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:

 
 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! 

1st Grade Field Trip to Kercher’s Sunrise Orchards

This morning, Moran Elementary School first graders enjoyed a fun fall field trip to Kercher’s Sunrise Orchards. The students took a tractor hayride to a corn maze, where they navigated twists and turns before emerging to select a gourd to take home.

student with gord

In addition to the corn maze, students also got to see an Apple Orchard! Each student and adult volunteer helper had the chance to pick three apples.

student with apple

The field trip provided students with hands-on learning about the fall harvest, while also giving them the opportunity to experience the beauty of the season. It was a great day for fresh air, fun, and fall exploration!

Click below to see the full photo gallery.

Two children at an apple orchard holding fruit.
Child holding up a sign shaped like a jack-o'-lantern at a pumpkin patch.
Child peeking through a cardboard cutout of a jack-o'-lantern in a cornfield.
Child peeking out of a cardboard cutout of a jack-o'-lantern at a pumpkin patch.
Two children playing in a cornfield.
People at an apple orchard holding apples.
Boy holding a bag of fruit in an apple orchard.
People gathered around a tree in an apple orchard.
Children playing in a pumpkin patch.
Young boy in front of pumpkins at a farm.
Young girl standing in front of pumpkins at a pumpkin patch.
People walking through a pumpkin patch on a sunny day.
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Children sitting in front of a sign at an event.
Young boy holding an apple in a field of trees.
Person in vest inspecting fruit at apple orchard.
People standing in a field of tall corn.
Boy standing in corn field.
Sign in field reads "corn maze".
Woman in vest walking through cornfield.
People sitting on hay bales at an apple orchard during a sunny day.
Two boys sitting on a bench holding a large apple.
Boy holding a piece of fruit in an apple orchard.
Two people standing near apple trees in an orchard.

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Moran First Graders Visit Their Pen Pals at Bittersweet

Bittersweet and Moran first graders have been forming new friendships through a pen pals program that connects students from both schools. Throughout the school year, the students exchanged letters, learning about each other’s hobbies, families, and school experiences.

Today, the Moran students had the chance to meet their Bittersweet pen pals in person during an exciting visit.

The day’s highlight was a trip to the PHM Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium, where the students watched an engaging show about our Solar System.

Planetarium

They learned about planets, stars, and other celestial wonders while deepening their connections with their new friends. This collaboration between the schools encourages writing skills, curiosity about the world, and the joy of new friendships.

See more photos below!

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Young boy in a classroom smiling at camera.
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Children in a movie theater watching a movie.
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Boy in glasses looking up at ceiling in movie theater.
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Young boy sitting in airplane seat, smiling broadly at camera.
Woman standing in front of children, gesturing with her hands, possibly teaching or explaining something.
Young boy in classroom smiling at camera.
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2024 Homecoming Recap

Thank you to EVERYONE who came to the 2024 Homecoming Parade and Football game. It was a terrific time not only for the Penn students, but also for the entire community.

The Parade, Expo, Fun Zone, Food Trucks and Fireworks were all bigger and better than ever.

After the game was over, the fans in attendance were treated to a fireworks show set to music!

There are three photo galleries below, one of the parade floats and participants, one of the parade spectators and one of the fun zone and expo. Take a look and we’ll see you in 2025!

Parade Floats

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People walking down a street during a parade.
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Two young men posing in front of a crowd, one wearing a football jersey and the other in a baseball uniform, both giving
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A group of cheerleaders in blue and yellow uniforms, holding pom poms, standing on a street during a parade.
Man in a hard hat driving a truck during a parade.
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People in a crowd at a parade holding signs and cheering.
People walking in a parade, some wearing safety vests, on a street.
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Three people celebrating in a parade float decorated to look like a truck made of Lego blocks.
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A group of marching band members in uniforms, standing in formation with their instruments.
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People in colorful costumes performing a dance routine on a street.
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Woman carrying child on shoulders at parade, both wearing blue dog ears.

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Parade Spectators

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Fun Zone & Expo

Three children in front of an inflatable bounce house, posing for a picture.
A young boy is handing a soft serve ice cream cone to an inflatable mascot at an event.
People gathered around a table at an outdoor event.
Two people standing in front of a sign that says "PENN" at an event.
Three people posing at a fair, one wearing an orange vest, another in a blue jersey, and a third in a green jacket.
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Young boy sitting in a bulldozer cockpit.
Women in sports uniforms posing for a picture at an event.
Children playing in a bounce house at a carnival.
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People at a community event, with one person carrying another on their shoulders.
Child sitting in a fire truck seat.
Woman in black shirt standing at table with volleyball logo on banner behind her, surrounded by people looking at items on
Two people posing in front of a sign at an outdoor event. The person on the left is holding a drink and wearing a lei, while
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Signs on fence at outdoor event, including one for plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC techs, along with a sign for a company
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An outdoor event at Penn Hoco.
People gathered around a table at an outdoor event, possibly a fundraiser or exhibition, with various items on display and
Four women standing on a football field, posing for a picture; one woman is holding a child. They are wearing sports jerseys
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People enjoying a sunny day at an outdoor event, taking pictures in front of a sign that reads "24100 HOCO Expo".
Happy Hometown Heroes Day at Penn State, celebrating Homecoming and Hoco Festivals.

