Penn Girls Basketball Youth Leagues sign up set for Sunday, Aug. 23

The start of school is right around the corner and Penn Girls Basketball is ready to get back into the gym with two Youth Leagues.
 
The Future Is Now!
 
This fall Penn Girls Basketball is offering two leagues — one for players in Grades 1-2 (Girls ONLY) and our traditional league for players in Grades 3-8. 
 
Penn Youth Girls Basketball League and our Little Dribblers League Sign-ups are Sunday, Aug. 23, from 12-2 p.m. at Penn High School in the main Arena. Enter at Door D. 
 
Penn Girls Youth League registration flyer for Sunday, November 2nd at 2 pm in a gymnasium.
 
We are looking forward to seeing you there and continuing to grow the game for our Future Lady Kingsmen!!  Be a part of a winning tradition!
 
  • Bring your registration form and payment (forms attached below)
  • We will have a gear sizing station (everyone needs a Penn jersey)
  • Parents/Guardians can sign up to help coach
  • Meet the Girls Basketball High School Coaching Staff
 
️Penn Youth Girls Basketball
️️League Sign-ups
️
  • Sunday, August 23
  • 12-2 p.m.
  • Penn High School — Main Arena
  • Enter Door D

Penn Girls Basketball Little Dribblers League 2026 FORM

Penn Youth Girls Basketball League 2026 FORM Grades 3-8

Sarah Schiff Wins Spring 2026 Impact Award

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.

Three people standing in front of a classroom display board, posing for a picture.

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.

Woman in a brown shirt holding an award, standing between two children in a classroom setting.

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.

2026 Running is Elementary Video and Photo Gallery

Running is Elementary

Race day for the annual Running is Elementary, sponsored by P-H-M’s Education Foundation, was a little windy, but gorgeous: just enough sunshine, just enough warmth, and the raindrops held off until all the races were over.

This year was one of the biggest yet with 700+ students from all 11 P-H-M elementary schools.

The one mile run is held at Penn’s Cross-Country Course, which is located behind Elm Road Elementary School. Fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to sign up for the free running club. Designated coaches at each school then train with the runners for the 6-week club culminating in the one mile race.

Two 4th grade boys posing for pictures after their race

A Moment of Sportsmanship

This picture of two 4th grade runners exemplifies what Running is Elementary is all about. These two boys were running neck and neck all the way to the finish line, vying for first place. After the race, the Disney boy (dark navy t-shirt) went out of his way to find the Moran runner (pink shirt) so they could take a picture together.

The students from two different schools had never met before, but in that moment, it didn’t matter. Running is Elementary not only teaches students about fitness and wellness, it also teaches them sportsmanship, connection, and the importance of supporting and celebrating each other!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to all the students who participated! Click to see the list below of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for the four races. The list shows finish times listed by bib number and school. Parents should contact their school coach for their child’s specific time.

Community Support

What makes this event so special is that students are cheered on by their fellow students, families, teachers, running coaches, principals, PHM School Board members and administrators, and other PHM staff members. A photo gallery sample is below, but click here to visit the full photo gallery in the Education Foundation’s Canto photo portal.

Race Results

Below are the finish times for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners:

5th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 06:49.07, Bib #244, Northpoint
  2. 06:50.53, Bib #235, Northpoint
  3. 07:05.08, Bib #187, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

  1. Horizon
  2. Mary Frank
  3. Northpoint

5th Grade Boys Winners

  1. 06:14.75, Bib #597, Northpoint
  2. 06:16.06, Bib #650, Madison
  3. 06:29.29, Bib #590, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Horizon
  3. Elm Road

4th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 07:06.27, Bib #62, Horizon
  2. 07:30.09, Bib #31, Elm Road
  3. 07:31.47, Bib #75, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

  1. Prairie Vista
  2. Northpoint
  3. Bittersweet

4th Grade Boys Winners

  1. 06:34.34, Bib #438, Walt Disney
  2. 06:34.73, Bib #392, Moran
  3. 06:48.85, Bib #402, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Bittersweet
  3. Elm Road

School Colors Reference

P-H-M Elementary School Colors
School Shirt Color
Bittersweet Yellow
Elm Road Kelly Green
Elsie Rogers Teal
Horizon Orange
Madison Purple
Mary Frank Lime Green
Meadow’s Edge Turquoise
Moran Hot Pink
Northpoint Royal Blue
Prairie Vista Red
Walt Disney Navy Blue

Thank You

Special Thanks

Thank you to Cindy Batalis (physical education teacher at Mary Frank Elementary School) whose own love for running and her desire to pass that love on is the passion and driving force behind Running is Elementary. Thank you to all the PHM teachers, running coaches, school staff, and Penn Cross Country student-athletes who help out every year, along with P-H-M Education Foundation Board members and volunteers.

