For the 12th consecutive year, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation was named among the 2025’s Best Communities for Music Education (​BCME) in the country by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation! P-H-M has received this recognition more than any other school district in Indiana!

This year NAMM has named 935 school districts as the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, and P-H-M is one of them! The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education. 

In P-H-M elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes. Beginning in 6th grade, P-H-M students at our three middle schools (Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom) have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as their music elective. Students at Discovery also have the option of choosing Piano Lab. Schools from elementary all the way up to Penn High School also perform musicals.

Penn High School offers the Fine Arts & Communication Academy as part of its unique academy structure. The seven academy design provides Penn students with relevant and meaningful coursework taught in smaller, supportive environments where each student is known well by his teacher and peers. Nearly a third of Penn’s total 3,500 students are enrolled in the Fine Arts Academy with the majority being involved with music programs, either Choir, Orchestra, Band or another music program.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, P-H-M answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music.

In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood. Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

Indiana Association of School Principals recently announced that Penn assistant principal, Josiah Parker, has been named District 2 Assistant Principal of the Year!

District 2 includes the following counties: St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Fulton, Pulaski, Marshall, Starke, and LaPorte.

The winner of Assistant Principal of the Year will be announced in November.

Mr. Parker has been assistant principal of Penn High School since 2018.

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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Penn News Network (PNN) junior CJ Vantine had a very special school visitor this morning.

Mr. Zach Lowe from C-SPAN came to Penn to recognize CJ for winning Honorable Mention in C-SPAN’s 2025 National StudentCam Competition, a student video documentary competition.

This year’s theme was “Your Message to the President: What issue is most important to you or your community?” Students were asked to craft a 5-6 minute documentary on the topic of their choice. Nearly 3,500 students across the country entered the contest this year, and CJ was one of the 150 winners!

CJ’s story focused on “Reforming Section 230: Modifying the Moderation.” Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) is a federal law that protects internet platforms, such as social media sites, from legal liability for content posted by their users.

CJ’s parents, Penn-Harris-Madison School Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, and Board of School Trustees President Chris Riley were on hand to applaud CJ’s honor along with her classmates and PNN teacher Mrs. Ally Starkweather. Local TV station, ABC 57, was also on hand and interviewed CJ about her accomplishment.

As part of CJ’s Honorable Mention award, she also won $250, which she generously plans on donating back to Penn High School to purchase equipment for PNN. Mr. Lowe also read a recognition letter from Indiana U.S. Senator Todd Young commending CJ on her honor.

Three other PNN students also submitted documentaries for consideration in C-SPAN’s StudentCam competition. They were recognized for making it to the second round of judging:

• Marie Roach and Kelly Kubinski, “Dear Madam President” (topic: female empowerment)
• Mikan Gensic, “Price of Being Alive” (topic: universal healthcare)

All videos were submitted to C-SPAN for consideration in January 2025. Click here for the description of StudentCam Competition Rules.

To read more about recent awards that PNN students are winning, click here. 

If future Kingsmen are interested in PNN and possibly taking the courses when they get to Penn High School, parents can sign up their student up to participate in the 2025 PNN Media Summer Camp. Click here for more info and to register their student.

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Freshman AP History teacher William “Cub” Irons got quite the April Fool’s surprise this morning, except it was no joke!

With the help of Penn High School’s Administrative Team, P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker dropped by Mr. Irons’ class to let him know that his class had the highest AP History passing percentage at Penn, scoring a 3 or higher on AP History of the World exam.

In classrooms across the district, our experienced teachers are working hard to help their students learn, retain and grow their knowledge base.

The Spring 2025 P-H-M Teacher Impact Awards are given to educators who had the most significant individual student growth with DIBELS, IREAD, ILEARN, and AP testing. Dr. Thacker awarded four other teachers with Impact Awards on April 1st. Click here more details.

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.

Penn High School Principal Dr. Sean Galiher, along with assistant principals, director of athletics and students showed off and explained how Penn is “Building Bright Futures.”

At the Penn-Harris-Board of School Trustees meeting held Monday, Feb. 10 at Penn, the high school demonstrated how they are putting this year’s theme into action in everything they do.

From highlights from the Homecoming parade in the fall to reports on Penn’s amazing 98% graduation rate and everything in between. Other reports included:

• Building & Trades program (now in its 56th year!)
• Engineering Design & Development program (competed against and beat college students in the TECH 120 class at Purdue) 
• Class of 2025 students on track for an Honors Diploma
• AP Enrollment & Success
• SAT Performance
• Attendance
• Athletic & Academic Teams update
• Teacher Professional Development update
• … and so much more!

Click here to view Principal Dr. Galiher’s full presentation.

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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.

The P-H-M Education Foundation is proud to support teachers and students by funding innovative classroom grants that enrich learning experiences beyond the school district’s budget. From small purchases under $100 to larger projects exceeding $1,000, every grant enhances classrooms in meaningful ways. Click here to read about Education Foundation Grants and to see the full list of winners, or read the recap below.

