ND’s Austin Torres to help lead Kingsmen Basketball Camp

Campers will have the opportunity to learn from Kingsmen and University of Notre Dame alum Austin Torres at the upcoming Kingsmen Basektball Day Camp!  

 

After a great career at Notre Dame, Austin is giving back to Penn High School and Penn-Harris-Madison Schools by passing on his knowledge to younger players. Austin will be will be a lead instructor at the Kingsmen Day Camp June 11th -15th.

 

Austin Torres   Austin Torres

 

The camp is for boys currently in grades 4-8th grade. Registrations are still being accepted up until the first day of camp.  Click here to register online or to download and print a pdf flier.

 

Click to check out the full list of other Kingsmen Athletic Camps being offered this summer.

Calendar for 2018-2019 school year released

  • The first day for students of the 2018-2019 school year at Penn-Harris-Madison is Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018.

 

  • The last day for students of the 2018-2019 school year at Penn-Harris-Madison is Wednesday, June 5, 2019.

 

  • Commencement for Penn High School is scheduled for Friday, June 7, 2019, at the University of Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion.

 

Other key dates include:

  • Oct. 26 & 29, 2018: Fall Recess
  • Nov. 21-23, 2018: Thanksgiving Recess
  • Dec. 24-Jan. 4, 2019: Winter Break
  • April 1-5, 2019: Spring Break

 

Click to view the full P-H-M Corporate Calendar.

P-H-M Offers Summer Food Service Program

The Food Service Department of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is participating in the Summer Food Service Program for Summer 2018.

 

FREE MEALS will be available to children 18 years of age and under, or persons more than 18 who are determined by a state or local public education agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who participate in a public or non-profit private school program established for the mentally or physically disabled. 

 

The program will operate Monday through Friday. All sites will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

 

Please click here for more information and a complete list of sites and dates.

2018 Employee Recognition Night

P-H-M’s 26th Annual Employee Recognition Dinner was held on Wednesday, May 16 honoring the District’s Teacher of the Year, Employee of the Year and retirees. Service Awards were also given to employees who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 years of service to Penn-Harris-Madison. A special Employee Recognition Award was given to Elnora Freeman, Office Aide at Elm Road Elementary. Elnora has been with P-H-M for 50 years! She received a standing ovation at last night’s dinner (Click here for a full list of this year’s Service Award employees). 

Elnora Freeman  Elenora Freeman

 

The dinner was generously sponsored by Teachers Credit Union. Click here to view the photo gallery below for pictures from this year’s memorable evening.

 

As part of Teacher of the Year Danielle Black’s recognition, she received a $1,000 grant from the P-H-M Education Foundation to use in her classroom. Danielle is not only the Academy Leader for Penn’s Early College and teaches English, but she’s also the Musical Director for Penn’s annual Spring Musical (Click to watch the surprise announcement made May 4). Danielle, who’s been with P-H-M for five years, was nominated by fellow Academy faculty members who commend her for making sure her students have access to every opportunity possible to help them succeed. She teaches from her “heart and soul” working to make sure her students, not only feel, but also believe that they matter. Danielle also co-founded the charity Awake & Alive, Inc. and opened a school for the impoverished, orphaned children in the slums in Ethopia’s capital city.  These are just one of the many reasons why she’s her colleagues and students say she’s such a great teacher. Click to watch the video below to hear more reasons why Danielle is so well respected …

 

 

Schmucker’s Building Tech Lee Riley was chosen as Classified Employee of the Year (Click to watch the video of the surprise announcement made May 4). She has worked for P-H-M 18 years, but she came to know P-H-M long before that serving as a parent volunteer in the library at Schmucker for eight years before being hired as a Media Aide in 2000. She then became Learning Lab Coordinator position and then Building Tech working for both Bittersweet and Schmucker. Today, she provides full time technology support for Schmucker’s nearly 1,000 students and staff!  was nominated by a fellow Schmucker staff member who commented, “Lee spends countless hours before, during and after school helping many different departments … She will not stop until the problem is solved or the question is answered. If she doesn't know the answer, she will find it!” Click to watch the video below to hear more reasons why Lee was chosen as Classified Employee of the Year …

 

 

This year 47 longtime employees retired from P-H-M:

Retirement Reflections

·       What is your favorite memory or what did you like most about working at
P-H-M?

