Before the start of the Penn vs. Mishawaka Boys Basketball game on Tuesday, February 25, Mr. Curt Rallo was recognized for his upcoming honor of being named to the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame. See the full photo gallery below.

Mr. Rallo is a Penn High School Journalism teacher, Penn Sports Information Director, and member of the P-H-M District Communications Team. He’s worked at Penn for 24 years and has a total of 38 years as a working sports journalist with the South Bend Tribune, covering local high school sports, Big Ten Men’s Basketball and Football, the University of Notre Dame, as well as spot coverage of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Click here for more background on all the amazing work Mr. Rallo does with Penn students.

P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, Penn Principal Dr. Sean Galiher, Penn Athletic Director Jeff Hart, and P-H-M Communications Director Lucha Ramey honored Mr. Rallo at half-court with a commemorative G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) award. He received a rousing round of applause and shout outs from the student body, student-athletes, parents and Kingsmen fans.

Along with this celebration of one of the Kingsmen’s biggest supporters, it was senior night. Penn defeated Mishawaka 72-42. Click here to visit Pennant’s Facebook page for game footage and stats.

Mr. Rallo will be inducted at the annual awards banquet to be held in early April in Greenwood. Click for more details on the other inductees on the Stateline Sports Network website.

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Penn High School Principal Dr. Sean Galiher, along with assistant principals, director of athletics and students showed off and explained how Penn is “Building Bright Futures.”

At the Penn-Harris-Board of School Trustees meeting held Monday, Feb. 10 at Penn, the high school demonstrated how they are putting this year’s theme into action in everything they do.

From highlights from the Homecoming parade in the fall to reports on Penn’s amazing 98% graduation rate and everything in between. Other reports included:

• Building & Trades program (now in its 56th year!)
• Engineering Design & Development program (competed against and beat college students in the TECH 120 class at Purdue) 
• Class of 2025 students on track for an Honors Diploma
• AP Enrollment & Success
• SAT Performance
• Attendance
• Athletic & Academic Teams update
• Teacher Professional Development update
• … and so much more!

Click here to view Principal Dr. Galiher’s full presentation.

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We’re looking for new & veteran teachers, or soon-to-be graduates … WE WANT TO TALK TO YOU! We’re hiring ROCK STAR elementary and secondary teachers for Fall 2025! 

Click here for more about WHY you should join the P-H-M Family!

Every teacher candidate will be GUARANTEED one face-to-face interview with a P-H-M administrator.

WHEN & WHERE

• Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

• Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

• School Location: Schmucker Middle School (Door B)

• Address: 56045 Bittersweet Rd., Mishawaka

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Upon arrival, you will sign in before waiting in a common area until it is your turn
• These are REAL interviews, please dress professionally
• When it’s your turn to be interviewed, please turn off your phone or switch it to “Airplane Mode”
• It’s important to have your Application & Resume on file, please submit an online application BEFORE coming to the job fair.
• If you do not have an updated online application on file with P-H-M Schools, a hardcopy of your resume is recommended, but not required.

Can’t make it to the job fair? Please go ahead and submit an online application.

Addition Questions? Please contact PHMhumanresourcesinfo@phm.k12.in.us

Congratulations to Mr. Curt Rallo, Penn High School Journalism teacher, Penn Sports Information Director, and member of the P-H-M District Communications Team for being named to the Class of 2025 Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame.

Mr. Rallo is a graduate of Penn High School earning his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University-South Bend and a master’s degree from Bethel University.

Mr. Rallo is a working journalist in the truest sense of the word. His experience includes working for the South Bend Tribune for 38 years, covering local high school sports, Big Ten Men’s Basketball and Football, the University of Notre Dame, as well as spot coverage of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Just some of the notable pro athletes he’s covered include: Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Skylar Diggins, Pat Connaughton, and Michael Jordan (basketball and baseball). While covering college and professional sports, Mr. Rallo reported on the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Maui Invitational, NCAA men’s basketball Final Fours (I.U. and Michigan State) and women’s basketball Final Fours (Notre Dame 6x), covering MLB, NFL and NBA playoffs.