Event Sponsors

Thank you PHMEF and all their amazing sponsors that make this event possible for our students:

  • Martin’s donated the post-race snacks
  • Royal Excursion donated transportation to auxiliary parking lots
  • Benchmark Family Services helped PHMEF offset costs
  • Culver’s provided gift baskets for a prize drawing
  • Kona Ice and Tom’s Coffee did givebacks
  • Attorney Katy Wrona was also a sponsor

Post-race snack table with food and refreshments
Post-race snack table

Tom's Coffee truck at Running is Elementary event
Tom’s Coffee truck

Kona Ice truck at Running is Elementary event
Kona Ice truck


View Full Photo Gallery

Running is Elementary Parent Information

2026 Running is Elementary will be held Monday, May 4 (Rain Date Wednesday, May 6) at Elm Road Elementary School, 59400 Elm Rd, Mishawaka.

Timeline of Events:

  • 2:50 p.m. – Introductions
  • 3:00 p.m. – 5th gr. Girls Race
  • 3:20 p.m. – 5th gr. Boys Race
  • 3:40 p.m. – 4th gr. Girls Race
  • 4:00 p.m. – 4th gr. Boys Race

Parking Information:

  • Elm Road will be filled first before using Grissom Middle School, 13881 Kern Rd., Mishawaka
  • Family/Spectator parking at the bottom of Elm Road School as space allows. This area will be primarily be for principals, coaches, and volunteers

ALL Runners need to be picked up no later than 4:30 at Elm Road. Runners may leave following completion of their grade’s run by checking out with the coach. 

RAIN DATE: Principals will be notified by Noon on Monday and information will be posted on elementary schools’ website along with P-H-M & Education Foundation website PHMEF.org 

Moran March Madness Photo Gallery

Below are some of the pictures for the Moran March Madness event. 

Click here to visit Moran’s School Canto photo gallery portal to see all the pictures and download them. Check ParentSquare for the Moran March Madness post for the photo gallery password.

 

Moran staff cheer as students play basketball
Group picture of all the Moran teachers and staff who participated in the staff on staff basketball game
Moran teachers and staff playing in the staff on staff basketball game
Moran teachers and staff playing in the staff on staff basketball game
Group picture of the Moran teachers and staff, "White Team," who participated in the staff on staff basketball game
Moran teachers and staff playing in the staff on staff basketball game
Second grade "White Team" student players with their coach
Second grade "Blue Team" student players with their coaches
Second graders playing in their March Madness basketball game
Second graders playing in their March Madness basketball game
First grade "White Team" student players with their coach
First graders playing in their March Madness basketball game
First graders playing in their March Madness basketball game
First graders playing in their March Madness basketball game
First graders playing in their March Madness basketball game
First graders playing in their March Madness basketball game
Girl student cheerleaders cheering for the players during the games
Girl student cheerleaders cheering for the players during the games
Student players "Blue Team" taking a break on the sidelines
Girl student cheerleaders cheering for the players during the games
Girl student cheerleaders cheering for the players during the games

 

 

Teacher Job Fair on March 26

We’re Accepting Applications for the
2026-27 School Year

Teacher Job Fair

Thursday, March 26, 2026

2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Penn High School Fieldhouse
12641 McKinley Highway, Mishawaka

Teachers Click Here

Click to learn more about P-H-M and why you should join our family.

 

Moran Elementary Brings “Finding Nemo” to the Stage

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.

Two children dressed in Finding Nemo costumes, one in orange and white striped swimsuit and the other in a pink tutu, standing on stage

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.

A child in a blue and yellow costume, dressed as Dory from FInding Nemo, standing on a stage with a microphone, smiling and

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.

The cast of Finding Nemo in costumes, posing for a photo on a stage with a backdrop of Finding Nemo sign

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. 

 

A group of people dressed in colorful costumes, resembling characters from the Disney movie "Finding Nemo,"
Children in costumes, possibly at a themed event or party, with a large fish balloon and a smaller fish balloon.
A group of people, dressed in colorful costumes, are performing in a school gymnasium.
A young girl dressed as Nemo, holding a fish balloon, stands on stage at a school event.
A person in an orange and white striped jumpsuit stands in front of a group of children in costumes.
A group of people dressed in costumes, including a clownfish and Nemo, standing on a stage.
Girl in orange dress holding fish balloon.
Two people in costumes on stage, one holding a fish balloon, the other a clownfish balloon.
A group of children dressed in shark costumes, performing on stage.
Two people in costumes, one with a shark head, the other in a hoodie, standing in front of a blue curtain.
A person in a clownfish costume holding a balloon.
Children in costumes, one girl holding a fish-shaped toy, another child in a shark costume.
Three people in shark costumes standing together.
A young man in a white shirt and orange duck headband holding a microphone.
A person in a costume standing on stage.
A group of people, some dressed as characters from the movie "Finding Nemo," on stage performing.
A group of people in colorful costumes performing on stage.
A group of children dressed in costumes, performing on stage.
A group of children in costumes on stage, posing for a photo.
Boy in turtle costume sitting on a chair.
A young girl in a red shirt and orange pants is holding a blue wand and making a funny face.
A woman in a costume, standing on a stage, holding a microphone, in front of a group of people.
Children in costumes performing on stage.
Two children dressed in costumes, one in a fish hat and the other in a clownfish outfit, standing in front of a blue curtain

