Penn-Harris-Madison is pleased to be able to offer enrollment to non-resident students on a limited basis for the 2026-27 school year.

Families living in neighboring school districts interested in having their elementary children attend a P-H-M elementary school can apply for that opportunity.

The window to apply for available non-resident seats will open Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. and close on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. 

On March 2 at 8:30 a.m., P-H-M will post the schools, grades and number of seats available for the upcoming school year. Families must complete an online application between March 2 – 20.

The NRS application will be posted on www.phmschools.org/non-resident-student-enrollment/ on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

There is no first-come, first-served advantage. 

All incoming sixth grade students and families are encouraged to consider participating band or orchestra in middle school by learning an instrument. Don’t know how to play? No problem!

Our band and orchestra teachers, with the assistance of Penn High School Fine Arts Department, facilitates Instrument Selection Nights to help students choose.

Educational research shows that learning to play an instrument helps students experience team building, nurture creativity, enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills–not to mention learning presentation skills by participating in live concerts and performances.

Here’s what you need to begin your student’s musical journey:

STEP 1: Schedule your Appointment for an Instrument Selection Night by going to: https://sites.google.com/phm.k12.in.us/phmisn/home

• You must Schedule an appointment BEFORE You Attend an Instrument Selection Night. Please complete the google form using full contact information for US Postal mailing and email addresses and phone numbers for all parents/guardians.
• At least one parent/guardian must attend the appointment with the incoming 6th grade student.
• Please select 1-3 instruments that your student would be interested in trying while at Instrument Selection Night. Arriving with a list of instruments that are appealing will help your appointment move along more smoothly. (please limit your list to a maximum of 3 instruments)
• Please note that some instrument sections fill quickly. Once filled, that instrument is no longer available for selection. To ensure that your student gets their preferred instrument choice, you are encouraged to attend an
  earlier selection night and time.

STEP 2: Attend the Instrument Selection Night

STEP 3: Obtain Your Instrument

• Each student must have an instrument in good playing condition for the first day of beginning summer classes. Quinlan & Fabish Music representatives are available to help you set up rental at Instrument Selection Night or you may obtain an instrument from another vendor. Teachers are happy to point you in the right direction when looking for another source for instrument rental or purchase.
• PLEASE use caution if you deal with a vendor other than Quinlan & Fabish Music Company. (Ask the vendor – What is your recourse if the instrument needs repair or is not playable? What is your return policy?) We would
  advise against purchasing an instrument online. Many instruments purchased online do not work well and lead to frustrated students. Reputable music repair stores will not repair poor quality instruments, as they cannot
  guarantee repair or their workmanship.
• If you wish to purchase an instrument, we would recommend the following brands:
  • String instruments (violin, viola, cello and bass): Eastman, Sheryl and Roth, Knilling, and Yamaha brands. Please have your child sized for the instrument. Playing on the correct size instrument will ensure their success and is crucial for injury-free playing.
  • Woodwind Instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone): Armstrong, Bach, Buffet, Conn, Emerson, Gemeinhardt, Haynes, LeBlanc, Selmer and Yamaha.
  • Brass Instruments (trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone): Bach, Conn, Eastman, Holton, King, and Yamaha.
  • Percussion Instruments: Specific equipment requirements will be shared for percussion at selection night appointments.
  • Again, the band and orchestra directors are happy to help you find an instrument for your student. Please contact your school’s director in advance of the first beginning summer class.
  • If your family has serious financial concerns, ask us about instruments available for use from the P-H-M
    Foundation.

STEP 4: Choose and Sign-up for a Summer Beginner Class Time

• Classes TENTATIVELY begin Monday, July 20 and end Friday, August 7th
• Classes are Monday – Friday and are 1 hour in length.

The first crucial music lessons take place in small, like-instrument classes. Students receive individualized attention to set proper playing habits for future success. Please contact your student’s middle school band or orchestra teacher if they need to miss any part of the summer classes. The teacher will connect you with an approved private teacher so your student stays current with their class. Private lessons to make-up for lost class time should be completed by the first day of school and are at the expense of the family.

Choose from these Summer Class Times:

• Flute: 8am, 10am
• Oboe: 8am
• Clarinet: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
• Alto Saxophone: 9am, 10am, 11am
• Trumpet: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
• French Horn: 8am
• Trombone: 8am, 10am, 11am
• Baritone: 9am, 11am
• Percussion: 8am, 9am, 10am
• Violin: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
• Viola: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
• Cello: 9am, 10am, 11am
• String Bass: 8am

STEP 5: Select Band or Orchestra as your 6th grade music choice

When scheduling your 6th grade classes, select Band or Orchestra for your 6th grade music choice.

