TECHNOVATION 2016—part of the IDOE’s Summer of eLearning conference series—is all about educators sharing what they have learned about using technology effectively in the classroom.  

The two-day conference (July 20 and 21) will be centered on the intentional placement and innovative practices of technology in the classroom.  The conference will be held at Penn High School (56100 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka IN). All sessions and workshops will be designed to benefit K-12 educators and those who support instructional technology in school districts across northcentral Indiana. 

State Superintendent of Instruction Glenda Ritz will address conference attendees July 20, and Mr. George Couros will deliver the July 21 keynote address.  Couros is the Division Principal for Parkland School Division, Canada, and an Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership consultant. Couros also recently released the book The Innovator’s Mindset and he hosts the website The Principal of Change.

Penn-Harris-Madison is pleased to host this conference for the second time. Last year the school district participated in the Summer of eLearning by hosting the one-day Technovation “Road Trip.” Over 300 attendees, speakers, volunteers and vendor-partners participated in the 2015 conference. 

Organizers anticipate that this year’s event will draw more than 400 people—all ready to share what they know about teaching and learning in the digital age!

WHAT TO EXPECT

July 20 – WORKSHOP DAY

• Day One will feature a keynote by Indiana State Superintendent Glenda Ritz, as well as half day workshops centered on use of technology in instruction. Lunch will be provided.

July 21 – CONCURRENT SESSIONS

• Day Two will feature a keynote by George Couros, author and leading educator in the areas of innovative leadership, teaching and learning. Also planned: Concurrent sessions and a chance to see what’s new in technology from our valued partners. Lunch will again be provided, as will opportunities to win door prizes!

►Find out more at the Technovation 2016 eLearning Conference Website

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Register now for general admission using the link below.

►Register online at Technovation 2016 Attendee Registration

After May 1, go back online to see the schedule of sessions and workshops and reserve seating for the ones you would like to attend.

CALL FOR PRESENTERS

The strength of a conference is built on the quality of its sessions! We will be offering multiple concurrent sessions (approx. 50 min.) and workshops (approx.120 min.) spanning teacher, leadership and tech director strands.

If you would like to present at TECHNOVATION 2016, click on the link below to propose a session. We are looking for topics that are relevant across the K-12 spectrum and can engage beginning, intermediate and advanced adult learners. (Know that if demand for a particular session is low, that session may be removed from the schedule.)

Please share this opportunity with anyone you know who might be interested in presenting at TECHNOVATION 2016.

►Session Proposal Google Form 

Show your support for P-H-M principals AND help raise money for our schools. 

At the P-H-M Education Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Gala on April 23, P-H-M principals will perform Vaudeville-style acts, competing against other P-H-M school teams. 

All the acts will be unique and definitely entertaining, but only one of the six teams—the one with the most votes—will win the PHaMmy award!

Here’s how you can help raise money for our schools:

• Watch the brief promo videos below to see what each team is up to, then vote for your favorite—or vote for all of them!
• Votes cost $10 each and you can cast multiple votes between now and the evening of the Gala. Follow the directions provided below the videos.
• 50% of what each team raises will go directly back to that team’s schools!

• The first 100 votes for each team will be matched dollar for dollar by Gary Fox of Crowe Horwath. (Mr. Fox is P-H-M Board of School Trustees President, and an Education Foundation Board Member.)

Team One: Penn Principal Steve Hope and his talented team

Team Two: Three elementary principals up for the challenge

Team Three:  A 5-principal act!

Team Four: Middle School principals joining forces

Team Five:  Don’t underestimate these three!

Team Six: A Wildcard entry! Upstart or underdog?

►START VOTING TODAY & give your favorite team a head start! Follow these easy steps:

1. Click "Browse, Bid and Buy – View Items"
2. ​Click "Register” to create a Gesture account 
3. Vote for any/all of the six teams (listed as auction items #101-106)

Check here daily to see how the votes are coming in, and which team’s in the lead!

►WATCH LIVE STREAM OF THE GALA PERFORMANCES (Sat., April 23, 7:30 p.m.) on the Penn News Network—then vote again! Votes will be tallied and a winner announced at the end of the evening.

