Class of 2025 Graduation Information

Penn High School’s Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m., June 9, 2025, at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Doors open for parents at 5:30.

P-H-M will provide FREE candid photos of the graduates on this link, https://phmexcellence.com/PhotosClassof2025, by Friday June, 13.

Click here for details on the photos provided by Inter-State Photography.

There is no ticket requirement—meaning families are not limited on the amount of attendees. Click here for info on live stream of Commencement for friends and family not in attendance. 

On the day of Commencement the doors for students to enter Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center will be open at 4:30 p.m. Seniors are to enter at Gate 10 and report to the field house at the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center by 4:45 p.m. Seniors arriving after 5 p.m. will not be in alphabetical order and may be required to be seated at the end of the line or may even be excluded from commencement. Click here to read the full parent/student letter with more details concerning graduation.

CLICK HERE for a map with parking/shuttle information for Notre Dame.

Prohibited Items

  • Alcohol

  • Artificial NoiseMakers

  • Backpacks, Duffel Bags, or Tote Bags

  • Balloons (Helium)

  • Drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems

  • Explosives or Fireworks

  • Food or Beverages  (Food Is Allowed As A Medical Necessity With Proof.) 

  • Gopro

  • Large Containers or Coolers

  • Lasers or Pen Pointers

  • Money Bouquets, Money Leis, or Other Gifts with High Monetary Value

  • Projectors and Projection Devices

  • Selfie Sticks

  • Signs, Banners, or Flags

  • Smoking, Tobacco, or E-Cigarettes

  • Tailgating

  • The Throwing of Any Object at Any Time

  • Weapons of Any Kind

  • Any Item Deemed Dangerous or Inappropriate

Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker Receives Several Honors Upon Retirement

In March, Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Dr. Jerry Thacker announced his retirement after 19 years. Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M has achieved extraordinary milestones, including raising the graduation rate from 79% to 98%, ranking in the top 4% of the state academically, and helping students earn more than $200 million in scholarships. He also prioritized school safety, leading P-H-M to be ranked sixth in the nation for school safety initiatives. Click here to read more about P-H-M student success achieved during Dr. Thacker’s tenure.

Dr. Thacker has had a remarkable 53-year career in education working in leadership roles across Indiana and Michigan. As the school year wrapped up and in gratitude for his many contributions to the field of education, Dr. Thacker has received several honors.

These five prestigious awards were conferred upon Dr. Thacker:

  • May 4, named IAPSS – District II Superintendent of the Year
  • May 9
    Honorary Degree from Ivy Tech
    Ivy Tech Community College presented him with an Honorary Degree in College and Community Service at their Commencement
  • May 9, Head Start Consortium gave him the “Making a Difference” award for his loyal dedication, unwavering commitment, and his indispensable support of Head Start’s mission at Head Start’s 60th Anniversary Celebration and Board Meeting
  • May 21
    Key to Mishawaka
    Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood presented him with a Key to the City and a proclamation declaring May 21st “Dr. Jerry Thacker Day”
  • May 30
    Circle of Corydon award
    State Senator Linda Rogers presented him with the Circle of Corydon award on behalf of herself and Governor Mike Braun. The award honors Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions that have bettered Indiana, and who have demonstrated the qualities exemplified by our state’s greatest citizens

Internally, P-H-M school principals, teachers, and students also wanted to thank Dr. Thacker for his years of service and dedication to the district. Several came up with meaningful ways to express their appreciation:

  • May 1, Penn High School Bands recognized him for his “caring leadership and service” at the Spring Concert
  • May 16
    Grissom send-off
    Grissom Middle School students and staff lined the hallways to applaud him as he walked through the school’s hallways
  • May 16
    Golden Hammer
    Penn High School Building Trades program presented him with a Golden Hammer for recognition of his Outstanding Support and Service 
  • May 22
    Bittersweet Send-off
    Bittersweet Elementary School students and staff lined the hallways to applaud him as he walked through the school’s hallways
  • May 27
    Walt Disney award
    Walt Disney Elementary School establishes the “Dr. Jerry Thacker Achievement Award” to recognize students who exemplify persistence, good citizenship, and positive competitiveness
  • May 30
    Schmucker Middle School Award
    Schmucker Middle School principal presented him with an Elevation Award for 53 years of service in education to students, teachers, and parents
  • June 2
    Prairie Vista Triangle of Success
    Prairie Vista retirement gift
    Prairie Vista Elementary students performed a “We are your Triangle of Success” presentation and gave him a planter with all the thumbprints of students (grades K-5) and staff to illustrate the impact he’s had on their lives
  • June 3
    Penn Band
    Retiring Penn Band Director Glenn Northern, leads the Symphonic Winds section of the Kingsmen Marching Band in the Penn High School Fight song outside Dr. Thacker’s office at the Educational Services Center. Click here to see the video on Facebook.

Before the end of the 2024-2025 school year came to a close, Dr. Thacker shared the video message below with P-H-M students, teachers, and families.

Recommendations for Asst. Superintendent and Dir. of Professional Development

Dr. Jerry Thacker is proud and delighted that the Board of School Trustees appointed Dr. Heather Short this week to succeed him as superintendent upon his retirement.
 
  
Dr. Heather Short
Incoming Superintendent Dr. Heather Short
From Dr. Heather Short:
As the incoming Superintendent, I am thrilled to recommend Dr. Lavon Dean-Null to succeed me as the next Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.
 
In addition, I am also recommending Dr. Mindy Higginson as the next Director of Professional Development and Student Learning.
 
Dr. Thacker will present these recommendations to the School Board for approval at the June 23rd Meeting.

 

 
Dr. Lavon Dean-Null
Dr. Lavon Dean-Null

Dr. Dean-Null began her educational career as a teacher at Discovery after graduating from Bethel University. Dr. Dean-Null taught at Discovery for 10 years. During that time she took a sabbatical and taught in Ansan, South Korea for a year. While at Discovery, Dr. Dean-Null became a top finalist for the Indiana Teacher of the Year award. With a master’s degree in educational leadership from Indiana University and a Ph.D. from Purdue University, she served as assistant principal of Grissom, principal of Walt Disney, followed by principal of Schmucker before becoming Director of Professional Development and Student Learning. Dr. Dean-Null has a passion for leadership development and has coordinated educational programs abroad for over a decade and presented at educational forums worldwide. She is currently enrolled in Learning Forward’s national Academy and will graduate in June of 2026. Lavon’s commitment to education extends beyond her district role; she shares her expertise at state and national conferences. She is always striving to foster communities of high-achieving learners through continuous growth initiatives, and will be the perfect fit for the next Assistant Superintendent of P-H-M.

Dr. Mindy Higginson
Dr. Mindy Higginson

Dr. Higginson has spent the last two years as principal of Walt Disney Elementary School and has strengthened student and staff learning through multiple avenues, including being selected to participate in the Indiana Department of Education’s noteworthy “Get Your Teach On” program. She was most recently honored as Indiana’s District II Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals and holds her Ph.D. from Purdue University in educational leadership. Before coming to Penn-Harris-Madison, she served as the District Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction and as an elementary principal at Elkhart Community Schools. She also served at both the elementary and middle school levels in the South Bend Community School Corporation. She will bring a wealth of assets to her new role at Central Office.

 

Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent

In a special meeting held Tuesday, May 27, the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees unanimously (7-0) approved the appointment of Dr. Heather Short as the district’s next superintendent effective July 1, 2025.

Nearly 50 P-H-M teachers, administrators, staff, family and friends showed up to express their overwhelming support of Dr. Short’s appointment.

Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent 

Dr. Heather Short & Dr. Katie Jenner
Dr. Short with IDOE Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner

Dr. Short, a lifelong educator who has dedicated her entire 31-year career to P-H-M, will succeed Dr. Jerry Thacker, who is retiring after 19 years of transformative leadership. Dr. Short has served as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction since 2017. During her tenure, P-H-M students have experienced consistent academic growth and achievement.

