Penn Class of 2020 Virtual Commencement

On Friday, May 29, we hosted our Sixty First Commencement online recognizing more than 700+ graduating seniors. The pre-recorded ceremony debuted live on P-H-M District’s YouTube and Facebook channels starting at 7:00 p.m. Friday night (the time the originally scheduled in person ceremony was supposed to begin at on the campus of Notre Dame). You can click below to watch an archive of the video on YouTube. The virtual ceremony portion lasts approximately 2 hours and is preceded by a 30 minute  picture slideshow of some of the seniors with their yard signs and picking up their caps and gowns. Upwards of nearly 1,500 people, between YouTube and Facebook, tuned in the evening of May 29 to watch this one of a kind event!

 

Click here to view a gallery of photos we collected of the senior sign delivery that took place on Friday, May 15.

 

Plans of an in-person Commencement for the Class of 2020 are progressing. The event will be held at Penn High School in late July. More details will be shared with students and families in the coming days.

 

 

 

Memorial Day & Summer 2020 Meal Food Service Locations

The Food Service Department of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is participating in the Summer Food Service Program for Summer 2020. The summer program will run June 4 – August 18 at nine locations. 

 

Our school year meal service at the three locations of Prairie Vista, Grissom and Penn will continue through June 3. Click here for details on those pickup hours. Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day and no meals will be available. However, we will be handing out food backpacks at Grissom and Penn Friday, May 22 during lunch. Each backpack will have enough food for two meals for two kids. More details can be found here. 

 

The summer meal program will operate Monday through Friday, June 4 – August 18 at nine locations. Each location has different hours and dates of service. Please click here for more information and a complete list of sites and dates.

 

All sites will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2020.

 

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. 

 

Change in Registering & Enrollment Procedures during COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited access to our administrative offices until July. 

 

We have created an easy electronic registration process for families new to P-H-M or existing families with new students to enroll.

 

Please click here to visit our Enrollment page for more information and details.

Coping with Anticipatory Grief

 

During this uncertain time and time of change, it is important to take a moment to share information about anticipatory grief, what it is, possible signs and sources of support and help. Grief is typically associated with loss through a death, but the grief process can follow any type of loss, including losses that may result from COVID-19. The term anticipatory grief is not a new concept as it can relate to what occurs when people are expecting or anticipating the loss of something or someone. For instance, a person may experience anticipatory grief if they are going through a divorce or have received a life-changing medical diagnosis. Some people may experience anticipatory grief as they approach retirement because there is a change occurring and the retirement marks the ending to a chapter in one's life, even though it can be an exciting time as well. Anticipatory grief is relevant to all of us at different points in our lives, and is particularly of interest as we are adapting to changes due to COVID-19 as the concepts related to anticipatory grief can also be applied to what we are experiencing with COVID-19. Therefore, the information contained here really is an overview of anticipatory grief, signs, and how to cope in healthy ways. The information will hopefully be helpful as we deal with COVID-19 changes, and may be of benefit for other life events.

 

Some of the things that we are grieving as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic include:

  • Worry about loved ones

  • Social distancing, quarantining, and possible feelings of isolation

  • Changes in daily habits and routines

  • Special plans and events that have been canceled

  • Perhaps we are retiring and we are feeling a sense of loss because this is not what we expected for our last year in education

  • Our students might grieve leaving their classes early, not being able to have some spring and summer sports and activities

  • Worries about how to pay rent, utilities, and other bills

  • Sadness over how the pandemic will affect the world

  • Fears for the futureJob loss

  • Loss of feelings of safety when in public

 

These types of triggers can be related to what is called anticipatory grief. It is important that we are all aware that may be experiencing anticipatory grief. Furthermore, knowing of anticipatory grief may help us help others as feelings of anticipatory grief may also be impacting our loved ones, our students, our friends, and our colleagues.

