We’re Accepting Applications for the
2026-27 School Year

Click to learn more about P-H-M and why you should join our family.

Penn High School’s Class of 2026 has earned a record-high 15 National Merit Scholarship Finalists—placing those students among the top one percent of high school students nationwide! This milestone marks the most National Merit Finalists in Penn High School history and represents a significant academic achievement for the Penn-Harris-Madison community.

The 15 students include:

• Sreeja Bhattacharjee
• Mehreen Buchh
• Balthasar Cammett
• Madeline Dunn
• Connor Geoghegan
• Zachary Girton
• Quinn Hayden
• Wasif Javed
• Sultaan Khan
• Trenton Mager
• Ishita Masetty
• Leo Ni
• Joshua Oh
• Roman Ramos
• Grant Spadafore

Approximately 15,000 high school seniors nationwide have been named 2026 National Merit Scholarship Finalists, representing the top one percent of students in the United States. Selected from more than 16,000 Semifinalists announced in September 2025, finalists must complete a rigorous application process that includes confirming high PSAT/NMSQT performance with a qualifying SAT or ACT score, maintaining an outstanding academic record (generally a 3.5 GPA or higher), earning a high school recommendation, and submitting a self-descriptive essay. Of those finalists, approximately 6,930 students will ultimately receive National Merit Scholarships, with winners announced between April and July 2026. Click here for more details.

Penn High School Principal Rachel Fry commented on how the achievement reflects the dedication of students and the academic excellence Penn faculty provided … 

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate our 15 National Merit Scholarship Finalists, the most in our school’s history. Even more impressive, every one of our semi-finalists advanced to finalist standing, a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. This remarkable achievement reflects not only the talent and effort of these students, but also the commitment of our teachers, families, and school community who support them each day. It is an exciting accomplishment and I could not be more proud of this outstanding group of scholars.”

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. 

📍 Penn High School | 🗓 March 7–8, 2026
🎟 Admission: Free

Penn High School will host a FIRST Indiana Robotics District Competition on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, 2026. The competition will take place in the Main Arena and feature more than 40 teams from across Indiana.

Click here to see a photo gallery of last year’s competition.

📅 Event Schedule

Saturday, March 7

• 10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies

• All Day – Qualification Matches

• @7:00 p.m. – Competition concludes

• 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – Next Gen Day (Fitness Center)

Sunday, March 8

• 9:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies

• 2:00–5:00 p.m. – Playoff Matches & Awards

🤖 About the Competition

• Theme: FIRST AGE (Archaeology)

• Game: REBUILT

• This event serves as a qualifier for the FIRST Indiana Robotics Championship
  (April 17–19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds)

• Top teams may advance to the FIRST Robotics World Championships

👉 Click here for more information on the REBUILT game

🚗 Parking & Entry

• Parking: Penn High School parking lots: Main, Softball, Soccer; and across the street at Schmucker Middle School

• Spectator Entrance: Door D (northwest corner of the school)

🍔 Food & Amenities

• Food trucks available both days

• Spectator-friendly event for all ages

🚀 Next Gen Day (Saturday Only)

11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Fitness Center
Kids and families can explore robots, hands-on STEM activities, and future-focused technology during this interactive experience. Next Gen is open to all fans attending the tournament and immediately follows Books & Bots, which is only for P-H-M elementary students.

Come cheer on Indiana’s best student engineers and experience innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving in action!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 13

Click to register:

bit.ly/BooksandBots2026

Saturday, March 7, 2026   

9:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. 

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.

Click here to register online today!

OPTIONAL T-SHIRT PURCHASE: If you would like to order a t-shirt, CLICK HERE to be taken to Time for Tees website to place your order. Please note, this is an OPTION and not required. 

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 Jill Esbaum, participate in a variety of robotic explorations and engage in a dinosaur exploration activity. This is a FREE event thanks to the Foundation!

Jill Esbaum is the award-winning author of more than 65 children’s books, both fiction and nonfiction. A few recent titles include It’s Corn Picking Time!, Polecat Has a Superpower, and Bird Girl – How Gene Stratton Porter Shares Her Love of Nature with the World. Back in 2012 National Geographic Kids asked Jill to write a book featuring the Angry Birds and dinosaurs titled Angry Birds Playground: Dinosaurs, which gave her Dino Fever. Her dinosaur books since then include If a T. Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party, How to Grow a Dinosaur, and a three-book graphic early reader series, Thunder & Cluck. Jill lives on a family farm near Davenport. 

As part of the morning activities, students will participate in three rotations: one session with author Jill Esbaum, one dinosaur exploration session thanks to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, 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.

COST: Free!

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

Click here to register online today!

