By COLE POLLYEA

Student reporter

​As of the 2016-17 school year, a new class has been added to the Penn High School program of studies. It is entitled “SAT/ACT Course” and is designed to give students―primarily sophomores and juniors―an unprecedented opportunity to prepare for the important standardized tests that are administered to high schoolers on a national level.

The “SAT/ACT Course” is a year-long class because, as its instructor, English teacher Mr. De Kever stated, “there is so much that we can review, so many skills that we can practice, that it truly requires a full year. Plus, we’ve got juniors who are maybe taking it in the fall, but also probably taking it again in the spring. This way, they’ve got a full year of preparation.”

But unlike other year-long classes, it is an unweighted course, which means that one does not receive any credit for their completion of it. And unlike other classes, it is a substitute for a study hall, as opposed to an elective.

    Brilliant an idea as it was to begin offering this course, many have asked why this is just now happening. In the eyes of Mr. De Kever, the class has come at an essential time because of some changes made to the tests in the past year.

“My understanding is that the class was created to fill the need that students have for additional preparation … particularly (for) the SAT because it’s been redesigned as of last March,” Mr. De Kever said. “It’s really a much better test but a more difficult test than it was before.”

    This helpful and engaging course is considered by its teacher and students to be an appropriate substitute for the expensive and often unaffordable services of Sylvan and other similar extracurricular programs that offer test preparation of this nature. When asked about its ability to compare, Mr. De Kever responded, “I would ask, why spend money on some kind of SAT prep class outside of school when you can get it for free here?” Well said.

    Mr. De Kever, however, is not the only one excited about what this course can offer to the achievement of students at Penn. A.J. Antonelli, a current junior enrolled in the class, offered insight regarding his decision to take this course.

“I signed up (for the SAT/ACT Course) because I’m looking to improve on my SAT scores, based on how I did on the PSAT…. On the PSAT, I didn’t really know what to expect. But now, taking the SAT, I’ll have help. I’ll have a better awareness of what I’m expected to do.”

    For students who are interested in signing up for this class, it’s not too late. Counselor John Westra commented on the class roster, “There is definitely space. It’s available G1, G2, G4, B1, B2, and B4, and there is moderate space available in each class.” And if a student is interested in signing up, this should take place by meeting with their counselors.

But if a student should realize only halfway through the year that they are interested in signing up, second semester enrollment is allowed and encouraged.

The Indiana State Department of Education just announced that Penn Biology teacher John Gensic has been chosen as one of top 10 finalists for the 2017 Indiana Teacher of the Year. 

Mr. Gensic an 11-year teaching veteran began at Penn High School in 2013. He was chosen as P-H-M’s Teacher of the Year back in April because of his interactive, engaging teaching style. Project-based learning, growth mindset and student-centered instruction are at the center of Mr. Gensic’s teaching philosophy.

“John’s passion for science in and out of the classroom has made him an exemplary teacher providing the best education possible to our students,” said Dr. Thacker. “John’s passion for teaching exemplifies not only the best of P-H-M teachers, but also makes him a top choice for Indiana Teacher of the year.”

Last spring, Mr. Gensic began his latest project-based learning activity, called “Giving Trees.”  Penn students are working with Horizon Elementary School students to plant 25-30 dwarf fruit trees in the elementary school’s garden. The project will continue over multiple school years, ultimately involving hundreds of P-H-M students in grades K-5 and 9-12.

“John always goes above and beyond to arrange authentic and eye-opening experiences for his students to interact with biology outside the school walls,” said Penn Principal Steve Hope. 

As a lifelong learner himself, Mr. Gensic believes strongly that teachers lead by example, “In doing this, we help create experiences for students that they wouldn’t otherwise experience and give students the inner motivation to pursue tasks that will improve our humanity and earth,” said Mr. Gensic.

Summer is not a time of vacationing for Mr. Gensic … it’s a time for continuing education! Mr. Gensic spent the first half of his summer participating in Purdue University’s Research Experience for Teachers in Sustainable Electronics. There, he researched alternative, more eco-friendly flame retardants, especially as they relate to use in electronics. Along with conducting research, he also wrote lesson plans integrating these scientific concepts into the high school science curriculum.   

In mid-July (and continuing through the 2016-2017 school year), Mr. Gensic began working as an Instructional coach for Trustey Family STEM Fellows. He will work as an instructional coach for STEM teachers in Washington, Texas, California, New Jersey and Arizona through the Center for STEM Education at the University of Notre Dame. 