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Moran Knights Dream About Tomorrow

This week, the students of Moran Elementary School have been dreaming about their futures by dressing up as the professions that inspire them. From doctors to astronauts, chefs to engineers, our young Moran Knights showcased their ambitions and creativity.

teacher with student

Take a look at the wonderful careers these students are imagining for their tomorrows!

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Homecoming 2024 Details

Attention P-H-M families and community members! Mark your calendars for the annual Homecoming Celebration on Friday, October 4, 2024. Penn High School students, don’t forget the Homecoming Dance is on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
 
This event is ONLY possible through the generous support of the P-H-M Education Foundation, Presenting Sponsor “Drive and Shine” and our other incredible sponsors. Click here to see the videos and pictures from last year’s amazing event.
 

Friday, October 4, 2024

Family Fun Zone
• Time: 4-7 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Jordan Automotive Group Baseball Stadium
• What: Bounce Houses, Gaga Ball, Obstacle Courses, 22 ft slide and more!
• The Family Fun Zone is Free thanks to Fun Zone Sponsors Gary and Tammy Fox 

Vendor Expo
• Time: 4-7 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: First Base Side of the Jordan Automotive Group Baseball Stadium
• What: Tables with vendors sharing valuable information & Free “Go Penn” temporary tattoos for all Kingsmen and future Kingsmen!

Food Trucks
• Time: 4-7 p.m.
• Cost: Varies
• Location: North End of Penn High School Parking Lots
• What: Get dinner or a snack from a varity of delicious local food trucks!

Homecoming Parade
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Location: Wraps around the rear of Schmucker Middle School, Left turn onto Bittersweet Road, Right turn past Penn Student Parking (See Map)
• What: Each P-H-M Elementary and Middle school will be marching as well as floats created by a varity of Penn High School sports, clubs and students groups.  Don’t forget to vote for your favorite float at the Expo!

Football Game
• What: Penn vs Elkhart
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: $6 in advance (online or high school students may purchase in the Penn Athletic Office until 8 a.m. on Friday) $7 at the gate (or after 8 a.m. in the Penn Athletic Office)
  Any elementary student or younger, who attends with a paying adult, is free! (Ex. 1 paying parent with 3 elementary children, all 3 children are free)  
• Location: Everwise Freed Field
• Click for facility Rules to Remember

Parking
• Cost: $3 to park in lots around Penn High School (See Map)
  All money raised through parking supports the Penn High School Band Boosters 
• Cost: Free to park in Schmucker, Pennway, Baseball and softball lots (See Map)
  Families are encouraged to arrive early to allow plenty of time to find parking and walk to the events

Fireworks
• Time: TBD – After Football Game
• Location: Everwise Freed Field
• What: Spectacular firework’s show to end the evening

Click Map to Expand
Homecoming 2024 Details

Saturday, October 5, 2024

“An Enchanted Evening” Homecoming Dance
• Time: 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Location: Everwise Freed Field & Yeoman Family Plaza
• Cost: $25 Per Ticket
• Purchase Tickets Here
• What: An Enchanted Evening for PHS students! Great music, games, and food! Plus, new addition of a 360 -degree videography photo booth!

October 1-7, 2024

Silent Auction
• Beginning October 1st, bid on a variety of items compliments of our community partners
• Click Here for Silent Auction 
• All proceeds benefit the P-H-M Education Foundation

For sponsorship opportunities or other information, please reach out to Jen Turnblom jturnblom@phmef.org

Rules to Remember:

  • No reentry; once you leave, you are not allowed back in.
  • No outside food or beverages, no insulated cups
  • No backpacks
    • Diaper bags & large women’s purses are allowed
  • Penn does not have a clear bag policy
  • No electronic noise makers
  • No Footballs or Beach Balls
  • No weapons of any kind
  • No alcohol
  • No Smoking/Vaping products of any kind. All PHM school property is smoke free.
  • No open flames at private tailgating

Sarah Hildebrandt Parade Photo Gallery (Sept. 8, 2024)

On Sunday, September 8, the Michiana community joined Penn and P-H-M in giving Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hildebrandt a Heroine’s Welcome!

Before Sarah’s “Welcome Home” kicked off, the local media got some one-on-one time with Sarah, her parents, and Penn Head Wrestling Coach Brad Harper during a news conference. Coach Harper was Sarah’s wrestling coach when she was at Penn; he became her personal coach and coached her at the Tokyo Olympics wear she won Bronze. Coach Harper planned this special homecoming for Sarah. Click to see the full photo gallery below.