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

This registration opportunity is for families who

1. Live within the P-H-M district AND
2. Have students who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2026.

Registration will take place at the schools during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in most cases. The offices at Elsie Rogers Elementary School and Moran Elementary School will take registrations from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A parent or guardian must appear in person to register their child. 

Click here for more registration forms and more details on P-H-M Kindergarten Registration.

Penn-Harris-Madison also operates two preschool programs: Early Learning Academy (ELA) and Penn PALS. 

ELA registration for the 2026-27 school year also opens Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Click here to learn more about ELA.

Penn PALS registration for the 2026-27 school year has not opened yet.

If you are a not a P-H-M resident and you are interested in enrolling your kindergartner, please click here for more information on our non-resident lottery.

In 2024, Penn High School Robotics Coach Kyle Marsh and students came up with an idea on how to help students with ADHD, on the Autism Spectrum, or who just need help concentrating at school. Their idea was to use 3D printers to create and produce fidget tools for students. The key to making these tools more accessible and quickly available to the elementary students who needed them was to put a 3D printer at all 11 of P-H-M’s elementary schools.

Fortunately, P-H-M teachers and staff members can apply for classroom grants  through the P-H-M Education Foundation to pay for innovative ideas like this. Marsh was awarded a $5,000 grant to bring his idea to fruition. Penn High School students also benefit on this project because Marsh’s Robotics students not only install the 3D printers at the elementary schools, but they also help Marsh manage the project.

This inspiring story was recently featured on WSBT “Operation Education” highlighting the program in action at Elsie Rogers Elementary School where Marsh’s son Cooper attends third grade. Elsie Rogers was highlighted as of P-H-M’s 11 elementary schools with the 3D printers. Click to watch the story below on WSBT’s YouTube channel.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation (PHMEF) continues its mission of supporting excellence in education by awarding $73,715.48 in classroom innovation grants for the 2025-2026 school year, marking one of the largest funding years in foundation history!

Each year, PHMEF’s Annual Grant Cycle provides teachers across the district with opportunities to bring creative, hands-on learning projects to life, projects that go beyond traditional classroom resources. The grants are made possible through the generosity of community donors, local businesses, and district supporters.

During the first couple of weeks of December, PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom surprised grant recipients. Click here to see the full photo gallery.

“On behalf of the entire PHM Education Foundation Board I want you to know how deeply we believe in our teachers and staff,” said PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom. “Your dedication, and passion for making a positive impact are what make our schools truly exceptional. We are committed to funding your innovative ideas because you are the heart of excellence in P-H-M, and we are proud to support the remarkable work you do every day.”

A Legacy of Growth and Giving

This year the Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary. For three decades, PHMEF has steadily expanded its reach and impact within P-H-M classrooms. See the timeline below for how the foundation has grown in the past decade.

• Early years: The foundation awarded an average of $8,000-$10,000 in grants annually.
  
• 2017: The annual grant budget grew to just over $30,000, and PHMEF introduced EZ Grants, mini-grants for projects under $250. 
• 2022: The grant budget increased to $35,000, expanding teacher access to classroom innovation funding. 
• 2023: PHMEF streamlined its process to a single annual grant cycle (instead of fall and spring) and raised the total budget to $50,000, transitioning EZ Grants to an online Google Form. 
• 2024: The EZ Grant maximum increased from $250 to $750, and the total grant budget reached $60,000. 
• 2025: The foundation reached a new milestone, $75,000 in total grant funding, and received a record number of teacher and staff applications.

2025–2026 Traditional Grant Recipients

This year’s PHMEF grant recipients represent the heart of innovation happening across Penn-Harris-Madison classrooms. From STEM-infused music labs and outdoor learning spaces to student-led media programs and manufacturing technology upgrades, each project showcases how creativity and collaboration enhance student learning.

In total, 16 Traditional Grants were awarded this year, totaling $48,369.23 in funding to support educators who are designing unique, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, strengthen skills, and connect classroom learning to the world beyond school walls.

