Kingsmen Nation

Penn High School football players learned in a “surprise introduction” at a team meeting before the start of school Wednesday (March 20) that Pete Riordan would be their new head coach!

The announcement came in the locker room; and he was introduced by none other than retiring Coach Cory Yeoman. Click to watch the video. Riordan has been an assistant coach on the Kingsmen Football staff for 20 years (most recently serving as Defensive Coordinator). Later Wednesday afternoon, Coach Riordan was introduced to the local news media in a news conference. Click here to watch the highlights and photo gallery. Riordan also teaches Economics, Advanced Placement Economics and ACP Business at Penn High School. He was recently named a teacher Impact Award winner by the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation for helping his students increase their test scores on their AP exams by as much as 20%. Click here for more information. Congratulations Coach Pete!

Last week the Penn Choir performed with the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Robert Boardman. The 2-hour clip of the concert is on the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra's YouTube channel. Click here if you want to watch a portion.

At the concert, SBYSO honored Early College seniors Sunday Hall and Emma Bashura for their years of participation with SBYSO. The recognition was done a little earlier than normal because Sunday and Emma will be participating in Ivy Tech's Commencement receiving their Associates Degrees through Early College Academy.

Juniors and Seniors: The Penn High School 2024 Prom will be held Saturday, May 11, at the Century Center from 8-11 p.m.

A link will be sent to all Juniors and Seniors on Friday, April 26, to purchase tickets for $35 each. Ticket sales will be available until Saturday, May 11, or until all 1,450 tickets available are sold.

Juniors and Seniors are allowed to bring one guest to this event. Guests can be from any grade at Penn (9-12), or under the age of 21 and present a valid ID.

Questions? Please contact prom co-sponsors Amy Tiebout and Kelsey Weaver (atiebout@phm.k12.in.us or kweaver@phm.k12.in.us).

Penn High School students excelled at the DECA State Championships, qualifying 20 students for the DECA International Championships, April 27-30, in Anaheim, California.

State Champions include Ayvah Bell, Joel Bell, Matthew Deahl, Stanley Liew, Amrit Kaur, Rhea Rhakra and Cameron Poznanski.

International Conference qualifiers

• Franchise Business Plan: 1. Ayvah Bell, Joel Bell
• Independent Business Plan: 2. Elizabeth Eshowsky
• Integrated Marketing Campaign – Product: 2. Avery Ferris, Lucy Salwin
• Integrated Marketing Campaign – Service: 3. Selin Bilgicer, Danielle Ciliberti, Mia Helm
• Community Giving Project: 2. Layla Berry, Ella Smoker
• Entrepreneurship TDME: 3. Chris Chen, David Guarraci
• Hospitality Services TDME: 1. Matthew Deahl, Stanley Liew
• Business Operations Research: 1. Amrit Kaur, Rhea Rhakra, Cameron Poznanski
• Business Law Team Event: 4. Lana Ealdama, Noah Schafer

Click here for complete results.

Click here for the latest Penn DECA Newsletter.

Penn High School student Maria Goffinet.

The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is presented annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who embodies the American spirit in his or her community. The values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance can and should be learned and lived by all Americans, regardless of age.

The 51 selected student leadership award winners will travel to New Orleans on May 23–26, 2024, along with a parent or chaperone, all expenses paid, to attend the 2024 American Spirit Awards, where they will represent their state at the event. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in leadership activities, explore New Orleans, and receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Museum.

Goffinet was nominated for the award by Penn High School Teacher Eric Bowers.

The P-H-M DVT/Planetarium will be showing FORCES OF NATURE on Tuesday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. This will be the first public show with our new projectors! Come see the difference! Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens and can be pre-ordered by visiting the DVT webpage on the P-H-M 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.

Come close to nature's most powerful and extreme forces. Cameras capture massive volcanoes, earthquakes, and storms as a team of scientists travels the world in an attempt to figure out what causes these dangerous, yet undeniably thrilling natural occurrences. Putting their lives on the line in the name of scientific discovery, the experts forge their way into erupting pits, through volcanic flows, along fault lines, and straight toward tornados' eyes. Narrated by Kevin Bacon.

Current 10th & 11th graders interested in Cosmetology…

Are you interested in a career as a cosmetologist? Did you know there’s something you can be doing now?

Vogue Beauty College is looking for students to join their program on either their Elkhart or Mishawaka Campuses. The program is a two year commitment, but you can do either one or two years while you’re still in high school … and Penn will pay for it while you’re a student here! This is a half day program on Vogue’s campus that also earns you high school credits. Also, when students complete the program they can become a licensed professional in the industry!

If you are interested in learning about this program, go to www.vogueschoolofbeauty.com. Next, schedule a tour/meeting with you and a parent/guardian at Vogue, and finally let your Penn counselor know you’re making the commitment! If you have additional Penn questions about the program, please contact the coordinator, Mrs. Black @ dblack@phm.k12.in.us.

"Attention All Students!

Do you consider yourself a leader within the school? Do you want to help organize fun community events? Do you want to make a difference in your community?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider applying for the Kingsmen Executive Board!

Kingsmen Court (Student Council) is for students who are leaders in their community, excel in the classroom, and want to promote change at Penn.

Here is the link: Kingsmen Court Executive Board Application

Applications are due March 28th at 11:59 PM. Please email penn-kingsmen-court-grp@phm.k12.in.us if you have any questions.

Football Cheerleading Tryouts will be held on Monday, March 25, Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27, at Penn High School. If interested please email Coach Szweda for more information at rszweda@phm.k12.in.us

Registration for Playschool at Penn High School is now open.

Playschool is for potty-trained children, ages 3-4 to prepare them for preschool and future kindergarten, $10 enrollment fee for snacks and supplies. Sign up for as many options as you like.

