P-H-M Named 2025 Best Community for Music Education

For the 12th consecutive year, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation was named among the 2025’s Best Communities for Music Education (​BCME) in the country by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation! P-H-M has received this recognition more than any other school district in Indiana!

This year NAMM has named 935 school districts as the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, and P-H-M is one of them! The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education. 

In P-H-M elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes. Beginning in 6th grade, P-H-M students at our three middle schools (Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom) have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as their music elective. Students at Discovery also have the option of choosing Piano Lab. Schools from elementary all the way up to Penn High School also perform musicals.

elementary students perform in Willy Wonka the Musical
Moran Elementary students perform in “Willy Wonka the Musical” (March 2025)

Penn High School offers the Fine Arts & Communication Academy as part of its unique academy structure. The seven academy design provides Penn students with relevant and meaningful coursework taught in smaller, supportive environments where each student is known well by his teacher and peers. Nearly a third of Penn’s total 3,500 students are enrolled in the Fine Arts Academy with the majority being involved with music programs, either Choir, Orchestra, Band or another music program.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, P-H-M answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music.

Middle school students play violins
Grissom Middle School students perform in the school’s Veterans Day Celebration (November 2024)

In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood. Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

Moran Students Surprises Principal Lisa Russell with Celebration Assembly

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.

Lisa Russell Principal of the Year Surprise 5-16-25 (386)

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.

Principal Russell makes heart sign

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.

elm road jumping eagles

 

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Girl in blue shirt spinning hula hoop on basketball court.
Young girl in gymnastics uniform jumping rope, smiling.
Girl in blue shirt holding a tennis racket on court.
The group of people are on a basketball court, some holding frisbees, others standing in line, all wearing blue shirts and
Young girl performing juggling trick on unicycle in front of group of girls.
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Girl in blue shirt throwing frisbee on basketball court.
Congratulations Ms. Russell on being named Elementary Principal of the Year.
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Children performing tricks on unicycles in a gymnasium.
Two young girls playing a game on a basketball court. One girl is holding another girl in her arms. They are both wearing
Three people standing in front of a gymnasium holding signs, smiling at the camera.
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Principal Lisa Russell Named District 2 Elementary Principal 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.
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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.
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Two young girls performing on stage, one wearing a sequined jacket and the other in a white shirt, both holding microphones.
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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.
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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.
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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!

Group of people sitting at a table in front of a sign that says "2025 Elementary Spell Bowl".
Young boy sitting at a table in front of a sign reading "2025 Elementary Spell Bowl".
People gathered around a stage with a large screen displaying the word 'influxion' and a sign that reads '2025 Elementary
A stage with a group of people seated at tables, some holding signs, in front of an audience; a sign reads '2025 Elementary
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Auditorium filled with people watching a performance.
Children 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.
Students in a classroom setting, participating in a spelling bee event.

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.
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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.