Josie Engdahl didn’t think anything of it when she was pulled into a Teacher Leadership Team (TLT) meeting Friday morning to help plan professional development for fellow Meadow’s Edge teachers. But when she returned to her fourth grade classroom, Superintendent Dr. Heather Short was waiting with some unexpected news and the cameras were rolling. Click to watch the video below.

As Engdahl walked through the door, her students cheered and clapped as Dr. Short shared that she had been named Penn-Harris-Madison’s 2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year. The surprise was coordinated by Meadow’s Edge Principal Lindsay Helman-Cass, who arranged for Engdahl to be out of the classroom so the celebration could come together. Click here to see the full photo gallery on Canto.

Now in her sixth year of teaching, including three years at P-H-M, Engdahl is an educator whose instruction prioritizes student engagement through both rigor and creativity. Her classroom reflects a belief that students learn best when they see purpose in their work and have opportunities to actively construct understanding.

A defining example is her interdisciplinary “tiny house” unit, where fourth graders apply mathematics standards for area and perimeter to design scaled floor plans and build three-dimensional models.

Students tackle complex shapes by breaking them into simpler parts, applying multiple strategies, and explaining their thinking using precise mathematical language. The project also integrates writing, collaboration, and presentation, reinforcing both conceptual understanding and communication skills.

“This unit reflects my core beliefs about teaching and learning,” Engdahl said. “Students learn best when they have voice and agency, and when tasks are rich enough to welcome many approaches. Creativity is not extra; it’s what drives persistence and precision.”

Engdahl is a proud P-H-M graduate, having attended Prairie Vista Elementary School, Schmucker Middle School, and Penn High School, where she was a member of the Class of 2016. During her time at Prairie Vista, Dr. Short served as her principal, making this recognition especially meaningful.

“I couldn’t be prouder that Josie chose to go into teaching and that the Selection Committee chose her to represent her fellow elementary teachers,” said Dr. Short. “I remember her as a student who loved being at school and learning; she always had the biggest smile. It’s been incredible to watch her grow into one of our finest teacher leaders and caring educators.”

After earning her degree from Ball State University, Engdahl began her teaching career at Anderson Intermediate School in Anderson, Indiana, where she taught from 2020 to 2023 before returning to her home district. She also returned to the volleyball program as a coach. Engdahl is currently Penn’s Girls Head JV Volleyball coach.

In Engdahl’s first year with P-H-M, she applied for and was selected  for the prestigious Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teachers (FCT), a program of the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and the Indiana Department of Education. She was one of just 20 educators statewide chosen to participate in the program, which supports creativity-centered innovation in the classroom. Through a partnership with the South Bend Museum of Art, Engdahl designed lessons that ensure every student can engage with grade-level content while making meaningful connections beyond the classroom. She integrated visual arts into science instruction, allowing students to explore concepts like erosion and fossilization through hands-on work with clay giving them a tangible way to understand scientific processes and engage more deeply with the content. Click more to read about the creative lessons Engdahl did with her students.

“Josie exemplifies what it means to be an educator in Penn-Harris-Madison,” Dr. Short added. “She creates engaging learning experiences while modeling strong teaching for her colleagues. When teachers lead in this way, it strengthens the entire school and benefits every student.”

As a building leader, Engdahl is known for her strength as a relationship-builder and her contributions to school culture. She collaborates with Meadow’s Edge PBIS, Behavior Intervention Team (BIT), and TLT to help cultivate a positive, supportive, and collaborative environment for both students and staff. By helping establish shared expectations and common language across the building, she contributes to a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

“This work has fundamentally changed how we approach behavior and support students,” Engdahl said. “School culture is built through structured systems, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child’s success.”

“Josie leads by example,” said Principal Lindsay Helman-Cass. “She listens first to understand what’s working and where support is needed, then helps facilitate meaningful conversations that strengthen instruction. Through her leadership, we’ve seen stronger routines, increased time on task, and improved student outcomes.”

Every Spring P-H-M honors a Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year and a Certified Employee of the Year. Penn High School Spanish Teacher Kelley Watts was named the district’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year on Thursday April 30, 2026.

All three honorees are officially recognized at P-H-M’s annual Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner, which will be held this year on Wednesday, May 20th. The two Teachers of the Year will then go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced Fall 2026 by the Indiana Department of Education. The PHM Education Foundation awards each Teacher of the Year a $1,000 grant and gift card to the Employee of the Year.

What started as a typical first block this morning in Señora Kelley Watts’ Spanish IV class quickly turned into a surprise party when Spanish teacher Kelley Watts unexpectedly learned that she was being named Penn-Harris-Madison’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

With some behind-the-scenes planning by Principal Rachel Fry and Associate Principal Jeanie Mitchell, Watts was called away from her classroom for what she thought was a photo opp with students in Penn’s Main Arena–on the other side of the building away from her classroom. While Watts was being kept busy, P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, other P-H-M administrators, and local TV station news crews snuck into Watts’ classroom to get everything in place for the big surprise. Click to see a photo gallery below. Click here to see the full gallery on Canto.

When Watts returned, she was met with applause, cameras, and the big news that she was P-H-M’s  Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Click below to watch the video of the surprise for Señora Watts.