Sarah Hildebrandt pre-Parade News Conference (Sept. 8, 2024)
Penn Wrestling Coach Brad Harper, Sarah Hildebrandt, Nancy and Chris Hildebrandt

The parade left from Penn High School and went down McKinley approximately two miles and ended at Zolman’s Tire.

Thank you to all the parade participants who volunteered their time on a Sunday afternoon: Mishawaka and Penn Twp. Fire Departments, St. Joseph County Police, the Marching Kingsmen, Penn Girls and Boys Wrestling Teams, Penn Cheerleaders, Penn Youth Wrestling Club, Rocket Football cheerleaders, and Dr. and Mrs. Thacker. Along with Sarah with her mom Nancy and dad Chris, Sarah’s extended family were also in the parade. Sarah and her parents were in a golden yellow convertible Mustang driven by St. Joseph County Sheriff Bill Redman. Thank you to Zolman’s Tire for supplying some trucks.

Sarah Hildebrandt Parade (Sept. 8, 2024)

After the parade was over, hundreds gathered at Urban Swirl in Granger for an Olympic Celebration emceed by Mark McGill. A representative from Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood’s office read a proclamation declaring September 8th as Sarah Hildebrandt Day! U.S. Congressman Rudy Yakym read the historical entry on Sarah’s Olympic achievement that he will be submitting to the official U.S. Congressional Record.

Sarah was able to see and catch up with the coach who gave her first break, then Discovery Middle School Wrestling Coach Raoul Donati.

Sarah Hildebrandt Celebration (Sept. 8, 2024) Sarah Hildebrandt Parade Photo Gallery (Sept. 8, 2024) Sarah Hildebrandt Parade Photo Gallery (Sept. 8, 2024)

Sarah threw out free T-shirts featuring her smiley face tattoo on the front and her viral X tweet on the back.

A crowd of people celebrating in a parking lot, with some holding up peace signs.
People gathered outside a storefront during a parade, waving at a woman who is waving back from the sidewalk.
Young girl holding a red t-shirt with white text that says "I'm laughing so hard I can't breathe" in front of a building.
Girl holding a red t-shirt with a smiley face on it.
Sarah Hildebrandt celebrates her free Olympics win with a humorous post on Instagram.

Grateful for all the love and support that her hometown gave her, Sarah graciously took hundreds of pictures with all of her adoring fans. She also signed hundreds of autographs on posters, shirts, singlets, wrestling shoes and even foreheads! 

Sarah Hildebrandt Olympic Celebration (Sept. 8, 2024)

Check it all out in the photo gallery below.

Woman in blue jacket walking on street.
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Woman holding a medal in front of a sign.
Three people sitting at a table with microphones in front of them, posing for a photo. A woman is making a peace sign with
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Woman in red jacket waving at crowd from parade float.
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Old blue car driving in a parade with people inside.
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Four people sitting at a table in front of a banner that says "PENN HIGH SCHOOL" and "SARAH-HILDEB
Two people standing at a table with microphones, one person sitting, all three facing forward, in front of a banner with a
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People gathered in a field for an outdoor event, some seated on chairs, others standing around tables and signs.
Children in cheerleading uniforms riding in back of a pickup truck during parade.
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Fire truck on a street during a parade.
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2024 Community Connections Fair

P-H-M’s ENL Department is hosting their annual Community Connections Fair on Saturday, October 5th!
 
2024 Community Connections Fair
 
Join us for activities, arts & crafts, food, performances, and to learn about resources in our community. It is completely FREE and all P-H-M families are invited to attend. Click here to see photos on Facebook of past Fairs.
 
If you have somebody in your family that would like to perform for our event showcasing a traditional act from your family’s culture, click here to fill out a form to participate.
 
We can’t wait to see you there!

Sarah Hildebrandt Parade

Penn High School’s “Golden Girl” is coming home! On Sunday, September 8th the community will have a celebratory parade for the Female Wrestler Olympic Gold Medalist.

The parade starts at 3:00 at the intersection of Bittersweet and McKinley Highway. The parade will proceed West down McKinley Highway and will end at Zolman’s Tire (2014 E McKinley Ave., Mishawaka).

There will be an Olympic Celebration 4:30 p.m. at Urban Swirl (Heritage Square, Granger). Congressman Rudy Yakym will present Sarah with a special gift; and Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood’s office will present a proclamation. Mark McGill will emcee the event.

There will be free posters, available on a first come, first serve basis. T-shirts will also be available for sale.

Sarah Hildebrandt parade info

Sarah Hildebrandt earned a Gold Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in Women’s Wrestling (50kg). Hildebrandt was one of two American women to win a Gold Medal in Wrestling at the 2024 Olympics. She is also just the fourth woman to win Gold in Team USA Wrestling history.

Hildebrandt earned a Bronze Medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She is also a two-time national collegiate champion. A 2011 graduate of Penn High School, Hildebrandt became the first female to qualify for the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Wrestling Semi-State competition and led Penn High School to the IHSAA Team Championship. Her personal coach is Penn Boys Wrestling Head Coach Brad Harper.