·       What words of advice would you give to your fellow colleagues?

·       What new adventure awaits for you in retirement?

Margaret Csenar
Teacher
34 Years of Service

 

First of all, I can't believe I am filling out a retirement survey! Didn't I just start my teaching career? 

 

Reflecting back on my 34 years in Penn-Harris-Madison, my favorite memory would definitely be meeting my husband, Tom! Tom and I met when Moran and Grissom staffs would meet on Friday evenings at “Between the Buns.” I have been so fortunate to teach alongside the most amazing staff at Moran Elementary my entire teaching career. Moran has always been an A rated school, and it truly is a hidden treasure in our Corporation.

 

My advice to my colleagues is simple … My grandpa used to tell me, “Live life to the fullest. Every day is a gift and live it well!”

 

In retirement, I plan to travel, volunteer and help my mom check things off of her “Bucket List.” We are taking a cruise to Cuba in October! I am also looking forward to spending time with my daughters too!

Tonja D'Haenens
ESP
25 Years of Service

 

I was lucky enough to experience both Harris and Mary Frank. I enjoyed the size of Harris and the challenges of my dual role of library and technology in both buildings. I especially enjoyed working with the students in areas of their interest and watching their growth from K-5th. I will take with me into my retirement many wonderful memories of both students and colleagues that are like family to me.

 

My advice to those whom I leave behind is to always remember why they are there and why they chose their profession. It has become a harder job for many of us over the years due to a lot of different circumstances. The challenge has always been to figure out why a child is acting like they are and to give them support to meet their needs. The rewards are there, but sometimes you don't realize those rewards until years later when you hear about the accomplishments of former students or they come to visit.

 

I intend to spend my retirement enjoying travel with my husband and spending more time with our children and grandchildren. We have three grandchildren in California and one grandchild in Granger who are already planning my days.

Deb Hildreth
Administrator
14 Years of Service

 

I have enjoyed my 14 years at Mary Frank working with a wonderful staff and fellow administrators. I have so many great memories: staff celebrations, becoming a Four Star School, our Positive Behavior Assemblies, and having my office decorated with bunnies after an incident with a bunny on the playground. My favorite memory was at an end-of a-year Positive Behavior Assembly when our staff took over the final assembly with a flash mob dance. The time spent with staff practicing, laughing at ourselves while learning the dance and just building comradery was such fun, and the look in our students’ faces made our effort so worth it!

 

As I retire, I would like to leave my colleagues and fellow administrators the following words …Take life one day at a time, plan ahead but don’t let the “what ifs” drag you into worry. Enjoy each day with its rewards and remember that the challenges stretch us and make us better. Enjoy the individuals that you work with it because it is all about relationships: build them, support them and nurture them.

 

As I enter into retirement, I hope to spend time with family and friends. I look forward to visiting them in multiple locations throughout the United States and taking my great nieces and nephews for overnight adventures. I also plan to take more time to read, walk, sew, quilt with friends, travel and be more involved with Bible Study Fellowship and church ministries. 

Mary Keller
Teacher
18 Years of Service

 

I know that I could share many memories about students, but there are two things that will stay with me. One memory is the amazing staff at Discovery. In 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and wanted to continue to work during the chemotherapy and radiation. My colleagues and school staff were very supportive. I had days from the chemo when my skin was bright red and then no hair for months. Everyone blessed me with encouraging words and a large amount of Dine-In gift cards. It was the push that I needed to keep going. I will be forever grateful! 

