The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees will hold a Special School Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Educational Services Center, 55900 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, Indiana related to the following item:

• Approval of Employment of Dr. Heather Short as Superintendent
  of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation

A public hearing to hear objections to or in support of a proposed new contract for a new Superintendent was held Thursday, May 15, 2025.

The entire contract can be found at the following link: phmexcellence.com/SuptContract.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is proud to announce that Rose Montgomery, a first grade teacher at Prairie Vista Elementary, has been named the district’s 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise classroom visit from Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker on Wednesday, May 7, as part of the district’s celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week. Click to watch the video below.

Making the surprise even more special, Rose’s husband—WSBT-TV anchor and reporter Bob Montgomery—was there with a videographer to capture the moment. After the excitement settled, he had the unique opportunity to interview his wife about the honor.

Also joining the celebration were the couple’s daughters, Caroline and Katherine. Caroline is a sophomore at Penn High School, and Katherine, a 2024 Penn graduate currently attending Bethel University as a nursing major. Katherine is volunteering in her mother’s classroom through the end of the school year—a full-circle moment reflecting Rose as both a loving mother, wife, and teacher. Click to see the full photo gallery below.

With more than 30 years of service to P-H-M, Mrs. Montgomery has built a career rooted in relationships, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of every child who walks through her door. “My heartfelt belief is that these children are part of my family from the day they show up in my classroom,” Mrs. Montgomery shared. “This doesn’t end when the school year ends.”

That belief drives everything she does. Even before the school year begins, Mrs. Montgomery connects with families—especially those whose children may face challenges—so that students arrive on day one feeling welcomed and supported. “The first day shouldn’t be full of anxiety,” she said, “but filled with comfort, knowing their teacher already cares about them.”

Her connections with families are intentional and ongoing. Mrs. Montgomery regularly calls parents to share moments of progress and celebration. “I want the parent to hear the passion in my voice,” she said. “Even the most reluctant student becomes a trusted member of my extended family by the end of the year.”

Colleagues say her commitment is unmatched. “Rose is the kind of teacher who will stay up late thinking of new ways to support her students,” said colleague Hayley McTigue who was one three teachers who nominated her. “Her creativity, perseverance, and heart set her apart.”

Mrs. Montgomery embraces all aspects of a child’s growth. “As teachers, our job is so much more than teaching content,” she says. “We play basketball at recess, wipe tears, attend birthday parties, bandage knees, and offer encouragement.”

She tutors after school, attends students’ events, and continues relationships long after students leave her classroom. She’s a strong advocate for students with special needs, often working closely with parents to create individualized plans for success. “She works with parents to develop the best plan for their child—academically, behaviorally, and emotionally,” said fellow teacher Retha Stork.

For Mrs. Montgomery, teaching is about leaving a mark that goes far beyond academics. “In 40 years,” she said, “students won’t remember the reading or math lesson you worked so hard to perfect, but they will remember how you made them feel.”

During the week of May 5th, Dr. Thacker also named the district’s Secondary Teacher of the year and Certified Employee of the Year. On Monday, Schmucker 8th grade math teacher L.A. High was surprised in his classroom with the Secondary Teacher of the Year honor (click here for details). On Tuesday, Penn High School Educational Assistant Whitney Hall learned that she was Employee of the Year (click here for details).All three winners will be officially recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 21st. Thanks to the P-H-M Education Foundation, the Employee of the Year will receive a plaque and gift certificate and the two Teachers of the Year will also receive a plaque along with grants to use in their classrooms. Both TOY winners will go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in early Fall 2025 by the IDOE. Click here for more information on Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process.

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Penn High School Educational Assistant Whitney Hall received a well-deserved honor this morning when Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker announced that she has been named the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year for Penn-Harris-Madison.

Dr. Thacker, PHM and Penn Administrators, a few of Whitney’s co-workers, and of course students were all in the classroom waiting to surprise Whitney when she returned after a “meeting.” She was genuinely surprised and caught off guard. Click to watch the video below, and then click here to see the full photo gallery.

Since joining the Exceptional Education Academy at Penn in September 2020, Whitney has made a significant difference in her students’ lives. One example of her dedication is her one-on-one work and patient support with a mostly non-verbal student which led to the discovery that the student could solve algebraic equations.

Her co-workers admire Whitney’s willingness to “jump right in” and help no matter the situation. Another example of her commitment to her students is when during an adaptive PE session, Whitney didn’t hesitate to dive into the pool to swim alongside her students.

Whitney also serves as the coach of Penn’s Unified Cornhole Team, a program that brings together general education and exceptional education students in inclusive, team-based competition. Under Whitney’s guidance over the past two years, the program has grown in both participation and impact—celebrating the values of equity, inclusion, and student engagement. These are just a few examples of the impact she makes daily. Every student matters to Whitney Hall.

Whether assisting students with IEPs, assisting with classroom instruction, or mentoring fellow Educational Assistants, Whitney consistently goes above and beyond to ensure students receive the individualized support they need to be successful. She is a true team player.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Whitney plays a key leadership role in building positive culture within the Ex Ed Academy and the greater Penn community. She is a founding member of Penn’s SITA Crew, a group of Educational Assistants who organize morale-boosting activities, staff events, and opportunities to build connection and community within the Exceptional Education team.

Whitney embodies what it means to serve with heart. Her work has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and staff alike.

During the week of May 5^th, Dr. Thacker will also name P-H-M’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in a surprise announcement. On Monday, 8th grade Schmucker math teacher L.A. High was named Secondary Teacher of the year (click here for details). All three winners will be officially recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 21st. Thanks to the P-H-M Education Foundation, the Employee of the Year will receive a plaque and gift certificate and the two Teachers of the Year will also receive a plaque along with grants to use in their classrooms. Both TOY winners will go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in early Fall 2025 by the IDOE. Click here for more information on Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process.

