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

 

Group of young athletes posing on basketball court.
Young girl in a gymnasium holding a frisbee.
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 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

 

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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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.

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.

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!