“I am deeply honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful to Dr. Thacker for his mentorship throughout my career,” said Dr. Short. “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to grow as a leader within this incredible district. I’m excited to continue working alongside our talented staff, dedicated families, and exceptional students to expand opportunities and ensure every child thrives.”

Under Dr. Short’s leadership, P-H-M ranks in the top 4% of Indiana districts based on ILEARN scores. The district also outpaces the state average by 20 percentage points in overall percent passing rates.

“There is no one better—or more qualified—to lead P-H-M’s continued path of academic excellence than Dr. Short,” said Chris Riley, President of the Board of School Trustees. “Her academic expertise and visionary leadership in developing rigorous, relevant curriculum have been key to our students’ success. Dr. Short was the Board’s clear and unanimous choice for superintendent.”

Dr. Heather Short with students
Dr. Heather Short with students (2016)

P-H-M is home to some of Indiana’s highest-performing public schools in both English/Language Arts and Math. Prairie Vista Elementary ranks #3 in the state, while Discovery Middle School ranks #2. In Spring 2024, P-H-M’s IREAD pass rate was 86.8%, surpassing the state average of 82.5%. Three P-H-M elementary schools—Prairie Vista (97.7%), Northpoint (95%), and Horizon (95.3%)—achieved pass rates above 90%.

Included in her district-wide academic strategy was a robust Response to Intervention (RtI) program and expanded summer offerings that support both enrichment and remediation.

Dr. Short’s leadership journey reflects deep roots and unwavering commitment to P-H-M. She began her career as a classroom teacher before serving as an Instructional Leader and High Ability Coordinator. Click here to learn how Dr. Short and Board Trustee Katie Bell’s paths crossed when Dr. Short was a 3rd grade teacher at Northpoint. In 2004, she became principal of Prairie Vista Elementary. Recognizing her talent for professional growth and instructional excellence, Dr. Thacker appointed her in 2007 as P-H-M’s first Director of Professional Development—a role she held for a decade before being named Assistant Superintendent.

Throughout her career, Dr. Short has been deeply committed to developing others. She co-created a nationally recognized leadership development program designed to build internal capacity among P-H-M educators and administrators. Her strategic focus on professional development has empowered teachers at every level—from new educators to veteran principals—through initiatives like the annual Literacy Summit and the New Teacher Series.

Dr. Heather Short Approved Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent

As Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Short has combined her instructional leadership with strong fiscal stewardship. She has overseen the management of multimillion-dollar budgets and successfully secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in state grants—investments that have directly enhanced classroom instruction, expanded student programs, and strengthened districtwide operations.

“Dr. Short possesses one of the most valuable qualities a leader can have: the ability to build genuine relationships,” said Dr. Thacker. “She makes personal connections with teachers, principals, staff, families—and most importantly, students. She understands the P-H-M culture because she helped build it. There is no one more fitting to serve as the next superintendent.”

After the Board approved Dr. Short as the district’s new leader, Board members shared well wishes and comments. Trustee Katie Bell (elected in November 2024) talked about how things have come full circle for her as a former student of Dr. Short’s when she taught 3rd grade gifted and talented students at Northpoint. The two were actually featured in an article that ran in the South Bend Tribune in March 2003. The article featured Dr. Short teaching her students how to use PowerPoint for their Geography reports on Asia. Click here to read the original story.

Heather Short 2003 SB Tribune news article picture Heather Short 2003 SB Tribune news article

Dr. Heather Short Approved as New Superintendent
Katie Bell as kindergarten teacher at Prairie Vista (2016)

Fast forward to 2013 to when Dr. Short was P-H-M’s Director of Professional Development, she interviewed Bell for a teaching position. Bell was hired as a kindergarten teacher in 2016 at Prairie Vista Elementary School and Dr. Short led the professional development for all new teachers. 

