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! And Penn was fortunate to receive $28,206.97 in grant dollars!

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.

Penn was awarded six traditional grants (more than $1,000) and 15 EZ grants (under $750) for a total of 21 grants. The descriptions are listed below:

1. Tania Bangtsson CPA Haze Machine
Braden McMillen • $1,449.98
Purchase of a professional-grade haze machine to enhance student learning and production quality. Facilitates a hands-on student experience (with staff guidance/oversight) for classroom learning and public performances. Allows for student interaction with stage lighting to create high-quality atmospheres to enhance production.

2. Kingsmen in Custom Shining Armor
Stephen Vincent, John Gensic • $1,713.08
Collaboration between Principles of Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics students to produce custom Kingsmen Armor (chainmail articles, shields, helmet, NO swords) that can be worn by student mascots. Additional production of chain nets for outdoor basketball hoops located east of the Educational Services Center. 

3. Graphing Finite Math for Infinite Human Flourishing
Angela Yarrell, John Gensic • $2,560.00
Funds to purchase new graphing calculators to allow students to focus on financial literacy and forecasting. Students can compare compound interest, annuities, mutual funds, stocks and more. Additionally, students will use calculators to model increased use of electricity in the region due to data centers and population growth. Grant allows for all students to have access to the same tools in classrooms. 

4. Wisdom Across Generations
John Gensic, Angela Yarrell, Corin Sailor, Sarah Dwigans, Danielle Black • $1,175.00
Purchase of 25 books, 5 of each author for 5 different classrooms. Allows for students who complete work early, to stay engaged and off digital devices. 

5. Shaping Future Minds
Scott Shelhart, John Gensic • $2,599.00
Purchase of a 3D Printer with laser engraving technology. Allows all students enrolled in
Manufacturing to have the same technological printing level experience as the Robotics
students while continuing to learn the importance of manufacturing through student projects.

6. Penn HS Digital and Legacy Recognition Wall
Josiah Parker • $10,000.00
Allows for the creation of a Digital Alumni Recognition Wall to preserve, celebrate and expand access to past/current student achievement. Will feature two touchscreen TVs to explore
digitized photos, trophies and historic memorabilia that are currently in storage due to limited display space. The Wall will highlight the prestigious Schmucker Award and Kingsmen Award as well as past honorees. The Wall will be created and maintained collaboratively by students in Computer Science, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Architecture, Yearbook and Photography classes.

7. Classroom Breakout Boxes
Stephanie Roy-Stover
Digital Escape Room
Awarded $657.00 

8. Portable Bocce Ball Courts
Keith Stork
Portable bocce ball courts for new Unified Sports team
Awarded $609.08

9. Chinese Culture and Literature Study
Ming Liu
Chinese Culture and Literature Books
Awarded $300.00 

10. Blooket Plus
Melissa Brazeau
Online Review Game for Spanish Classes/Club
Awarded $550.00 

11. Real-Time Heart Rate Monitoring in Cellular Respiration Labs
Zackary Lopez
Heart Rate Monitors for Biology Class
Awarded $350.00 

12. Go Penn Go!
Alex Dunfee
Penn Spirit Button Maker
Awarded $723.85 

13. Dishwashers for Biology Classrooms
Sarah Clark
Countertop Dishwashers for Biology Classrooms
Awarded $639.98

14. Illuminating Art – Sculptural Ceramic Lamp Design
Lacey Dilly
Ceramic Lamp Materials and Lighting Inserts for Sculpture II Class
Awarded $750.00

15. Jewelry Room Updates
Jessica Marsh
Mobile Jewelry Making Tools for Students
Awarded $750.00 

16. Bridging Language Barriers: Enhancing Communication Through AI Translation Technology
Sarah Hendricks and Wendy Pierce
Two Pairs AI Glasses to Aid in Language Translation for Parent Conferences 
Awarded $700.00

17. Dried for Good
John Gensic
Funds Kiln Drying Existing Materials (Wood) for Future Use in Construction Classes
Awarded $325.00 

18. Just Planed Wood
Evan White
Small Wood Planing Tool for Construction Class
Awarded $730.00 

19. Professional Audio/Video Recordings
Andrew Nemeth
Professional Audio/Video Recording Equipment
Awarded $750.00 

20. Daily Formative Assessment Materials
Ashlyn Graham
Individual Student White Boards
Awarded $205.00 

21. Modern Measures to Maximize Potential
John Gensic, Matt Cates
Biometric Impedance Analysis Tools
Awarded $670.00 

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 PHM, and we are proud to support the remarkable work you do every day.”