Miscellaneous Information

• You will receive a letter for your beginning band or orchestra student in May.
  In late-May, a letter will be mailed to your home verifying your instrument selection, your Beginner Summer Class time, and teacher. This letter will also include carpooling information. If you have not received this mailing by June 12th, please contact Mr. Zac Coudret at zcoudret@phm.k12.in.us
• Band and Orchestra Classes at Discovery, Grissom and Schmucker Middle Schools
  The P-H-M middle school music choices of Band, Orchestra, and Choir meet as curricular classes within the regular school day. More than two-thirds of all P-H-M middle school students participate in one of these three courses.
  • The band and orchestra schedules do not conflict with after school or before school activities.
  • Participation in instrumental music does not limit a student’s involvement in school sports, extra-curricular activities or academics.
• Band and Orchestra Directors at each P-H-M Middle School:
  • Discovery Band and Orchestra Directors:
    • Band Directors: Mr. Murray Weaver mweaver@phm.k12.in.us and Ms. Cami Roper croper@phm.k12.in.us
    • Orchestra Director: Mrs. Jessica Carhoun jjoyner-calhoun@phm.k12.in.us
  • Grissom Band and Orchestra Directors:
    • Band Director: Mrs. Angela South asouth@phm.k12.in.us
    • Orchestra Director: Ms. Vickie Marshall vmarshall@phm.k12.in.us
  • Schmucker Band and Orchestra Directors:
    • Band Directors: Mr. Jeff Carnall jcarnall@phm.k12.in.us
    • Ms. Kristin Hills khills@phm.k12.in.us
    • Orchestra Director: Mrs. Dodi Carnall dcarnall@phm.k12.in.us

At the Monday, November 10, 2025, Board of School Trustees meeting, the Penn-Harris-Madison Board formally approved the 2025–26 teachers’ agreement between the district and the P-H-M Teachers Association. Click here to review it.

“P-H-M is a premier, high-performing school district because of our educators and the academic excellence they provide,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “This agreement reflects our continued commitment to attract and retain the best teachers for our students and to invest in the people who make our schools thrive.”

Developed through a collaborative process between P-H-M Administration and the P-H-M Teachers Association, the agreement provides an overall base salary increase of approximately 3.45% for teachers. 

The starting salary for new teachers will now be $50,000 (up from $48,370), with the maximum salary increasing to $86,777 (up from $84,204). The salary adjustments are retroactive to July 1, 2025, and extend through June 30, 2026.

Additional highlights of the agreement include:

• A one-time $650 stipend for eligible teachers rated Effective or Highly Effective who served at least 120 school days during the 2024–25 school year.
• A 2% increase in stipends for teachers who coach or lead extracurricular activities, retroactive to the start of the school year.
• A $250 base salary increase for teachers who have earned their Early Literacy Endorsement.

The Board also approved a 3.45% pay increase for classified and administrative employee work groups. 

Employee contributions for the medical insurance premiums will increase a marginal 3%. PHM is moving from a 2-tier to a 4-tier medical plan through our current carrier Anthem. P-H-M will join Anthem’s HealthSync network, offering additional savings to members. The corporation will also provide matching funds for those who choose health insurance Plan “C” in the amount of $600 for Single and $1,200 for the other tiers.

P-H-M’s newest School Trustee Jen Smoker was sworn in Saturday, November 8, 2025 by Board Attorney Jon Rogers.

School Board President Chris Riley and Mrs. Smoker’s family were on hand.

Prior family commitments on November 10th prevent Mrs. Smoker from being sworn in Monday night during the regularly scheduled Board of School Trustees meeting. Mrs. Smoker’s first Board meeting will be Monday, December 8th.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees voted unanimously this morning to appoint Mrs. Jennifer (Jen) Smoker to fill the Penn Township Seat #1 vacancy created by the resignation of Matthew Chaffee in early October. 

A long-time resident and active community volunteer, Mrs. Smoker is a dedicated P-H-M parent of four children attending district schools. Her service and advocacy for students and staff have been felt across the district and throughout the greater community.

Mrs. Smoker currently serves on the P-H-M Education Foundation (PHMEF) Board of Directors, where she has chaired the Grants Committee since 2019. In that role, she helps oversee the process of awarding teacher and school grants that enhance learning, spark innovation, and promote excellence in all 15 P-H-M schools. She also supports PHMEF’s fundraising events and community partnerships that benefit students across the district.

Beyond her PHMEF service, Mrs. Smoker is deeply involved in several community organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for Granger Community Church, where she helps guide strategic planning and budget oversight; chairs the Grissom Middle School PTO Scholarship Committee, which awards scholarships to Penn High School seniors; and previously served as Board Secretary for Jr. Irish Soccer Club and Development Chair for Girls on the Run Michiana. Through these roles, she has combined her love of youth development, leadership, and service—supporting programs that build character, confidence, and connection.