“Dr. Short and I are a testament that it’s never goodbye, it’s always see you later,” Bell said. “And I think that shows the true impact of a teacher, that they are in your lives forever, and that you will always remember them.”

Media Coverage

Meal Prices

PHM School Meal Program 2025-2026 

P-H-M school meals are healthy, well-balanced and tasty as well as providing students the nutrition they need to succeed at school. School menus are posted here and at Schoolcafe.com. 

School meals offer students milk, fruits and vegetables, proteins and whole grains, and they must meet strict limits on saturated fat, sodium and portion size. A detailed analysis of lunch entrees can be found on Schoolcafe.com.

Breakfast Programs are offered at all PHM schools. The breakfast price is $1.50 for elementary students and $1.75 for secondary students. Free lunch students receive free breakfast. Reduced Breakfast is $.30.

Lunch Program – Students in all schools are offered many choices that they can combine into a complete lunch. The complete lunch includes 1 Entrée, fruit, vegetable, and milk. Students must take at least 1 fruit or vegetable but may take both or 2 fruits or 2 vegetables. Students not selecting a minimum of 3 items will be charged Ala Carte for the items chosen. Students choosing more than 1 Entrée and 3 sides will be charged on an Ala Carte basis for the additional items. Meal prices are $2.65 for elementary, $2.90 for middle and high schools. Approved free students will receive lunch for free and reduced lunch is 40 cents. Elementary students are required to purchase a complete lunch unless the student has brought their lunch from home. 

Snack Purchases – A variety of snacks and drinks meeting the new “Smart Snacks” regulation are offered to students. Snack purchases are limited in the elementary and middle schools as follows: Elementary students are limited to one snack and one additional drink per day. Middle School students are limited to two snack purchases and one additional drink per day. Parents can block snack purchases by going to Schoolcafe.com when putting money on their child’s debit card. Snack prices at the elementary range from $.50 to $1.50. Ala-carte at the middle and high schools is from $.50 to $3.50.

Debit Cards – This is an easy to use option so your child does not need to bring money daily. You may pay online at Schoolcafe.com or send cash or check into the school. Please specify your child’s name and “lunch money” on the envelope. You may register your child on Schoolcafe.com to monitor their purchases. Please keep in mind that per district policy, refunds are only made for $20.00 or more. We are always happy to move money between student accounts. 

Free/Reduced Meal and Textbook Applications can be complete online at SchoolCafe.com. You can access this by computer or mobile device. After the application is approved, you can print off confirmation letters from the website. If you are unable to complete an online application, paper applications are available at each school. 

Meal Charges Please make sure your child has meal money daily. Charges are not allowed for à la carte items that are packaged. Please see the Meal Charge policy for details.

SchoolCafe 

School Cafe Flyer

The National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires school food authorities to establish written administrative guidelines for meal charges. Penn Harris Madison School Corporation will adhere to the following meal charge guidelines:

  1. Cafeteria purchases are to be prepaid before meal service begins or at the Point of Sale either by credit or debit card or EFT using the foodservice online payment system, by cash or check at the point of sale or in the individual school office.
  2. A student may charge up to three (3) meals maximum (one charge per meal) as long as they establish and maintain a good credit history of making payments on their foodservice accounts.
  3. A staff member may charge up to $3.00 as long as they establish and maintain a good credit history of making payments on their foodservice accounts.
  4. A student who has charged a meal may not charge or purchase “ala carte” item(s), including extra main entrees.If they do take extra food from the serving line that is not pre-packaged your students account will be charged and you are responsible for the charges.
  5. Schools may deny a meal to a student who pays reduced or full price and who does not provide the required payment for that meal following three charged meals. The student and the parent must be notified at least 48 hours in advance that future meals will be denied. The Site Leader will keep a record of notifications.
  6. The Site Leader or other school personnel will coordinate communications with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to resolve the matter of unpaid charges.
  7. If food and nutrition services staff suspects that a student may be abusing this policy, written notice will be provided to the parent(s)/guardian(s) that if he/she continues to abuse this policy, the privilege of charging meals may be refused.
  8. The Site leader will send home or email letters at least once each week to parents of students who have negative balances. The site leader will also make phone calls at least twice a week to all parents of students who have negative balances. Families may also check balances on SchoolCafe.com
  9. All accounts must be settled at the end of a school year. Letters will be sent home approximately five (5) days before the last day of school to students who have any negative balances. Negative balances of more than $10.00 not paid in full thirty (30) days prior to the start of the following school year will force the District to take action to collect unpaid funds by means of collection agencies, small claims court, or any other legal method deemed necessary by the District. The United States Department of Agriculture does not allow school nutrition programs to write-off debt.
  10. Refunds of meal account balances will be made through a check mailed to the student address on record. To request a refund call or email the Food Service Office at 574-254-2814 or mjaroch@phm.k12.in.us. Refunds will only be processed for balances of $20.00 or more unless the student is approved for free or reduced meals. You may request a transfer of any amount to be moved to another student account.
  11. This information will be shared with parents on the PHM website and through the first day of school packet. It will also be shared with appropriate school staff.

Breakfast

*See the list above to see what P-H-M schools serve breakfast.

  • Elementary: $1.35
  • Middle and High School: $1.60
  • Reduced Price for all eligible students: $0.30
  • Click Here for Free/Reduced Application
  • Adult Price: $2.50

Lunch

  • Elementary: $2.50
  • Middle and High School: $2.75
  • Reduced Price for eligible students: $0.40
  • Click Here for Free/Reduced Application
  • Adult Price: $4.60

Snacks & À la carte

Snacks at the elementary range from $.50 to $1.50 each.

À la carte purchases at the middle and high schools range from $.50 to $3.50. 

Payment Options

You can pay for child’s meals online using a debit or credit card or by  cash or check at the school. Click here for more details on the payment options.

Meal Price Guidelines

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires school food authorities to establish written administrative guidelines for meal charges. Penn Harris Madison School Corporation will adhere to the meal charge guidelines. Click here to read those guidelines.

Middle School Menus

Breakfast & Lunch is served at all three middle schools.

Monthly Menus:

*School menus are also posted in Schoolcafe.com. 

The Penn-Harris-Madison Food Service department implements the Offer Versus Serve (OVS) system. OVS allows students to accept or decline some of the food offered as part of a complete meal. The goals of “OVS“ are to reduce food waste in the school nutrition programs and to allow students more customization of the meal they select. 

CLICK HERE to fill out a new application for Free / Reduced Lunch. 

*Due to nation-wide supply shortages, meals could be subject to change. Products or menu items are being substituted when a school kitchen runs out of any particular item. School kitchen staff are trying to make sure that the students have their first choices available, but that may not always be possible. If a student has a specific dietary need, the family is welcome to fill out a special diet form that can be obtained from the school nurse or click here to download it off our website, and then there will be a full meal waiting for the student each day. 

Breakfast benefits

Elementary School Menus

Breakfast & Lunch is served at all 11 elementary schools.

Monthly Menus:

*School menus are also posted in Schoolcafe.com. 

The Penn-Harris-Madison Food Service department implements the Offer Versus Serve (OVS) system. OVS allows students to accept or decline some of the food offered as part of a complete meal. The goals of “OVS“ are to reduce food waste in the school nutrition programs and to allow students more customization of the meal they select. 

CLICK HERE to fill out a new application for Free / Reduced Lunch. 

*Due to nation-wide supply shortages, meals could be subject to change. Products or menu items are being substituted when a school kitchen runs out of any particular item. School kitchen staff are trying to make sure that the students have their first choices available, but that may not always be possible. If a student has a specific dietary need, the family is welcome to fill out a special diet form that can be obtained from the school nurse or click here to download it off our website, and then there will be a full meal waiting for the student each day. 