For more on the P-H-M Education Foundation’s 2025-26 grant awards, click here.

At the Monday, December 8th Penn-Harris-Madison School Board Meeting, Mrs. Rachel Fry was approved to serve as Penn High School’s next principal. Dr. Sean Galiher was approved to move into the district’s Chief Operations Officer role.

Mrs. Fry has served as Penn’s Associate Principal since 2016. She brings a strong academic background to the role, including her experience in mathematics instruction and curriculum development. She has supported instructional leadership, strengthened academic programming, and built strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Her deep understanding of Penn, combined with her commitment to excellence, will support continued growth, stability, and achievement at the high school.

When Superintendent Dr. Heather Short recommended Mrs. Fry for the position, Mrs. Fry shared the message below with Penn families and staff.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve Penn High School as principal. Penn has been my professional family for many years, and I hold tremendous pride in the achievements, traditions, and spirit that define our school. My journey here has prepared me well for this role. I began my career teaching special education before dedicating a decade to high school mathematics. I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career, who have shaped my growth as an instructional leader through experiences as an Instructional Coach, Academy Leader, and Associate Principal. 

Penn has flourished under Dr. Galiher’s leadership, and I am fortunate to have learned from him these last nine years. I look forward to deepening the relationships we’ve built, supporting the incredible work happening in our classrooms, and partnering with the Penn community to advance the vision of excellence. I admire the remarkable dedication of Penn’s students, staff, and families, and I am truly humbled by the trust placed in me to lead our continued success. 

On a personal note, my husband, Lucas, is a Class of 1999 graduate of Penn, and we are very proud to be raising two future Kingsmen:  Cooper, a sixth grader at Discovery Middle School, and Laney, a first grader at Horizon Elementary School.

I am eager and excited to begin this new chapter with all of you.

Warm Regards,
Rachel Fry

Penn High School is putting its Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs and robotics front and center at a local STEM showcase hosted at the South Bend Technology Resource Center in Ignition Park. The event shines a spotlight on how area schools are using PLTW and robotics to connect students with real-world opportunities and local industry leaders.

Throughout the day, Penn students shared their work from four key PLTW areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Robotics. From coded robots and engineered prototypes to biomedical investigations, visitors can see how Penn students are using hands-on projects to solve problems, think critically, and collaborate like professionals.

The showcase is also about what happens beyond the classroom. Local companies, community partners, and education leaders are using the event to explore new ways to support work-based learning (WBL), internships, and career-connected experiences for Penn students. By building these relationships, Penn is working to ensure that what students learn in PLTW courses ties directly to the skills needed in today’s workforce.

After students presented their individual booths, they got the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session, followed by a networking lunch with local industry leaders. Students finished out the day getting a tour of local businesses in Ignition Park.

Penn High School is expanding its College & Career Readiness course offerings for the 2026-2027 school year. Starting next school year there will be several new full-year courses and capstone experiences designed to connect students with high-demand career pathways. Click here to read more about these future courses.

Click here to access the photo gallery from the showcase.

Penn High School is expanding its College & Career Readiness course offerings for the 2026-2027 school year. Starting next school year there will be several new full-year courses and capstone experiences designed to connect students with high-demand career pathways. The new courses are designed to provide students with hands-on, industry-aligned learning opportunities and the new graduation pathways to earn credentials before graduation (click here for more information on the graduation pathways starting with the class of 2029).

Below is a look at the new offerings coming for the 2026-2027 school year:

AP Business with Personal Finance

• Open to juniors and seniors
• Penn will offer AP Business with Personal Finance as a full-year option that fulfills Indiana’s required personal finance credit. Students will study financial literacy through the lens of business fundamentals, preparing them for life after high school while also experiencing the rigor of an AP course.

Principles of Real Estate

• Open to seniors only
• This full-year course prepares students for the Indiana Real Estate Broker’s licensing exam and introduces them to real estate and related careers. It will be offered through a partnership with Cressy & Everett Real Estate. 

Healthcare Specialist Apprenticeship

• Open to juniors and seniors
• Penn is partnering with Legacy Medical Academy to offer a double-block healthcare apprenticeship on campus. Students will complete at least 75 hours of clinical rotations in local medical facilities and prepare for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam. The course is designed for students interested in nursing, pre-med, therapy, medical technology, and other healthcare fields.