For his work covering Indiana high school sports, Mr. Rallo was recognized by the IHSAA with the Distinguished Media Service Award  in 1996.

Mr. Rallo brought his broad depth of experience in sports reporting back to Penn High School when he began teaching in 2001 while still working at the Tribune. He’s now been with P-H-M for 24 years teaching Sports Journalism and serving as the Sports ID for the Kingsmen Athletic Department. He’s also been known to call some Kingsmen games/matches. Mr. Rallo oversees a team of student writers, photographers, videographers, graphic artists, etc. serving as Penn’s own independent sports media outlet. Mr. Rallo and his students impressively cover all of Penn’s teams giving his students real hands-on experiences of doing everything from live play by play on the Pennant YouTube Channel, feature stories on the Pennant website, and in depth conversations with student-athletes and coaches on the Pennant Podcast. Mr. Rallo and the student sports journalists also manage Pennant Facebook, Instagram, and X. Mr. Rallo teaches his students the importance of deadlines and in this age of social media covering sporting events in real time. The volume, but more importantly the quality, of content Mr. Rallo covers with his dedicated team of students makes him beyond worthy of this recognition. His students are very fortunate to learn from a true and talented professional.

It’s hard to believe with all that he does at Penn High School, but Mr. Rallo still does freelance work covering Notre Dame football and basketball for the Associated Press.

Mr. Rallo will be inducted at the annual awards banquet to be held in early April in Greenwood. Click for more details on the other inductees on the Stateline Sports Network website.

The newest members of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees were sworn last night (Monday, January 13, 2025) at the P-H-M Board of School Trustees meeting. New to the Board is Katie (Katelyn) Inabnit Bell, a 2012 graduate of Penn High School and Gary Fox, a former Trustee of 19 years. Returning Board Vice President Ryan McCullough was also sworn last evening. St. Joseph County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Steele administered the Oath of Offices. Click here to see the full photo gallery below.

Bell is replacing Jim Garrett who held the Penn Township, Seat 3, for two terms (2017-2024). Garrett is a retired P-H-M teacher and Penn Championship Girls Golf coach. Fox will take over the Harris Township, Seat 4 replacing Clare Roach, who did not seek re-election; she served one term (2021-2024).

Gary Fox served on the P-H-M Board from 2001-2020 before stepping down. He served as Vice President from 2005-2007, President from 2008-2010 and again from 2015-2017. Fox retired from Crowe LLP, a public accounting and consulting firm, after 42 years; before retiring, he was Head of Corporate Development. Crowe and his wife Tammy of 44 years are parents to two Penn High School graduates and now have five grandchildren, two of which are at Moran. Tammy and Gary Fox are longtime donors of the P-H-M Education Foundation most recently supporting the Fun Zone at Penn’s 2024 Homecoming and the Short Circuits program for all P-H-M 3rd graders at all 11 elementary schools. Fox is also making a $10,000 contribution to the Foundation’s Naming Rights Campaign to name Penn High School’s fieldhouse, currently under construction, the Dr. Jerry Thacker and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse (click here for more details).

Katie Bell, a graduate of Ball State University, worked for Penn-Harris-Madison for the 2016-2017 school year as a kindergarten teacher at Prairie Vista Elementary School. She also served as the assistant girls basketball coach at Discovery Middle School. Bell also taught fourth and fifth grade English Language Arts at Dewey School of Excellence in Chicago for three years before returning to the area. Bell is now a stay-at-home mother and manages her household full-time. She and her husband, Steve, have three young children. Bell is active in the community volunteering her time with several organizations.

