Mayra Chanon Wins Spring 2026 Impact Award

Penn-Harris-Madison Schools is proud to recognize outstanding educators whose instruction leads to meaningful academic growth for students.

This semester, Walt Disney Elementary English as a New Language (ENL) teacher Mayra Chanon was surprised with a P-H-M Teacher Impact Award for her outstanding work supporting multilingual learners at both Walt Disney Elementary and Elsie Rogers Elementary. Superintendent Dr. Heather Short shared the news with her while she was in her classroom at Walt Disney.

Mayra played an important role in helping several Grade 2 students successfully pass the IREAD assessment. At Elsie Rogers Elementary, 100% of the students she worked with passed IREAD in Grade 2. At Walt Disney Elementary, 68% of her students either passed IREAD or are on track to pass next year, demonstrating strong academic growth and progress.

Three people posing in a room with a trophy, a desk with office supplies, and a shelf with books.

Walt Disney Elementary Principal Matt Garber helped Dr. Short surprise Mrs. Chanon in her classroom at Walt Disney. She was celebrated for her dedication to student achievement and the meaningful impact she has on students across both schools. The P-H-M Teacher Impact Award is presented each semester to educators whose work leads to outstanding academic growth and achievement across the district.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for providing the beautiful engraved awards that the teachers keep in their classrooms as a reminder of what they and their students accomplished.

Click to see the full photo gallery in Canto.

Allison Simpson Wins Spring 2026 Impact Award

Penn-Harris-Madison Schools is proud to recognize outstanding educators whose instruction leads to meaningful academic growth for students.

This semester, Elsie Rogers Elementary 4th Grade teacher Allison Simpson was surprised with a P-H-M Teacher Impact Award after her students demonstrated outstanding growth in ELA from Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2. Her students achieved an impressive growth of 62 points, reflecting exceptional academic progress and achievement.

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short and Elsie Rogers Elementary Principal Christy Campbell surprised Allison and her students with the recognition, celebrating the connection between high-quality instruction and student achievement. The P-H-M Teacher Impact Award is presented each semester to teachers whose students show the greatest academic growth, highlighting excellence in teaching and learning across the district.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for providing the beautiful engraved awards that the teachers keep in their classrooms as a reminder of what they and their students accomplished.

Click to see the full photo gallery in Canto.

2026 Running is Elementary Video and Photo Gallery

Race day for the annual Running is Elementary, sponsored by P-H-M’s Education Foundation, was a little windy, but gorgeous: just enough sunshine, just enough warmth, and the raindrops held off until all the races were over.

This year was one of the biggest yet with 700+ students from all 11 P-H-M elementary schools.

The one mile run is held at Penn’s Cross-country course, which is located behind Elm Road Elementary School. 

Fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to sign up for the free running club. Designated coaches at each school then train with the runners for the 6-week club culminating in the one mile race. More than 700 students participated this year!

Two 4th grade boys boys pose for pictures after their race

This picture of two 4th grade runners exemplifies what RIE is all about. 

These two boys were running neck and neck all the way to the finish line vying for first place.

After the race, the Disney boy (dark navy t-shirt) went out of his way to find the Moran runner (pink shirt) so they could take a picture together.

The students being from two different schools had never met before, but in that moment, it didn’t matter.

Running is Elementary not only teaches students about fitness and wellness, it also teaches them sportsmanship, connection and the importance of supporting and celebrating each other!

CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who participated! Click to see the list below of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners only for the four races. The list shows finish times listed by bib number and school. Parents should contact their school coach for their child’s specific time.

What makes this event so special is that students are cheered on by their fellow students, families, teachers, running coaches, principals, PHM School Board members and administrators, principals, and other PHM staff members. A photo gallery sample is below, but click here to visit the full photo gallery in the Education Foundation’s Canto photo portal.

