Running is Elementary School results

After the postponement of the original race date on Monday, May 1 due to rain, students were able to show their stuff on Wednesday, May 3.

The one mile run, sponsored by P-H-M’s Education Foundation, is held at Penn’s Cross-country course, which is located behind Elm Road Elementary School. Post race snack donations were donated by Costco. 

2023 Running is Elementary

This annual event encourages fitness, healthy choices and wellness. Fourth and fifth graders, from all 11 P-H-M elementary schools are encouraged to sign up for the free running club. Designated coaches at each school are then tasked with training the runners for the 6-week club which then culminates with the Running is Elementary one mile race. Approximately 640 students participated this year! The students are cheered on by their fellow students, their families, principals, teachers and running coaches; it’s amazing to see the dedication and hard work the students put in to complete the race. Visit P-H-M’s Facebook page to see a full photo gallery.

2023 Running is Elementary  2023 Running is Elementary

Cindy Batalis (P-H-M’s 2009 Teacher of the Year and physical education teacher at Mary Frank Elementary School) began the yearly tradition of Running Is Elementary back in 2008. Batalis’ own love for running and her desire to pass that love on to students is evident in the passion she puts into the Running is Elementary event each year. 

CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who participated! It is a tremendous accomplishment to complete a one-mile cross country course race. Below are the race results show 1st, 2nd, and third place winners.

Race Results:

5th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 6:56, Bib #2, Bittersweet
  2. 6:57, Bib #513, Northpoint
  3. 7:04, Bib #213, Horizon

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Bittersweet
  3. Elm Road

5th Grade Boys Winners

  1. 6:01, Bib #510, Northpoint
  2. 6:25, Bib #536, Prairie Vista
  3. 6:26, Bib #541, Prairie Vista

School Team Rankings:

  1. Prairie Vista
  2. Horizon
  3. Northpoint

4th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 7:20, Bib #42, Bittersweet
  2. 7:31, Bib #381, Meadow’s Edge
  3. 7:46, Bib #569, Horizon

School Team Rankings:

  1. Prairie Vista
  2. Horizon
  3. Northpoint

4th Grade Boys Winners:

  1. 6:34, Bib #553, Prairie Vista
  2. 6:44, Bib #206, Horizon
  3. 6:51, Bib #196, Horizon

School Team Rankings:

  1. Horizon 
  2. Prairie Vista
  3. Northpoint

Here’s a breakdown of the schools’ shirt color:

2023 Running is Elementary

Back to School Information

Girl in school uniform standing next to a yellow school bus.

 

We’re thrilled to welcome back all of our 11,000+ students and are excited to help all our students achieve Excellence.

The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 19, 2026 for grades 1 – 12.

  • All students in 1st through 12th grades will report to their school buildings that day, and all those who are signed up for transportation services may ride the bus that day.  
  • Kindergarten orientation takes place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 with the first full day of kindergarten being Thursday, August 20th,

BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS. MARK CALENDAR & ATTEND! 

  • Our elementary schools are hosting many fun Back to School family events starting the week of August 10th. Be on the lookout from communication directly from your school principal. 
  • All three Middle Schools are also planning a Walk-Around on Thursday, August 13th. Be on the lookout from communication directly from your school principal. Make sure you mark your calendar and plan to attend!
  • Penn is hosting a “Walk Around” to help parents and students get familiar with the school:
    • Penn High School’s “WALK AROUND” on Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. – Noon gives students a chance to familiarize themselves with the school and find where their classes and activities are located.

The BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION listed below will help P-H-M parents and students get ready for the 2026-27 School Year! 

CONTACTING SCHOOLS OVER THE SUMMER

ENROLLING YOUR STUDENT

BACK TO SCHOOL PACKETS & FORMS

  • Back to School packet & information sheets can be found in ParentSquare under LINKS in the right column
  • Parent/guardians are asked to these three forms in ParentSquare as soon as possible:
    • Photo Consent
    • Mandatory Curriculum Consent
    • Handbook Certification   
  • These forms will be in Skyward Family Access:
    • CHIRP Release
    • Chromebook packet
    • Authorization to administer non-prescription medication at school

Click here for more information on how to login into your Skyward Family Access account

SCHOOL CALENDARS

  • Here is the SY 2026-27 one-page calendar showing “at a glance” the start and end dates, as well as scheduled recess and vacation dates.
  • All P-H-M families are mailed a District Activities Calendar early August. It lists key school and district events throughout the year.
  • Our online (Google) calendars are the most up-to-date. You’ll find a link to the P-H-M Corporate Calendar posted on the home page of the District website. It’s a Google calendar that can be added to your personal calendar.
  • Each school also maintains an online Google calendar on the home page of each school website that is updated frequently with the school’s scheduled activities and event details. This is also visible in your school’s ParentSquare portal.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

  • All P-H-M schools provide basic school supplies to our students, free of charge. Therefore, our schools do not issue supply lists. You will need to purchase a backpack, water bottle, lunch box, and other items you want your child to have at home or take with them to school. If other specific items need to be purchased for a class or lab, your child’s teacher will inform you after school starts.  

IMMUNIZATIONS AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION

CELL PHONE POLICY

  • Beginning with the 2026-27 School Year, Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 78 (SEA 78) requires that personal wireless communication devices are powered off and not accessible to students during the school day. 
  • This law is applicable to all levels: elementary, middle and Penn. 
  • Click here for more information on how this new law will be implemented at all 15 P-H-M schools, at all grade levels.

FOOD SERVICE

PARENTSQUARE

  • Penn-Harris-Madison uses ParentSquare to send urgent alerts, such as school closings and delays.
  • Click here for instructions on setting up your account.
  • Principals and teachers also use it for non curricular school and classroom communications.
  • Once your account is set up, families can chose their preferred mode of communication for non-urgent notifications–app, text, email, phone. You can also chose to have all communications automatically translated to your preferred first language. Click here for details on how to personalize your account and check your notification settings.

CLOSINGS/DELAYS PROCEDURES

 

PHM's Triangle of SuccessPenn-Harris-Madison’s culture of excellence, what we call #PHMExcellence, is built upon the “Triangle of Success”– linking students, teachers, and parents for the the best outcome for students. Success depends on supportive parents … help us help your children!

PARENTS Click here for ways to stay informed, as well getting connected and volunteering.