 

Possible Signs of Anticipatory Grief

Since anticipatory grief may be impacting many of us at this time, it is important to remember that grief is a normal reaction to a loss. We all experience grief at some point in our lives. Following are some signs that you might be coping with anticipatory grief in light of the pandemic:

  • Difficulty focusing on normal tasks
  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Sleeping much more or less than usual

  • Feelings of anger and irritability

  • Headaches and upset stomach

  • Re-experiencing feelings of past grief (anticipatory grief brings on other feelings of grief, which can cause your brain to think about previous losses

  • Engaging in activities such as eating, drinking, or online shopping to cope with stress and anxiety, especially more so than usual

  • Avoiding thinking or talking about the pandemic

 

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or loved ones, it is important that you recognize them for what they are and take steps to cope and support yourself or your loved ones.

 

Positive Ways to Cope

If you recognize any signs of anticipatory grief, it is important that you take steps to help one cope in positive ways. You can engage in the self-care and stress management techniques, such as good sleep hygiene, regular exercise or movement, eating a healthy diet, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery, autogenic relaxation, celebrating the positives, expressing gratitude, art, listening to or playing music, making time for relationships so we feel connected, and working to create a sense of belonging, which is particularly important right now as we may feel somewhat isolated. Prayer, meditation, and mindfulness are extremely helpful for many when going through the grief process. Please check out the SEL resources and/or PD videos for more information on mental wellness at this link. At times, we may need to reach out to a trusted friend or even a mental health professional when needed. It is important to reach out so that you are healthy, and can even be in a better position to help others when needed.

 

Supports Are Available

The Coronavirus Pandemic can cause uncertainty so I want to make you aware of supports to help bring about a sense of calm during these storms. Infectious Disease outbreaks like the Coronavirus cause many feelings of distress and anxiety, as well as cause feelings of confusion, being overwhelmed, powerless and scared. These are normal feelings in all of us, even if we are not at high risk. There are many actions we can take to support one another during this time.

 

The Division of Mental Health & Addiction (DMHA) also recommends that Hoosiers feeling distress or anxiety due to the pandemic call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.

 

  • Live crisis counseling

  • Toll-free

  • Multi-lingual

  • Confidential

  • Text option is also available: Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor

 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline – The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals Call
1-800-273-TALK.

 

Safe School Helpline is a 24/7 communication service that empowers school administrators to make proactive decisions as well as creating reporting responsibilities for students, parents and community members to share in the maintenance of a safe learning environment. This is monitored around the clock so reports can be addressed in a timely manner. Call 1-800-4-1-VOICE x359 to make a report.

 

P-H-M School Counselors & YSB – If you have students in your life who need supports, please know P-H-M School Counselors at the middle and high school, as well as Youth Service Bureau Specialists, are available during normal school hours if you need additional information or resources. Please reach out to the counselor specifically, or contact the principal at your child or teen's school for non-emergencies. If you do have mental health crisis related to suicide ideation, please call 911 for immediate risks.

 

Please do not hesitate to reach out for support. They are available to help us through this uncertain time.

 

More Information is Available on P-H-M’s SEL & Mental Health webpage

For more information on grief with children as well as managing stress related to COVID-19 and talking with your child about COVID-19, please check visit the SEL webpage on P-H-M’s website, or click on the links. Please click here for a link to COVID-19 resources related to managing stress and talking with your child or teen about it.

Continuous Learning Plan during COVID-19 national emergency

Penn-Harris-Madison Schools have been closed due to the COVID-19 national emergency since Friday, March 13, 2020 (click here to read Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker’s March 12 communication to families).

 

An extended eLearning schedule for students was developed and shared with parents utilizing waiver days granted by the state as teacher planning days. The format of the weekly schedule is Mondays are teacher planning days and student eLearning days are Tuesdays – Fridays (for the exception of Friday, March 13 and Tuesday, April 14 which were utilized as extra teacher planning days). Spring Break was April 6 -10.