 

The other is the support that I not only got from everyone at Discovery, but also at other P-H-M schools during the years that I had a total of 14 foster children in my home. The children who attended Discovery were surrounded by teachers wanting to help them be successful and see a different path in life. Others attended Mary Frank and Penn High School where they experienced the same. It was an extended family pouring into the children: knowledge, love, and hope. Working for this Corporation has not only supported my growth as a teacher, but also as an individual traveling down adventurous paths in life.

 

My advice for my colleagues would be: Develop short term memory loss! Each day is a new day! Forget the issues you had the day before with a student. Forget the mistakes you made making a hundred decisions daily. Problem solve, learn, and move on!

 

I am not sure what new adventures await. I know that I will be busy with my grandchildren and family. I might start a business, be a child advocate, or be a support to children with cancer in some way. Time will tell! 

Kathryn Lock

Teacher

20 Years of Service

 

I signed a contract in the basement of the ESC (I was actually on my way to interview for a 4/5 maternity leave position and Pam Von Rahl met with me first!) I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey at Northpoint, first for Joint Services and then for P-H-M. I began the journey at both Prairie Vista and Northpoint with a split assignment and then continued on with Northpoint. The past 20 years have filled my heart. The people, both children and adults who have crossed my path, have left me with wonderful memories. 

 

Be positive, encourage those around you, be passionate about what you do, be kind!

 

Retirement will include golfing on as many courses in different states as I am able, enjoying my husband, family and five amazing grandchildren, gardening, cooking, and my beautiful lake home!

Erin Neufelder

Teacher

32 Years of Service

 

The most important memories while working for P-H-M include creating all of the lifelong friendships with my colleagues, wonderful parents, and the many students I was blessed to teach. In 1989 I had a large "student choir" sing "The Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston at our wedding. Her words hold dear to me today … "Children are our future, teach them well, and let them lead the way …"

A piece of advice that I would give to a fellow colleague would be to truly believe in children's Emotional Quotient. As Don Quimby taught us, their "EQ" is more important than their IQ! Show your passion and value children everyday as you teach, and always remember to never let anyone steal your JOY!

 

The new adventure that awaits us is our big move to our condo on Longboat Key, Florida! My husband and I are literally packing up and selling everything in our home in Granger and moving! We will enjoy sailing, fishing, kayaking, biking, company from the north, breakfast/lunch/dinner with friends, watching beautiful sunsets, and many, many long walks on the beach!

 

I gave teaching my all, and I pray I touched the hearts of my students and colleagues along the way.

Judith Phillips
Bus Aide
14 Years of Service

 

My being a bus aide for special needs children, beginning with my very special Michael K., from his 7th and 8th grade grades at Discovery through Penn, then there was young adults along with a large number of other special boys and girls has been the most rewarding job in my life.

 

Seeing the smiles on their faces, talking to their parents and being with dedicated bus drivers, along with the friendships I have established these years, have made me enjoy going to work each day.

 

Patience and love is very important, along with kindness.

Beth Raker

Teacher/Instructional Tech Coordinator

44 Years of Service         

 

I have so many memories it's hard to know where to start. The best ones are of relationships with my students, their parents and with the many staff members I've worked with. I especially like it when I run into a student or parent in public and they say hello. It’s the BEST when they say I was their favorite teacher. Now that my job is about supporting staff, I appreciate all the kind notes and thank you's when I'm able to help. They make my day!

 

I love to quilt and sew, so I will be doing more of that and going to quilt conventions will be easier to schedule. I intend to spend more time volunteering at Ten Thousand Villages and Busy Hands of Michiana. I imagine I will also be doing some volunteering with robotics in the elementary school (thanks to pressure from a certain person who shall not be named here!).

 

I can be more help ferrying grandkids and will see more of them, I hope. I also love to read so now I can stay up late to finish those last few chapters and then sleep in. In addition, my husband and I will do some traveling but don't have any definite plans right now. I also promise to get up on Fridays (most of them) for my breakfast group at The Curve, even though it will be VERY EARLY!!