Also being sworn in at tonight’s meeting is Ryan McCullough who was re-elected to Penn Township, Seat 2. McCullough was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2021 when then Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb appointed Jamie Woods to the St. Joseph County Superior Court. McCullough is a 1995 graduate of Penn High School. McCullough and his wife Nicole, also a Penn grad, returned to Penn Township several years ago to raise their three children: two graduates Classes of 2020 and 2024, and another currently at Penn. McCullough is actively involved in the P-H-M community including volunteering as a Penn Freshman Football Coach.

Also at last night’s meeting, the Trustees elected the Board Officers for the coming year. Chris Riley was re-elected President; he has served consecutively as President since 2018. Ryan McCullough was also re-elected Vice President; he was elected 2023. Outgoing member Clare Roach was the Board Secretary. Dana Sullivan was elected to serve as Board Secretary.

Monday, January 13, 2025 the P-H-M Board of School Trustees approved a $10,000 donation by newly elected P-H-M Board of School Trustee Gary Fox to the P-H-M Education’s Naming Rights Campaign to name Penn High School’s new fieldhouse. The contribution will name the building currently under construction the Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse (click here for more details on the fieldhouse; and click here for pictures from the May 2024 groundbreaking.).

The fieldhouse investment for our students will NOT raise taxes for the residents of Penn, Harris, and Madison Townships. The Administration and Board are committed to fiscal responsibility and the district is in excellent financial health. Also on January 13^th , P-H-M held its Board of Finance meeting where P-H-M Executive Director of Business Services Dr. Thomas Keeley presented the Board with the district’s financial report (click here to see the Board of Finance presentation). P-H-M has one of the lowest tax rates in St. Joseph County of $0.9275 for three straight years.

Dr. Thacker began his teaching career at Penn-Harris-Madison at Madison Elementary School. He received his doctorate from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan; a master’s in elementary education from Indiana University South Bend; and a bachelor of science in elementary education from Bethel College. He returned to P-H-M in July 2006 as Superintendent. Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M has become one of Indiana’s most premier school districts with the schools, students, teachers, and staff achieving countless recognitions, at the state, national and international level.

P-H-M is among Indiana’s top performing public school corporations. With the release of the Spring 2024 ILEARN results, P-H-M is in the Top 4% of Indiana’s public school districts. Out of public schools that passed both ELA and Math: Prairie Vista Elementary School is #3 and Discovery Middle School is #2. Penn High School has a 98% graduation rate. Click here for a listing of P-H-M’s most recent Points of Excellence.

Dr. Thacker is a well-respected educator; some of his many professional recognitions include:

• 2017 IAPSS Indiana Outstanding Educator Award
• 2015 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year – Indiana University South Bend
• 2014 Sagamore of the Wabash, Issued by Indiana Governor Mike Pence
• 2013 IAPSS Indiana Outstanding Educator Award
• 2012 AASA Indiana Superintendent of the Year
• 2012 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year – Indiana University South Bend, School of Education
• 2012 Alumnus of the Year – Bethel College
• 2012 Indiana Senate Resolution, Congratulating Indiana Superintendent of the Year
• 2012 Indiana House of Representatives Resolution, Congratulating Indiana Superintendent of the Year

Donna Thacker is a former educator herself, a retired public school music teacher. Mrs. Thacker has been a staple in the community and a longtime volunteer and supporter of the P-H-M Education Foundation in such events as the Silver Mile and Running is Elementary.

Both Dr. and Mrs. Thacker have generously supported the Foundation with their time, leadership, service and financial contributions over the years. Since 2021, the Thackers have donated $232,500, including also contributing to PHMEF’s Naming Rights Campaign:

1. Chris Geesman Kingsmen Athletic Center (formerly the Kingsmen Athletic Center), $25,000 donated in December 2021 ($5,000 per year over five years, for an overall period of 12 years)
2. Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court, $10,000 donated in October 2023 
3. Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium (formerly the  P-H-M DVT & Planetarium), $10,000 donated in January 2024
4. Yeoman Family Plaza, $10,000 donated in March 2024 
5. Greg Dikos Field, $10,000 donated in August 2024 

The naming of the Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse is a fitting tribute to their unwavering commitment to Penn-Harris Madison and its students.