 

On April 2, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb closed schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year (click to read Dr. Thacker’s April 2 communication to families). A schedule for the remainder of the school year was developed and shared with P-H-M families on April 14 (click to read this message). Below is a full schedule for the remainder of the year that identifies the remainder of waiver days being used. The last student day will be Wednesday, May 20. Teachers will go to June 4 or 5 depending on the level. P-H-M submitted this calendar along with its Continuous Learning Plan to the IDOE Wednesday, April 16 (click here for the Continuous Learning Plan).

 

 

P-H-M Named 2022 Best Community for Music Education

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation was named among the Best Communities for Music Education (​BCME) in the country by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for the 9th year in a row!

 

Now in its 23rd year, the 2022 Best Communities for Music Education program has recognized 738 school districts and 80 schools across 44 states for the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders and their support for music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children. This NAMM Foundation celebrated and recognized K-12 music teachers in school districts who found creative ways for the “show to carry on” despite schools moving online or to in-person settings where masks were required not only for student musicians and instruments.

 

In our elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes. Beginning in 6th grade, P-H-M students at our three middle schools (Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom) have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as their music elective. Students at Discovery also have the option of choosing Piano Lab.

 

Discovery students performing Christmas piano concert in UP Mall (Dec. 2017) Grissom students in Band class (2017) Schmucker Choir Class (2017)

 

Penn High School offers the 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. 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.

 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, P-H-M answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

 

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.

 

Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

Technology help during extended eLearning

Internet resources all over the world are currently very busy! You may encounter errors with websites, school curriculum or other internet resources. If you receive an error message when trying to access resources, please be patient and try again after a few minutes. If you continue to receive an error message after trying multiple times, you can email the teacher who assigned the work to let them know.
 

P-H-M’s Guide to Technology on the district website will provide parents with many of the resources you need to help your student with eLearning, click here to view that webpage.  
 

Parents can set up parental controls on the P-H-M issued Chromebooks issued for student eLearning. Securly is the application the district uses on Chromebooks to filter objectionable content; it also allows parents to receive reports on internet use of the P-H-M issued Chromebook. Parents should have received an email from Securly providing instructions on how to set up. Please click here to learn more. 
 

If your student’s Chromebook is in need of repair, please send an email to the P-H-M Technology Department at chromebooks@phm.k12.in.us. Please include all of the following in your email:

  • Parent’s name
  • Student’s name
  • Student’s email address
  • School Name
  • Describe the issue/problem Chromebook is experiencing
     

P-H-M Technology will respond back with details on how and where you will exchange the device for a new one. However, please note that you must turn in the damaged Chromebook and the charging cable to receive the new device. New Chromebooks will not be issued unless you return the damaged Chromebook first.

P-H-M Named 2020 Best Community for Music Education

With music education programs at all grade levels (K-12), Penn-Harris-Madison has once again been named one of 2020 Best Communities for Music Education for its outstanding commitment to music education! P-H-M is one of only 754 districts nationwide and 16 in Indiana to receive the honor from The NAMM Foundation. This is the 7th year in a row that P-H-M has received this prestigious national designation!

 

The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The BCME award acknowledges the commitment of P-H-M’s music teachers and administrators in the District’s 11 elementary, three middle schools and Penn High School.

 

Horizon Elementary Show Choir  Middle School students

 

In our elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes. Beginning in 6th grade, P-H-M students at our three middle schools (Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom) have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as their music elective. Students at Discovery also have the option of choosing Piano Lab. 

 

Penn High School offers the 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. 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.

 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, P-H-M answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

 

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.