Breakfast benefits

Payment Options

DEBIT CARDS AND CREDIT CARDS

We recommend that parents create a SchoolCafé account to pre-pay for meals online using a debit or credit card. Visit P-H-M’s PAY MEALS ONLINE page to learn more about the many benefits of using SchoolCafé.

CASH OR CHECK

​If you prefer to pay the school via cash or check, please write your child’s name and “lunch money” on the envelope. Don’t forget to specify either “Meal account” or “Ala-carte account.”  The meal account only allows full meal purchases, while ala-carte allows for the purchase of snacks as well as meals.

 

Note that when you provide a check as payment for a food purchase in the food service department, you authorize the P-H-M Food Service Department to process the payment as a check transaction. Federal Automated Recovery Systems (FARS) processes our electronic collection of checks returned for insufficient funds (NSF).  ​

PAYMENT TERMS

Please make sure that your child has lunch money available each day. Children without lunch money may be required to call home, or be served a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, milk and fruit, after the first charged meal. You will still be charged for peanut butter and jelly meals. Ala-carte and snack items may not be charged.

If your child has a negative balance, they will not be allowed to purchase snacks. Food Services is not allowed to carry negative balances on children’s accounts in the National School Lunch Program so if a meal is charged for your student, you must pay the amount due the following day.

Free/Reduced Meals Assistance

Reminder: It’s Time to Complete Your Free/Reduced Lunch Application! 

A new school year means it’s time to submit a new Free/Reduced Lunch Application for your student(s). Applications can be completed quickly and easily online at SchoolCafe.com. 

Already received a Direct Certification notice? 

If you’ve received an email confirming that your student has been directly certified but not all students in your household are listed, please contact Food Services immediately at 574-254- 2814. 

If you have any questions or need help with the application process, we’re here to support you!

Your family may be eligible for assistance paying for cafeteria meals. 

Households that meet the financial guidelines of the National School Lunch Program are eligible for free or reduced meal prices. To receive this support parents must apply annually and provide information that serves to verify household income. The application is easy to fill out; you can choose online or paper format.  Please make sure to submit only one form (application) per household, even if the children are in different schools.  

We encourage P-H-M parents to apply online at this website: www.schoolcafe.com.

Applying online is faster and easier than using printed forms, and your benefits will start sooner!

Click here for detailed instructions on how to apply via SchoolCafe.

Free/Reduced Meals Assistance

Prefer to apply using a paper form? ​

Questions about the application process should be directed to Administrative Assistant of Food Service Mindy Jaroch, click here to email or call (574) 254-2814.

Summer Food Service Program

Summer School Food Service 2025:

PHM will be supplying free breakfast and lunch to all of our summer school students. We will also be operating public serving sites at the school hosting summer school. Participants will receive one free breakfast and lunch meal per child. Students who are attending summer school will get their meals with summer school.

Meals for summer school students will be available at both elementary locations, Moran Elementary School (Main Entrance) 6/12/25- 7/2/25 and Meadows Edge Elementary School Door A (Main Entrance) 6/12/25-7/2/25.

Meals will be free of charge to students

July 2025 Menu

Summer Food Service Program:

The Food Service Department of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is participating in the Summer Food Service Program.

Summer is here and so are FREE MEALS!!!! ALL children 18 years of age and under are eligible to receive a FREE lunch at any of the locations listed below.

Children do not have to attend a PHM school and no student ID is required

The only requirement is to enjoy your lunch at the site. Food may not be taken off site to eat.

Adults (over age 18) may enjoy a meal for a charge of $5.00.

The program will operate Monday through Friday, June 9, 2025-August 15,2025.

All sites will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025.

The locations, times and dates can be seen in the graphic below, or click here.

Summer Food Service Program

*Menu items are subject to change based on product availability

To find additional Summer Food Service site please use the resources:

 

Contact Penn-Harris-Madison Food Services at 574-254-2814.  

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