ParentSquareYoung at Art: Elsie Rogers Students Explore Literacy and Art at Penn High School
Second-grade students from Title 1 schools had a creative and educational adventure as part of the Young at Art program this week. This program aims to blend literacy and artistic expression for Title 1 schools. Hosted at Penn High School, the event provided a unique opportunity for young learners to connect with older peers through a series of interactive and engaging activities.
The photos in this story are from Tuesday, November 19th when Elsie Rogers visited, but over the course of the week there were many classes from different schools who came to Penn.
The day kicked off with a painting session led by Penn High School art students, where the second graders created cloud-themed artworks. This creative exercise set the stage for the next part of their journey — a storytime session with Penn English classes. The high school students read an engaging story about clouds, sparking curiosity and imagination among the younger learners.
Building on their newfound knowledge, the Elsie Rogers students reflected on what they learned from the story by expressing their thoughts through writing. This meaningful combination of art and literacy helped reinforce their learning and encouraged self-expression.
Additional activities added further excitement and hands-on experience. Students designed shoe prints and explored cloud types by identifying them on a mural crafted by the high school art students. Each station offered a chance to learn, create, and collaborate in a welcoming and stimulating environment.
Young at Art continues to exemplify the power of creativity in education, fostering connections between younger students and their high school mentors while integrating literacy and artistic skills in a memorable way.
Kindergarteners Celebrate November with a Pumpkin Launch!
Our kindergarten students embraced the fall season with a month-long pumpkin adventure! Throughout October, these young learners explored everything there is to know about pumpkins. This hands-on learning experience sparked creativity and curiosity, as each student had the chance to decorate their very own pumpkin in a way that reflected their unique style.
But the real highlight of the pumpkin project happened on November 1st, when students were given the chance to launch their decorated pumpkins into an open field using a “water balloon launcher” The children excitedly waited their turn before catapulting their pumpkins through the air!
The activity was not only a unique way to end their pumpkin studies but also brought lots of laughter and excitement as students cheered each launch.
Celebrating Rockstar Bus Behavior with a Special Breakfast
At our school, outstanding bus behavior doesn’t go unnoticed! Each month, students who display exceptional conduct on the school bus are awarded golden tickets for their efforts. These tickets are entered into a drawing, where winners are selected for a special treat—a breakfast with the principal!
The Rockstar Bus Behavior Breakfast is a fun and meaningful way to encourage students to show respect, kindness, and responsibility while traveling to and from school. Winning students get to enjoy a delicious breakfast and spend time with the principal, who shares encouraging words and celebrates their commitment to positive behavior.
In addition to rewarding good behavior, students are instructed on good table manners including how to be friendly with others who are sitting at their table, even if they have never met before.
If your child didn’t get selected this month, it’s okay because this is a monthly activity and they may get picked next month!
October Bus Driver of the Month Kathy Green
Penn-Harris-Madison is thrilled to announce that Kathy Green, a dedicated P-H-M bus driver for over 22 years, has been named the Culver’s Bus Driver of the Month for October 2024!
While today’s presentation was made at Elsie Rogers, Kathy drives a bus for Bittersweet, Elsie Rogers and Schmucker Middle School and is beloved at each school.
Kathy’s long-standing commitment to safety and her warm, friendly atmosphere on the bus have earned high praise from parents across the district.
We’re grateful to Culver’s and the P-H-M Education Foundation for supporting this monthly recognition, which celebrates the vital role our bus drivers play in the community. Thank you, Kathy, for exemplifying #PHMExcellence on the road every day!
You can nominate your favorite bus driver here, phmexcellence.com/PHMBusDriverNomination.
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
Parade Spectators
Fun Zone & Expo
Homecoming 2024 Details
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
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
Running is Elementary 2024 is in the Books!
The “Running is Elementary” program wrapped up its 2024 season with the main race at Elm Road Elementary School yesterday. The event saw enthusiastic participation from 4th and 5th grade students, both boys and girls, who competed in a 1-mile course that tested their endurance and speed.
The annual program, aimed at promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles among elementary school students, brought together participants from various schools in the area.
Parents and teachers cheered from the sidelines as students dashed toward the finish line, each striving to put forth their best effort. The event not only highlighted the physical capabilities of the students but also emphasized the importance of physical education in the school curriculum.
The “Running is Elementary” program has been a key event in the community’s calendar for the last 15 years, fostering a sense of unity and encouraging children to adopt active lifestyles. Special thanks to the P-H-M Education Foundation for making it possible!
4th Grade Girls
- Praire Vista 6:24
- Horizon 7:14
- Elm Road 7:15
4th Grade Boys
- Northpoint 6:08
- Meadow’s Edge 6:22
- Northpoint 6:50
5th Grade Girls
- Bittersweet 6:42
- Horizon 6:59
- Meadow’s Edge 7:03
5th Grade Boys
- Prairie Vista 6:07
- Mary Frank 6:11
- Horizon 6:12
Running is Elementary Date Announced, May 6, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that the P-H-M Education Foundation is providing funding for the 15th annual Running is Elementary program!
SAVE THE DATE! The date is May 6 (Rain Date May 8).
All P-H-M 4th & 5th grade students are invited to participate. Students will practice at their home schools with the culminating run at Elm Road Elementary School.
More details will follow so be on the lookout for communication regarding signups.
Take a look at the video below to see how fun and exciting it is!
Elsie Rogers students found their “Golden Ticket” while doing a stage rendition of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory the week of November 17th, 2023!
The drama club was formed in 2021 thanks to a grant from P-H-M Education Foundation.