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To mark the start of National Teacher Appreciation Week, Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker is celebrating the district’s most outstanding educators—surprising them with the news that they have been selected as P-H-M’s 2025 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.

Click to watch the video below of Dr. Thacker surprising Schmucker Middle School 8th grade Math teacher L.A. (Kriss) High announcing he’s been named P-H-M 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Thacker had some help pulling this surprise off. Schmucker Middle School Principal Sarah Smith and others were in on the ruse. As you saw in the video above, they were successful in catching Mr. High off guard. The students enjoyed being in on the fun as well, applauding and cheering.

This isn’t the first time Dr. Thacker has recognized Mr. High for commitment to academic excellence. In Fall 2024, Mr. High received a P-H-M Teacher Impact Award for achieving the highest student growth in 8th-grade math, as measured by ILEARN assessments.

Mr. High is in his 14th year of teaching math to P-H-M middle schoolers (16 years total teaching experience), beginning at Grissom Middle School and now serving at Schmucker. His influence spans generations of students—including current Schmucker counselor/former Grissom student Allie Marks, who nominated him for the award. 

“Math was never my strength,” she reflected. “But Mr. High created a classroom environment where I felt safe to make mistakes and keep trying. Now, as his colleague, I see him doing the same for today’s students—advocating for effective re-teaching strategies, supportive grading practices, and meaningful interventions.”

Beyond his classroom excellence, Mr. High is known for his compassion and commitment to service. For several years, he has supported fundraising efforts for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis—first as a participant and now as the lead organizer of annual initiatives at both Grissom and Schmucker. His creative events over the years, from trivia nights and “pie-a-teacher” contests to the 150-mile bike ride to Indianapolis, have collectively raised nearly $60,000 at both schools!

For Mr. High, teaching is about more than data or test scores. “Success in education is not limited to grades or metrics—it’s measured by the lasting, unquantifiable impact we have on those around us,” he said.

His former student at Grissom and current colleague, Miss Marks, agrees wholeheartedly. “Mr. High is the kind of teacher who reaches the students who believe they can’t learn. I’m grateful to have been in his class—and now, I’m honored to work alongside him.”

During the week of May 5^th, Dr. Thacker will also name P-H-M’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.

and Classified Employee of the Year in surprise announcements. All winners will be officially recognized at P-H-M’s Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 21st. Along with a plaque, the two Teachers of the Year will also receive a grant from the P-H-M Education Foundation to use in their classroom. Both TOY winners will go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in early Fall 2025 by the IDOE. Click here for more information on Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process.

Discovery Middle School is proud to announce that in late March 7th grade Social Studies teacher Les Cornelison was named the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Teacher of the Year for Indiana’s District 3 for 2025. The award recognizes exceptional educators who instill the values of civic responsibility, patriotism, and service in their students.

Mr. Cornelison, unaware he had even been nominated, was humbled to receive the news. He credits fellow educator Ryan Towner for submitting the nomination that led to the recognition. “I am very honored to be thought of in this manner,” Les shared.

Each year, the VFW selects one teacher from each state district for this distinction. Winners receive a stipend for both professional development and classroom resources. As the District 3 honoree, Mr. Cornelison is now eligible for consideration at the state and national levels.

Les Cornelison’s life has been a journey of service. He began in the United States Marine Corps from 1990-1994.

Following his military service, Les transitioned into the fire service, rising through the ranks from firefighter to Fire Captain and ultimately Fire Chief with both the Penn Township and Osceola Fire Departments. While working, he pursued his MBA part-time at IU South Bend.

He later served as a U.S. Diplomat in locations including China, the Philippines, Washington D.C., and Afghanistan. After retiring in 2020 and overcoming a spinal injury, Les found a new path in education—bringing decades of real-world experience into his classroom.

“My biggest drive is I want to be adding value to my students,” said Les. “I have my pension. I don’t need to work, but I want to give back and help develop a love of learning in my students.”

We congratulate Mr. Cornelison on this well-deserved honor and thank him for his continued dedication to serving others, both in and out of the classroom!

Along with earning the Transition to Teaching licensure, Mr. Cornelison earned two other degrees from IUSB: Bachelors of Science in Economics, Statistics Concentration and a Masters of Business Management and Administration. You can read more about what led Mr. Cornelison to transition into education. 

April Fools’ Day maybe the day of pranks, but today in Penn-Harris-Madison with a little help of the building principals Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker used this day synonymous with jokes to surprise five teachers with Spring 2025 Teacher Impact Awards. 

Joining Dr. Thacker on the fun secret surprises were Asst. Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Director of Professional Development Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, Director of Literacy Ryan Towner, Exceptional Education Director Gena Todd, and Executive Director of the P-H-M Education Foundation Jennifer Turnblom McClain.

The Impact Awards are given to P-H-M educators who had the most significant individual student growth with DIBELS, IREAD, ILEARN, and AP testing.

Five awards were given out on Tuesday, April 1st:

William “Cub” Irons, 9th grade AP History, Penn High School: Highest percentage scoring a 3 or higher on AP History of the World exam.

Awards Given Out April 3rd & 4th

While all P-H-M teachers make an impact with their students and are dedicated to helping them achieve personal academic success, the Impact Award shines the spotlight on educators who have helped their students achieve individual academic growth on their formative assessments over time.

 The first-ever Impact Awards were handed out in September 2023. The Fall 2024 Impact Awards were given out in December.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for covering the cost for the beautiful crystal awards which teachers can proudly display in their classrooms.

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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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.