►PARTICIPATE IN THE SILENT AUCTION at the same “Browse, Bid and Buy” page where you cast your votes. Check out the many attractive items being offered, then stay on top of the bidding to get what you want and benefit the Foundation.  

The P-H-M Education Foundation has many reasons to celebrate its 20 years of service to the P-H-M community.  

Since 1996, the Foundation has distributed more than $520,000 to our schools and classrooms via innovative teaching grants. The Foundation also uses proceeds to underwrite district activities with widespread impact such as “Running is Elementary” and the “Summer Visual Arts Academy.”  

Your team votes and auction bidding support PHMEF’s mission of excellence in education!

Penn High School Biology teacher John Gensic has been selected as a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. 

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Mr. Gensic will be recognized with other honorees by the Indiana Department of Education at a luncheon Friday, April 15, 2016 in Indianapolis. The National Science Foundation convenes a national selection committee (composed of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science educators, district level personnel and classroom teachers) to review the applications of the state finalists. That committee then recommends to NSF up to two finalists in mathematics or science from each state for the PAEMST.  

The national PAEMST winners are expectected to be announced Summer 2016. Each awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 award from NSF. Awardees and their guests are honored during events that take place in Washington, DC. These events include an award ceremony, celebratory receptions, professional development programs, and discussions with policy-makers on how to improve mathematics and science (including computer science) education. Since 1983, more than 4,400 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. 

In the summer of 2015, Gensic was one of 15 educators chosen from more than 60 applicants, to work alongside scientists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a research project on Lake Michigan. As part of the Lake Michigan Shipboard Science Workshop, Gensic and the scientists worked on onboard the research vessel Lake Guardian from July 12-18. Gensic and the other teachers evaluated the presence of microplastics and assessed the impact of aquatic invasive species—particularly zebra and quagga mussels—on Lake Michigan’s ecosystem. Samples were analyzed onboard the research vessel’s laboratories. You can read more about about Gensic’s research and experience by clicking here.

The St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce named Mr. Nathan Boyd, principal of Grissom Middle School, a member of the 2016 Michiana “Forty under 40” class.

The Michiana “Forty under 40” program is a collaborative effort involving the Young Professionals Network of South Bend, SJC Chamber, Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Gates Automotive Group, the South Bend Tribune and a number of major employers intended to honor 40 young professionals within this region for their contributions and accomplishments in both their workplace and community.

This is not the first time a P-H-M teacher or administrator has been named a member of the “Forty under 40” class. Schmucker Middle School Principal Sean Galiher was a member of the 2015 class; Meadow’s Edge Principal Jayson Snyder was honored in 2014, as was Grissom Assistant Principal Lavon Dean Null in 2013. Prior to that P-H-M’s Director of Professional Development Heather Short was a member of the 2008 class and Penn teacher and Spell Bowl coach Pete DeKever was named to the 2007 class. 

Mr. Boyd and this year’s other nominees will be honored at a Recognition Luncheon which will take place Friday, May 6 at the Gillespie Conference Center.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation learned today (Thursday, March 24, 2016) that it has been honored with the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. P-H-M is just one of 13 Indiana school districts and 476 districts across the country receiving this prestigious award in 2016.

The Best Communities Music Education (BCME) designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.  The BCME award acknowledges the commitment of P-H-M’s music teachers and administrators in the District’s 11 elementary and three middle schools and Penn High School.  One of the reasons why Penn’s music program is so strong is because of the music programs at Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom Middle Schools. All students have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as an elective starting in 6^th grade. In our elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes.

Thursday’s news of the BCME award comes as Penn High School’s Jazz I Ensemble is preparing to perform and compete in the prestigious Savannah Jazz Festival competition coming up March 30 – April 1. Penn’s Jazz Ensemble I is just one of 12 high school jazz ensembles to qualify for this event. Penn Jazz I was selected by audition as a finalist and will have the opportunity to work with some of today's best jazz musicians and educators as a part of a three-day workshop and competition.