Below are the times for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners:

Race Results:

5th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 06:49.07, Bib # 244, Northpoint
  2. 06:50.53, Bib # 235, Northpoint
  3. 07:05.08, Bib # 187, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

  1. Horizon
  2. Mary Frank
  3. Northpoint

5th Grade Boys Winners

  1. 06:14.75, Bib # 597, Northpoint
  2. 06:16.06, Bib # 650, Madison
  3. 06:29.29, Bib # 590, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Horizon
  3. Elm Road

4th Grade Girls Winners

  1. 07:06.27, Bib # 62, Horizon
  2. 07:30.09, Bib # 31, Elm Road
  3. 07:31.47, Bib # 75, Mary Frank

School Team Rankings:

  1. Prairie Vista
  2. Northpoint
  3. Bittersweet

4th Grade Boys Winners:

  1. 06:34.34, Bib # 438, Walt Disney
  2. 06:34.73, Bib # 392, Moran
  3. 06:48.85, Bib # 402, Northpoint

School Team Rankings:

  1. Northpoint
  2. Bittersweet
  3. Elm Road

Here’s a breakdown of the shirt colors:

Bittersweet Yellow
Elm Road  Kelly Green
Elsie Rogers Teal
Horizon Orange
Madison Purple
Mary Frank Lime Green
Meadow’s Edge Turquoise
Moran Hot Pink
Northpoint Royal Blue
Prairie Vista Red
Walt Disney Navy Blue

Thank you to Cindy Batalis (physical education teacher at Mary Frank Elementary School) whose own love for running and her desire to pass that love on is the passion and brain child behind Running is Elementary. Thank you to all the PHM teachers, running coaches, school staff, and Penn Cross Country student-athletes who help out every year, along with P-H-M Education Foudation Board members and volunteers.

Thank you PHMEF and all their amazing sponsors that make this event possible for our students:

  • Martin’s donated the post race snacks
  • Royal Excursion donated transportation to auxiliary parking lots
  • Benchmark Family Services helped PHMEF offset costs
  • Culver’s provided gift baskets for a prize drawing
  • Kona Ice and Tom’s Coffee did givebacks 
  • Attorney Katy Wrona was also a sponsor
Post race snack table

Running is Elementary: Tom's Coffee truck Running is Elementary: Kona Ice truck

 

Non-resident Application Window Opens March 2, 2026

Penn-Harris-Madison is pleased to be able to offer enrollment to non-resident students on a limited basis for the 2026-27 school year.

Families living in neighboring school districts interested in having their elementary children attend a P-H-M elementary school can apply for that opportunity.

calendar iconThe window to apply for available non-resident seats will open Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. and close on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. 

On March 2 at 8:30 a.m., P-H-M will post the schools, grades and number of seats available for the upcoming school year. Families must complete an online application between March 2 – 20.

The NRS application will be posted on www.phmschools.org/non-resident-student-enrollment/ on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

There is no first-come, first-served advantage. 

 

 

2026 Instrument Selection Night

All incoming sixth grade students and families are encouraged to consider participating band or orchestra in middle school by learning an instrument. Don’t know how to play? No problem!

Our band and orchestra teachers, with the assistance of Penn High School Fine Arts Department, facilitates Instrument Selection Nights to help students choose.

Schmucker Middle School’s will be Monday, March 2nd and Tuesday, March 3rd, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Educational research shows that learning to play an instrument helps students experience team building, nurture creativity, enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills–not to mention learning presentation skills by participating in live concerts and performances.

Here’s what you need to begin your student’s musical journey:

STEP 1: Schedule your Appointment for an Instrument Selection Night by going to: https://sites.google.com/phm.k12.in.us/phmisn/home

  • You must Schedule an appointment BEFORE You Attend an Instrument Selection Night. Please complete the google form using full contact information for US Postal mailing and email addresses and phone numbers for all parents/guardians.
  • At least one parent/guardian must attend the appointment with the incoming 6th grade student.
  • Please select 1-3 instruments that your student would be interested in trying while at Instrument Selection Night. Arriving with a list of instruments that are appealing will help your appointment move along more smoothly. (please limit your list to a maximum of 3 instruments)
  • Please note that some instrument sections fill quickly. Once filled, that instrument is no longer available for selection. To ensure that your student gets their preferred instrument choice, you are encouraged to attend an
    earlier selection night and time.

