Kingsmen Nation
2.23.2024
Penn to host Robotics Competition March 2 & 3
FIRST-IN District Robotics Competition, March 2 & 3
The 2024 FIN Mishawaka FRC District Event will once again be held at Penn High School. If you've never been a spectator at a Robotics Competition, you don't know what you're missing! So come out and cheer on Penn's Teams 135 and 328 as they take on other Indiana high schools. The two-day event is Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 in Penn’s Main Arena. No tickets needed, the event is FREE! Click here for more details.
#PHMExcellence
Penn High School's beloved and hard working Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Cates was recently named 2024 National Coach of the Year by the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA). This is just the latest in a string of honors. In 2022, Penn's program led by Coach Cates was awarded with a NHSSCA Program of Excellence School designation! Coach Cates is a mentor, motivator, and great role model for students; he's one of Penn students' most beloved adults! Click here to learn more about Coach Cates.
Two Weeks to the School Day SAT & PSAT 8/9
SAT and PSAT information for Wednesday, March 13.
* Date: Wednesday March 13, 2024 (This is a Gold Day)
* Who: Juniors will take the SAT & freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9
Students should bring the following items with them on test day:
1. Their school issued Chromebook (fully charged) and the charging cord
2. A Picture ID - preferably your PHS ID
3. Pen or pencil for scrap work
4. An approved handheld calculator if desired
5. A snack & water for the mid-test break
* Penn High School will operate on a modified day similar to the PSAT in October
* Sophomores and seniors should plan on completing canvas lessons from home
* Seniors who attend the EACC, Building Trades, etc. should attend those programs
* Freshmen will participate in House activities after testing is complete
Penn students honored at ISSMA State Solo/Ensemble
Penn students excelled at the ISSMA State Solo/Ensemble competition at Perry Meridian High School in Indianapolis on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024:
- Cyril Meacham - Gold
- Emma Clark - Silver
- Eric Rauschenberg - Gold WITH DISTINCTION
- Jackson Mead - Gold
- Justin Meacham - Gold WITH DISTINCTION
- Lauren Brock - Gold
- Lucas Robertson - Gold
- Madison Raper - Gold WITH DISTINCTION
- Mars Slavinskas - Gold
- Robertson Barbershop Ensemble (Lucas Robertson, Locke Simpson, Justin Meacham, Carson Flynn) - Gold WITH DISTINCTION
Advanced Jazz Ensemble wins "Top Band" award at Bethel University Festival of Jazz
Penn's Advanced Jazz Ensemble won the “Top Band” award for the Bethel University Festival of Jazz.
Honored soloists from Penn include Aidan Wise (trumpet), Colin Carter (tenor sax), Keyin Hackett (bari sax) and Mahima Vinay (vocals).
Girls Tennis meeting set for Wednesday, Feb. 28
There will be a final Girls Tennis meeting before the season starts. Players will meet in Room 175 at 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024.
Football Cheer Team tryouts set for March 25-27
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
"Music Man" to be performed March 1-3
The Penn High School Fine Arts and Communications Academy presents "The Music Man", Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2 (7 p.m.),
Click here to purchase tickets.
"Earthquake: A Restless a Earth" and "Dynamic Earth: featured at DVT/Planetarium on Wednesday, Feb. 28
The PHM DVT/Planetarium will be presenting a double showing of EARTHQUAKE: A RESTLESS EARTH & DYNAMIC EARTH on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens and seats can be reserved by visiting the DVT webpage on the PHM Schools website, or tickets can be purchased at the door with cash, check, or card 30 minutes before the show starts. The DVT is located inside Bittersweet Elementary.
EARTHQUAKE combines geology, plate tectonics, and Earth's history into a sweeping geological journey exploring the forces that transform the surface of our planet. Fly along the San Andreas Fault before diving into the planet's interior. Journey back in time to witness the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and the break-up of Pangaea 200 million years ago, as well as the sites of historical earthquakes from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Data-driven visualizations illustrate Earth's story, revealing how subtle motions and sudden ruptures have shaped our planet over eons, and how geological activity influences the course of human history. Learn how scientists and engineers collaborate to help society create a safer environment — and a safer future.