1 2

Non-resident Application Window Opens March 2, 2026

Penn-Harris-Madison is pleased to be able to offer enrollment to non-resident students on a limited basis for the 2026-27 school year.

Families living in neighboring school districts interested in having their elementary children attend a P-H-M elementary school can apply for that opportunity.

calendar iconThe window to apply for available non-resident seats will open Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. and close on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. 

On March 2 at 8:30 a.m., P-H-M will post the schools, grades and number of seats available for the upcoming school year. Families must complete an online application between March 2 – 20.

The NRS application will be posted on www.phmschools.org/non-resident-student-enrollment/ on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

There is no first-come, first-served advantage. 

 

 

Penn hosts Robotics Tournament March 7-8

📍 Penn High School | 🗓 March 7–8, 2026
🎟 Admission: Free

Penn High School will host a FIRST Indiana Robotics District Competition on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, 2026. The competition will take place in the Main Arena and feature more than 40 teams from across Indiana.

Click here to see a photo gallery of last year’s competition.

đź“… Event Schedule

Saturday, March 7

  • 10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies

  • All Day – Qualification Matches

  • @7:00 p.m. – Competition concludes

Sunday, March 8

  • 9:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies

  • 2:00–5:00 p.m. – Playoff Matches & Awards

🤖 About the Competition

  • Theme: FIRST AGE (Archaeology)

  • Game: REBUILT

  • This event serves as a qualifier for the FIRST Indiana Robotics Championship
    (April 17–19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds)

  • Top teams may advance to the FIRST Robotics World Championships

👉 Click here for more information on the REBUILT game

đźš— Parking & Entry

  • Parking: Penn High School parking lots: Main, Softball, Soccer; and across the street at Schmucker Middle School

  • Spectator Entrance: Door D (northwest corner of the school)

🍔 Food & Amenities

  • Food trucks available both days

  • Spectator-friendly event for all ages

Come cheer on Indiana’s best student engineers and experience innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving in action!

2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 13

Click to register:

bit.ly/BooksandBots2026

 

PHM Education Foundation Books and BotsSaturday, March 7, 2026   

9:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. 

Penn High School

for P-H-M students K – 5th grade

FREE! There is no cost for this event, but registration is required and limited.

Click here to register online today!

OPTIONAL T-SHIRT PURCHASE: If you would like to order a t-shirt, CLICK HERE to be taken to Time for Tees website to place your order. Please note, this is an OPTION and not required. 

Sponsored by the P-H-M Education Foundation, Young Authors’ Conference is an opportunity for P-H-M students in Kindergarten – 5th grade to meet and hear from well-known children’s author and speaker Jill Esbaum, participate in a variety of robotic explorations and engage in a dinosaur exploration activity. This is a FREE event thanks to the Foundation!

Jill Esbaum is the award-winning author of more than 65 children’s books, both fiction and nonfiction. A few recent titles include It’s Corn Picking Time!, Polecat Has a Superpower, and Bird Girl – How Gene Stratton Porter Shares Her Love of Nature with the World. Back in 2012 National Geographic Kids asked Jill to write a book featuring the Angry Birds and dinosaurs titled Angry Birds Playground: Dinosaurs, which gave her Dino Fever. Her dinosaur books since then include If a T. Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party, How to Grow a Dinosaur, and a three-book graphic early reader series, Thunder & Cluck. Jill lives on a family farm near Davenport. 

2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots 2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots

As part of the morning activities, students will participate in three rotations: one session with author Jill Esbaum, one dinosaur exploration session thanks to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, and one session where students will enjoy the hands-on exploration of technology with Sphero Bots, Dot and Dosh, Bee Bots, Ozobots and more! Our amazing P-H-M teachers and volunteers will guide students and their parents through the interactive session guiding them on how develop a character and create their own puppet.

2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots 2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots 2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots

At least one parent or guardian must accompany the student(s)!  If more than one child is registering for Books and Bots, the family will stay together so only one adult is needed. Siblings YOUNGER than kindergarten may not accompany adults. This experience is for your young author(s) and the parent/guardian.

CONFIRMATION: Participating students will receive additional information prior to the conference through their home school at the end of February.

COST: Free!

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Candace Cussen at ccussen@phm.k12.in.us.

Click here to register online today!