 

Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

2020 Spring Break Ideas

 

Zoo / Animal Activities:

 

 

Aquariums:

 

 

Art Museums:

 

 

National Park Virtual Tours

 

Send an eCard to Friends and Family:

 

 

Family Fun:

 

  • Family Karaoke Night, search youtube for free Kaoke versions of your favorite songs or use a premium site like KaraFun or SingSnap
  • Perform a play, view free scripts at Playscripts.com or write your own play!
  • Break out family favorite board games and regular old playing cards
  • Movie Night, Turn down the lights, make popcorn and stream your favorite movies. 
  • “Drive-in” Movie night. Turn cardboard boxes into cars and pick a theme for the night (action/adventure, tropical, sports, etc)

 

Fun with Food:

 

  • Cook Together, try one of these kid-friendly recipes
  • Have a stay-at-home picnic, try these food ideas or make your own.
  • Make your own pizza, experiment with new toppings!
  • “The Great British Bakeoff” at home: choose a basic idea, like cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. for the “bakers” to make but give then a challenge of decorating, or a theme, or a unique flavor that they must use.

  • “Chopped” at home: put mystery ingredients in a basket for contestant family members to cook and use other family members as the judges. Don’t forget to set the stop clock!​

 

Puzzles:

 

 

Get Crafty:

 

 

Fun with Literature:

 

Scavenger Hunts

 

Go Outside (Please avoid crowded parks and jungle gym equipment)

 

 

Storytelling

 

  • Start a family podcast. Practice interviewing family members and learning about them. Record on your phone and share the episode with friends and family everywhere. Free plans available here.
  • Write your own book. Whether you write 5 pages or 100 pages, here’s some things to consider

  • Record kids reading story books that can be shared with others, like grandparents or possibly nursing homes

 

P-H-M shutdown due to “Shelter in Place” Order for Indiana (3.23.20)

Dear P-H-M Families,

 

As you are aware, this afternoon Governor Eric Holcomb ordered a “Shelter in Place Order” for the state of Indiana to go into effect tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24 (11:59 p.m.) through April 7, 2020 (11:59 p.m.). 

 

The Governor called on all state agencies to do their part in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 by closing offices and ending in-person non-essential contact. The Governor’s order calls for all state agencies that are able to shift to providing services online or virtually to do so starting tomorrow. Click here for more information on the Order.

 

For Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation this means that most of the essential staff who still remained in our buildings will not report on site for work starting tomorrow, March 24. Building principals and secretaries will work remotely continuing to serve and support our students, staff, and families during this period of extended eLearning. If you do not have your building principal and secretary’s email address, you can find it on your school website. Just click the yellow alert at the top of the homepage. Teachers, of course, are already working remotely from home facilitating eLearning for our nearly 11,000 students grades K-12. 

 

The only staff who will continue to report to work in person are those needed to ensure our buildings are safe and maintained. Those who are necessary to conduct essential district business operations will still also report for work on site as permitted by the Executive Order. 

 

Food Service has now become a critical service that we are providing to our families. Yet out of an abundance of caution, we are reducing the number of sack meal pickup sites to just three sites effective tomorrow, March 24:

  • Early Meals (8-9 am)
    • Prairie Vista & Grissom 
  • Midday meals (11 am – 1 pm)
    • Prairie Vista, Grissom, & Penn
  • Late meals (5 – 7 pm)
    • Penn High School only
       

Essential school and district staff members who are working at home remotely will be reachable via email. This is the best way to reach someone initially.

 

These are definitely unprecedented times for our country. Every single person is being impacted by COVID-19 in some way or another. Today Governor Holcomb called on all of us to do our part to help all Hoosiers. Cooperation by all citizens in all communities across Indiana for these next two weeks will hopefully prevent an overload to our state’s healthcare system. This is something we can all do to help the healthcare providers on the front line. Self-sacrifice for these next two weeks will also put our state in a better position to rebound economically.

 

I strongly urge all of you to take this Executive Order seriously. For more information on what the Executive Order permits and restricts, click here.

 

The sooner this pandemic crisis ends, the sooner our students can return to school and we can get back to doing what we love the most … educating and supporting your children!

 

Stay healthy, safe and well,

Dr. Jerry Thacker
Superintendent of Schools