Penn High School has a Fine Arts & Communication Academy as part of its unique academy structure. The seven academy design provides Penn students with relevant and meaningful coursework taught in smaller, supportive environments where each student is known well by his teacher and peers. Almost of Nearly a third of Penn’s total 3,500 students are enrolled in the Fine Arts Academy with the majority being involved with music programs, either Choir, Orchestra, Band or another music program. Three students were selected to perform as part of the Indiana All-State Choir in January 2016; and 62 students will be traveling to Ireland next week (March 30-April 6, 2016) for performances. Three students participated in the All State Orchestra also in January 2016. The accolades go on and on for Penn’s Fine Arts program … you can read more about them by clicking here. Ticket information for upcoming spring 2016 Fine Arts performances click here.

About The NAMM Foundation: 

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, school districts have submit answers to a detailed survey. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.  For more information about the NAMM Foundation or the BCME award, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

P-H-M’s 30^th annual Elementary Spell Bowl took place Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Nearly 200 third, fourth, and fifth grade students took the stage at Penn High’s Center for Performing Arts, all prepared to do their best in regulated competition.

Northpoint Elementary spellers accomplished a sweep, finishing first at all three grade levels—including a perfect score of 30 at fourth grade!

In third grade competition, the Bittersweet, Madison, Mary Frank and Prairie Vista teams each scored 23 points, resulting in a four-way tie for second place.

The fourth grade spellers did very well, with the Bittersweet, Prairie Vista and Walt Disney teams each scoring 26 points and also finding themselves in a tie for second place.

On the heels of Northpoint’s winning fifth grade team was the Horizon team who took second place with 26 points and the Prairie Vista team whose 25 points brought them third place honors.

Each of the 11 elementary schools fielded three six-person teams (plus one alternate) representing grades 3, 4, and 5. Led by a teacher-coach, the teams spend weeks preparing for Spell Bowl. They may study word lists, learn about derivations (e.g., Latin roots) and rules (e.g., capitalization, pluralization), all the while gaining confidence in their ability to think clearly and spell correctly under pressure.

During the competition, each student must listen to a word, then write it on paper within a 15-second time limit. Their written entries are reviewed by a panel of judges and their score posted in front of the audience. Each correct spelling is worth one point.

Penn High School’s Center for Performing Arts was the setting, and it was full of students, family, friends, and faculty. The audience was hushed as spellers worked, but cheers broke out whenever results were announced.

Mrs. Anne-Marie Reininga, K-5 High Ability Coordinator for the district, manages the P-H-M Spell Bowl and works to assure that it is a positive and enriching experience for students. Academic competition can give students confidence, increase their motivation to sharpen their skills and abilities, and expand their opportunities to receive recognition.

Congratulations to all who participated in the 30^th Annual P-H-M Spell Bowl!

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees voted to approve the sponsorship agreement between the P-H-M Education Foundation and Tradewinds Restaurant (Mishawaka) at tonight’s Board meeting (Monday, March 28, 2016).

Per the agreement, Tradewinds will donate $25,000 to the P-H-M Education Foundation endowment for a 12-year naming rights period, thereby affording the family-owned restaurant the opportunity to name the second floor concession stand, near the entrance to the pool and across the main gymnasium at Penn High School. Tradewinds will also pay the signage costs to have the stand renamed “Tradewinds Restaurant Concession Stand.”

The mission of the Education Foundation is to develop alternative sources of income to support education initiatives in the School Corporation by strengthening partnerships between the community and the District. PHMEF supports education through awarding innovative teaching grants, scholarships to students, staff development and other corporation-wide initiatives.

Per PHMEF’s naming rights fundraising initiative, 80 percent of the donation will go into the Foundation’s endowment, which will in turn provide alternative and additional funding for various co-curricular and extracurricular programs. The remaining 20 percent will directly fund professional development initiatives for P-H-M teachers. Continuing education and training of teachers is a major priority for P-H-M School District. With the recent release of the 2015 ISTEP+ scores, P-H-M believes the key to providing an excellent education is excellent teachers. 

A Laser Show is a high-tech entertainment experience and fun for all ages. Lean back in a comfortable chair under the projection dome, then relax and let yourself be carried away by the dancing lights and great sound tracks that feature some of the best music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90‘s. After you check out the classic rock music line-up below, you will want to catch more than one show!