Throughout her career, Watts has demonstrated a deep commitment to student learning, leadership, and building meaningful connections both inside and outside the classroom. She brings 30 years of teaching experience, including 22 years at Penn High School. In addition to her classroom role, Watts has led student initiatives, including serving as the Kingsmen Against Cancer sponsor for more than eight years. 

She serves as an instructional coach and is an active leader in the P-H-M Teachers Association, where she advocates for both students and staff. As a mentor to fellow educators, she is an example of continuous growth and collaboration. She also serves alongside her husband, Mark, as co-head coach of the Boys Volleyball team, now in its second season. Click here to read a recent article in the South Bend Tribune, featuring the Watts’, about the growth and rise in popularity of boys volleyball as a new IHSAA sanctioned sport.

Teaching and coaching colleague Eric Bowers nominated Watts for the honor. Bowers understands firsthand what it takes to excel in both the classroom and in athletics. Bowers, an AP History teacher and Penn’s Boys and Girls Tennis coach was named P-H-M’s 2023 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“Kelley has a unique ability to connect with students not only in the classroom, but through opportunities like Spanish Club [which she led in previous years] and now through coaching as well,” Bowers said. “She reaches a wide range of students and creates meaningful relationships that extend beyond the school day.”

Known for her engaging and supportive teaching style, Watts creates learning environments where students feel confident to take risks and grow. One example is her Spanish II “Yelp Review” writing unit, where students progress from foundational language skills to composing six-paragraph essays entirely in Spanish.

“My favorite level of Spanish to teach is Level 2. When they enter my class, they have made the choice to continue learning Spanish, which already reflects a level of commitment,” Watts reflected. “Level 2 of any language is often the most challenging, and I enjoy pushing students to reach levels of learning and understanding that they initially believe are beyond their capabilities.”

Watts has created educational opportunities for her Penn Spanish students to engage in authentic conversations, build global connections, and apply their language skills in real-world settings. Through a month-long cultural exchange experience, she brought Ecuadorian students studying in the United States to Penn to spend several weeks alongside her students, immersing the international students in English instruction and American culture, while also giving her students the opportunity to learn directly from native Spanish speakers and experience authentic cultural exchange.

Principal Rachel Fry said Watts exemplifies the very best of Penn High School.

“Kelley Watts represents what it means to be an exceptional educator,” Fry said. “She builds strong relationships with students, challenges them to achieve at high levels, and creates meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Her leadership and commitment to excellence make a lasting impact on our entire school community.”

Watts’ love for language has permeated down to benefit P-H-M’s elementary and middle school students as well. Watts was involved in the creation of P-H-M’s Summer Visual Arts Academy, a week-long summer enrichment program that integrates music, art, and culture. One of the first years the VAA included Spanish language instruction, for which Watts helped develop the curriculum. She’s also been involved with the district’s summer week-long Language Academy camps for elementary and middle school students, with a different language featured each year.

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short has seen the impact Watts has on students over the years.

“Kelley’s impact is felt across our entire district,” Dr. Short said. “She is deeply committed to helping students at every level develop a love of language and culture, and she creates meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity and connection in all of our learners.” 

Every Spring P-H-M honors a Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year and a Certified Employee of the Year. All three honorees are officially recognized at P-H-M’s annual Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner, which will be held this year on Wednesday, May 20th. The two Teachers of the Year will then go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced Fall 2026 by the Indiana Department of Education. The PHM Education Foundation awards each Teacher of the Year a $1,000 grant and gift card to the Employee of the Year.

2026 Running is Elementary will be held Monday, May 4 (Rain Date Wednesday, May 6) at Elm Road Elementary School, 59400 Elm Rd, Mishawaka.

Timeline of Events:

• 2:50 p.m. – Introductions
• 3:00 p.m. – 5th gr. Girls Race
• 3:20 p.m. – 5th gr. Boys Race
• 3:40 p.m. – 4th gr. Girls Race
• 4:00 p.m. – 4th gr. Boys Race

Parking Information:

• Elm Road will be filled first before using Grissom Middle School, 13881 Kern Rd., Mishawaka
• Family/Spectator parking at the bottom of Elm Road School as space allows. This area will be primarily be for principals, coaches, and volunteers

ALL Runners need to be picked up no later than 4:30 at Elm Road. Runners may leave following completion of their grade’s run by checking out with the coach. 

RAIN DATE: Principals will be notified by Noon on Monday and information will be posted on elementary schools’ website along with P-H-M & Education Foundation website PHMEF.org 

Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees Secretary Dana Sullivan is being recognized at the state level for her commitment to leadership and continued learning.

Sullivan recently earned a Distinguished Level 3 award through the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA), a statewide organization that supports and trains school board members across Indiana. 

Through its School Board Member Awards Program, ISBA honors board members who go above and beyond in their dedication to professional development and effective school governance. Earning the Distinguished Level 3 award represents a significant investment of time and effort and a strong commitment to thoughtful leadership and continuous growth. 

In addition to individual recognition, the Penn-Harris-Madison School Board was also honored this year with the Commendable Board Recognition. This recognition is given to school boards whose members have actively participated in professional development through the ISBA program. 

Congratulations to Dana Sullivan on earning this recognition, and thanks to all School Board members for the time, leadership, and care they put into supporting student success.

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!