Kingsmen Nation

Penn Homecoming Weekend is finally here! The weather for this Friday and Saturday (Sept. 29 & Sept. 30) looks perfect for the parade, game & dance! All the festivities kick off at 5:00 with the Fun Zone, followed by the parade, more Fun Zone (complete with teacher dunk tanks!), football game, and Fireworks! Click here for a full schedule; and click here for parking, parade route, and football game ticket info. Click here to buy Homecoming Dance tickets for Saturday night.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation and their generous sponsors for sponsoring all these festivities! All the proceeds from the money raised will go towards PHEF teacher grants to fund innovative classroom programs. One of the things that will help PHMEF raise money is the Virtual Silent Auction. Here's a short list of just some of the items:

• Dining gift cards from local restaurants
• Reserved Penn Graduation seating
• Reserved Penn Student Parking
• Ninja Golf Package
  
• Drive & Shine Car Wash Package
• Gift Certificate towards Burns Tent Rental
• PLUS MANY, MANY, MANY MORE ITEMS!!!
  

Click here to get a sneak peek at the items now so you can decide what to bid on; then come back on Friday, Sept. 29 to bid. The Auction closes at Noon, Thursday, Oct. 5.

Students from all 15 P-H-M schools will be participating in the parade this year. Penn student club parade floats will be beach-themed. Starting Friday, Sept. 29, through next Tuesday, Oct. 3, you can vote on your favorite Penn student club float. Each vote is $5. Thanks to Penn Boosters, Penn students will get their first vote for FREE! The winning floats will receive monetary prizes from PHMEF.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation’s ENL Services’ is sponsoring the District’s FREE Community Connections Fair! Come check out what the Mishawaka, South Bend, and Elkhart communities have to offer to your families! Click here for more information and to sign-up for a table if you are a business or a family that wants to participate and share your culture in a performance.

The PSAT/NMSQT will take place on Wednesday October 11, 2023.

• Who: All students in Grades 10-11
• When: 8:25 a.m.

1. Test Room assignments will be posted outside the main office on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.

2. Students must use their school issued chromebook in order to take the exam. Bring it fully charged along with the charging cord just in case.

3. An online desmos calculator or a handheld 4-function calculator will be available. Students may use their own calculator if it meets College Board guidelines found at this link: PSAT/NMSQT Calculator Use

4. When testing is complete, students who are at school will go onto their 3rd & 4th block classes.

Please be aware that a nationwide FEMA and FCC National Alert test is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2:20 p.m. The backup date is Wednesday, Oct. 11. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. Please see the information in the link below.

https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023

Kent Laudeman, Director of the United Health Services, Suicide Prevention Center will be presenting the Yellow Ribbon Program on Monday, Oct. 2, and Tuesday, Oct. 3, to Freshmen during PCC. COVID 19 and other current issues have raised concerns regarding mental health issues for adults and our young people. Specifically the stress associated with these concerns have made talking with teens/youth about our need for mental health and suicide prevention. In an effort to educate our staff and students concerning mental health issues, we have asked United Health Services to share with us the national Yellow Ribbon Program. Information concerning this program and talking to youth can be found at www.yellowribbon.org or on a free iPhone app (“How to Talk With Your Teen/Youth” and “How to Respond to a Cry for Help”) that can be seen and downloaded to an android or Apple phone.

Penn students received invitations to apply for National Honor Society in their email. Interested students should check their emails for instructions on how to apply.

You can submit up to 5 photos at a time for consideration to be used the '23-'24 Penn yearbook. Make sure the photos you submit are the original photo; NO SCREENSHOTS as they aren't good quality for printing.

These can be pictures of a club you are involved in, photos with friends from school at different events in or out of school, etc. Anything school-appropriate that relates to Penn students is fair game! Email pennyearbook@phm.k12.in.us with any questions.

Click here for the form to submit photos.

Picture Re-Take Day is: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023

Order Code is: 79280ST

Website: https://inter-state.com/

Your Unique Web link to order is: https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/79280ST

The PHM DVT/Planetarium will be showing DAWN OF THE SPACE AGE on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens and can be pre-ordered by visiting the DVT webpage on the PHM Schools website, or they can be purchased at the door with cash, check, or card 30 minutes before the show starts. The DVT is located inside Bittersweet Elementary.

Relive the excitement of the early days of space exploration, from the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik on October 4, 1957, to the magnificent lunar landings and privately operated space flights. Be immersed and overwhelmed with this accurate historic reconstruction of man’s first steps into space on April 12, 1961. Who were the men and women who took part in these death-defying days? Witness their drive, their passion, and their perseverance to explore in the Dawn of the Space Age!

