OF THE CORPORATION” ADDRESS
The 2015 Superintendent’s Luncheon took place October 13 at Windsor Park. With the largest attendance ever (345 advance tickets were sold), the Superintendent’s Luncheon has become a popular event where teachers, parents, business leaders, elected officials and representatives from an array of community groups come together to get an update on the state of Penn-Harris-Madison schools from Dr. Jerry Thacker, the Superintendent himself. In this unique setting, members of the larger community engage with the educational community to learn more about P-H-M—its mission, the value to our region, and ways to support the district.
The annual event is hosted by the P-H-M Education Foundation and supported by presenting sponsor, Teachers Credit Union. This year’s Patron Sponsors included Crowe Horwath LLP, LL Low Associates and May Oberfell Lorber. WSBT-TV 22 morning news anchor and P-H-M parent Bob Montgomery served as emcee for the program.
FUNDED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
The Kingsmen String Ensemble played as guests browsed the tabletop displays highlighting how PHMEF grant monies have been used in the past year. PHMEF Executive Director Mari Linn Wise noted that $80,154 was distributed in the 2014-2015 grant cycle, and more than $520,000 has been given toward innovative classroom projects in total.
The 2015-2016 school year marks Dr. Thacker’s tenth year as district superintendent. His vision of excellence in education has resulted in a true legacy of success that has benefited tens of thousands of P-H-M students. With seven 4-star Schools (Horizon, Mary Frank, Northpoint, Prairie Vista, Grissom, Discovery and Penn), P-H-M is ranked 4th highest in Indiana out of nearly 300 school districts. Dr. Thacker noted that P-H-M’s success is a team effort and applauded the contributions of other key district administrators, as well as noting the leadership of the school principals. For example, Penn High School now boasts a 97% graduation rate, a complete turnaround from its 79% graduation rate in 2007. Eight years ago, 33% of Penn students graduated with academic honors; last year 51% of students earned an academic honors diploma.
AND WSBT ANCHOR BOB MONTGOMERY
Dr. Thacker also took time to convey direction for the future with a focus on continued academic progress of all students, expanding online learning experiences, continuing to build a technology-rich learning environment, along with expansion of STEM and Early College programs.
Mr. Andrew Berlin, South Bend Cubs owner, followed Dr. Thacker as the featured speaker this year. As Chairman and CEO of Chicago-based Berlin Packaging, Mr. Berlin has worked hard to set a very high standard of product quality and customer service within the packaging industry. He attributes much of that success to innovative practices and a focus on customer satisfaction, practices he’s put into place at the South Bend Cubs. The franchise set a set an all-time attendance record this past baseball season exceeding 300,000 fans for the first time in its history by drawing 348,000 fans.
Mr. Berlin noted that both the SB Cubs and P-H-M are meeting the needs of their customers and the community.
P-H-M Teacher of the Year Sheila Toth was also recognized at the luncheon. PHMEF honored her with the gift of $1,000 to be spent in her science classroom at Discovery Middle School.
Upcoming PHMEF events are the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Gala that’s planned for April 23, 2016, followed by The Silver Mile extravaganza to be held on May 7, 2016.
Keep up with the Foundation’s events and news at www.phmef.org
TEACHER OF THE YEAR, SHEILA TOTH
WELCOMES LUNCHEON GUESTS