Total Grants Awarded: $59,999.96 (Total 2024-2025 Grant Budget – $60,000)

● Total EZ Grants Requested – $24,533.26
● Total EZ Grants Approved – $10,369.23
● Total Traditional Grants Requested – $87,874.09
● Total Traditional Grants Approved – $49,630.73

EZ form grant requests for $750 or less:

1. Remediation Phonics
○ Meadow’s Edge Elementary
○ Ufli & Secret Stories Curriculum for 2nd grade
○ Awarded $260.00

2. “One Choice” Book Study
○ Schmucker Middle School
○ Purchase 60 copies of the the Jack & Nick Savage story “One Choice” books
○ Awarded $600.00

3. Elsie Press back in commission
○ Elsie Rogers Elementary
○ Funding for the Elsie Press Newspaper
○ Awarded $165.00

4. Third Grade Writing Portfolios
○ Meadow’s Edge Elementary
○ Publishing and resource materials for writing
○ Awarded $479.58

5. Infant CPR Training Kits
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Infant CPR Training kits from the American Red Cross
○ Awarded $685.62

6. Star Buddies, Coffee Shop for All
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Materials and supplies for coffee shop for teachers run by exceptional education students
○ Awarded $300.00

7. Film Photography Processing
○ Penn High School
○ Materials and tools for the film classes and darkroom
○ Awarded $320.00

8. Let your Learning GLOW
○ Elm Road Elementary
○ Black lights and materials for ILearn review in 4th grade classrooms
○ Awarded $661.51

9. Middle School Clay Assistant
○ Grissom Middle School
○ Slab roller for clay materials
○ Awarded $666.62

10. Ricochet Stools for Fidgety Students
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Stools designed for students to rock/tip safely
○ Awarded $638.20

11. Wiggle Seats for Classroom/Small Group Table
○ Prairie Vista Elementary
○ Wiggle seats/flexible seating for students
○ Awarded $509.94

12. Enhance Comprehension through updated Classroom Libraries
○ Elm Road Elementary
○ New books that encourage the comprehension process
○ Awarded $544.71

13. The One and Only Bob Literature Story
○ Prairie Vista Elementary
○ 25 copies of The One and Only Bob” books
○ Awarded $250.10

14. North Point Drama Club “The Dazzles”
○ Northpoint Elementary
○ Creation of a Drama Club including “The Big Band” Musical
○ Awarded $583.00

15. Scintillating Science
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Tabletop ice maker for the Science classes
○ Awarded $371.49

16. Photography Club: Explore to Fine Art Photography
○ Penn High School
○ SD memory cards for cameras
○ Awarded $107.88

17. Microscope for all learners
○ Penn High School
○ Digital microscope that can connect to a computer
○ Awarded $479.00

18. “Wonder” Novel Study
○ Bittersweet Elementary
○ Purchase of 30 copies of the novel “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
○ Awarded $377.70

19. Coding with Beebots for Kindergarten
○ Northpoint Elementary
○ STEM based coding robots for all kindergarten classes to share
○ Awarded $676.00

20. Door M Picnic Table Part Deaux
○ Penn High School
○ Picnic table for outdoor space for teachers’ and students’ use
○ Awarded $750.00

21. Preschool Playground Revamp
○ Penn High School
○ Refurbish and install new equipment and play areas outside of Door K including a sandbox in partnership with Penn Construction for the Penn Preschool
○ Awarded $419.38

22. Discovery Band Tuners
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Devices that clip to music stands helping students tune their instruments
○ Awarded $523.50

Full Funding:

1. Learning by Induction
○ Penn High School – John Gensic, John Fitch, Rachael Meyers, Brian May, Steven Sanders, Toni Boger-May
○ 10-12 grade Sciences & Culinary Arts students
○ Awarded $1,347.74
○ A unique collaboration between STEM and FACs classes at Penn obtaining equipment to modernize space in the culinary classes to include more user-friendly and energy efficient induction cooking materials. Science students will use previously funded thermal cameras and partner with culinary students to help them see a direct connection between science, technology and the application in everyday lives in the kitchen.

2. Drumming Up Creativity
○ Elm Road Elementary – Cynthia Berryman
○ All kindergarten through 5th grade students through Music class
○ Awarded $1,655.84
○ 12 new “tubano” drums that will promote bilateral coordination and facilitate complex rhythms using two hands. Students will become composers and create their own music with partners and will perform within the school community.

3. Schmucker Speech Room Upgrade
○ Schmucker Middle School – Jenna Pacheco
○ All middle school students receiving Speech Therapy
○ Awarded $2,626.00
○ Upgrades in interactive technology through a video smart board that allows for effective and interactive therapy sessions benefiting students with communication difficulties under the guidance of speech therapy.

