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Latest News

  • Schafer Gear Works Names Penn Robotics Lab
  • P-H-M Elementary Students Shine at 39th Annual Spell Bowl
  • Teacher Job Fair on March 26
  • Penn Students Earn Top Honors at Regional Science and Engineering Fair
  • Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners
More News

Home » District Info

Teacher Job Fair on March 26

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

Teacher Job Fair

Thursday, March 26, 2026

2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Penn High School Fieldhouse
12641 McKinley Highway, Mishawaka

Teachers Click Here

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

 

Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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.


Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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. Click here to read more.


Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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. Click here to read more.


Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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. Click here to read more.


Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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. Click here to read more.


Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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. Click here to read more.


Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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. Click here to read more.


Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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. Click here to read more.


Winter 2026 Impact Award Winners

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. Click here to read more.


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. 

Click here to view the full Canto photo gallery.

Penn Class of 2026 Sets Record with 15 National Merit Finalists

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.”

Non-resident Application Window Opens March 2, 2026

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.

calendar iconThe 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. 

 

 

Kindergarten & Preschool Registration for 2026-27 Opens Jan. 20th

This registration opportunity is for families who

  1. Live within the P-H-M district AND
  2. Have students who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2026.

Registration will take place at the schools during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in most cases. The offices at Elsie Rogers Elementary School and Moran Elementary School will take registrations from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A parent or guardian must appear in person to register their child. 

Click here for more registration forms and more details on P-H-M Kindergarten Registration.

Penn-Harris-Madison also operates two preschool programs: Early Learning Academy (ELA) and Penn PALS. 

ELA registration for the 2026-27 school year also opens Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Click here to learn more about ELA.

Penn PALS registration for the 2026-27 school year has not opened yet.

If you are a not a P-H-M resident and you are interested in enrolling your kindergartner, please click here for more information on our non-resident lottery.

 

Ribbon Cutting for Penn High School’s Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse

On Wednesday, January 14, members of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees, P-H-M and Penn High School administrators and coaches, P-H-M Education Foundation Board Members, community partners, student-athletes, guests and members of the media gathered to officially open the 80,000-square-foot multi-use student facility (click here to see a brochure with specs & details). It was also a time to honor retired, long-serving Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and his wife Donna Thacker. 

Click to see a full photo gallery of all the pictures from the event.

Built for P-H-M Students

The Fieldhouse will serve Penn High School students across athletic programs, academic, and extracurricular programs, including marching band, color guard, and robotics events (elementary, middle and high school). Academic use of the facility will include physical education classes and secure large-scale assessments, for example PSAT, SAT, and AP testing.

Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker FieldhouseIn addition, the Fieldhouse will support P-H-M middle school students through Future Kingsmen Athletics and Marching Band, helping students build both athletic and fine arts skills while safely preparing for the next level at Penn High School.

“The Fieldhouse is about investing in students and the experiences that help them grow,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “From academics to athletics and the arts, it will support learning and opportunity across our district for generations.”

The Fieldhouse will be open for student use beginning Tuesday, January 20th.

A Community Investment—Without Raising Tax Rate

The Fieldhouse project was identified as a priority in P-H-M’s 2022 District Master Facilities Plan and was completed without raising tax rates for residents of Penn, Harris, and Madison Townships. P-H-M continues to maintain one of the lowest tax rates in St. Joseph County while delivering strong academic outcomes. The groundbreaking for the project was May 2024 (click here for those details). 

Click to watch the video below that includes time lapse video of the project–start to finish–and highlights from the ceremony.

The total project cost is $18 million, reflecting the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-range planning.

“This Fieldhouse is the result of years of thoughtful, long-range planning and sound fiscal stewardship by the Board,” said P-H-M Board of School Trustees President Chris Riley. “By following our District Master Facilities Plan, we were able to make a meaningful investment in students while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in St. Joseph County and without increasing the tax burden on our community.”

Designed for Versatility and Excellence

Penn High School Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker FieldhouseLocated just off McKinley Highway, the 80,000-square-foot Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse expands Penn’s campus and provides much-needed indoor space to support year-round student programming across academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

“The design of this Fieldhouse reflects thoughtful planning around flexibility, safety, and long-term use,” said P-H-M Chief Operating Officer Dr. Sean Galiher. “Every element, from academic and training spaces to event amenities, was intentionally designed to support students, staff, and large-scale programming.”