Gary Fox and his wife Tammy are longtime donors of the P-H-M Education Foundation most recently supporting the Fun Zone at Penn’s 2024 Homecoming and the Short Circuits program for all P-H-M 3rd graders at all 11 elementary schools. Gary served on the P-H-M Board of School Trustees for 19 years from 2001-2020 before stepping down. He was re-elected to Harris Township, Seat 4 in the November 2024 election. Gary was sworn in at the Monday, January 13^th Board Meeting (click here to read this story).

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 directly funds professional development initiatives for P-H-M teachers. Continuing the education and training of teachers is a major priority for P-H-M School District.

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 and other corporation-wide initiatives.

Several staff recognitions were a part of the Board of School Trustees Meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Impact Award Winners: Five out of the seven teachers who were named Impact Award winners for Fall 2024 (click here for more details) were able to attend the Board Meeting:

• L.A. (Kriss) High, 8th grade Math, Schmucker Middle School
• Sarah Budd, Resource Teacher, Meadow’s Edge
• Ali Renz, Interventionist, Elm Road Elementary School
• Hollie Truckowski, Reading Specialist, Elsie Rogers Elementary School
• Brianne Blanda, 7th grade, Grissom Middle School 

Click to watch the short video clip below that showcases all the winners.

Steve Miskin was approved as the new Associate Director of Facilities. Steve has 36 years of extensive experience in facility operations and management. He currently serves as the Director of facilities for School City of Mishawaka, a position he has held since 2022. Before working for Mishawaka Schools, Steve worked for South Bend Community School Corporation for 33 years holding several key facility leadership positions such as Director of Facilities for Services for Education (a contracted service for the South Bend Community School Corporation), Assistant Director and then Director of Buildings and Grounds, and Building Engineer. Steve and his wife are proud parents of Penn High School graduates and currently have two grandchildren in P-H-M Schools.bMiskin’s first day with P-H-M will be Monday, January 27, 2025.

J.R. (James) Westveer was approved as the new Custodial Operations Manager. J.R. brings 22 years of experience in facility operations and management, including managing the facilities of Navy Pier in Chicago. He currently serves as the Custodial Operations Manager for Services for Education, a contracted service for the South Bend Community School Corporation. J.R. and his wife are proud members of the P-H-M community with their daughters attending P-H-M schools. His first day with P-H-M will be Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Kelley and Mark Watts will serve as coaches of Penn High School’s new Boys Volleyball Team, which  became a fully recognized and IHSAA sanctioned sport in April 2024; the season begins in March 2025. Mrs. Watts is a well-respected and popular Spanish teacher within the Penn community also known as Señora Watts. She has coaching experience and a proven ability to connect with students, fostering relationships that encourage participation and engagement. Señora Watts’ leadership qualities will be instrumental in creating a positive team culture. 

Mr. Watts, a former Penn teacher, retired from P-H-M after 28 years in 2019. Mr. Watts played Volleyball at a high level and has extensive coaching experience with both boys and girls teams. His technical expertise and understanding of the game will provide a solid framework for developing skills, strategies, and overall program competitiveness. Click here to read more about Kelley and Mark Watts on The Pennant’s website.

Combining their unique skills and perspectives, this husband & wife, co-head coaching team will set our boys volleyball program on a path to success both on and off the court.

Spotlight on Penn High School’s Fine Arts Academy and the Management & Business Academy: Both Academies were highlighted as Instruction Reports. Fine Arts Academy Leader Glenn Northern presented, as well as M & B Academy Leader Kyle Berres. Berres included DECA students Denzel Mwalwanda and Matthew Deahl. The three posed for pictures afterwards. Click here to view a PDF of both Academy presentations; and click here to watch a recording of it on YouTube.