Mary Ann Saoud

Teacher

26 Years of Service

 

Working for P-H-M has been a joy. After taking 10 years off to have children and raise my family, I never thought I would teach again. Jobs were few and far between for those who graduated in the mid 70’s. About the time I was called back in my district in a Detroit suburb, we were moving out of state for my husband’s career to Pittsburgh. After living six years in Pittsburgh, the company decided to move its corporate headquarters to Mishawaka. I am so thankful that Don Quimby decided he wanted a computer class at the middle school. He believed in me and gave me a chance to work at something I

love. He encouraged me daily and we worked together to develop a computer program for middle school.

 

I enjoyed the relationships I made after moving to Indiana during my career with P-H-M. Moving your family from another state is always difficult. My peers and colleagues soon became my family. These friendships have endured even though many have retired or moved on to other jobs and buildings.

 

I am also thankful to Sheryll Harper for always pushing the envelope and encouraging us to try new things and new mindsets in our classrooms. I truly feel blessed working for P-H-M. My advice to my colleagues is to believe you are making a difference every day even if you leave the building feeling defeated. On those defeated days, always come back with new ideas or approaches striving for a different result. The “Star Fish” story has always been a favorite of mine and reminds me that often the little things we do in life can truly make a difference in the lives of those we come in contact with daily. I have this story posted in my room and look at it often.

 

I am looking forward to spending time with my two grandsons ages 3 and 6 months. I am hoping to travel a bit with my husband and family. I am looking forward to a less hectic schedule, if such a thing exists.

Denise Seger

Administrator

15 Years of Service

 

My fondest memory at P-H-M is participating in graduation day ceremonies annually. I am very proud that I was able to present my three children their Penn High School academic honors diplomas.

 

As I look back at the highlights of my career, I am proud of three aspects: mentoring, leadership and strategic planning initiatives. I have enjoyed teaching other school business officials and administrators and watching them become successful in their career path. The team work of my fellow business department colleagues helped us to achieve the best State Board of Accounts audit. During my 15 years, we have improved the financial health of the school corporation by implementing financial management practices. Working with our Facilities Department, we planned $80 million worth of building improvements during my tenure without increasing taxes.

 

I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as an administrator in P-H-M and work with wonderful people. My words of advice are to always think about the students first when making decisions. I believe I have earned the respect of my colleagues by being honest, hard-working and treating all people equally.

After 33 years of serving as a teacher and administrator, I desire to explore other avenues in public education. One of my favorite pastimes is reading and I would like to work in a bookstore near the beach!

 

Patsy Sherer
Teacher
30 Years of Service

 

I have taught elementary music in P-H-M for 30 years, in 13 rooms, in eight schools with 12 principals. For many of those years, I was able to teach part-time while my children were young. I was grateful for the flexibility of the Corporation for making that possible. I enjoyed working with so many different people and experiencing the culture and the unique personalities of each school.

 

Advice is easy to give, harder to live. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh. Be the kind of person others want to work with. Be kind. Assume everyone has the students’ best interests at heart. Give your co-workers the benefit of the doubt and value everyone’s contributions. Let students see your mistakes and challenges (no, I can’t get a decent sound out of a flute, hard as I might try!).

 

In the coming months and years, I want to continue making music with others. I plan to do freelance piano accompanying and perhaps teach some private lessons. Maybe I’ll even learn to play another instrument. I hope to do some traveling, but as of this writing have no definite plans.

Kristine Smith
Teacher

16 Years of Service

 

Favorite Memories … too many to sort through!!! But when I tell my students there is going to be a sub and they all groan, I just love that! Another VERY strong memory was the realization about 4 a.m. at our very first student council lock-in that Michael Coffee was probably one of the finest/wisest people I was ever going to meet; and he is! My Exceptional Ed family has also given me too many sweet memories to even begin to express. Thank you for allowing me to use too many exclamation marks, loving me, and allowing me to be me. 

 

Advice … after 36 years of teaching exceptional education, I still sometimes sit in my car at the end of a day and marvel (laugh) at the fact I get paid to teach the most incredible people on the planet. I think when teachers don't find the joy anymore it is time to go. 