Professionally, Mrs. Smoker brings two decades of business leadership and creative experience. A graduate of Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, she began her career as an Account Executive for major advertising firms in Detroit and Chicago, managing national brands such as Lincoln/Mercury and Quaker Oats. In 2003, she founded and operated CardCare.com, an online greeting card company she successfully led for 20 years.

“Mrs. Smoker’s commitment to servant leadership and her deep connection to our schools make her an outstanding addition to the Board,” said Board President Christopher Riley. “She has demonstrated her heart for P-H-M through years of volunteerism and community involvement and will bring a strong parent perspective to the table.”

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short added, “Jen’s energy, insight, and collaborative leadership reflect the very best of P-H-M’s Triangle of Success—students, teachers, and parents working together. Her service to our schools and community exemplifies P-H-M Excellence.”

Arrangements will be made with the P-H-M Board Attorney for Mrs. Smoker to take her Oath of Office. She will serve through the remainder of the current term, which expires in 2026. She may choose to run for election to the ensuing four-year term in the November 2026 general election.

Mrs. Smoker was chosen from five applicants. The other four candidates were John “Todd” Douthit, Brandon M. Kastner, William “Matt” Ludwig, and Ryan C. Woodruff (click here for their resumes). Public interviews of these applicants took place during a special board meeting held Tuesday, October 28th. President Riley said the decision to fill the vacancy was a difficult one, as all five candidates would have been excellent choices.

Click here for the process the Board of School Trustees followed for filling the vacancies.

Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. Heather Short and district administration presented the tentative teachers’ agreement to the Board of School Trustees during a Special Board Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025. The meeting provided Board members an opportunity to discuss the tentative agreement and allowed the public to review and comment.

“P-H-M is a premier, high-performing school district because of our educators and the academic excellence they provide,” said Dr. Short. “We want to continue attracting and retaining the best teachers for our students, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to our staff.”

The tentative agreement, developed through a collaborative effort between P-H-M Administration and the P-H-M Teachers Association, includes an overall base salary increase for teachers of approximately 3.45%.

The starting salary for new teachers will increase to $50,000 (up from $48,370), and the maximum salary will rise to $86,777 (up from $84,204). The School Board will officially approve the agreement at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 10.

Salary increases will be retroactive to July 1, 2025, and will extend through June 30, 2026.

Other highlights of the tentative agreement include:

• A one-time $650 stipend for eligible teachers who were rated Effective or Highly Effective and served at least 120 school days during the 2024–25 school year.
• A 2% increase in stipends for teachers who coach or lead extracurricular activities, retroactive to the start of the school year.
• A $250 base salary increase for teachers who have earned their Early Literacy Endorsement.

Director of Human Resources Bob Thompson also shared details on updates to P-H-M’s health insurance. Employee contributions for medical premiums will increase by a modest 3%. The district is also transitioning from a two-tier to a four-tier medical plan through its current carrier, Anthem, and joining Anthem’s HealthSync network—providing employees with additional cost-saving opportunities when using participating providers.

Again the P-H-M Board of School Trustees will officially vote on the teachers’ agreement, other employee group contracts, and the updated health insurance package at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 10.

U.S. News and World Report released its “Best Schools” rankings for public K-8 and high schools.

They ranked the best public elementary schools by state. For Indiana, 989 elementary schools were ranked and 483 middle schools.

Data is based on the 2021–2022, 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 school years.

All of P-H-M’s elementary schools are ranked among Indiana’s “Best Elementary Schools”:

• Northpoint #1
• Prairie Vista #2
• Horizon #37
• Mary Frank #39
• Bittersweet #94
• Elm Road #172
• Moran #175
• Elsie Rogers #297
• Madison #273
• Meadow’s Edge #370
• Walt Disney #385

Two of P-H-M’s middle schools were also recognized:

• Discovery #3
• Schmucker #53

Indiana’s 395 Indiana public high schools were also ranked, and Penn ranked #26.

The U.S. News & World Report analyzed 103,391 pre-K, elementary and middle schools nationwide for their rankings. The rankings use the same methodology for all included grade levels. For each state, schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments. Half of the formula assessed the scores themselves and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. In other words, the top-ranked schools are all high-achieving and have succeeded at educating all their students. Click here for more information on the methodology.

The highest ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores on an array of college-level exams, and graduated in high proportions. They reviewed data on 17,901 public high schools. Click here for more background information on their ranking system.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a Special School Board Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. at the Educational Services Center, 55900 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, Indiana related to the
following items:

• The School Board will meet to discuss the terms of the tentative agreement of the teacher collective bargaining agreement. Teacher Agreement 25-26 Blackline Version.

P-H-M’s ENL Department is hosting their annual Community Connections Fair on Saturday, November 1st.

Join us for activities, arts & crafts, food, performances, and to learn about resources in our community. It is completely FREE and all P-H-M families are invited to attend. Click here to see photos on Facebook of past Fairs.

For any families that want to sign up to perform, please click here to fill out the Google form.