STEP 2: Attend the Instrument Selection Night

Schmucker’s will be Monday, March 2nd and Tuesday, March 3rd

4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

STEP 3: Obtain Your Instrument

  • Each student must have an instrument in good playing condition for the first day of beginning summer classes. Quinlan & Fabish Music representatives are available to help you set up rental at Instrument Selection Night or you may obtain an instrument from another vendor. Teachers are happy to point you in the right direction when looking for another source for instrument rental or purchase.
  • PLEASE use caution if you deal with a vendor other than Quinlan & Fabish Music Company. (Ask the vendor – What is your recourse if the instrument needs repair or is not playable? What is your return policy?) We would
    advise against purchasing an instrument online. Many instruments purchased online do not work well and lead to frustrated students. Reputable music repair stores will not repair poor quality instruments, as they cannot
    guarantee repair or their workmanship.
  • If you wish to purchase an instrument, we would recommend the following brands:
    • String instruments (violin, viola, cello and bass): Eastman, Sheryl and Roth, Knilling, and Yamaha brands. Please have your child sized for the instrument. Playing on the correct size instrument will ensure their success and is crucial for injury-free playing.
    • Woodwind Instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone): Armstrong, Bach, Buffet, Conn, Emerson, Gemeinhardt, Haynes, LeBlanc, Selmer and Yamaha.
    • Brass Instruments (trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone): Bach, Conn, Eastman, Holton, King, and Yamaha.
    • Percussion Instruments: Specific equipment requirements will be shared for percussion at selection night appointments.
    • Again, the band and orchestra directors are happy to help you find an instrument for your student. Please contact your school’s director in advance of the first beginning summer class.
    • If your family has serious financial concerns, ask us about instruments available for use from the P-H-M
      Foundation.

STEP 4: Choose and Sign-up for a Summer Beginner Class Time

  • Classes TENTATIVELY begin Monday, July 20 and end Friday, August 7th
  • Classes are Monday – Friday and are 1 hour in length.

The first crucial music lessons take place in small, like-instrument classes. Students receive individualized attention to set proper playing habits for future success. Please contact your student’s middle school band or orchestra teacher if they need to miss any part of the summer classes. The teacher will connect you with an approved private teacher so your student stays current with their class. Private lessons to make-up for lost class time should be completed by the first day of school and are at the expense of the family.

Choose from these Summer Class Times:

  • Flute: 8am, 10am
  • Oboe: 8am
  • Clarinet: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
  • Alto Saxophone: 9am, 10am, 11am
  • Trumpet: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
  • French Horn: 8am
  • Trombone: 8am, 10am, 11am
  • Baritone: 9am, 11am
  • Percussion: 8am, 9am, 10am
  • Violin: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
  • Viola: 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am
  • Cello: 9am, 10am, 11am
  • String Bass: 8am

STEP 5: Select Band or Orchestra as your 6th grade music choice

When scheduling your 6th grade classes, select Band or Orchestra for your 6th grade music choice.

Miscellaneous Information

  • You will receive a letter for your beginning band or orchestra student in May.
    In late-May, a letter will be mailed to your home verifying your instrument selection, your Beginner Summer Class time, and teacher. This letter will also include carpooling information. If you have not received this mailing by June 12th, please contact Mr. Zac Coudret at zcoudret@phm.k12.in.us
  • Band and Orchestra Classes at Discovery, Grissom and Schmucker Middle Schools
    The P-H-M middle school music choices of Band, Orchestra, and Choir meet as curricular classes within the regular school day. More than two-thirds of all P-H-M middle school students participate in one of these three courses.

    • The band and orchestra schedules do not conflict with after school or before school activities.
    • Participation in instrumental music does not limit a student’s involvement in school sports, extra-curricular activities or academics.
  • Band and Orchestra Directors at each P-H-M Middle School:

P-H-M Board of School Trustees Appoints Jen Smoker to Fill Penn Township Seat

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees voted unanimously this morning to appoint Mrs. Jennifer (Jen) Smoker to fill the Penn Township Seat #1 vacancy created by the resignation of Matthew Chaffee in early October. 

Jen Smoker awarding Grissom Scholarship to an 8th grade student (2023)
Jen Smoker awarding Grissom Scholarship to an 8th grade student (2023)

A long-time resident and active community volunteer, Mrs. Smoker is a dedicated P-H-M parent of four children attending district schools. Her service and advocacy for students and staff have been felt across the district and throughout the greater community.