Want to sample it now? Click on any show title in the schedule below for a 15-second preview!

Friday, March 11

• 6:30 p.m. ZEPPELIN
• 8:00 p.m. METALLICA

Saturday, March 12

• 6:30 p.m. LASER MANIA
• 8:00 p.m. PINK FLOYD “THE WALL”

Friday, March 18

• 6:30 p.m. VINYL
• 8:00 p.m. BEATLES & LASER POP (double show, 60 minutes)

Saturday, March 19

• 6:30 p.m. HYPNOTICA
• 8:00 p.m. PINK FLOYD “DARK SIDE”

If you are curious about which songs are included in any of the Laser Shows, here’s the play list for all shows.

All Laser Shows are presented at the P-H-M Digital Video Theater & Planetarium, located inside Bittersweet Elementary School at 55860 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka. Look for the DVT/Planetarium sign on Bittersweet Road (at the entrance drive that’s just north of Penn High School), turn in and head toward the baseball diamond. Bittersweet School and DVT/Planetarium parking will be on your left. 

The Laser Shows are 40-50 minutes in length. All seats are $5—including the “double feature” on March 18, which runs a little longer.

Place your ticket order in advance of a show by calling Director Melinda O’Malley at (574) 258-9569 and arrange to pick them up in advance or at the door. If you don’t opt for pre-sale tickets, simply arrive ahead of show time and buy at the door—cash only please. While ticket sales are limited to space available, seating is not assigned and patrons select their seats upon arrival. 

After the Laser Show series concludes, the DVT/Planetarium will host 8 additional public shows this spring.

• March 23       Cell! Cell! Cell! 
• March 30       Earthquake: A restless Earth
• April 14          Seven Wonders of the Universe
• April 20          Secrets of the Sun & Secret Lives of the Stars
• April 27          Wonders of the Universe/Powers of Ten
• May 4            Egypt: Secrets of the Mummies
• May 11          Spacepark 360
• May 25          Summer Night Sky

Click here to get all the spring show descriptions.

No matter your reason for coming to a DVT show—date night, family outing, lifelong learning, love of science, or just a break from your routine!— you will find affordable fun and quality entertainment with an educational edge.

At a Special Board Meeting held Thursday, March 3, 2016, Board of School Trustees President Gary Fox announced the Board’s unanimous decision to appoint Mrs. Angie Gates to fill the Harris Township board vacancy created by the resignation of former Trustee Mr. Larry Romero on February 8, 2016.

A graduate of Warsaw Community High School, Gates earned a B.S. in Communication Arts and an Education degree from Taylor University (Upland, Indiana) and worked as a teacher in Puebla, Mexico for two years. Gates, of Granger, has six children in Penn-Harris-Madison schools ranging from Kindergarten to eighth grade (four at Northpoint Elementary School and two at Discovery Middle School). She is actively engaged at both of her children’s schools volunteering in the classroom, on various PTO committees supporting extracurricular activities, as well as participating in school trips.

Gates has strong interests in expanded growth opportunities for students outside of the classroom. She traveled to China as part of the P-H-M middle school Experiential Learning Abroad program. On a recent service mission trip to Nicaragua, Gates and her family served at a school and orphanage.  An opportunity Gates says strengthened her commitment to bring cross-cultural opportunities to all students.

“Community partnerships that allow for experiences in real life settings excite me,” said Gates. “Making enhanced education opportunities available to all interested P-H-M students is a priority of mine. As the newest member to the P-H-M Board of School Trustees, I will work to support and contribute to the continued momentum and success of our great school District.”

“What impressed the Board the most about Mrs. Gates is her commitment and passion as a P-H-M parent,” said Board President Gary Fox. “With several children in the District at various levels, Mrs. Gates has great first-hand knowledge of our schools. Her time and commitment to her own children’s education proves that she will also work tirelessly for all P-H-M students.”

Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker noted, “Parents are the backbone of P-H-M’s ‘Triangle of Success’ and why it works so well. Mrs. Gates exemplifies parent involvement. Not only is she actively engaged with her own children’s education, but she enthusiastically lends her time and passion to support our entire school system dedicated to seeing all students succeed. She’s a great addition to the P-H-M Board.”

