This afternoon P-H-M and Penn High School Administration along with the P-H-M Education Foundation officially unveiled the updated entryway for Schafer Gear Works Robotics Lab at Penn High School. The lab is where Penn’s Robotics classes are held and Teams 135 (Black Knights) and 328 (Golden Rocks) work out of. Manufacturing and welding classes are also held in this area.

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Indiana Association of School Principals announced that Grissom Principal Jennifer Sinclair has been named District 2 Middle School Principal of the Year! 

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

Mrs. Sinclair has been principal of Grissom since 2022. She was named to the South Bend Chamber’s Class of 2023 “Michiana Forty Under 40.” Under her leadership in 2024, Principal Sinclair started the “Fourteen Under 14” program at Grissom molded after “Forty Under 40” as a way to elevate and encourage students.

The winner of the Indiana Middle School Principal of the Year will be announced in November.

Race day for the annual Running is Elementary, sponsored by P-H-M’s Education Foundation, was a little windy, but gorgeous: just enough sunshine, just enough warmth, and the raindrops held off until all the races were over.

This year was one of the biggest yet with 700+ students from all 11 P-H-M elementary schools.

The one mile run is held at Penn’s Cross-country course, which is located behind Elm Road Elementary School. 

Fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to sign up for the free running club. Designated coaches at each school then train with the runners for the 6-week club culminating in the one mile race. More than 700 students participated this year!

This picture of two 4th grade runners exemplifies what RIE is all about. 

These two boys were running neck and neck all the way to the finish line vying for first place.

After the race, the Disney boy (dark navy t-shirt) went out of his way to find the Moran runner (pink shirt) so they could take a picture together.

The students being from two different schools had never met before, but in that moment, it didn’t matter.

Running is Elementary not only teaches students about fitness and wellness, it also teaches them sportsmanship, connection and the importance of supporting and celebrating each other!

CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who participated! Click to see the list below of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners only for the four races. The list shows finish times listed by bib number and school. Parents should contact their school coach for their child’s specific time.

What makes this event so special is that students are cheered on by their fellow students, families, teachers, running coaches, principals, PHM School Board members and administrators, principals, and other PHM staff members. A photo gallery sample is below, but click here to visit the full photo gallery in the Education Foundation’s Canto photo portal.

Race Results:

5^th Grade Girls Winners

1. 06:49.07, Bib # 244, Northpoint
2. 06:50.53, Bib # 235, Northpoint
3. 07:05.08, Bib # 187, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

1. Horizon
2. Mary Frank
3. Northpoint

5th Grade Boys Winners

1. 06:14.75, Bib # 597, Northpoint
2. 06:16.06, Bib # 650, Madison
3. 06:29.29, Bib # 590, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

1. Northpoint
2. Horizon
3. Elm Road

4th Grade Girls Winners

1. 07:06.27, Bib # 62, Horizon
2. 07:30.09, Bib # 31, Elm Road
3. 07:31.47, Bib # 75, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

1. Prairie Vista
2. Northpoint
3. Bittersweet

4th Grade Boys Winners:

1. 06:34.34, Bib # 438, Walt Disney
2. 06:34.73, Bib # 392, Moran
3. 06:48.85, Bib # 402, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

1. Northpoint
2. Bittersweet
3. Elm Road

Here’s a breakdown of the shirt colors:

Thank you to Cindy Batalis (physical education teacher at Mary Frank Elementary School) whose own love for running and her desire to pass that love on is the passion and brain child behind Running is Elementary. Thank you to all the PHM teachers, running coaches, school staff, and Penn Cross Country student-athletes who help out every year, along with P-H-M Education Foudation Board members and volunteers.

Thank you PHMEF and all their amazing sponsors that make this event possible for our students:

• Martin’s donated the post race snacks
• Royal Excursion donated transportation to auxiliary parking lots
• Benchmark Family Services helped PHMEF offset costs
• Culver’s provided gift baskets for a prize drawing
• Kona Ice and Tom’s Coffee did givebacks 
• Attorney Katy Wrona was also a sponsor

Carly Taylor thought she was heading to the Northpoint Elementary School library to help Principal Lorraine White with an issue. Instead, she walked into a room filled with second graders, colleagues, and cameras, all there to surprise her with the news that she had been named Penn-Harris-Madison’s 2026 Employee of the Year.

The celebration, organized by Principal White, included Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, district administrators, and members of the Central Office Business Department. Students added to the excitement by joyfully shouting “SURPRISE!” as Taylor entered the library. Click to watch the video below.