The P-H-M Education Foundation is proud to support teachers and students by funding innovative classroom grants that enrich learning experiences beyond the school district’s budget. From small purchases under $100 to larger projects exceeding $1,000, every grant enhances classrooms in meaningful ways. Click here to read about Education Foundation Grants and to see the full list of winners, or read the recap below.

Total Grants Awarded: $59,999.96 (Total 2024-2025 Grant Budget – $60,000)

● Total EZ Grants Requested – $24,533.26
● Total EZ Grants Approved – $10,369.23
● Total Traditional Grants Requested – $87,874.09
● Total Traditional Grants Approved – $49,630.73

EZ form grant requests for $750 or less:

1. Remediation Phonics
○ Meadow’s Edge Elementary
○ Ufli & Secret Stories Curriculum for 2nd grade
○ Awarded $260.00

2. “One Choice” Book Study
○ Schmucker Middle School
○ Purchase 60 copies of the the Jack & Nick Savage story “One Choice” books
○ Awarded $600.00

3. Elsie Press back in commission
○ Elsie Rogers Elementary
○ Funding for the Elsie Press Newspaper
○ Awarded $165.00

4. Third Grade Writing Portfolios
○ Meadow’s Edge Elementary
○ Publishing and resource materials for writing
○ Awarded $479.58

5. Infant CPR Training Kits
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Infant CPR Training kits from the American Red Cross
○ Awarded $685.62

6. Star Buddies, Coffee Shop for All
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Materials and supplies for coffee shop for teachers run by exceptional education students
○ Awarded $300.00

7. Film Photography Processing
○ Penn High School
○ Materials and tools for the film classes and darkroom
○ Awarded $320.00

8. Let your Learning GLOW
○ Elm Road Elementary
○ Black lights and materials for ILearn review in 4th grade classrooms
○ Awarded $661.51

9. Middle School Clay Assistant
○ Grissom Middle School
○ Slab roller for clay materials
○ Awarded $666.62

10. Ricochet Stools for Fidgety Students
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Stools designed for students to rock/tip safely
○ Awarded $638.20

11. Wiggle Seats for Classroom/Small Group Table
○ Prairie Vista Elementary
○ Wiggle seats/flexible seating for students
○ Awarded $509.94

12. Enhance Comprehension through updated Classroom Libraries
○ Elm Road Elementary
○ New books that encourage the comprehension process
○ Awarded $544.71

13. The One and Only Bob Literature Story
○ Prairie Vista Elementary
○ 25 copies of The One and Only Bob” books
○ Awarded $250.10

14. North Point Drama Club “The Dazzles”
○ Northpoint Elementary
○ Creation of a Drama Club including “The Big Band” Musical
○ Awarded $583.00

15. Scintillating Science
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Tabletop ice maker for the Science classes
○ Awarded $371.49

16. Photography Club: Explore to Fine Art Photography
○ Penn High School
○ SD memory cards for cameras
○ Awarded $107.88

17. Microscope for all learners
○ Penn High School
○ Digital microscope that can connect to a computer
○ Awarded $479.00

18. “Wonder” Novel Study
○ Bittersweet Elementary
○ Purchase of 30 copies of the novel “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
○ Awarded $377.70

19. Coding with Beebots for Kindergarten
○ Northpoint Elementary
○ STEM based coding robots for all kindergarten classes to share
○ Awarded $676.00

20. Door M Picnic Table Part Deaux
○ Penn High School
○ Picnic table for outdoor space for teachers’ and students’ use
○ Awarded $750.00

21. Preschool Playground Revamp
○ Penn High School
○ Refurbish and install new equipment and play areas outside of Door K including a sandbox in partnership with Penn Construction for the Penn Preschool
○ Awarded $419.38

22. Discovery Band Tuners
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Devices that clip to music stands helping students tune their instruments
○ Awarded $523.50

Full Funding:

1. Learning by Induction
○ Penn High School – John Gensic, John Fitch, Rachael Meyers, Brian May, Steven Sanders, Toni Boger-May
○ 10-12 grade Sciences & Culinary Arts students
○ Awarded $1,347.74
○ A unique collaboration between STEM and FACs classes at Penn obtaining equipment to modernize space in the culinary classes to include more user-friendly and energy efficient induction cooking materials. Science students will use previously funded thermal cameras and partner with culinary students to help them see a direct connection between science, technology and the application in everyday lives in the kitchen.