 

That being said, this is a "fake retirement." My husband (who is "for reals" retiring from IUSB) and I are moving to South Carolina and taking a gap year to figure out what we want to do when we grow up. And there is an empty easel and many blank canvases with my name on them. 

Sandra Vanslager Zane
Teacher
28 Years of Service

 

I have enjoyed my years of experience at P-H-M. My first assignment was Assistant Athletic Director at Penn High School. After four years of administration, I returned to the classroom at Grissom Middle School and then on to Discovery Middle School while teaching Freshman PE at Penn during summer school for 24 years. I will miss working with the summer school teachers!!

 

I loved working with the Discovery Fitness Staff: Raoul, Donna, Terry and Chad my 8th grade sidekick. I will truly miss the camaraderie and also the professionalism of Sheryll and Troy at Discovery.

 

I treasure the friendships I have made throughout the years and experiences I have had at P-H-M. I especially appreciate the gifted aides and school nurses that work their magic with our students.

 

My plans for retirement begin with trying to catch up on all the things I have wanted to do for the past 48 years of my life given to teaching. I am looking forward to relaxing and spending time with family, being there for the ones who really need me now. I will enjoy exercising whenever I choose to do so, photography, gardening, some travel, just to mention a few. There are by far too many opportunities for me to list.

 

And for fellow colleagues, keep doing what you are doing that you know is right in your heart because one thing we can all count on is “that life changes.”

 

I will miss every one of you (some more than others), as you are and will remain, very special people in my life. May God be with you all. 

Donna Zorn
Teacher
33 Years of Service

 

I started working for P-H-M as a bus driver. During that time, I realized how much I enjoyed being with the kids. So when my son began kindergarten, I decided to go back to school to get my degree in education. It was the best decision I have ever made. Being a teacher is the most rewarding job. My happy place was in my classroom with my students!

 

When you find your passion, follow it! You will never regret it. Always reach for the stars!

 

I look forward to spending time in Florida during the winter months. My husband and I plan on golfing and enjoying the beautiful Florida beaches and sunsets!  Most of all, I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren.

Penn named in Indiana’s Top 20 of 2018 U.S. News Best High Schools

Penn High School was ranked 17th within Indiana (and one of only two in Northern Indiana) in US News & World Report’s 2018 U.S. News Best High Schools listing. With a 98% graduation rate, Penn was awarded a Silver Ranking. 

 

Penn’s other points of distinction noted by the prestigious national magazine ranking, students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement course work and exams. The AP participation rate at Penn High School is 49 percent.

 

Among Indiana schools in the 2018 U.S. News Best High Schools rankings, there are four gold medal schools, 39 silver medal schools and 79 bronze medal schools.

 

Indiana high school students typically follow the Core 40 curriculum, which includes required classes in English Language Arts, math, Social Studies and Science, among others. Students who fulfill additional requirements can earn a diploma with academic or technical honors. At Penn High School, more than 85% of students graduate with High Honors, Academic Honors or Technical Honors. Learn more about the Core 40 Curriculum on the Indiana Department of Education website.

 

The Academies at Penn High School provide the framework for student success. Through their work in each academy, students find relevant and meaningful coursework taught in a supportive environment where each student is known well by his teachers and peers. Through these “smaller learning communities,” students build relationships while engaged in relevant learning experiences.

 

Click to watch Class of 2018 student profiles from each of Penn’s seven academies (videos are being added every week leading up to Commencement on Mary 25, 2018)

 

Penn is a Four Star School earning the Project Lead the Way Distinguished School distinction in 2017-18 (for the 2016-17 school year), and the STEM Academy has been certified as a Full STEM Certified Program by the Indiana Department of Education. 

 

Click to see the full list and find out more how US News & World Report ranks the Best High Schools. 

Penn Assoc. Principal Randy Williams Named “Forty Under 40”

Penn High School’s Associate Principal Randy Williams was honored today (Friday, May 11) as a member of the 2018 Michiana "Forty under 40" class as part of the luncheon sponsored by the South Bend Regional Chamber. 