As a Board Appointee, Gates will serve the remainder of Mr. Romero’s term, which runs through December 31, 2018. If she wishes to seek reelection, she will run in November 2018.

Gates will be officially sworn in at the next regular Board Meeting which will be Monday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will take place at Prairie Vista Elementary, 15400 Brick Rd., Granger, Indiana. A full schedule of Board Meetings can be found on this page of our website at https://www.phmschools.org/board-meeting-dates.

Ignite Michiana is a recurring event that brings the community together to learn about great initiatives and progressive ideas with local impact. The format is fast and fun: A dozen or more speakers have five minutes each to “pitch” an idea, striving to get the audience’s attention and in some cases to leave with pledges of support. Each presentation is enlivened by a fast-paced slideshow and each speaker high fives the next one when passing off the microphone. Ignite Michiana events are lively, to be sure, but more importantly they succeed at creating a sense of community and helping people connect on causes.

Ignite Michiana’s theme on Feb. 25 was “Cleared for Take-off” and fittingly, the crowd of 700+ attendees gathered in the Studebaker Hangar on the grounds of the South Bend International Airport to hear 14 youth leaders from this community speak about what’s on their mind and in their future. Co-Sponsor of the event was St. Joe CEO, a business-backed community initiative that gives a selected cohort of high schoolers with an entrepreneurial bent a year of leadership experiences and an opportunity to earn dual (high school and college) credits.

Three P-H-M students presented to a very receptive audience at the Feb. 25 event, and each did a remarkable job. Here’s a recap:

Zach Biggs, a gregarious Penn senior, served as one of two hosts for the evening. He and his partner managed all the announcements, segues and “extras” (even leading a Happy Birthday sing-along for a surprised guest) with enthusiasm and poise.

The evening’s printed program notes say this about Zach: Captain of the Varsity Rugby team, president of the Spirit Club, school mascot and DECA participant, these are just some of the activities Zach participates in. In the summer Zach works as a fry cook in the Jr. Grill at the Morris Park Country Club; he’s also one of the Kids Club leaders at the country club. Through his work Zach has learned many important customer service skills such as patience and communications. He is a passionate leader, and works well in a group setting. He enjoys being with his friends, playing rugby, and working out in his free time. Zach is excited about being enrolled in the St. Joe CEO program and about what the future holds.

The program notes about Hunter Reynolds tell just part of his story: Hunter is a sixth grader at Schmucker Middle school, and tonight he will share the journey of creating his very own non-profit organization called “Hunter’s Hounds.”  Hunter is just a typical boy with a heart for humanitarianism. Through “Hunter’s Hounds,” Hunter sews and donates dog and cat beds to places around the world, including our K-9 heroes in Afghanistan. Hunter is a selfless and passionate young man who wants nothing more than to inspire others to do something kind for those around us.  

Did you notice that Hunter is only in sixth grade? Although he’s too young to participate in the St. Joe CEO program, he accepted an invitation to speak at Ignite Michiana alongside the older students because he’s passionate about his project and confident about sharing his story.

Hunter also surrounds himself with a great support group. Applauding him from the audience were seven family members —with whose help he’s made and donated over 300 pet beds so far—as well as Schmucker’s Principal Mr. Sean Galiher, P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and several members of the P-H-M School Board!

Sam Scholtes was the evening’s final speaker and he closed the program on a high note. While telling about the variety of things he’s done in his school career, he pointed out the importance of trying new things, the pay-off of courage and confidence, and the value of being part of something bigger than yourself. Sam can add “motivational speaker” to his resume now!

The program notes about Sam: Sam Scholtes is a senior at Penn and will attend Indiana University this coming fall, where he will double major in Accounting and Spanish. Sam will be speaking about his involvement in various activities and the importance of trying new things. Sam plays football and rugby, is involved in 4H, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the business club DECA. The experiences Sam has been involved in have given him confidence in anything he pursues, and he is excited to earn a degree through the Kelley School of Business.

The 35 students in the St. Joe CEO program will have another opportunity to shine at their May 11 Business Expo. The trade show will highlight the businesses they’ve launched, and continue to connect them with community members and business leaders who support their success.