Financial Apprenticeship

• Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least one business course
• Students will work directly at Korhorn Financial Group and complete two full CTE pathways simultaneously: Finance & Investment and Insurance. This paid apprenticeship requires three or more class blocks and includes preparation for the state insurance certification exam.

Education Professions Capstone

• Seniors only, prerequisites required
• As a capstone to the Education Professions pathway, this dual-credit course (IU & Ivy Tech) focuses on inclusive teaching strategies and real-world classroom experience. 

Architectural Design Capstone

• Seniors only, prerequisites required
• Students in the Architecture pathway can participate in a capstone centered on REVIT, the industry-standard design software. The course covers architectural, civil, and commercial design, and prepares students for the REVIT certification exam.

Startup Moxie Capstone

• Seniors who have completed the first level of Startup Moxie
• Students who completed the first year of Startup Moxie can apply for a second-level capstone where they will continue to build their existing business or develop a new one. The course deepens entrepreneurial thinking through mentorship, project development, and real-world application.

Enrollment for these new courses will open during 2026–2027 scheduling period. Click here to view the full Penn High School Program of Studies.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees voted unanimously this morning to appoint Mrs. Jennifer (Jen) Smoker to fill the Penn Township Seat #1 vacancy created by the resignation of Matthew Chaffee in early October. 

A long-time resident and active community volunteer, Mrs. Smoker is a dedicated P-H-M parent of four children attending district schools. Her service and advocacy for students and staff have been felt across the district and throughout the greater community.

Mrs. Smoker currently serves on the P-H-M Education Foundation (PHMEF) Board of Directors, where she has chaired the Grants Committee since 2019. In that role, she helps oversee the process of awarding teacher and school grants that enhance learning, spark innovation, and promote excellence in all 15 P-H-M schools. She also supports PHMEF’s fundraising events and community partnerships that benefit students across the district.

Beyond her PHMEF service, Mrs. Smoker is deeply involved in several community organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for Granger Community Church, where she helps guide strategic planning and budget oversight; chairs the Grissom Middle School PTO Scholarship Committee, which awards scholarships to Penn High School seniors; and previously served as Board Secretary for Jr. Irish Soccer Club and Development Chair for Girls on the Run Michiana. Through these roles, she has combined her love of youth development, leadership, and service—supporting programs that build character, confidence, and connection.

Professionally, Mrs. Smoker brings two decades of business leadership and creative experience. A graduate of Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, she began her career as an Account Executive for major advertising firms in Detroit and Chicago, managing national brands such as Lincoln/Mercury and Quaker Oats. In 2003, she founded and operated CardCare.com, an online greeting card company she successfully led for 20 years.

“Mrs. Smoker’s commitment to servant leadership and her deep connection to our schools make her an outstanding addition to the Board,” said Board President Christopher Riley. “She has demonstrated her heart for P-H-M through years of volunteerism and community involvement and will bring a strong parent perspective to the table.”

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short added, “Jen’s energy, insight, and collaborative leadership reflect the very best of P-H-M’s Triangle of Success—students, teachers, and parents working together. Her service to our schools and community exemplifies P-H-M Excellence.”

Arrangements will be made with the P-H-M Board Attorney for Mrs. Smoker to take her Oath of Office. She will serve through the remainder of the current term, which expires in 2026. She may choose to run for election to the ensuing four-year term in the November 2026 general election.

Mrs. Smoker was chosen from five applicants. The other four candidates were John “Todd” Douthit, Brandon M. Kastner, William “Matt” Ludwig, and Ryan C. Woodruff (click here for their resumes). Public interviews of these applicants took place during a special board meeting held Tuesday, October 28th. President Riley said the decision to fill the vacancy was a difficult one, as all five candidates would have been excellent choices.

Click here for the process the Board of School Trustees followed for filling the vacancies.

U.S. News and World Report released its “Best Schools” rankings for public K-8 and high schools.

They ranked the best public high schools by state. Out of Indiana’s 395 public high schools, Penn ranked #26.

Data is based on the 2021–2022, 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 school years.

They also examined Indiana’s 989 elementary schools and 483 middle schools.

