Principal Lisa Russell Named District 2 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Indiana Association of School Principals recently announced that our principal, Lisa Russell, has been named District 2 Elementary Principal of the Year!

District 2 includes the following counties: St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Fulton, Pulaski, Marshall, Starke, and LaPorte.

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

Mrs. Russell has been principal of Moran since 2020.

2025 Running is Elementary Results & Photo Gallery

The annual one mile run for P-H-M fourth and fifth graders is held at Penn’s Cross-country course, which is located behind Elm Road Elementary School. The race is sponsored by P-H-M’s Education Foundation,

This event encourages fitness, healthy choices and wellness. Fourth and fifth graders, from all 11 P-H-M elementary schools are encouraged to sign up for the free running club. Designated coaches at each school are then tasked with training the runners for the 6-week club which then culminates with the Running is Elementary one mile race.

2025 Running is Elementary Results & Photo Gallery

More than 500 students participated this year! The students are cheered on by their fellow students, their families, principals, teachers and running coaches; it’s amazing to see the dedication and hard work the students put in to complete the race. Click here to see the full photo gallery below.

Cindy Batalis, Mary Frank P.E. teacher, began the yearly tradition of Running Is Elementary back in 2008. Batalis’ own love for running and her desire to pass that love on to students is evident in the passion she puts into the Running is Elementary event each year. 

CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who participated! It is a tremendous accomplishment to complete a one-mile cross country course race. Below are the race results show 1st, 2nd, and third place winners.

Race Results:

2025 Running is Elementary Results & Photo Gallery

5th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 6:31, Bib #518, [Prairie Vista]
  2. 6:45, Bib #90, [Elm Road]
  3. 7:01, Bib #11, [Bittersweet]

2025 Running is Elementary Results & Photo Gallery

5th Grade Boys Winners

  1. 6:03, Bib #484, [Northpoint]
  2. 6:21, Bib #221, [Horizon]
  3. 6:26, Bib #551, [Prairie Vista]

2025 Running is Elementary Results & Photo Gallery

4th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 6:45, Bib #462, [Northpoint]
  2. 7:21, Bib #476, [Northpoint]
  3. 7:35, Bib #64, [Bittersweet]

2025 Running is Elementary Results & Photo Gallery

4th Grade Boys Winners

  1. 6:27, Bib #309, [Madison]
  2. 6:29, Bib #468, [Northpoint]
  3. 6:50, Bib #437, [Moran]

Click Here for Full Photo Gallery

2025 Running is Elementary Results & Photo Gallery

 

Running is Elementary Parking for April 28 (April 30)

Running is Elementary will be held Monday, April 28 (Rain Day is Wed., April 30) at Elm Road Elementary School, 59400 Elm Rd, Mishawaka.
 
Introductions will begin at 2:50 p.m.
  • 5th Grade Girls – 3:00 p.m.
  • 5th Grade Boys – 3:20 p.m.
  • 4th Grade Girls  – 3:40 p.m.
  • 4th Grade Boys – 4:00 p.m.

Limited parking is available at Elm Road School. Overflow parking is at Grissom Middle School with shuttle buses running to Elm Road School. 

PARENTS: Please give yourselves plenty of time to arrive and get parked. You may end up having to park at Grissom and take the shuttle. Please follow the signs for parking at Grissom; school is still in session and releases at 4:00 p.m.

Spectators who park at Elm Road may be asked to wait to pull out of the lot if student runners are on the course. Please do not get impatient with volunteers; this is for our students’ safety.

Running is Elementary Parking for April 28 (May 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!

Children posing in front of a stage set up for a performance.
Three children dressed in costumes on stage, a girl in a polka dot dress and two boys in blue and white outfits.
Two people on stage at a party, one girl in red dress standing next to a boy in suit.
Group of people posing on stage in costumes, likely a theatrical performance or themed event.
Three children dressed in costumes on stage, one boy kneeling down, holding a sign that reads "Willy Wonka".
Woman in blue dress on stage singing to audience.
Group of people dressed in costumes standing on stage, celebrating with confetti.
Two young girls performing on stage, one wearing a sequined jacket and the other in a white shirt, both holding microphones.
Two children on stage holding microphones, a woman in background holding a camera.
Three people dressed in costumes standing on a stage.
Two children sitting on chairs in front of a stage, one girl wearing a dress and the other boy wearing a hat.
Two children dressed as willy wonka and his grandpa, performing on stage.
Two children in costumes performing on stage.
A young girl in a costume on stage.
People dressed in costumes on stage, celebrating a performance with confetti.
Three young girls in colorful shirts performing on stage.
Group of people on stage holding frisbees, posing for a picture.
Man in a red apron standing behind a table displaying lollipops, with a sign that says "WONKA BAR" in front of him.
Young girl in pink shirt on stage waving to audience during performance.
Children dressed as characters from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on stage. One child is holding a microphone.
People in costumes performing on stage.
People on stage performing in front of an audience.
Three people sitting on a stage, one child in a costume holding a doll, two others looking at them, all under a spotlight.
Group of people in colorful costumes performing on stage.