An informational meeting for the English Academic Super Bowl Team is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5, from 3:30-4 p.m. in the IMC. The meeting will be at the back of the library.

Co-ed volleyball intramurals are starting soon in October. Call/Text your classmates and get a team ready for competition.

To sign-up: Get a TEAM (Penn High School Students 9-12 ONLY), pick a captain, have the captain come to PE Office to see Mrs. Pawlik / Mrs. Sautter to pick up the registration packet, and return the packet by Tuesday, Oct. 17, to Mrs. Pawlik so your team can start playing.

DEADLINE: Tuesday, Oct. 17

START DATE: Tuesday, Oct. 24

Dates: Games will be on Tuesdays - Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5

TIME: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

PLACE: Life Fitness Center - South 2 courts

REGISTER NOW! Join the FUN!

Click the link below if Parents/Guardians are interested in volunteering for the Penn Fall Staff Appreciation events or to donate candy. The candy donations are due to Sept. 29.

2023 Fall Staff Appreciation: Staff Appreciation October 2023 (signupgenius.com)

Spectrum is hosting the Dried Ink Contest from Monday, Sept. 25, to Friday, October 20. Penn students may submit any Poetry, Prose, Humor, Musical composition, or original Art piece for consideration. Winners will be announced in each category and receive fabulous prizes.

All submissions should be sent electronically to Spectrum@phm.k12.in.us.

Our magazine theme for this year is Dystopia-Utopia, but this theme does NOT need to be incorporated into contest pieces.

The Penn High School Art Gallery features the work of former Penn High School student Sam Horvath.

The show is scheduled from Friday, Sept. 15, until Friday, Oct. 20.

Bethel University’s literary magazine, The Crossings, is excited to announce its Annual High School Writing Contest!

The contest invites high-school juniors and seniors to write and submit original, unpublished work for a chance to win one of two scholarships to Bethel University. The publication accepts short fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry.

The submission deadline is December 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The Crossings Online Publication

Home | The Crossings (crossingsjournal.org)

High School Writing Contest Page

Submit | The Crossings (crossingsjournal.org)

Bethel University Website

https://www.betheluniversity.edu

Penn High School's Snowball Dance, sponsored by the PTO, will be held from 7:30-11 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, in the Main Arena.

Details on theme, tickets sales and other specifics will be shared at a later date.

Free and Reduced Meal Applications must be filled out each year.

Free and Reduced Meal benefits from last year expire at the end of September.

To access the application form for the 2023-2024 school year, go to SchoolCafe.com

You can also find our menu and nutritional information there.

Our partners at Michiana Homes for Heroes sponsors Penn High School's Teacher of the Month program, and has been honoring teachers for a number of years,. They believe in highlighting those who are making a positive impact in the local community. Please take a moment to nominate a teacher who demonstrates excellence in the classroom, motivation, leadership, community service, creativity, dedication, and professionalism.

Representatives from McKinnies Realty Homes for Heroes will award the Teacher of the Month with an engraved trophy, public recognition in front of peers & students, and a gift. Nominate a teacher for Teacher of the Month here. Thank you for taking the time to nominate a teacher deserving of this special recognition!

We are hoping you have heard, but we have great news to share regarding student book fees! The Indiana General Assembly passed a bill (HEA 1001-2023) that eliminated textbook and curriculum costs at public schools, which includes school supplies like pencils, paper, and notebooks. Parents will no longer be asked to pay school fees for curricular materials. For more information on the specific details, click here.

We wanted to share that legislation was passed (HB 1447, effective January 1, 2024)

that all schools prepare a catalog of materials found in the school library Alexandria and a response and appeal procedure for materials parents find questionable.

We have that process in place already and it is posted on all school websites Instructional Material Feedback. In addition, secondary teachers will provide their syllabus to you with listed materials and classroom teachers have been asked to create a master list of titles in their classroom libraries. More information will be provided by your teacher in classroom newsletters. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your classroom teacher or myself.

Penn: https://penn.phmschools.org/alexandria/

Seniors: Get your Meningococcal Vaccinations ASAP and turn in your shot records to the Health Office.

All Students: Please have your parents sign the non-prescription med form in Skyward in order to take Tylenol, Tums or Ibuprofen in the health office. Parents must sign a new form EVERY school year in Skyward.

Passes are REQUIRED from your teacher before you come to the Health Office.

Attendance is located at Door C.

• Students who get an early dismissal will now be checking out and leaving through Door C.

• Parents who plan to pick up their students early can do so at Door C until 2:40 p.m.

Parents/Guardians now have the ability to submit attendance reasons - for full-day absences, early dismissals or late arrivals - for approval by the school - through Skyward/Family Access, instead of calling Penn High School.

Click here for more information on Attendance procedures.