Penn High School Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker FieldhouseThe multi-use facility includes indoor space for these athletic teams:

*Track and Field: six-lane, 200-meter indoor track, pole vault, long jump, high jump, and shot put areas

*Indoor Hitting: Drop-down batting nets for baseball and softball indoor hitting practices

*Wood courts: two multi-purpose courts for basketball, volleyball

“The Fieldhouse gives Penn student-athletes a first-class, year-round training environment,” said Jeff Hart, Penn Athletic Director. “From indoor track and field to court sports and speed and agility training, this facility allows our programs to practice, compete, and prepare regardless of weather—supporting performance, safety, and student development.”

Beyond athletics, the Fieldhouse will accommodate marching band rehearsals, smaller scale robotics events, school dances, and other large student gatherings, further expanding opportunities for student engagement and districtwide events.

Classroom/conference room at Penn High School Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker FieldhouseAdditional amenities include four locker rooms, two classroom/conference spaces, a student commons area, a physical trainer and rehabilitation space, equipment storage, an observation hallway serving the second floor, a concession stand, security office, event parking, and future bleacher seating for more than 800 spectators.

“This Fieldhouse is truly a space for all Penn students, expanding opportunities for connection, creativity, and school pride,” commented Penn High School Principal Rachel Fry. 

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Giving

The Ribbon Cutting will commemorate that the Fieldhouse has been named in honor of retired P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and his wife Donna Thacker, recognizing their decades of leadership, service, and philanthropic support of Penn-Harris-Madison schools and the P-H-M Education Foundation (PHMEF).

Dr. Thacker served as P-H-M’s Superintendent from 2006 to 2025. Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M became one of Indiana’s top school districts with the schools, students, teachers, and staff achieving countless recognitions, at the state, national and international level (click here for more background information on Dr. Thacker’s tenure).

Penn High School Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse“This Fieldhouse is an investment in students today and in the future of our district,” said Jennifer Turnblom, PHMEF Executive Director. “The Naming Rights Campaign directly benefits the Foundation’s endowment which in turn provides classroom grants for P-H-M teachers benefiting generations of students for years to come.”

Under the PHMEF Naming Rights Campaign structure, 80 percent of naming rights donations are placed into the Foundation’s endowment to support long-term student programs, while 20 percent directly funds professional development for P-H-M teachers.

Longtime PHMEF donors and supporters Gary and Tammy Fox donated $10,000 to the PHMEF Naming Rights Campaign to have the fieldhouse honor Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker. Gary Fox served on the P-H-M Board of School Trustees with Dr. Thacker as the Superintendent from 2001-2020 before stepping down. He was re-elected to Harris Township, Seat 4 in November 2024. 

“Dr. Thacker’s leadership helped shape P-H-M into one of Indiana’s premier school districts,” said Gary Fox. “Naming the Fieldhouse in honor of Jerry and Donna Thacker recognizes a legacy rooted in student success, community partnership, and long-term vision.”

During his time as Superintendent, Dr. Thacker and his wife contributed $300,000 in lifetime donations to the Foundation.

Penn High School Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse“It has been our greatest joy to watch generations of P-H-M students learn, grow, and benefit from the opportunities a quality education provides,” said Jerry Thacker and Donna Thacker. “We are deeply honored to have the Fieldhouse named in our honor, and we hope it becomes a place where students continue to discover their potential for generations to come.”

Project Partners

Construction of the Fieldhouse was completed by R. Yoder Construction Inc., with architectural design by Fanning Howey, a longtime P-H-M partner with more than 40 years of service to the district. Structural engineering was done by Magnus Engineering. Civil Engineering by Danch, Harner & Associates Inc.

 

PHMEF Grant for Elementary Fidget Tools Featured on Local TV

In 2024, Penn High School Robotics Coach Kyle Marsh and students came up with an idea on how to help students with ADHD, on the Autism Spectrum, or who just need help concentrating at school. Their idea was to use 3D printers to create and produce fidget tools for students. The key to making these tools more accessible and quickly available to the elementary students who needed them was to put a 3D printer at all 11 of P-H-M’s elementary schools.

close up of student playing with fidget toolsFortunately, P-H-M teachers and staff members can apply for classroom grants  through the P-H-M Education Foundation to pay for innovative ideas like this. Marsh was awarded a $5,000 grant to bring his idea to fruition. Penn High School students also benefit on this project because Marsh’s Robotics students not only install the 3D printers at the elementary schools, but they also help Marsh manage the project.

This inspiring story was recently featured on WSBT “Operation Education” highlighting the program in action at Elsie Rogers Elementary School where Marsh’s son Cooper attends third grade. Elsie Rogers was highlighted as of P-H-M’s 11 elementary schools with the 3D printers. Click to watch the story below on WSBT’s YouTube channel.

