Promoted to Front Page Archives - Page 4 of 8

Moran Elementary Students Bring Willy Wonka to Life on Stage

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

charlie with golden ticket

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.

oompa loompa

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!

2025 Elementary Spell Bowl Results

It was a clean sweep for Northpoint at P-H-M’s at this year’s Elementary Spell Bowl–with the 5th grade team earning a perfect score! Click here to see the photo gallery below.

The annual event, held March 25th at Penn High School, is a competition between 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade student teams from all 11 elementary schools compete. The number of points between the placing teams are within just points of each other!

Below is this year’s “leaderboard” listing all first, second, and third place team scores:

3rd Grade Winners:

Northpoint 3rd grade team, 1st place

1st place- with 29 points, Northpoint, coached by Nichol Mondy
2nd place tie- with 28 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Renee Johanson
2nd place tie- with 28 points, Walt Disney, coached by Matt Serge
3rd place- with 27 points, Mary Frank, coached by Andrea Christensen

4th Grade Winners:

Northpoint 4th grade team, 1st place

1st place- with 29 points, Northpoint, coached by Jen Payne
2nd place- with 25 points, Bittersweet, coached by Matt Bodnar
3rd place- with 23 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Rachel Kline

5th Grade Winners:

Northpoint 5th grade team, 1st place

1st place- Perfect Score of 30 points, Northpoint, coached by Kendra Suddarth
2nd place- with 29 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Shelley Lebiedzinski
3rd place- with 28 points, Bittersweet, coached by Michelle Leniski

The teams spend weeks preparing for Spell Bowl with their teacher coaches. They may study word lists, learn about derivations (e.g., Latin roots) and rules (e.g., capitalization, pluralization), and how to spell correctly under pressure.

The format of the Spell Bowl is more like a written test. The emcee reads a word and uses the word in a sentence, the students listen and then write it on paper within a 15-second time limit. The students’ written entries are reviewed by a panel of judges and then their score is posted in front of the audience. Each correct word spelling is worth one point.

The annual event is held in Penn High School’s Center for Performing Arts to not only accommodate all the student teams, but also the students’ “fans,” which are their family, friends and other staff from their home schools!

Mrs. Franca Peluso Mulhern, P-H-M’s High Ability Coordinator, manages the Spell Bowl and works to assure that it is a positive and enriching experience for students. Academic competition can give students confidence, increase their motivation to sharpen their skills and abilities, and expand their opportunities to receive recognition.

Congratulations to all the student teams and coaches; they put in a lot of time and hard work!

Moran Bus Driver Bill Tobolski Named Culver’s Bus Driver of the Month

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.

Reggie White (left), Driver Trainer Specialist with the Indiana Department of Education congratulates Bill Tobolski

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.

posing in front of bus

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!

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-49

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-74

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-57

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-59

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-85

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-79

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-100

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-114

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-129

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-107

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-124

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-144

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-148

Culvers-February-Bus-Driver-of-the-Month-Bill-Tobolski-3-5-25-155

Moran Elementary Celebrates Friendship with Classroom Parties

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.

students pose for photos

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

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-39

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-53

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-45

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-218

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-57

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-64

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-68

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-71

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-87

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-75

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-80

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-89

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-93

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-111

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-103

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-97

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-99

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-115

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-120

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-125

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-142

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-133

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-159

Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-183

2025 Middle School Music Instrument Selection Night

Every P-H-M 5th grader who will be attending a P-H-M middle school as an incoming 6^th grader in the Fall 2024 has the opportunity to join an instrumental music class, which includes either band or orchestra. “Instrument Selection Night” is when students and families get to make their choice!

Fifth graders at Bittersweet, Elsie Rogers, Walt Disney, Prairie Vista, and some Moran Elementary Schools will attend Schmucker Middle School for 6^th – 8^th grades. Some Moran students will attend Grissom. Moran families please click here to view the P-H-M School Boundaries Map as a reference.

Schmucker’s Instrument Selection Nights are Monday, March 3rd and Tuesday, March 4th.

Grissom’s Instrument Selection Nights are Monday, March 10th and Tuesday, March 11th.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is nationally recognized as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” offering choir, band and orchestra at Schmucker, Discovery and Grissom Middle Schools.

At “Instrument Selection Night,” a music professional will be available to give students advice about which instrument may be best suited for them. They will be allowed to “try out” instruments from various instrument groups. Click here to download, view and print more information on Instrument Selection Night.

In order to join 6th grade band or orchestra, students must select an instrument that they will learn, practice and perform for the school year. Click this link to sign-up for your appointment at your designated school and date.

Change to 2024-25 School Year Calendar

Due to the absence of local, state, or national elections on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, all P-H-M schools will be in session on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. P-H-M will no longer have a Recess Day on this date.

As a result, the last day of school for students will now be Thursday, June 5, 2025. This is one day earlier than previously scheduled. P-H-M Teachers Association worked collaboratively with the District Administration to make these calendar changes.