The award-winning DYNAMIC EARTH explores the inner workings of Earth’s great life support system: the global climate. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Senior quotes being accepted for Yearbook
Seniors, this is your chance to add a quote to the yearbook that will appear under your senior portrait in the 2023-2024 Penn High School yearbook.
Click here to submit a Senior Quote for the Yearbook.
Be sure to purchase your yearbook if you haven't yet!: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1072642/Penn-High-School/
Responses are due by March 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET - we will no longer accept responses past this date. No exceptions.
If you have any questions, send us an email at pennyearbook@phm.k12.in.us
Voter Registration open
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.
What you need to register:
Have a valid Indiana Driver's License or Indiana State Identification Card.
Be a citizen of the United States.
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.)
Have lived in your precinct for at least 30 DAYS before the next general, municipal, or special election.
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/
Kingsmen Tutors application available
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.)
Cap and Gown information for the Class of 2024
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.
If you only need a cap and gown (includes tassel) here is the direct link.
Congratulations on this milestone achievement. If you have questions, please contact the Jostens office at 574.216.6336.
Kingsmen Spirit Gear on sale
A variety of Kingsmen Spirit Gear is on sale now in the Penn High School Bookstore.
Booster Club seeks Concession Stand Parent Volunteers
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 23
Second Semester Finals start on Thursday, May 20.
EACC requires calls for Penn Finals absences
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.
Bookstore news
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.
Spectrum Magazine now on sale
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 looking for Penn student volunteers
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.
Student ID replacements $3
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.
Submit photos to Yearbook
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 for 2023-2024 available
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.
Nominate a Teacher for the Teacher of the Month, sponsored by McKinnies Realty Homes for Heroes
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!
Textbook Fees Eliminated and Instructional Material Information
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.
Important information from the Health Office
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 located at Door C
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.
Attendance can be reported through Skyward/Family Access
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
Chromebook insurance available
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.
Transportation Information for 2023-24 school year
Please click below for Transportation information
Community events open to P-H-M students and families
Jobs available for Penn students
Click here for information about jobs available for Penn students.
Join the Kingsmen Team as an employee
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.
Visit www.phmef.org for info on upcoming P-H-M Education Foundation events
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.
PNN on YouTube
Click here for the Penn News Network (PNN) YouTube Channel. Subscribe to the PNN YouTube Channel to stay up-to-date on Penn news.
Community Fitness opportunities
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.
Safe School Helpline now available as an app
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.
Community Resources list
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.
Plant Club meets on Thursdays
PLANT Club meets on Thursdays after school in the greenhouse. Please join us - no experience needed!
Science Academic Super Bowl meets on Wednesdays
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!
SNHS to Meet on First Monday of the Month
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!
Kingsmen Against Cancer opportunities available
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!
Speech and Debate Team information available
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/
Connect with Kingsmen Court
Follow Kingsmen Court !!!
Instagram: @pennkingsmencourt
Twitter: @courtkingsmen
E-mail us with any questions @penn-kingsmen-court-grp@phm.k12.in.us
Connect with a Kingsmen Tutor
If students want to meet with a Kingsmen Tutor for academic assistance, they need to see their counselor for a pass.
Counseling Center Staff Directory
Click here for the Counseling Center Staff Directory and contact information.
Scholarship list
Click here for the current scholarship list.
Speed Training set for every Thursday, 7:30-8:05 a.m.
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 must be picked up at Door D after practice
Parents/Guardians are asked not to pick up student-athletes at Door E due to safety concerns.
Students must register online to participate in Athletics
PTO introduction
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
Student before-school drop-off procedures
Student after-school pick-up procedures
Important School Information
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
Skyward and student progress
Dr. Sean Galiher, Principal
Email: srgaliher@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://penn.phmschools.org/
Phone: 574-258-9503
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennHighSchool/
Twitter: @SeanGaliher