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1. Tune Lab – Walt Disney Elementary
   Charlis Cunningham & Emily Cornett • $2,000
   STEM meets music as 5th graders design and build custom musical instruments, connecting engineering and mathematical concepts in a showcase of sound and creativity
2. Sprouting Success – Elsie Rogers Elementary
   Christy Campbell & Jodi Cramer-Berry • $1,765.85
   Students will cultivate vegetables, herbs, and flowers using a Garden Tower and LED Grow Lights, learning firsthand about plant life cycles, nutrition, and sustainability.
3. Tania Bangtsson CPA Haze Machine – Penn High School
   Braden McMillen • $1,449.98
   A professional-grade haze machine enhances production quality and provides hands-on experience with stage lighting for Penn’s performing arts and broadcasting students.
4. Kingsmen in Custom Shining Armor – Penn High School
   Stephen Vincent & John Gensic • $1,713.08
   Manufacturing and Robotics students will collaborate to design and produce custom Kingsmen Armor and outdoor chain nets, merging creativity, engineering, and school pride.
5. Story Champs AAC Expansion Pack – All P-H-M Schools
   Jenna Pacheco • $2,815.22
   This curriculum expansion supports K-12 students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication, developing language, comprehension, and storytelling skills.
6. Bittersweet Gathering Grove – Bittersweet Elementary
   Michelle Leniski & Niki Kornrumph • $6,500
   In partnership with Penn’s Building Trades and Architecture classes, students will construct a 24’ x 24’ pavilion at the Bittersweet Nature Center, creating an outdoor classroom space for hands-on learning.
7. Northpoint WSTAR Studio – Northpoint Elementary
   Nichol Mondy • $1,912.98
   Funds will modernize the school’s WSTAR broadcasting studio, expanding student access to live news production in collaboration with Penn High School’s Penn News Network.
8. Establishing a Perceptual Motor Lab – Walt Disney Elementary
   Stephen Govorko • $1,487.13
   This lab will develop perceptual motor skills through movement-based activities that support academic success for K-3 students.
9. Enhancing Elementary PE through Gymnastics – Horizon Elementary
   Dani Snoeyink • $3,171.99
   New gymnastics equipment will enrich physical education lessons, improving coordination, balance, teamwork, and lifelong fitness habits.
10. Seeing is Achieving – All P-H-M Schools
    Angela Allen • $1,148
    An iPad for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students will enhance visual learning and literacy development, providing equitable access to classroom content.
11. Becoming an Orff Classroom – Madison Elementary
    Katelyn Lockwood • $1,929
    Students will explore rhythm and melody with new Orff percussion instruments, encouraging creativity and collaboration in music instruction.
12. Graphing Finite Math for Infinite Human Flourishing – Penn High School
    Angela Yarrell & John Gensic • $2,560
    New graphing calculators will support lessons in financial literacy, helping students analyze real-world topics like compound interest and regional energy use.
13. Wisdom Across Generations – Penn High School
    John Gensic, Angela Yarrell, Corin Sailor, Sarah Dwigans, & Danielle Black • $1,175
    Students will explore leadership and life lessons through inspiring books like Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and That’s What She Said, promoting reflection beyond digital devices.
14. Shaping Future Minds – Penn High School
    Scott Shelhart & John Gensic • $2,599
    A new 3D printer with laser engraving technology will enhance the Manufacturing curriculum, offering hands-on experience in precision production and design.
15. Moran Musical Production and Projection System – Moran Elementary
    Laura Scott & Jessie Kinney • $6,142
    A new projection system will elevate Moran’s musical performances, giving students opportunities to shine on stage and behind the scenes as part of the “tech crew.”
16. Penn High School Digital & Legacy Recognition Wall – Penn High School
    Josiah Parker • $10,000
    Students will help design and maintain a new Digital Alumni Recognition Wall: an interactive display celebrating past and present Kingsmen achievements through photos, awards, and memorabilia.

EZ Grant Recipients ($750 or Less)

PHMEF’s EZ Grants support smaller-scale classroom projects that have a big impact on student engagement and learning. These smaller-scale grants often provide the tools, materials, and technology that immediately enhance student engagement and learning.

For the 2025-2026 school year, 49 EZ Grants were approved, totaling $25,364.25 in funding.  Highlights from this year’s winners include innovative STEM tools, classroom resources, wellness initiatives, and creative enrichment activities.

Click here to see all EZ form grants and the full 2025-2026 PHMEF Grant Report.

2025-2026 Grant Summary

• Total 2025-2026 Grant Budget: $75,000
  
• Total EZ Grants Requested: $31,331.10
  
• Total EZ Grants Approved: $25,364.25
  
• Total Traditional Grants Requested: $54,389.23
  
• Total Traditional Grants Approved: $48,369.23
• Total Grants Awarded: $73,715.48

Investing in #PHMExcellence

From preschool learners growing gardens to high schoolers engineering recognition walls, each PHMEF grant represents a creative idea turned into opportunity.

Through donor support and district collaboration, the foundation continues to expand its impact, ensuring that innovation, inspiration, and excellence thrive in every P-H-M classroom.

To learn more about the foundation’s impact or to support future grants, visit PHMEF.org.

30 Years of Impact 

Join PHMEF in celebrating the past 30 years of impact and look to continue momentum in supporting excellence in education at the 30th anniversary gala.  Sponsorships and tickets to this extraordinary event are on sale now at PHMEF.org/gala.