Following the announcement, Taylor, known for her humility, was met with an outpouring of appreciation. Principal White shared the news over the school’s PA system, prompting students and staff throughout the building to stop and congratulate her. The celebration continued with a “Brag Walk” through the school, with Taylor wearing Northpoint’s “MVP Brag Tag.” Click to see a full photo gallery in Canto.

Taylor began her career with P-H-M in August 2019 as a teacher’s aide. After a brief time away, she returned to Northpoint in September 2021 and now serves as the school’s Secretary/Treasurer. She says one of the most meaningful parts of her role is the opportunity to support others.

“I am proud to be part of such an incredible team,” Taylor said. “I appreciate being able to witness the heart and commitment our school pours into the care, support, and growth of our students and families.”

Affectionately known as the “heart and brains” of the building, Taylor was nominated by third grade teacher Molly O’Rear.

“She manages countless responsibilities with remarkable efficiency and grace,” O’Rear said. “She is the calm, steady presence our staff relies on and someone who truly goes above and beyond every single day.”

Taylor’s impact extends far beyond traditional office responsibilities. She coordinates substitute coverage, manages purchasing during high-demand times such as testing season, and supports staff in ways that often go unseen. She also plays a key role in organizing and supporting more than a dozen afterschool programs, ensuring schedules, communication, and logistics run smoothly for students and families.

Her work has supported major initiatives at Northpoint, including the school earning its STEM certification. Taylor helped organize scheduling, purchasing, and materials for the STEM lab, while also supporting implementation alongside school leadership. She has also been instrumental in coordinating Northpoint’s growing involvement in LEGO competitions, managing logistics for multiple teams, coaches, and students.

Her professionalism and attention to detail have earned her respect not only at Northpoint, but across the district. Through her work managing school finances and operations, Taylor collaborates closely with the Business Department and has provided valuable feedback to support the implementation of a new financial purchasing program. She is also a trusted resource for colleagues across multiple schools and frequently assists fellow secretaries and treasurers.

“Carly exemplifies what it means to lead from where you are,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “Her attention to detail, her willingness to support others, and her commitment to excellence make a meaningful difference across our district, helping ensure our schools run smoothly so our teachers can focus on student learning.”

Beyond her operational leadership, Taylor has made a lasting impact on school culture. This year, she introduced a staff “shout out” initiative, encouraging employees to recognize one another through handwritten notes.

Just as important as her behind-the-scenes work is the way she connects with people. Taylor is often the first face families see when they walk through Northpoint’s doors, setting a welcoming tone for the entire building.

“Carly is the first warm smile families see when they walk through our doors and the calm, steady presence our staff depends on every day,” said Principal White. “She anticipates needs before they arise, solves problems with professionalism, and treats every student, parent, and colleague with genuine kindness and respect. Her dedication and integrity make her incredibly deserving of this honor.”

Taylor is also a proud P-H-M parent, with a student at Discovery Middle School.

Each spring, P-H-M honors a Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year, and an Employee of the Year.

Penn High School Spanish Teacher Kelley Watts was named the district’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year on Thursday April 30, 2026.  

Fourth grade teacher Josie Engdahl was named Elementary Teacher of the Year earlier in the day on Friday, May 1. 

All three honorees will be formally recognized at P-H-M’s annual Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 20. The Teachers of the Year will go on to compete for Indiana Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in Fall 2026 by the Indiana Department of Education. The P-H-M Education Foundation awards each Teacher of the Year a $1,000 grant and gift card to the Employee of the Year.

Josie Engdahl didn’t think anything of it when she was pulled into a Teacher Leadership Team (TLT) meeting Friday morning to help plan professional development for fellow Meadow’s Edge teachers. But when she returned to her fourth grade classroom, Superintendent Dr. Heather Short was waiting with some unexpected news and the cameras were rolling. Click to watch the video below.

As Engdahl walked through the door, her students cheered and clapped as Dr. Short shared that she had been named Penn-Harris-Madison’s 2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year. The surprise was coordinated by Meadow’s Edge Principal Lindsay Helman-Cass, who arranged for Engdahl to be out of the classroom so the celebration could come together. Click here to see the full photo gallery on Canto.

Now in her sixth year of teaching, including three years at P-H-M, Engdahl is an educator whose instruction prioritizes student engagement through both rigor and creativity. Her classroom reflects a belief that students learn best when they see purpose in their work and have opportunities to actively construct understanding.

A defining example is her interdisciplinary “tiny house” unit, where fourth graders apply mathematics standards for area and perimeter to design scaled floor plans and build three-dimensional models.

Students tackle complex shapes by breaking them into simpler parts, applying multiple strategies, and explaining their thinking using precise mathematical language. The project also integrates writing, collaboration, and presentation, reinforcing both conceptual understanding and communication skills.