Requests can be entered on the day of the absence (i.e. a student is ill) or scheduled in advance (i.e. - a student has a doctor appointment).

Click here for instructions on how to submit attendance reasons through Skyward/Family Access.

In addition, guardians of Penn students who attend the Elkhart Area Career Center are responsible to report their student’s attendance issues.

Contact Trisha Malone, attendance secretary, 574-262-5650 or tmalone@elkhart.k12.in.us.

In addition, EACC offers a new email address: Email: Attendance@elkhart.k12.in.us

The Penn Bookstore has Kingsmen Spirit apparel on sale now.

• Polo shirts - $15
• Gym shorts - size large - $5
  
• Yellow 2022-23 t-shirts - $5
  

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is committed to creating a healthy and safe environment for our learning community.

Click here for the P-H-M Health and Safety Overview.

If you wish to purchase Chromebook insurance, please make a $25 payment at the Penn High School bookstore or online at phm.revtrak.net (click “Chromebooks” then “Penn High School” ). Online payments are only accepted until 9/15/23. If you purchase insurance after 9/15/23, your Chromebook must pass an inspection by the Technology Department and the fee can be paid in the bookstore.

Click here for additional information on Chromebook insurance.

Please click below for Transportation information

Enrollment is open for Playschool (potty-trained children ages 3-4), Playschool 2 (potty-trained children ages 4-5), and Toddler Time (children ages 1-3 and a parent/caregiver).

Each year the Penn High School students enrolled in Childhood Development classes offer the two unique programs described below for preschoolers in our community.

We encourage you to take advantage of PLAYSCHOOL and TODDLER TIME if you have young children in your household, and to tell your friends as well!

Parents can sign their children up for more than one group. For example, if they would like to come every day, they could sign up for the G3 Orange group & B3 Blue Group, or G4 Yellow Group & B4 Blue Group. G2 Red group is filling up fast for Toddler Time.

Click the links below to register:

Playschool 2

Playschool

Toddler Time

Click here for a list of non-school activities and events made available to P-H-M students and families by area organizations.

Click here for information about jobs available for Penn students.

Join an institution committed to excellence. P-H-M is looking for prospective employees in a number of areas.

Click here for the jobs board.

The P-H-M Education Foundation has many new upcoming events. Please visit www.phmef.org for event information, to signup for our quarterly news letter or to find out how PHMEF supports excellence in education in the P-H-M school district.

Click here for the Penn News Network (PNN) YouTube Channel. Subscribe to the PNN YouTube Channel to stay up-to-date on Penn news.

Penn-Harris-Madison is happy to pilot free fitness opportunities for the P-H-M community.

Who is eligible to participate: The P-H-M Adult Community and Staff (no students). This includes residents of the school district and non-resident parents/guardians of attending students.

What: Access to walking/jogging tracks, open gym/basketball courts, and weight room

When: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the sites listed below. Note: The Fitness Centers will be closed during designated school recess dates.

Schedule:

• Penn: Weekly on Saturdays and Sundays from 7-9 p.m.
• Discovery: Weekly on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m.
• Grissom: Weekly on Fridays from 7-9 p.m.

The Safe School Helpline® is a confidential way to report student concerns about threats, suicide, drugs, bullying or anything that threatens the safety of our schools. It's Available 24/7. Click to watch a video on how to get in touch with Administration anonymously 24/7/365.

Four Ways to Report to the Safe School Helpline®

Call: 1-800-418-6423 ext 359

Text: TIPS to 66746

Online: SafeSchoolHelpline.com

Mobile App: Download the FREE app from the GOOGLE PLAY STORE and the APPLE APP STORE

• The app makes it easy to anonymously report a safety or mental health concern using your mobile device to text, call, or submit an online form.

Click here for a listing of non-school community resources available to Penn students and families by businesses area organizations.

Adobe Acrobat Reader will be required to view the pdfs on this page. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please visit Adobe’s website, at this link http://www.get.adobe.com/reader/www.get.adobe.com/reader/, to download your free version. Or you can stop by the Educational Services Center at 55900 Bittersweet Rd., Mishawaka to pick up a copy.

Drama Club will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. Everyone is invited to wear a Halloween costume (no full masks, please) if they would like to -- but it isn't required! This event is open to members who have paid the club dues. Students with any questions about this should talk with Miss Hein.

The Writers’ Guild is a group of students who love creative writing in all of its forms-short stories, flash fiction, poems, fanfiction. We meet in order to foster creativity and share our work with each other. We trade ideas, techniques, and offer feedback in a supportive environment. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, Oct. 4, after school in Room 239 until 4:15 p.m. You can email Mrs. Morton (cmorton@phm.k12.in.us) with any questions. We look forward to seeing you!