2. Drumming Up Creativity
○ Elm Road Elementary – Cynthia Berryman
○ All kindergarten through 5th grade students through Music class
○ Awarded $1,655.84
○ 12 new “tubano” drums that will promote bilateral coordination and facilitate complex rhythms using two hands. Students will become composers and create their own music with partners and will perform within the school community.

3. Schmucker Speech Room Upgrade
○ Schmucker Middle School – Jenna Pacheco
○ All middle school students receiving Speech Therapy
○ Awarded $2,626.00
○ Upgrades in interactive technology through a video smart board that allows for effective and interactive therapy sessions benefiting students with communication difficulties under the guidance of speech therapy.

4. Mary Frank and Northpoint Tech Upgrades Phase 2
○ Mary Frank Elementary & Northpoint Elementary – Jason Poff
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $5,036.98
○ Expansion of sounds and lighting equipment to enhance Fine Arts performances. These upgrades will help students become more effective communicators through performance experience and more technical lighting and sound engineers.

5. You Can’t Swipe This Screen – Screen Printing Basics
○ Penn High School – Alex Dunfee
○ Digital Design students in grades 9-12
○ Awarded $3,373.58
○ Provides students the opportunity to learn the screen printing process in class (one of the most common ways to print on fabric.) Students will design and make their own ink-based screen printed shirts and have the opportunity to collaborate and produce products with other student organizations within Penn High School.

6. Feeding You Mind One Book at a Time & Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine
○ Horizon Elementary – Sue Robers & Emily Cornett
○ Elsie Rogers Elementary – Hollie Truckowski
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded up to $7,169.00 per vending machine; $14,338 total (schools to negotiate and work together on pricing/vending machine design)
○ Funds to purchase a book vending machine as part of an incentive program allowing students to earn tokens to then use to purchase a book with the help of staff from the vending machine. Students will have the opportunity to keep the book encouraging the promotion of literacy as a reward with increased student engagement. Vending machines will have the PHMEF logo branding and will be displayed prominently within each school (library or school lobby.)

7. Grissom’s Embouchure Project
○ Grissom Middle School – Camille Roper
○ Band students in grades 6-8
○ Awarded $1,757.50
○ Purchase of embouchure (mouth shape) and ear training skill building tools for the band program allowing students to correctly and quickly improve their progress in learning music. Students will build fundamental skills in embouchure development, tone production and audiation skills.

8. Integrating Children’s Books into Physical Education
○ Walt Disney Elementary – Stephen Gouorko
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $300.50
○ Unique collaboration with classroom teachers and librarians to implement an interdisciplinary learning program that promotes literacy and physical activity in students. Students will use books to research new ways to eat healthy and make better choices while playing games and participating in physical activities based on the books.

9. The Prairie at Prairie Vista
○ Prairie Vista Elementary – Dr. Keely Twibell
○ All K-5th grade students, other PHM schools and the greater PHM Community
○ Awarded $10,250.00
○ In collaboration with community volunteers, the school community and PTO organization, Prairie Vista will restore and utilize the natural prairie area on school property. The grant will create learning opportunities for all PHM students allowing them to engage directly with the natural world. Teachers can bring classes out to the natural environment to create a dynamic learning environment. Students and community members will be encouraged to take an active role in prairie conservation efforts, clean-up activities, seasonal maintenance and seeding initiatives and will be an area that other schools can visit to pursue research projects and advanced study. Restoration efforts include but aren’t limited to Wildlife identification and trail marker signs, observation station stumps, a natural obstacle course, raised garden beds, bird and bat houses, microscopes, binoculars, magnifying glasses and field guides to enhance the learning experiences.