 

Randy’s wife, Bridgette (Asst. Athletic Director at Penn High School), his mother Sandy Williams, his brother David Imus, and his mother-in-law Bonnie Pluta were on hand for today’s recognition. Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, Penn Principal Sean Galiher, along with several other members of Penn and P-H-M’s administration were also present.

 

Randy Williams and family
David Imus, Sandy Williams, Randy Williams, Bridgette Williams and Bonnie Pluta

 

Randy Williams, Sean Galiher & Dr. Thacker
Penn Principal Sean Galiher, Randy Williams and P-H-M Supt. Dr. Jerry Thacker
Class of 2018 "Forty Under 40"
Class of 2018 "Forty Under 40"

 

Mr. Williams has been Associate Principal at Penn since 2016 overseeing the Freshman Academy (approximately 850 students) and helps support ongoing professional development for teachers, focusing on the importance of building positive relationships with students in order to increase student engagement and learning. He also oversees the Student Services office, supporting the Deans as they work to implement the Penn positive behavior plan, creating a positive and highly successful learning environment for about 3,500 high school students.

 

Mr. Williams has been with Penn-Harris-Madison since 2008 when he was hired as a Dean of Students at Penn. As Dean of students, Mr. Williams was instrumental in supporting former Penn Principal, Steve Hope, in utilizing a federal grant to build personalized learning approaches and Penn’s academy structure. Under Penn’s framework, students start 9th grade as part of Freshman Academy and are offered a supportive school environment where each and every student makes positive connections with teachers and peers, later moving into one of the six academic focused academies (Early College, Fine Arts & Communication, Health & Human Services, Management & Business, S.T.E.M. and World Languages). 

 

Mr. Williams has also served as principal of Madison Elementary School in 2010 and Walt Disney Elementary School in 2012. During his tenure at Disney, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. With the support of his school and all of P-H-M, Mr. Williams’ persevered and battled back from the cancer in just six months and has been cancer free for nearly three years. In May 2015, Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood named May 28 Randy Williams Day! The Day was marked with celebration in an all-school assembly with Randy’s wife, Bridgette, by his side. Bridgette Williams is one of the Assistant Athletic Directors at Penn. Together the couple have two young children.

 

Mr. Williams is also involved in the Livestrong program at the South Bend YMCA as well as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

 

This is not the first time a P-H-M teacher or administrator has been named a member of the “Forty under 40” class. P-H-M’s Exceptional Education Program Supervisor Dr. Jenny Sears won last year; former Grissom Middle School Principal Nathan Boyd was recognized in 2016; Sean Galiher, then principal of Schmucker now principal of Penn, was a member of the 2015 class; Dr. Jayson Snyder, then principal of Meadow’s Edge now Director of Professional Development was honored in 2014; as was Lavon Dean Null, now principal at Schmucker, in 2013. Prior to that P-H-M’s now Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Heather Short was a member of the 2008 class and Penn teacher and former Spell Bowl coach Pete DeKever was named to the 2007 class.

DVT now offers online ticket sales and seat reservations!

The P-H-M DVT & Planetarium is now proud to offer online ticket purchasing, seat reservation & online payment through the P-H-M RevTrak Web Store. Please click for schedule of public shows for the 2017-18 school year.
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2018 Silver Mile Bubble Bash Huge Success!

This inaugural year for the P-H-M Education Foundation’s Silver Mile new format … the Bubble Bash … was a huge success! Click here to see the full photo gallery below.

 

Hundreds of P-H-M students, family, teachers and staff turned out Saturday, May 5 at Penn High School for the morning non-timed 5K walk/run through the neighborhoods behind Penn. More than 1,500 enjoyed the gorgeous and warm weather and bubbles!

 

There was lots of pre-race activities to get the runners warmed up, including a School Spirit Contest and Zumba!