More than $73,000 PHMEF Grants Awarded

The Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation (PHMEF) continues its mission of supporting excellence in education by awarding $73,715.48 in classroom innovation grants for the 2025-2026 school year, marking one of the largest funding years in foundation history!

Each year, PHMEF’s Annual Grant Cycle provides teachers across the district with opportunities to bring creative, hands-on learning projects to life, projects that go beyond traditional classroom resources. The grants are made possible through the generosity of community donors, local businesses, and district supporters.

During the first couple of weeks of December, PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom surprised grant recipients. Click here to see the full photo gallery.

“On behalf of the entire PHM Education Foundation Board I want you to know how deeply we believe in our teachers and staff,” said PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom. “Your dedication, and passion for making a positive impact are what make our schools truly exceptional. We are committed to funding your innovative ideas because you are the heart of excellence in P-H-M, and we are proud to support the remarkable work you do every day.”

A Legacy of Growth and Giving

This year the Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary. For three decades, PHMEF has steadily expanded its reach and impact within P-H-M classrooms. See the timeline below for how the foundation has grown in the past decade.

More than $73,000 PHMEF Grants Awarded young boy in blue sweatshirt playing with fidget tools

  • Early years: The foundation awarded an average of $8,000-$10,000 in grants annually.
  • 2017: The annual grant budget grew to just over $30,000, and PHMEF introduced EZ Grants, mini-grants for projects under $250. 
  • 2022: The grant budget increased to $35,000, expanding teacher access to classroom innovation funding. 
  • 2023: PHMEF streamlined its process to a single annual grant cycle (instead of fall and spring) and raised the total budget to $50,000, transitioning EZ Grants to an online Google Form. 
  • 2024: The EZ Grant maximum increased from $250 to $750, and the total grant budget reached $60,000. 
  • 2025: The foundation reached a new milestone, $75,000 in total grant funding, and received a record number of teacher and staff applications.

2025–2026 Traditional Grant Recipients

This year’s PHMEF grant recipients represent the heart of innovation happening across Penn-Harris-Madison classrooms. From STEM-infused music labs and outdoor learning spaces to student-led media programs and manufacturing technology upgrades, each project showcases how creativity and collaboration enhance student learning.

In total, 16 Traditional Grants were awarded this year, totaling $48,369.23 in funding to support educators who are designing unique, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, strengthen skills, and connect classroom learning to the world beyond school walls.

Horizon-PHMEF-Yoga-Equipment-Grant-12-3-25-21
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Read below to learn more about each of this year’s funded projects and the educators making them possible.