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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 3rd, 4th, and 5th 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!

Stage set up for an awards ceremony with a group of people seated in front of a podium and microphone, surrounded by rows of
People sitting at desks in a room, surrounded by signs with names on them, indicating that they are participating in an
Students and spectators in an auditorium during a school event.
Two young boys posing in front of a ventilation grate, giving thumbs up and wearing t-shirts that say "spelling bee" and
A group of children seated at desks in a classroom setting, participating in an event, possibly a spelling bee, with numbers
Children participating in a spelling bee event, with signs displaying their names, ages, and spellings.
Young boy sitting at a table in front of a sign that reads "2025 Elementary Spell Bowl".
People sitting at a table in a classroom setting, engaging in an activity.
Students participating in a spelling bee event, surrounded by desks with nameplates and numbers indicating their positions,
Students participating in a spelling bee competition.
Students sitting at desks in a classroom setting, taking a test; teacher standing behind them, holding papers and talking to
Auditorium filled with people watching a performance.
Students seated at desks in a classroom setting, participating in an event called "2025 Elementary Spell Bowl," with visible
Group of people sitting at a table in front of a sign that says "2025 Elementary Spell Bowl".
Children participating in a spelling bee event, standing at desks with numbers on them, against a backdrop of a stage with a
Young boy sitting at a table in front of a sign that reads "2025 Elementary Spell Bowl".
Students sitting at desks in a classroom during a spelling bee competition.
Students in a classroom setting, participating in a spelling bee event.
Children sitting at desks in a classroom, participating in a spelling bee event, with numbers and names on signs above them.
Children participating in a spelling bee event.
Auditorium filled with people watching a performance.
Two young boys giving thumbs up in front of an air vent.
A stage with a group of people seated at tables, some holding signs, in front of an audience; a sign reads '2025 Elementary
People gathered around a stage with a large screen displaying the word 'influxion' and a sign that reads '2025 Elementary

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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!

Two men shaking hands in front of a yellow school bus.
Two men standing in front of a school bus. One man is holding a box and the other is smiling.
People standing outside a school bus, one man holding a box, smiling at others, all looking at each other.
A man presenting a gift to another man in front of a school bus.
Man in front of school bus holding gift basket.
Bus driver proudly holding a box of donuts.
Man holding a basket of donuts in front of school bus.
Three men standing in front of a school bus, one holding a plaque that reads "250305 February Bus Driver of the Month".
Man and woman standing next to a school bus, holding a gift box and certificate for bus driver of the month award.
People posing in front of a bus, likely celebrating an event or achievement.
An elderly man is holding a box of donuts on a school bus.
Two men shaking hands in front of a school bus, one man holding a box.
Old man standing outside school bus, smiling at camera.
Old man standing in front of school bus.

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!

Little girl in pink pajamas smiling at camera in classroom setting.
Boy in school uniform smiling at camera, standing at table filled with candy.
Girl in classroom holding bag, smiling at camera.
Girl in yellow hoodie flexing muscles in classroom setting.
Moran-Valentines-Day-Friendship-Parties-2-13-25-57
Young boy enjoying a cupcake in a classroom setting.
Little girl in pink shirt sitting at a dining table with a red heart on her shirt.
Little girl in classroom holding red heart.
Girl in blue dress at school event.
Boy in black t-shirt standing at desk in classroom, smiling at camera.
Boy in red shirt sitting at table with baseball bat on wall behind him.
Little girl in classroom on Valentine's Day, smiling at camera.
Young girl in pajamas blowing bubble gum, smiling at camera in classroom setting.
Girl in pink shirt smiling at camera.
Young boy in a classroom smiling at camera.
Little girl sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling at the camera, holding a brown paper bag.
Girl in red sweatshirt smiling at camera, sitting at table filled with Valentine's Day treats.
Three children posing in a classroom for a picture on Valentine's Day.
Three young girls posing in a classroom for Valentine's Day.
Children posing for a picture at a table in a classroom setting, smiling and happy, celebrating Valentine's Day with treats
Girl in pink sweater sitting at table on school day.
Two young girls posing in a classroom for Valentine's Day, one wearing red and white shirt with "I love you" on it, both
Smiling girl in pink shirt posing for picture at a table with gifts on it.
Two young girls posing for a picture at a classroom desk.

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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 6th 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 6th – 8th 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.

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.

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

robot sitting on a stack of books reading a book with Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation logo

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 coverAmerican Tall Tales, Johnny Appleseed book coverB 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.