 

After the race, runners enjoyed post-race snacks donated by Whole Foods and Hacienda Restaurants and browsed through the Health & Fitness Expo in Penn’s Cafeteria. Free health screenings were offered by presenting sponsor Saint Joseph Health System, along with numerous businesses showcasing their health-related items.  More than 100 items were up for bid at the silent auction, including Penn High School parking spaces and front-row graduation seats. And families were treated to P-H-M’s talented students participating in the Silver Mile Talent Showcase inside the Main Arena. 

 

Thank you to all the sponsors including St. Joseph Health System, ABC 57, Sunny 101.5, Drive & Shine, and many others.

 

The Silver Mile Run for Education raises funds to provide innovative grants that fall outside the P-H-M school district’s budget. It remains the Foundation’s largest fundraiser in its 13th year.  We look forward to seeing you in May 2019!

 

*Please see the photo gallery below. To download a high resolution jpg file from the photo gallery, just simply click the “DOWNLOAD” button on the bottom right-hand corner of the photo while viewing it in the Photo Gallery function.

P-H-M 2018 Teacher of the Year Announced in Surprise Classroom Visit

Penn High School teacher Danielle Black got quite a surprise upon returning to her classroom the morning of Friday, May 4. When she returned to teach her Early College Academy English class, she found not just her students, but also Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, members of the media, student reporters from the school’s PNN network, P-H-M Cabinet members, her husband and two of her sons. That’s when Dr. Thacker informed Mrs. Black that she had been named P-H-M’s 2018 Teacher of the Year! 

 

Click to watch the video below of Mrs. Black’s surprise …

 


 

Mrs. Black had been “lured” to the Principal’s Office with Penn Principal Sean Galiher and Assistant Principal/Softball Coach Beth Zachary. Danielle’s husband Karl Black is a Math Teacher at Schmucker Middle School, which is across the street from Penn. He, two of the couple’s four children and Danielle’s parents Ed and Beth Lugbill were in on the surprise and were on hand for Friday morning’s surprise announcement: Braden is a sophomore at Penn and Nikolas is in 8th grade at Schmucker Middle School.

Danielle Black hugs family
Mrs. Black hugs family

Mrs. Black was nominated for the award by fellow Academy faculty members who commend her for making sure her students have access to every opportunity possible to help them succeed, “Danielle does everything in her power to help students realize the potential that they don’t even know they have inside them!” Mrs. Black has been with P-H-M for five years. She is admired and praised for her teaching methods finding ways to connect to her students and helping them find their own successes. Mrs. Black has a magnetic personality that inspires, empowers, teaches and reaches her students.
 

As the Early College Academy Leader, Mrs. Black has worked tirelessly shepherding and guiding the first cohort of ECA students these past four years. She is praised as a “true leader who is a servant to others,” inspiring her students and fellow colleagues alike. And on May 25, like the proud parent she is, Mrs. Black will surely applaud her ECA graduates through tears of joy as she watches them walk across the stage at Commencement. It’ll be quite an accomplishment for them, not only earning a Penn High School diploma, but also earning college credits … some graduating with a full Associate’s Degree!

 

As Penn’s Musical Director, Mrs. Black also devotes an immense amount of time every year to planning the spring musical. Her attention to detail is not lost. The costumes, scenery, casting and program design for this year’s performance of Shrek The Musical were outstanding. Her goal was to put on more than an enjoyable show; it was to help deliver a message as she notes in this excerpt from the Director’s Note: “We all need hope. We all need love. We all need to know we matter. I'm a believer that the more people embrace these truths, the better the world will be … for all of us.”

 

Mrs. Black practices what she preaches … doing her part to make the world a better place, even half way across the globe! She co-founded the charity Awake & Alive, Inc. and opened a school for the impoverished, orphaned children in the slums in Ethopia’s capital city. The school also provides medical care and general health education for the widowed mothers of the children.

 

Danielle and Karl Black have three biological sons and a daughter they adopted from Ethiopia.