  1. Tune Lab – Walt Disney Elementary
    Charlis Cunningham & Emily Cornett • $2,000
    STEM meets music as 5th graders design and build custom musical instruments, connecting engineering and mathematical concepts in a showcase of sound and creativity
  2. Sprouting Success – Elsie Rogers Elementary
    Christy Campbell & Jodi Cramer-Berry • $1,765.85
    Students will cultivate vegetables, herbs, and flowers using a Garden Tower and LED Grow Lights, learning firsthand about plant life cycles, nutrition, and sustainability.
  3. Tania Bangtsson CPA Haze Machine – Penn High School
    Braden McMillen • $1,449.98
    A professional-grade haze machine enhances production quality and provides hands-on experience with stage lighting for Penn’s performing arts and broadcasting students.
  4. Kingsmen in Custom Shining Armor – Penn High School
    Stephen Vincent & John Gensic • $1,713.08
    Manufacturing and Robotics students will collaborate to design and produce custom Kingsmen Armor and outdoor chain nets, merging creativity, engineering, and school pride.
  5. Story Champs AAC Expansion Pack – All P-H-M Schools
    Jenna Pacheco • $2,815.22
    This curriculum expansion supports K-12 students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication, developing language, comprehension, and storytelling skills.
  6. Bittersweet Gathering Grove – Bittersweet Elementary
    Michelle Leniski & Niki Kornrumph • $6,500
    In partnership with Penn’s Building Trades and Architecture classes, students will construct a 24’ x 24’ pavilion at the Bittersweet Nature Center, creating an outdoor classroom space for hands-on learning.
  7. Northpoint WSTAR Studio – Northpoint Elementary
    Nichol Mondy • $1,912.98
    Funds will modernize the school’s WSTAR broadcasting studio, expanding student access to live news production in collaboration with Penn High School’s Penn News Network.
  8. Establishing a Perceptual Motor Lab – Walt Disney Elementary
    Stephen Govorko • $1,487.13
    This lab will develop perceptual motor skills through movement-based activities that support academic success for K-3 students.
  9. Enhancing Elementary PE through Gymnastics – Horizon Elementary
    Dani Snoeyink • $3,171.99
    New gymnastics equipment will enrich physical education lessons, improving coordination, balance, teamwork, and lifelong fitness habits.
  10. Seeing is Achieving – All P-H-M Schools
    Angela Allen • $1,148
    An iPad for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students will enhance visual learning and literacy development, providing equitable access to classroom content.
  11. Becoming an Orff Classroom – Madison Elementary
    Katelyn Lockwood • $1,929
    Students will explore rhythm and melody with new Orff percussion instruments, encouraging creativity and collaboration in music instruction.
  12. Graphing Finite Math for Infinite Human Flourishing – Penn High School
    Angela Yarrell & John Gensic • $2,560
    New graphing calculators will support lessons in financial literacy, helping students analyze real-world topics like compound interest and regional energy use.
  13. Wisdom Across Generations – Penn High School
    John Gensic, Angela Yarrell, Corin Sailor, Sarah Dwigans, & Danielle Black • $1,175
    Students will explore leadership and life lessons through inspiring books like Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and That’s What She Said, promoting reflection beyond digital devices.
  14. Shaping Future Minds – Penn High School
    Scott Shelhart & John Gensic • $2,599
    A new 3D printer with laser engraving technology will enhance the Manufacturing curriculum, offering hands-on experience in precision production and design.
  15. Moran Musical Production and Projection System – Moran Elementary
    Laura Scott & Jessie Kinney • $6,142
    A new projection system will elevate Moran’s musical performances, giving students opportunities to shine on stage and behind the scenes as part of the “tech crew.”
  16. Penn High School Digital & Legacy Recognition Wall – Penn High School
    Josiah Parker • $10,000
    Students will help design and maintain a new Digital Alumni Recognition Wall: an interactive display celebrating past and present Kingsmen achievements through photos, awards, and memorabilia.

EZ Grant Recipients ($750 or Less)

PHMEF’s EZ Grants support smaller-scale classroom projects that have a big impact on student engagement and learning. These smaller-scale grants often provide the tools, materials, and technology that immediately enhance student engagement and learning.

For the 2025-2026 school year, 49 EZ Grants were approved, totaling $25,364.25 in funding.  Highlights from this year’s winners include innovative STEM tools, classroom resources, wellness initiatives, and creative enrichment activities.

Click here to see all EZ form grants and the full 2025-2026 PHMEF Grant Report.

2025-2026 Grant Summary

  • Total 2025-2026 Grant Budget: $75,000
  • Total EZ Grants Requested: $31,331.10
  • Total EZ Grants Approved: $25,364.25
  • Total Traditional Grants Requested: $54,389.23
  • Total Traditional Grants Approved: $48,369.23
  • Total Grants Awarded: $73,715.48

student looking at book vending machineInvesting in #PHMExcellence

From preschool learners growing gardens to high schoolers engineering recognition walls, each PHMEF grant represents a creative idea turned into opportunity.

Through donor support and district collaboration, the foundation continues to expand its impact, ensuring that innovation, inspiration, and excellence thrive in every P-H-M classroom.

To learn more about the foundation’s impact or to support future grants, visit PHMEF.org.

30 Years of Impact 

Join PHMEF in celebrating the past 30 years of impact and look to continue momentum in supporting excellence in education at the 30th anniversary gala.  Sponsorships and tickets to this extraordinary event are on sale now at PHMEF.org/gala.

Penn’s Quinn Driscoll named Indiana’s Girls Flag Football Player of the Year

Penn High School’s Girls Flag Football State Champion student-athletes are continuing to break records. As Indiana’s, and the Kingsmen’s, first State Champions the team is full of talent. Representatives from the Indianapolis Colts, as the NFL team sponsor, came to Penn today to recognize and surprise one of the team’s standout players, junior quarterback Quinn Driscoll naming her Indiana’s winner of Maxwell Football Club’s (MFC) Girls Flag Football Player of the Year award. Quinn will now be considered for the National Girls Flag Football Player of the Year.