Click here for the Playschool dates/times.

Click here for the Playschool Enrollment form.

You will be eligible to vote in the May 7th primary election as long as you're 18 on or by November 5th (the date of the general election). Registration is just one requirement to vote in Indiana. Voter registration in Indiana will be open until April 8th.

Voter Registration

What you need to register:

1. Have a valid Indiana Driver's License or Indiana State Identification Card.

2. Be a citizen of the United States.

3. Be at least 18 years old on or before the next general, municipal or special election. (A 17-year-old may register and vote in the primary election if the voter turns 18 on or before the next general or municipal election.)

4. Have lived in your precinct for at least 30 DAYS before the next general, municipal, or special election.

5. Not currently imprisoned after being convicted of a crime.

Once registered, you can see who will be on your ballot in May from this website: https://indianavoters.in.gov/

Students,

Would you like to help a student better understand a class or subject material? If yes, then here is a great opportunity to help others! Current Sophomores and Juniors can apply to be a Kingsmen Tutor Intern for next school year. Kingsmen Tutor Interns (KTI) become an integral part of the class by assisting students and working with the teacher. KTI's will earn a grade and credit per semester by completing approximately 5 assignments per semester. Also, KTI's will have monthly tutor training meetings with a KTI Leader. The internship is considered volunteer experience (great for resumes, college applications, and scholarship opportunities). Please note, you can take this internship as an elective or in place of your study hall.

We also have Kingsmen tutors located each block in the IMC to help students in a variety of subject areas. On the application, you can indicate a preference of placement with a teacher, subject area or in the IMC.

Here is the link for the application:

Kingsmen Tutor Application 24 25

(If indicating placement with a specific teacher, be sure to check with that teacher first.)

Attention Penn High School Parents and Students:

Graduation is fast approaching and we want to ensure that you have everything you need for this special day. Caps and Gowns will be passed out during Rehearsal scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, and Thursday, April 25. If you have not placed your order, please order no later than Friday, March 1, 2024, to pick up at the scheduled delivery event on April 24 and April 25.

The Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame.

The following link will take you to your school's landing page for all your graduation needs. This link includes all the packages and ala carte items for announcements, apparel and your cap and gown unit.

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/catalogBrowse/1072642/PENN-HIGH-SCHOOL/Graduation/2260685888/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/

If you only need a cap and gown (includes tassel) here is the direct link.

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1072642/PENN-HIGH-SCHOOL/Cap-and-Gown/2260685888/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/Cap-Gown-Tassel-Unit/2260685910

Congratulations on this milestone achievement. If you have questions, please contact the Jostens office at 574.216.6336.

A variety of Kingsmen Spirit Gear is on sale now in the Penn High School Bookstore.

We are looking for parent volunteers to join a concession subcommittee and assist Linda Schrader. These individuals would be asked to help supervise our concession stands by working with students to open and close the stands during the Fall, Winter, & Spring seasons. We need volunteers who would be able to help at a couple events every month.

If you are interested in helping, please email pennboosters@gmail.com or contact Michael Lacognato – Penn Booster President via text or phone at 574-286-1945.

Second Semester Finals start on Thursday, May 20.

Penn students who will miss Elkhart Area Career Center (EACC) instruction on a particular day, due to taking a final exam at Penn, are obligated to have a parent or guardian call the EACC to excuse their student on the day of testing. The EACC phone number is 574-262-5650.

The following Clubs and Field trip fees are due in the bookstore. See attached image below.

The Bookstore only takes cash and checks (not credit cards) for club dues, field trips, bookstore supplies, yearbooks and Chromebook insurance/repairs.

Yearbooks - there are a limited number of yearbooks for sale in the bookstore from 2022-23. Price is $95.

Booster items are t-shirts, hoodies, polos, hats, etc. Boosters take cash, checks and credit cards.

The Fall Spectrum Magazine is here. Check out the dystopian art and writing by your peers. A limited number of copies are on sale in the Bookstore for $7.

Elm Road Elementary School is looking for Penn High School students to volunteer on a one-time or semi-regular basis. Please fill out this google form to sign up.

Students who continuously do not have their school ID's will be charged a $3 fee to get a replacement ID.

Safety and Security is a top priority at Penn High School and having a student ID is a vital part of this process.

Students are required to have a Student ID to get into the building in the morning. All students were issued a free Student ID at the beginning of the school year. Students who don't have their ID in the morning will report to Door A to check in. Those names will be given to the Bookstore to issue a new ID and the $3 fee will be implemented.

Thank you for your help in continuing to keep Penn a safe place for all students.

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.

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

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

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.

The Random Acts of Kindness group will be meeting on Tuesday, March 26, from 3:30-4 p.m. in Room 104. Bring your friends and your ideas. Hope to see everyone there!

PLANT Club meets on Thursdays after school in the greenhouse. Please join us - no experience needed!

Science Academic Super Bowl meets every Wednesday from 3:30-4 p.m. in Room 266 (enter through the Fitness Center) in Mrs Tiebout’s Room.

Come learn science trivia from the 80’s and 90’s and compete against other schools in the spring. Everyone is welcome!

Science National Honor Society's will meet on the first Monday of the month, at 3:30 p.m. in Mrs. Tiebout's room, Room 266.

There will be 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!

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.

Check the website for information: https://www.pennspeechanddebate.com/

Follow Kingsmen Court !!!

Instagram: @pennkingsmencourt

Twitter: @courtkingsmen

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

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.

Penn Athletic All-Sports Passes are on Sale!

Spring Sports are fast approaching. All-Sports passes for the Spring are now on sale; adult All-Sports passes are $40 and student All-Sports passes are $20. Please use the link below to purchase. Contact Heather Nania - hnania@phm.k12.in.us - for information.

https://phmschools.hometownticketing.com

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.

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