Mrs. Black teaches from her “heart and soul” working to make sure her students, not only feel, but also believe that they matter. Her mission whether it is with the Early College Academy, Penn Theater or her charity … is to make sure everyone feels connected and valued!

Danielle's students hug her
Mrs. Black's students give her a group hug

Danielle will officially be recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wed., May 16th, along with the 2018 Classified Employee of the Year (Schmucker Building Tech was also surprised the morning of Friday, May 4 by Dr. Thacker with the good news of her win). Both winners will receive a plaque. As Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Black will also receive a $1,000 classroom grant from the P-H-M Education Foundation! She will also be eligible for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year award, which is announced by the IDOE in September/October 2018.

P-H-M 2018 Employee of the Year Named in Surprise Announcement

Schmucker Building Tech Lee Riley thought she was being called down to a classroom to fix a broken projector Friday morning (May 4) only to find Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, cameras and TV video cameras waiting for her. The sixth grade class students all happily yelled “SURPRISE” and Dr. Thacker let Mrs. Riley in on the secret that she had been named P-H-M’s 2018 Classified Employee of the Year!

 

Click below to watch the video of the surprise …

 

 

As an added bonus, Mrs. Riley’s husband Dr. Robert Riley was also in the classroom waiting to give her a congratulatory hug.

 

Lee Riley surprisedMr. & Mrs. Riley hugMr. & Mrs. Riley

Lee Riley came to know P-H-M like many people do in the community … as a parent! When she moved to the South Bend area in 1992, she was a parent volunteer in Schmucker’s library substituting for librarians when needed. She continued to volunteer in the SMS library for eight years before being hired as a Media Aide in 2000. She then became Learning Lab Coordinator and then Building Tech working for both Bittersweet and Schmucker. Today, 18 years later, she provides full time technology support for Schmucker’s nearly 1,000 students and staff!

 

Ironically, Mrs. Riley prides herself on not being technical saying “that makes me uniquely qualified to explain technology to users of all abilities.” It’s a talent that does not go unnoticed and unappreciated by Schmucker staff and students.

 

Every spring, P-H-M employees nominate employees who exemplify P-H-M Excellence. Mrs. Riley was nominated by a fellow Schmucker staff member who commented, “Lee spends countless hours before, during and after school helping many different departments … She will not stop until the problem is solved or the question is answered. If she doesn't know the answer, she will find it!”

Dr. Thacker talks about PHM's Triangle of Succes
Dr. Thacker talks about how teachers & staff complete P-H-M’s Triangle of Success 

Mrs. Riley’s special knack and talent … schedules! Her attention to detail is phenomenal. She creates and enters not only Schmucker’s master schedule, but now lends help and expertise to Grissom and Discovery. She also maintains the course catalog for all three middle schools!

 

Her impact is felt across the District through her work on the Student Information Management (SIM) Team Committee. Mrs. Riley works with all the building secretaries and various other departments, such as Transportation and Food Service, to establish usage guidelines of the student information database.

When Chromebooks were introduced at the middle schools in 2015, Mrs. Riley tackled that with the same enthusiasm as each piece of new technology she’s had to learn and manage. And this year, she came up with a way to handle all the repairs at SMS. Using select 8th graders, students, her “SMS Tech Team” helps other students with software fixes and repairs hardware as needed. She’s now working with Grissom and Discovery to establish the same programs in their schools.

 

Lee working with her SMS Student Tech Team Lee works with her students

Thanks to Mrs. Riley’s work ethic and dedication, she helps the District run more smoothly. “There is nothing better in my professional life than when a staff member tells me they were able to do what they wanted to do on their computer or tablet! I hope to continue to help our employees use and take advantage of the technology that P-H-M provides in the coming years.”

 

Lee is married to Dr. Robert Riley and has two adult children, both Penn graduates.

 

Lee will officially be recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wed., May 16th, along with the 2018 Teacher of the Year. Penn High School English Teacher, Early College Academy Leader and Theater Director Danielle Black was also surprised Friday morning (May 4) by Dr. Thacker with the good news of her win.