All of P-H-M’s elementary schools are ranked among Indiana’s “Best Elementary Schools”:

• Northpoint #1
• Prairie Vista #2
• Horizon #37
• Mary Frank #39
• Bittersweet #94
• Elm Road #172
• Moran #175
• Elsie Rogers #297
• Madison #273
• Meadow’s Edge #370
• Walt Disney #385

Two of P-H-M’s middle schools were also recognized:

• Discovery #3
• Schmucker #53

The U.S. News & World Report analyzed 103,391 pre-K, elementary and middle schools nationwide for their rankings. The rankings use the same methodology for all included grade levels. For each state, schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments. Half of the formula assessed the scores themselves and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. In other words, the top-ranked schools are all high-achieving and have succeeded at educating all their students. Click here for more information on the methodology.

The highest ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores on an array of college-level exams, and graduated in high proportions. They reviewed data on 17,901 public high schools. Click here for more background information on their ranking system.

Students in Zack Lopez and Michelle Miller’s Co-Taught 9th Grade Biology class recently explored real-world environmental science during a visit to the Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery in Mishawaka.

Operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Bodine Hatchery has been raising fish for over four decades. Completed in 1983, the facility produces Skamania steelhead trout, Little Manistee steelhead trout, and Coho salmon, and also handles the early rearing of rainbow trout. The hatchery’s work is part of a cooperative fish management program between the Indiana and Michigan DNRs to support healthy fish populations in the St. Joseph River. These efforts—along with the construction of fish ladders that allow species to travel freely up to the Twin Branch Dam—have helped create a world-class trout and salmon fishery right here in northern Indiana.

During the field trip, DNR staff gave Penn students an inside look at how fish are raised from eggs to adulthood, explaining the science behind hatchery operations and the role of habitat management in sustaining aquatic ecosystems. Students were especially interested in learning about coho salmon, one of the hatchery’s signature species, and even had the opportunity to feed rainbow trout during their visit.

“We got to see and talk about the different stages of life for the fish and the importance of DNR staff stocking our local water systems. It’s very relevant information for our students on ecosystems, positive human interactions with the environment, and a potential career field that students may not have thought about,” Lopez said.

The trip connected perfectly with the class’s studies on ecosystems, food chains, and conservation, offering students a firsthand look at how science and stewardship work together to preserve Indiana’s natural resources.

Click here to see the full photo gallery from the class field trip.

P-H-M’s ENL Department is hosting their annual Community Connections Fair on Saturday, November 1st.

Join us for activities, arts & crafts, food, performances, and to learn about resources in our community. It is completely FREE and all P-H-M families are invited to attend. Click here to see photos on Facebook of past Fairs.

For any families that want to sign up to perform, please click here to fill out the Google form.

P-H-M is hosting a districtwide drug awareness parent and community meeting to help educate P-H-M families and the greater community about the current drug trends attracting teenagers. This valuable information is something all adults should be aware of. This event is open to all Parents/Guardians of all grade levels, K-12, and all families in the community are invited and encouraged to attend.

The session will be led by Tall Cop Says Stop™ contracted educator, Melissa Moore, CPS. Tall Cop Says Stop™ was created by Officer Jermaine Galloway, an Idaho law enforcement officer since 1997. Galloway is regarded as one of America’s top experts in various drug and alcohol trends and specializes in underage drinking and drug enforcement. For more than 15 years, he has trained school administrators and safety personnel in spotting the dangers that threaten teens and the community. Melissa Moore, a 24-year public health experienced professional, who works to advance the mission of Tall Cop Says Stop™ in helping educate parents/guardians and students about the latest deadly effects of so-called recreational drug use.

We hope that P-H-M families and adult members of the community are able to attend this very important education session.

Due to the nature of the discussion, children of any age are not permitted at the parent session the evening of Tuesday, October 21. Moore will present a student focused presentation to Penn students (grades 9-12) during the school day on October 21st and 22nd.

Livestream

Check back on this page for the livestreamed video. It will be embedded in this page: phmexcellence.com/DrugAwareness

P-H-M’s Annual Community Tailgate is a long-standing tradition that brings families, students, staff, and community members together to show their Penn pride. The event is held before the Penn Football home opener and is a chance for everyone across the district to connect, celebrate, and support the Kingsmen.

This year’s home opener will be “The Backyard Brawl” against Mishawaka on Friday, August 29th, 2025. Click here for game ticket info.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. You must have a ticket to the football game to enter. Once inside the stadium head down to the white tents in the south end zone at the Yeoman Family Plaza.

Friday night marks the 67th meeting between Penn and Mishawaka. Penn leads the all-time series 49-16-1.