The award considered players based on on-field performance, academic achievement and community service. The award will be presented on Mar. 13 at the 89th Maxwell Awards in Atlanta. The Maxwell Football Club, based in Philadelphia, recognizes excellence in football at the high school, collegiate and professional levels and is home to several of football’s most prestigious awards including the Maxwell, Chuck Bednarik and Bert Bell awards.

The club created the Girls National Flag Football Player of the Year, now in its second year, to recognize the top high school student-athletes in the fast-growing sport.

Quinn’s family was also on hand for the surprise today. Click here for a full photo gallery.

Penn’s Quinn Driscoll named Indiana’s Girls Flag Football Player of the YearPenn’s Quinn Driscoll named Indiana’s Girls Flag Football Player of the Year

Penn’s Quinn Driscoll named Indiana’s Girls Flag Football Player of the Year

A three-sport athlete, Quinn was a standout quarterback during Penn’s first-ever girls flag season in 2025. She led her team to an undefeated season and Indiana’s first ever girls flag state championship, completing 160-of-214 passes for a total of 2,010 yards, 41 touchdowns and two interceptions on the season. She also tallied 72 rushing attempts for 576 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Quinn is a phenomenal person who is a true leader on and off the field,” said Penn head coach Jeremiah Maggart. Her stats this season are truly remarkable but the impact and leadership she had on our state championship team are what sets her apart. She never missed practice or any opportunity to help herself and her team improve, while still finding time to volunteer to help others.” 

Off the field, Quinn is a school leader and active community volunteer. As a member of the Penn Key Club, she participates in many projects in the school and greater community. She also is a member of Healthy Hands Healthy Hearts, a volunteering club that makes cards to go to local homeless shelters, community centers and organizations for people going through tough times.  

Quinn also serves on the Student Athletic Leadership Committee; a position that she was chosen for by her coaches. She is active in the Penn student council and the school’s “Wellness Wave,” a club that raises awareness about mental health and shares coping skills with students.

Quinn along with two other teammates were named to Indiana Preps Underclassmen All-State Top 22 Team, a collection of emerging standouts who showed poise, explosiveness, and playmaking ability well beyond their years, Macy Little and Alivia Dawson. Macy was named Senior Defensive player of the year for Indiana by Indiana Preps.

Penn’s Quinn Driscoll named Indiana’s Girls Flag Football Player of the Year   Penn’s Quinn Driscoll named Indiana’s Girls Flag Football Player of the Year

 

 

 

Board of School Trustees Approves 2025–26 Teachers’ Agreement

At the Monday, November 10, 2025, Board of School Trustees meeting, the Penn-Harris-Madison Board formally approved the 2025–26 teachers’ agreement between the district and the P-H-M Teachers Association. Click here to review it.

“P-H-M is a premier, high-performing school district because of our educators and the academic excellence they provide,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “This agreement reflects our continued commitment to attract and retain the best teachers for our students and to invest in the people who make our schools thrive.”

Developed through a collaborative process between P-H-M Administration and the P-H-M Teachers Association, the agreement provides an overall base salary increase of approximately 3.45% for teachers. 

The starting salary for new teachers will now be $50,000 (up from $48,370), with the maximum salary increasing to $86,777 (up from $84,204). The salary adjustments are retroactive to July 1, 2025, and extend through June 30, 2026.

Additional highlights of the agreement include:

  • A one-time $650 stipend for eligible teachers rated Effective or Highly Effective who served at least 120 school days during the 2024–25 school year.
  • A 2% increase in stipends for teachers who coach or lead extracurricular activities, retroactive to the start of the school year.
  • A $250 base salary increase for teachers who have earned their Early Literacy Endorsement.

The Board also approved a 3.45% pay increase for classified and administrative employee work groups. 

Employee contributions for the medical insurance premiums will increase a marginal 3%. PHM is moving from a 2-tier to a 4-tier medical plan through our current carrier Anthem. P-H-M will join Anthem’s HealthSync network, offering additional savings to members. The corporation will also provide matching funds for those who choose health insurance Plan “C” in the amount of $600 for Single and $1,200 for the other tiers.

P-H-M Schools

  • Bittersweet Elementary School
  • Elm Road Elementary School
  • Elsie Rogers Elementary School
  • Horizon Elementary School
  • Madison Elementary School
  • Mary Frank Elementary School
  • Meadow's Edge Elementary School
  • Moran Elementary School
  • Northpoint Elementary School
  • Prairie Vista Elementary School
  • Walt Disney Elementary School
  • Discovery Middle School
  • Grissom Middle School
  • Schmucker Middle School
  • Penn High School
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55900 Bittersweet Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545
(574) 259-7941

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