4. Mary Frank and Northpoint Tech Upgrades Phase 2
○ Mary Frank Elementary & Northpoint Elementary – Jason Poff
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $5,036.98
○ Expansion of sounds and lighting equipment to enhance Fine Arts performances. These upgrades will help students become more effective communicators through performance experience and more technical lighting and sound engineers.

5. You Can’t Swipe This Screen – Screen Printing Basics
○ Penn High School – Alex Dunfee
○ Digital Design students in grades 9-12
○ Awarded $3,373.58
○ Provides students the opportunity to learn the screen printing process in class (one of the most common ways to print on fabric.) Students will design and make their own ink-based screen printed shirts and have the opportunity to collaborate and produce products with other student organizations within Penn High School.

6. Feeding You Mind One Book at a Time & Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine
○ Horizon Elementary – Sue Robers & Emily Cornett
○ Elsie Rogers Elementary – Hollie Truckowski
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded up to $7,169.00 per vending machine; $14,338 total (schools to negotiate and work together on pricing/vending machine design)
○ Funds to purchase a book vending machine as part of an incentive program allowing students to earn tokens to then use to purchase a book with the help of staff from the vending machine. Students will have the opportunity to keep the book encouraging the promotion of literacy as a reward with increased student engagement. Vending machines will have the PHMEF logo branding and will be displayed prominently within each school (library or school lobby.)

7. Grissom’s Embouchure Project
○ Grissom Middle School – Camille Roper
○ Band students in grades 6-8
○ Awarded $1,757.50
○ Purchase of embouchure (mouth shape) and ear training skill building tools for the band program allowing students to correctly and quickly improve their progress in learning music. Students will build fundamental skills in embouchure development, tone production and audiation skills.

8. Integrating Children’s Books into Physical Education
○ Walt Disney Elementary – Stephen Gouorko
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $300.50
○ Unique collaboration with classroom teachers and librarians to implement an interdisciplinary learning program that promotes literacy and physical activity in students. Students will use books to research new ways to eat healthy and make better choices while playing games and participating in physical activities based on the books.

9. The Prairie at Prairie Vista
○ Prairie Vista Elementary – Dr. Keely Twibell
○ All K-5th grade students, other PHM schools and the greater PHM Community
○ Awarded $10,250.00
○ In collaboration with community volunteers, the school community and PTO organization, Prairie Vista will restore and utilize the natural prairie area on school property. The grant will create learning opportunities for all PHM students allowing them to engage directly with the natural world. Teachers can bring classes out to the natural environment to create a dynamic learning environment. Students and community members will be encouraged to take an active role in prairie conservation efforts, clean-up activities, seasonal maintenance and seeding initiatives and will be an area that other schools can visit to pursue research projects and advanced study. Restoration efforts include but aren’t limited to Wildlife identification and trail marker signs, observation station stumps, a natural obstacle course, raised garden beds, bird and bat houses, microscopes, binoculars, magnifying glasses and field guides to enhance the learning experiences.

10. Tinker and Thrive – 3D Printing for Focused Students
○ Penn High School and all 11 Elementary Schools – Kyle Marsh
○ K-5th grade students and 9-12 grade Penn students
○ Awarded $4,936.56
○ Purchase and installation of 3D printers in all elementary students with a designated teacher lead. Students who use fidget toys as a tool for focus and accommodation in the classroom, will have the ability to design and create their own fidget toys using 3D printing technology, empowering them with the ability to customize tools that best supports their unique needs for attention and engagement.

11. Write On!
○ Walt Disney Elementary – Katie Carroll
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $1,884.03
○ Organization and expansion of the student Engagement Lab where students and teachers use props and visuals to illustrate/bring to life student’s written work. It will provide an opportunity for cohesive and engaging writing experience for students as they grow in Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Materials will also be incorporated into school community events like the Math and Literacy Night and Culture Night at Walt Disney Elementary.

Partial Funding

1. Power Hour: Fitness & Focus for a Strong Future
○ Discovery Middle School – Terry Arter, John Hedrick, Kevin McMilen & Autumn Stout
○ All 6th-8th grade students
○ Requested $5,000.00
○ Awarded $1,795.00
○ Funds to purchase new workout equipment to start a workout club before school, enhance exercise during PE and offer opportunities for athletes before and after school. The current equipment is unsafe and damaged. These funds will be used to begin replacement of old equipment. Funds are in collaboration with the Discovery PTO and Dr. Aaron Leniski & Mrs. Elizabeth Cunha’s existing budgets.

2. Foreign Language Academy
○ Horizon Elementary – Ally Schmidt
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Requested $1,049.00
○ Awarded $329.00
○ Purchase of a Spanish Language Curriculum, Calico Spanish, which is designed for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Students will be taught in six 1-hour sessions as a part of an afterschool club. There is the possibility to expand into other languages in the future. Grant is in partnership with Horizon Staff funded through the Horizon PTO and in collaboration with Penn High School Mentors as suggested volunteers for the program.