at Discovery, Grissom and Schmucker Middle Schools
  The P-H-M middle school music choices of Band, Orchestra, and Choir meet as curricular classes within the regular school day. More than two-thirds of all P-H-M middle school students participate in one of these three courses.
  • The band and orchestra schedules do not conflict with after school or before school activities.
  • Participation in instrumental music does not limit a student’s involvement in school sports, extra-curricular activities or academics.
• Band and Orchestra Directors at each P-H-M Middle School:
  • Discovery Band and Orchestra Directors:
    • Band Directors: Mr. Murray Weaver mweaver@phm.k12.in.us and Ms. Cami Roper croper@phm.k12.in.us
    • Orchestra Director: Mrs. Jessica Carhoun jjoyner-calhoun@phm.k12.in.us
  • Grissom Band and Orchestra Directors:
    • Band Director: Mrs. Angela South asouth@phm.k12.in.us
    • Orchestra Director: Ms. Vickie Marshall vmarshall@phm.k12.in.us
  • Schmucker Band and Orchestra Directors:
    • Band Directors: Mr. Jeff Carnall jcarnall@phm.k12.in.us
    • Ms. Kristin Hills khills@phm.k12.in.us
    • Orchestra Director: Mrs. Dodi Carnall dcarnall@phm.k12.in.us