“This unit reflects my core beliefs about teaching and learning,” Engdahl said. “Students learn best when they have voice and agency, and when tasks are rich enough to welcome many approaches. Creativity is not extra; it’s what drives persistence and precision.”

Engdahl is a proud P-H-M graduate, having attended Prairie Vista Elementary School, Schmucker Middle School, and Penn High School, where she was a member of the Class of 2016. During her time at Prairie Vista, Dr. Short served as her principal, making this recognition especially meaningful.

“I couldn’t be prouder that Josie chose to go into teaching and that the Selection Committee chose her to represent her fellow elementary teachers,” said Dr. Short. “I remember her as a student who loved being at school and learning; she always had the biggest smile. It’s been incredible to watch her grow into one of our finest teacher leaders and caring educators.”

After earning her degree from Ball State University, Engdahl began her teaching career at Anderson Intermediate School in Anderson, Indiana, where she taught from 2020 to 2023 before returning to her home district. She also returned to the volleyball program as a coach. Engdahl is currently Penn’s Girls Head JV Volleyball coach.

In Engdahl’s first year with P-H-M, she applied for and was selected  for the prestigious Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teachers (FCT), a program of the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and the Indiana Department of Education. She was one of just 20 educators statewide chosen to participate in the program, which supports creativity-centered innovation in the classroom. Through a partnership with the South Bend Museum of Art, Engdahl designed lessons that ensure every student can engage with grade-level content while making meaningful connections beyond the classroom. She integrated visual arts into science instruction, allowing students to explore concepts like erosion and fossilization through hands-on work with clay giving them a tangible way to understand scientific processes and engage more deeply with the content. Click more to read about the creative lessons Engdahl did with her students.

“Josie exemplifies what it means to be an educator in Penn-Harris-Madison,” Dr. Short added. “She creates engaging learning experiences while modeling strong teaching for her colleagues. When teachers lead in this way, it strengthens the entire school and benefits every student.”

As a building leader, Engdahl is known for her strength as a relationship-builder and her contributions to school culture. She collaborates with Meadow’s Edge PBIS, Behavior Intervention Team (BIT), and TLT to help cultivate a positive, supportive, and collaborative environment for both students and staff. By helping establish shared expectations and common language across the building, she contributes to a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

“This work has fundamentally changed how we approach behavior and support students,” Engdahl said. “School culture is built through structured systems, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child’s success.”

“Josie leads by example,” said Principal Lindsay Helman-Cass. “She listens first to understand what’s working and where support is needed, then helps facilitate meaningful conversations that strengthen instruction. Through her leadership, we’ve seen stronger routines, increased time on task, and improved student outcomes.”

Every Spring P-H-M honors a Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year and a Certified Employee of the Year. Penn High School Spanish Teacher Kelley Watts was named the district’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year on Thursday April 30, 2026.

All three honorees are officially recognized at P-H-M’s annual Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner, which will be held this year on Wednesday, May 20th. The two Teachers of the Year will then go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced Fall 2026 by the Indiana Department of Education. The PHM Education Foundation awards each Teacher of the Year a $1,000 grant and gift card to the Employee of the Year.

What started as a typical first block this morning in Señora Kelley Watts’ Spanish IV class quickly turned into a surprise party when Spanish teacher Kelley Watts unexpectedly learned that she was being named Penn-Harris-Madison’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

With some behind-the-scenes planning by Principal Rachel Fry and Associate Principal Jeanie Mitchell, Watts was called away from her classroom for what she thought was a photo opp with students in Penn’s Main Arena–on the other side of the building away from her classroom. While Watts was being kept busy, P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, other P-H-M administrators, and local TV station news crews snuck into Watts’ classroom to get everything in place for the big surprise. Click to see a photo gallery below. Click here to see the full gallery on Canto.

When Watts returned, she was met with applause, cameras, and the big news that she was P-H-M’s  Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Click below to watch the video of the surprise for Señora Watts.

Throughout her career, Watts has demonstrated a deep commitment to student learning, leadership, and building meaningful connections both inside and outside the classroom. She brings 30 years of teaching experience, including 22 years at Penn High School. In addition to her classroom role, Watts has led student initiatives, including serving as the Kingsmen Against Cancer sponsor for more than eight years. 

She serves as an instructional coach and is an active leader in the P-H-M Teachers Association, where she advocates for both students and staff. As a mentor to fellow educators, she is an example of continuous growth and collaboration. She also serves alongside her husband, Mark, as co-head coach of the Boys Volleyball team, now in its second season. Click here to read a recent article in the South Bend Tribune, featuring the Watts’, about the growth and rise in popularity of boys volleyball as a new IHSAA sanctioned sport.

