Penn-Harris-Madison Schools is proud to recognize outstanding educators whose instruction leads to meaningful academic growth for students.

This semester, Moran Elementary 3rd Grade teacher Sarah Schiff was surprised with a P-H-M Teacher Impact Award after her students demonstrated impressive growth in Math from Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2. Her students achieved a total growth of 50 points, reflecting exceptional academic progress and achievement.

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short and Moran Elementary Principal Lisa Russell surprised Sarah and her students with the recognition, celebrating the connection between high-quality instruction and student achievement. The P-H-M Teacher Impact Award is presented each semester to teachers whose students show the greatest academic growth, highlighting excellence in teaching and learning across the district.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for providing the beautiful engraved awards that the teachers keep in their classrooms as a reminder of what they and their students accomplished.

Click to see the full photo gallery in Canto.

Our students took to the stage today to perform Finding Nemo Jr. for their classmates and staff, bringing the beloved underwater story to life through music, acting, and colorful costumes.

Based on the popular animated film, Finding Nemo follows a young clownfish named Nemo who is unexpectedly taken from his home and placed in a fish tank. His father, Marlin, sets out on a journey across the ocean to find him, meeting new friends along the way, including the forgetful but optimistic fish, Dory. Meanwhile, Nemo learns to be brave and resourceful as he works with his tank mates to find a way back to the ocean.

Moran’s production showcased the creativity and hard work of its students, along with the support of the school community. The performance was enhanced by the school’s professional-quality sound and lighting systems, made possible through sizeable grants from the P-H-M Education Foundation in 2022 and again in 2025. Click here to learn more about the PHM Education Foundation.

Those investments have helped Moran continue expanding opportunities for students to participate in performing arts, allowing productions like Finding Nemo to be shared with the entire school.

The performance gave Moran students the chance to demonstrate their talents while sharing a story that celebrates friendship, resilience, and the importance of never giving up. 

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Moran Elementary launched its annual “One Book, One School” reading program today with a fun school-wide assembly designed to get students excited about reading and learning together.

This year’s featured selection is The Elevator Family, a humorous story about the Wilson family, who decide to stay somewhere a little unusual during their trip: a hotel elevator named Otis. Over the course of the book, the family encounters a variety of unexpected visitors and adventures, creating a storyline that is both entertaining and heartwarming.

To help make the book accessible and engaging for all learners, Moran staff members voice-recorded each chapter so all students can follow along and enjoy the story together.

The program will wrap up with a trivia night centered around the book, giving students and families a chance to celebrate the experience and show off what they’ve learned.

Way to go, Knights, and happy reading!

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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. 

Penn-Harris-Madison invites students, families, alumni, and community members to celebrate Homecoming 2025 on Friday, September 26, 2025 courtesy of the PHM Education Foundation.

The annual celebration includes the Homecoming Parade on Bittersweet Road in front of Penn High School, showcasing student groups, athletic teams, school clubs, and community organizations, followed by the Penn Kingsmen football game against South Bend Adams at Everwise Freed Field.

This is an event for the ENTIRE community and will have activities for people of all ages. Mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun! More details will be shared closer to the date.

Moran Elementary held a surprise assembly to recognize Principal Lisa Russell for being named the District 2 Elementary Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals.

Although Mrs. Russell was already aware of the award, the assembly was organized as a way for the Moran staff and students to personally congratulate her. The surprise included a gym full of cheering students and staff, as well as the unexpected appearance of her family and former mentors.

Mrs. Russell has served as principal of Moran Elementary since 2020. Under her leadership, the school has maintained a strong focus on student achievement, school culture, and staff collaboration. The award recognizes principals who demonstrate exemplary leadership, and District 2 includes the counties of St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Fulton, Pulaski, Marshall, Starke, and LaPorte.

The State Elementary Principal of the Year will be announced in November.

Following the celebration, Moran students enjoyed a performance by The Elm Road Jumping Eagles, a jump rope team from Elm Road Elementary. The group’s demonstration provided a fun and energetic conclusion to the event.

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Moran Elementary was filled with music, color, and imagination as students performed the beloved musical Willy Wonka!

Based on Roald Dahl’s classic story, the production followed the adventures of Charlie and other Golden Ticket winners as they toured the mysterious chocolate factoryWith catchy songs, creative costumes, and plenty of Oompa Loompas, the show transported the audience into a world of pure imagination.

Students worked hard to bring the magical tale to life, showcasing their talent and teamwork on stage. Bravo to the entire cast, crew, and staff for such a sweet and memorable performance!

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Moran is proud of our very own Bill Tobolski for being recognized as the Culver’s Bus Driver of the Month for February 2025! 🚍🏅

Bill has been a dedicated P-H-M bus driver since 2020, consistently going above and beyond to ensure a safe and positive experience for students. Known for his reliability, positive attitude, and strong relationships with both students and staff, Bill exemplifies excellence in school transportation.

During the award presentation, Reggie White, Driver Trainer Specialist with the Indiana Department of Education, joined the celebration, recognizing Bill’s outstanding contributions to student transportation.

This award is made possible through the support of Culver’s and the P-H-M Education Foundation, who continue to be valued partners in celebrating and supporting our dedicated bus drivers.

Congratulations, Bill, and thank you for your commitment to P-H-M students and families!

On Thursday, February 13th, Moran Elementary students enjoyed Friendship Parties filled with fun and kindness. Since there is no school on February 14th, students celebrated early by exchanging valentines, enjoying small treats, and participating in fun activities.

It was a great way to spread friendship and joy throughout the school, check out the photo gallery below!

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