10. Tinker and Thrive – 3D Printing for Focused Students
○ Penn High School and all 11 Elementary Schools – Kyle Marsh
○ K-5th grade students and 9-12 grade Penn students
○ Awarded $4,936.56
○ Purchase and installation of 3D printers in all elementary students with a designated teacher lead. Students who use fidget toys as a tool for focus and accommodation in the classroom, will have the ability to design and create their own fidget toys using 3D printing technology, empowering them with the ability to customize tools that best supports their unique needs for attention and engagement.

11. Write On!
○ Walt Disney Elementary – Katie Carroll
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $1,884.03
○ Organization and expansion of the student Engagement Lab where students and teachers use props and visuals to illustrate/bring to life student’s written work. It will provide an opportunity for cohesive and engaging writing experience for students as they grow in Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Materials will also be incorporated into school community events like the Math and Literacy Night and Culture Night at Walt Disney Elementary.

Partial Funding

1. Power Hour: Fitness & Focus for a Strong Future
○ Discovery Middle School – Terry Arter, John Hedrick, Kevin McMilen & Autumn Stout
○ All 6th-8th grade students
○ Requested $5,000.00
○ Awarded $1,795.00
○ Funds to purchase new workout equipment to start a workout club before school, enhance exercise during PE and offer opportunities for athletes before and after school. The current equipment is unsafe and damaged. These funds will be used to begin replacement of old equipment. Funds are in collaboration with the Discovery PTO and Dr. Aaron Leniski & Mrs. Elizabeth Cunha’s existing budgets.

2. Foreign Language Academy
○ Horizon Elementary – Ally Schmidt
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Requested $1,049.00
○ Awarded $329.00
○ Purchase of a Spanish Language Curriculum, Calico Spanish, which is designed for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Students will be taught in six 1-hour sessions as a part of an afterschool club. There is the possibility to expand into other languages in the future. Grant is in partnership with Horizon Staff funded through the Horizon PTO and in collaboration with Penn High School Mentors as suggested volunteers for the program.

Saturday, March 1, 2025   

9:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. 

at Penn High School

for P-H-M students K – 5th grade

FREE! There is no cost for this event, but registration is required and limited.

REGISTRATION: Opens January 17 – deadline is Friday, February 14, https://bit.ly/BooksandBots

Sponsored by the P-H-M Education Foundation, Young Authors’ Conference is an opportunity for P-H-M students in Kindergarten – 5th grade to meet and hear from well-known children’s author and speaker Shannon Anderson, participate in a variety of robotic explorations, and visit a “Make It and Take It” puppet making session!

Shannon Anderson has spent 25 years teaching, from first grade through college level. She is now a full-time author, with picture books titled: B is for Belonging, Heroes Don’t Have to Fly, I Love Strawberries, and more. She is also known for her biography series, with books like The Story of Benjamin Franklin, The Story of Helen Keller, and so many more. A champion of kindness and positivity, Shannon believes that every day offers a new opportunity to make a meaningful difference.  

As part of the morning activities, students will participate in three rotations: one session with Shannon Anderson, one interactive puppet-making session, and one session where students will enjoy the hands-on exploration of technology with Sphero Bots, Dot and Dosh, Bee Bots, Ozobots and more! Our amazing P-H-M teachers and volunteers will guide students and their parents through the interactive session guiding them on how develop a character and create their own puppet.

At least one parent or guardian must accompany the student(s)!  If more than one child is registering for Books and Bots, the family will stay together so only one adult is needed.  Siblings YOUNGER than kindergarten may not accompany adults. This experience is for your young author(s) and the parent/guardian.

CONFIRMATION: Participating students will receive additional information prior to the conference through their home school at the end of February.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Candace Cussen at ccussen@phm.k12.in.us.