The summer of 2015, Mr. Gensic worked with the Environmental Protection Agency on the “Lake Michigan Shipboard Science Workshop.” He was one of just 15 educators to work alongside the EPA scientists evaluating the presence of microplastics and assessing the impact of aquatic invasive species—particularly zebra and quagga mussels—on Lake Michigan’s ecosystem. The goal … to bring his experiences back to the classroom.

A leader in his field, Mr. Gensic has presented at a number of state and national education conferences. He presented at the National Science Teachers Association on the topics of socio-scientific inquiry, biology modeling and free technology; TED, the University of Notre Dame, and Purdue University just to name a few.

 In April 2016, Mr. Gensic was also selected as an Indiana science teaching finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This is the state and nation’s highest honor for math, science and computer science teachers.

The final announcement on Indiana Teacher of the Year is expected later this month or in October. The 2017 winner will represent Indiana teachers at the national level in accordance with National Teacher of the Year guidelines, with that selection process taking place in January-April 2017.

Safety is a number one priority for Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. But safety no longer just refers to students’ physical safety; we also need to make sure students feel emotionally and psychologically safe.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Administration has been working with Ms. Alice Jordan-Miles, Director of the Behavioral Health and Family Studies Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, to identify a suicide prevention and mental wellness program for P-H-M students in grades 7-12.

On Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 7:00 p.m., parents will have the opportunity to learn about the Lifelines Program and the implementation of P-H-M’s new student wellness curriculum. Information about the program and resources for families who may have a vulnerable child in need of help, can also visit the Lifelines section of the District website.

The parent workshop will be held in Penn High School’s CPA. Parents can enter through Door C.

This is a parent meeting, so we respectfully ask that parents not bring their students of any age.

*For those adult family members who cannot attend the workshop, it will be streamed live on the PNN website at this link http://pnn.phmschools.org/live-events starting at 7:00 p.m. A recording will be available later on the District website at www.phmschools.org.

The Penn High School Band has been named as one of just two bands nationally to receive the prestigious Earl Irons Program of Distinction Award from the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. The award is designed to recognize band programs that excel in the areas of Concert Band, Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble.
 

The awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, December 15 in Chicago, as part of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

In March, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation was awarded the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. P-H-M was just one of 13 Indiana school districts and 476 districts across the country to receive this award.

Penn High School will host an Open House for parents/guardians/students from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
 

Parents and guardians will follow their students’ schedules during the Open House to meet instructors and get a brief overview of the course.

The Open House is also an opportunity to learn about resources at Penn designed to assist student achievement.

Be sure to get your student’s schedule and the class timetable before attending the Open House.

The 2015-2016 Penn High School yearbook is scheduled to ship around the middle of September.
 

When yearbooks arrive, there will be an announcement.
 

Yearbook distribution will take place at the north end of the cafeteria during lunches, and you will be able to pick up your yearbook at that time.

P-H-M’s 3-tiered security design for Penn High School (as well as for the 11 elementary and three middle schools) were featured in the “The August Educational Interiors Showcase” issue published last week and is being sent to 56,000+American School & University magazine subscribers.

The article features not only the architectural design of Penn High School’s entry, but also explains how the design plays an important factor in keeping our students safe.

The safety and the security of our students is a top priority for Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. Director of Safety and Security Mike Seger recently wrote a guest blog on SecurityToday.com about the beginning steps school districts can take to implement district wide safety initiatives.

The Penn girls soccer game, scheduled for Monday, Aug. 22, at Marian, has been moved to the Invaders Soccer Club Facility.

Marian’s soccer field is unplayable due to the heavy amounts of rain in the past week.

The Invaders Soccer Club is located at 55200 Pine Rd. in South Bend.

Junior Varsity action is set to start at 5:30 p.m., and the varsity match will follow.

The game will be on at the Invaders stadium field, so there is grandstand seating.

Brats & sauerkraut! Dogs & chips! Great food will be served hot off the grills at P-H-M’s annual community football tailgate party! 

Join us on Friday, August 19, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. under the big tents behind the Educational Services Center (ESC) at 55900 Bittersweet Rd., Mishawaka. 

There’s plenty of time to grab dinner for the family, visit with friends and then get to your seats inside TCU Freed Field before the 7:30 p.m. kick-off. 

The Penn Kingsmen will take on the Valparaiso Vikings in the season home opener.

The P-H-M Community Tailgate, hosted by the district’s central office staff and administrators, is a tradition now in its 29th year. The event is open to the public and all are welcome. Tickets are $3.50 and are sold onsite, not in advance.

Dr. Jerry Thacker and P-H-M administrators will be on hand and they look forward to meeting members of the community and P-H-M families.