Teaching and coaching colleague Eric Bowers nominated Watts for the honor. Bowers understands firsthand what it takes to excel in both the classroom and in athletics. Bowers, an AP History teacher and Penn’s Boys and Girls Tennis coach was named P-H-M’s 2023 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“Kelley has a unique ability to connect with students not only in the classroom, but through opportunities like Spanish Club [which she led in previous years] and now through coaching as well,” Bowers said. “She reaches a wide range of students and creates meaningful relationships that extend beyond the school day.”

Known for her engaging and supportive teaching style, Watts creates learning environments where students feel confident to take risks and grow. One example is her Spanish II “Yelp Review” writing unit, where students progress from foundational language skills to composing six-paragraph essays entirely in Spanish.

“My favorite level of Spanish to teach is Level 2. When they enter my class, they have made the choice to continue learning Spanish, which already reflects a level of commitment,” Watts reflected. “Level 2 of any language is often the most challenging, and I enjoy pushing students to reach levels of learning and understanding that they initially believe are beyond their capabilities.”

Watts has created educational opportunities for her Penn Spanish students to engage in authentic conversations, build global connections, and apply their language skills in real-world settings. Through a month-long cultural exchange experience, she brought Ecuadorian students studying in the United States to Penn to spend several weeks alongside her students, immersing the international students in English instruction and American culture, while also giving her students the opportunity to learn directly from native Spanish speakers and experience authentic cultural exchange.

Principal Rachel Fry said Watts exemplifies the very best of Penn High School.

“Kelley Watts represents what it means to be an exceptional educator,” Fry said. “She builds strong relationships with students, challenges them to achieve at high levels, and creates meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Her leadership and commitment to excellence make a lasting impact on our entire school community.”

Watts’ love for language has permeated down to benefit P-H-M’s elementary and middle school students as well. Watts was involved in the creation of P-H-M’s Summer Visual Arts Academy, a week-long summer enrichment program that integrates music, art, and culture. One of the first years the VAA included Spanish language instruction, for which Watts helped develop the curriculum. She’s also been involved with the district’s summer week-long Language Academy camps for elementary and middle school students, with a different language featured each year.

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short has seen the impact Watts has on students over the years.

“Kelley’s impact is felt across our entire district,” Dr. Short said. “She is deeply committed to helping students at every level develop a love of language and culture, and she creates meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity and connection in all of our learners.” 

Every Spring P-H-M honors a Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year and a Certified Employee of the Year. All three honorees are officially recognized at P-H-M’s annual Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner, which will be held this year on Wednesday, May 20th. The two Teachers of the Year will then go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced Fall 2026 by the Indiana Department of Education. The PHM Education Foundation awards each Teacher of the Year a $1,000 grant and gift card to the Employee of the Year.

2026 Running is Elementary will be held Monday, May 4 (Rain Date Wednesday, May 6) at Elm Road Elementary School, 59400 Elm Rd, Mishawaka.

Timeline of Events:

• 2:50 p.m. – Introductions
• 3:00 p.m. – 5th gr. Girls Race
• 3:20 p.m. – 5th gr. Boys Race
• 3:40 p.m. – 4th gr. Girls Race
• 4:00 p.m. – 4th gr. Boys Race

Parking Information:

• Elm Road will be filled first before using Grissom Middle School, 13881 Kern Rd., Mishawaka
• Family/Spectator parking at the bottom of Elm Road School as space allows. This area will be primarily be for principals, coaches, and volunteers

ALL Runners need to be picked up no later than 4:30 at Elm Road. Runners may leave following completion of their grade’s run by checking out with the coach. 

RAIN DATE: Principals will be notified by Noon on Monday and information will be posted on elementary schools’ website along with P-H-M & Education Foundation website PHMEF.org 

Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees Secretary Dana Sullivan is being recognized at the state level for her commitment to leadership and continued learning.

Sullivan recently earned a Distinguished Level 3 award through the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA), a statewide organization that supports and trains school board members across Indiana. 

Through its School Board Member Awards Program, ISBA honors board members who go above and beyond in their dedication to professional development and effective school governance. Earning the Distinguished Level 3 award represents a significant investment of time and effort and a strong commitment to thoughtful leadership and continuous growth. 

In addition to individual recognition, the Penn-Harris-Madison School Board was also honored this year with the Commendable Board Recognition. This recognition is given to school boards whose members have actively participated in professional development through the ISBA program. 

Congratulations to Dana Sullivan on earning this recognition, and thanks to all School Board members for the time, leadership, and care they put into supporting student success.