The Penn Pals Club will be meeting at 7:45 a.m.

On Gold Tuesdays, we'll meet in Room 163, and on Black Tuesdays, we'll meet in Room 257.

Science National Honor Society's first meeting was on Sept. 11 at 3:30 p.m. in Mrs. Tiebout's room, Room 266.

Future meetings will be the first Monday of the month, with volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Anyone enrolled in Honors or AP Science with a 3.5 in Science and an overall GPA of 3.0 or greater is welcome to join! Dues are $5, due in the bookstore before Monday, Oct. 2. Please bring your receipt to our next meeting on Monday, Oct. 2.

Interested in helping children with cancer?

Join Kingsmen Against Cancer to help make baskets, cards, blankets and more!

Email kwatts@phm.k12.in.us for more information. Help make an impact in children’s lives one smile at a time!

All students interested in joining the Speech and Debate team should stop by Coach Starkweather's Room 192 for information.

Follow Kingsmen Court !!!

Instagram: @pennkingsmencourt

Twitter: @courtkingsmen

E-mail us with any questions @penn-kingsmen-court-grp@phm.k12.in.us

Freshmen Mentoring is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5, and Friday, Oct. 6.

If students want to meet with a Kingsmen Tutor for academic assistance, they need to see their counselor for a pass.

Click here for the Counseling Center Staff Directory and contact information.

Click here for the current scholarship list.

Speed training for all athletes is every Thursday from 7:30-8:05 a.m. Enter through Door G.

Be ready to compete!

Student-Athletes who are getting picked up at the main Penn High School building must be picked up at Door D after practices.

Parents/Guardians are asked not to pick up student-athletes at Door E due to safety concerns.

Anyone interested in participating in athletics or a club must complete the online registration at https://www.registermyathlete.com/. Click here for the Code of Conduct.

All-Sports Passes are now available for purchase. Please click the link below to purchase passes as well as tickets for upcoming home sporting events.

Any issues please contact Heather Nania at hnania@phm.k12.in.us.

https://phmschools.hometownticketing.com

Penn Varsity Football

We are introducing a new pricing structure this school year for purchasing of individual tickets. All individual tickets purchased before Game Day will be $6. Tickets sold Day of Game will be $7.

• Penn High School Students - No bags are allowed into the football stadium. Student ID’s will also need to be presented at the gate.

• P-H-M Students K-8 (New Policy this season) - ALL P-H-M Students Kindergarten-8th grade must be accompanied by an adult when they enter the facility, otherwise they will not be admitted into the game.

Penn PTO is a group of devoted parents and volunteers who work hand-in-hand with administration to support our students, staff and teachers through events that bring together community and show appreciation.

Click here for information.

The PTO provides grants to our teachers, clubs and student groups.

We also coordinate Snowball (an event your student will not want to miss), teacher appreciation week and monthly appreciation events for teachers and staff, as well as organizing and funding special events.

We have meetings once a month and would love for you to join us and learn more. Please email pennhspto@gmail.com to be added to our meeting invite list for a virtual meeting option or check the calendar and join us in person.

• PTO Officers + Chairs

• President – Jessica Saros
• Vice President – Julia Johnson

• Co-Vice President – Shadia Perkins

• Treasurer – Kelley Wassner
• Secretary – Aubrey Saros
• Volunteer Coordinator – Barb Zuidema
• Teacher Appreciation (Monthly Chairperson) – Nabeela Gill *Officers will assist on these events, as needed, and will be responsible for the May, weeklong teacher appreciation festivities
• Snowball Chairs – Shawn + Jessica Saros
• Social Media Chair – Zaina Arain

The designated student morning drop-off at Penn High School is in the Jefferson Rd. Student Parking Lot (south of the football practice field). All entrances will open for students at 8:05 unless there is a previously scheduled appointment. Students must then report to door A.

The designated after-school student pick-up areas include the Jefferson Rd. Staff Parking Lot and the Jefferson Rd. Student Parking lot. Left turns are not allowed into the Jefferson Rd. Staff Parking Lot.

Click on the following links for IMPORTANT SCHOOL INFORMATION:

School Messenger, the alert notification service: https://www.phmschools.org/parents/schoolmessenger

Parent FAQ on Emergency Preparedness:

https://www.phmschools.org/school-emergency-frequently-asked-questions

12th-grade Immunization Requirements:

https://www.phmschools.org/parents/12th-grade-immunization-requirements

All parents and guardians are encouraged to review Skyward information for your student. General directions are listed below to access Skyward. Please take some time to review student progress and encourage your student to develop a plan for any missing work as we get ready to start the school year.

Email: srgaliher@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://penn.phmschools.org/
Phone: 574-258-9503
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennHighSchool/
Twitter: @SeanGaliher