Indiana law requires schools to be in session for 180 days each year. If necessary, P-H-M can utilize up to three weather-related eLearning days, as permitted under Indiana law (HB-1093). If additional makeup days are needed, they will be added to the end of the school year, following the new last student day, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Currently, no eLearning days have been called.

The new 2024-2025 school year calendar is posted on the P-H-M website, click here to view the updated calendar.

Penn Winter 2025 Dance Clinic (PreK – 8 gr.)

DATE: Saturday, January 11, 2025

TIMES: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

(PreK & Kindergarten, 10:00-12:00)

*Registration Check-in, 9:45 a.m.

LOCATION: Penn High School Fitness Center (Door G)

COST: $40 (PreK & Kindergarten)

$50 (1st – 8th grades)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Payment due by Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Late registration could result in no t-shirt. Payments should be sent to Penn High School Athletics – c/o Cindi Minegar, 56100 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545

PERFORMANCE: Students will perform Saturday, January 11 at the Penn Boys Basketball Game

JV Game: Pre-K, K, 1, 2

Varsity Game: Grades 3-8

2025 Books & Bots

Saturday, March 1, 2025

9:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.

at 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.

REGISTRATION: Opens January 17 – deadline is Friday, February 14, https://bit.ly/BooksandBots

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 Shannon Anderson, participate in a variety of robotic explorations, and visit a “Make It and Take It” puppet making session!

Shannon Anderson has spent 25 years teaching, from first grade through college level. She is now a full-time author, with picture books titled: B is for Belonging, Heroes Don’t Have to Fly, I Love Strawberries, and more. She is also known for her biography series, with books like The Story of Benjamin Franklin, The Story of Helen Keller, and so many more. A champion of kindness and positivity, Shannon believes that every day offers a new opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

I Love Strawberries! book cover American Tall Tales, Johnny Appleseed book cover B is for Belonging, book cover

As part of the morning activities, students will participate in three rotations: one session with Shannon Anderson, one interactive puppet-making session, 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.

Student with laptop operating Sphero bot Teacher holding artwork done by Sphero bot

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.

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

Moran among U.S. News 2025 “Best Schools” rankings

U.S. News and World Report released its “Best Schools” rankings for K-8 public schools by state and Moran is among Indiana’s top 16%. Moran is ranked #163 out of Indiana’s 1,000 elementary schools.

P-H-M’s elementary schools are at the top of the list:

Northpoint #1 in Indiana
Prairie Vista #2 in Indiana
Horizon #19
Mary Frank #32
Bittersweet #56
Moran #163
Madison #200
Elm Road #205
Elsie Rogers #393
Meadow’s Edge #239

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

Discovery #3 in Indiana
Schmucker #40

There are 487 Indiana public middle schools ranked.

Indiana’s 395 Indiana public high schools were also ranked, and Penn was ranked #25!

The U.S. News & World Report K-12 directory encompasses 105,093 preschools, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools.

The state assessment data used in the ranking indicators was sourced from the 2021-2022 school year’s achievement results for state assessments in mathematics and reading from the U.S. Department of Education’s EdFacts initiative. These include the numbers of test-takers for each subject by grade, the proportions of test-takers proficient in each subject area, and the economic and ethnic profiles of test-takers.

7th Annual Hair Donation Event to be held Nov. 16, 2024

This year’s “Short Hair Because We Care” will hold a hair donation event for the Children With Hair Loss organization will be held Saturday, November 16 at Penn High School’s Studio Theater.

Short Hair Because We Care Info

Anyone in the community can donate their hair, but the minimum is 8 inches of hair. Hair that is colored and permed is accepted. Local professional hair stylists will be donating their time to cut volunteers hair for free. Because this is for hair donation, the service provided is just a simple cut, no style.

This event was started in 2019-2020 school year by a group of 7th grade Grissom Middle School students.

“It started as something that students could give, that wouldn’t be money or something they wouldn’t have control over being young students, but everyone can donate their hair, so that’s why we started it: to give everyone an opportunity to serve even if they don’t have other resources,” Ella Smoker Class of 2024. Click to see the WNDU-TV’s story.

Last year, 33 people donated a total of 334 inches (click to see photos)! Donate this year and help beat last year’s totals!

If you’re interested in donating, click here to sign up using the Google form.

Email shbwcphs@gmail.com with questions, and follow the group on Instagram at @shbwc_phs.

If you can’t make it to the event or don’t have enough hair to donate, you can still help out by donating directly to Children With Hair Loss.

Children With Hair Loss is a nonprofit organization that provides hair replacements at no cost to children or young adults facing hair loss at no cost. Whatever the cause, hair loss can have effects that go deeper than cosmetics. Providing this hair is how this organization gives back to the community. You can help us give back to your community and the children facing hair loss by donating your hair or simply spreading the word about the event to everyone!