Mrs. Smoker currently serves on the P-H-M Education Foundation (PHMEF) Board of Directors, where she has chaired the Grants Committee since 2019. In that role, she helps oversee the process of awarding teacher and school grants that enhance learning, spark innovation, and promote excellence in all 15 P-H-M schools. She also supports PHMEF’s fundraising events and community partnerships that benefit students across the district.

Beyond her PHMEF service, Mrs. Smoker is deeply involved in several community organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for Granger Community Church, where she helps guide strategic planning and budget oversight; chairs the Grissom Middle School PTO Scholarship Committee, which awards scholarships to Penn High School seniors; and previously served as Board Secretary for Jr. Irish Soccer Club and Development Chair for Girls on the Run Michiana. Through these roles, she has combined her love of youth development, leadership, and service—supporting programs that build character, confidence, and connection.

Professionally, Mrs. Smoker brings two decades of business leadership and creative experience. A graduate of Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, she began her career as an Account Executive for major advertising firms in Detroit and Chicago, managing national brands such as Lincoln/Mercury and Quaker Oats. In 2003, she founded and operated CardCare.com, an online greeting card company she successfully led for 20 years.

“Mrs. Smoker’s commitment to servant leadership and her deep connection to our schools make her an outstanding addition to the Board,” said Board President Christopher Riley. “She has demonstrated her heart for P-H-M through years of volunteerism and community involvement and will bring a strong parent perspective to the table.”

PHMEF Grant Award
PHMEF Grants Committee Chair Jen Smoker (2nd from right) seen here awarding Grissom Middle School with a PHMEF grant award in 2023

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short added, “Jen’s energy, insight, and collaborative leadership reflect the very best of P-H-M’s Triangle of Success—students, teachers, and parents working together. Her service to our schools and community exemplifies P-H-M Excellence.”

Arrangements will be made with the P-H-M Board Attorney for Mrs. Smoker to take her Oath of Office. She will serve through the remainder of the current term, which expires in 2026. She may choose to run for election to the ensuing four-year term in the November 2026 general election.

Mrs. Smoker was chosen from five applicants. The other four candidates were John “Todd” Douthit, Brandon M. Kastner, William “Matt” Ludwig, and Ryan C. Woodruff (click here for their resumes). Public interviews of these applicants took place during a special board meeting held Tuesday, October 28th. President Riley said the decision to fill the vacancy was a difficult one, as all five candidates would have been excellent choices.

Click here for the process the Board of School Trustees followed for filling the vacancies.

2025 Community Connections Fair

P-H-M’s ENL Department is hosting their annual Community Connections Fair on Saturday, November 1st.

Join us for activities, arts & crafts, food, performances, and to learn about resources in our community. It is completely FREE and all P-H-M families are invited to attend. Click here to see photos on Facebook of past Fairs.

2025 Community Connections Fair

For any families that want to sign up to perform, please click here to fill out the Google form.

 
We can’t wait to see you there!

Drug Awareness Parent Community Meeting

P-H-M hosted a districtwide drug awareness parent and community meeting on Tuesday October, 21, 2025 to help educate P-H-M families and the greater community about the current drug trends attracting teenagers. This valuable information is something all adults should be aware of, click the image above to watch the recorded video of the presentation. It will only be available until end of business day Thursday, Nov. 20th.

woman in yellow & plaid jacketThe session was led by Tall Cop Says Stop™ contracted educator, Melissa Moore, CPS. Tall Cop Says Stop™ was created by Officer Jermaine Galloway, an Idaho law enforcement officer since 1997. Galloway is regarded as one of America’s top experts in various drug and alcohol trends and specializes in underage drinking and drug enforcement. For more than 15 years, he has trained school administrators and safety personnel in spotting the dangers that threaten teens and the community. Melissa Moore, a 24-year public health experienced professional, who works to advance the mission of Tall Cop Says Stop™ in helping educate parents/guardians and students about the latest deadly effects of so-called recreational drug use.

Click here to access Melissa Moore’s resources referenced in her presentation.

Questions can be directed to the presenter at m3consultingllcwi@gmail.com.

Moore also presented a student focused presentation to Penn students (grades 9-12) during the school day on October 21st and 22nd.

Board Approves New Administrators at Dr. Short’s First Meeting

At Monday night’s P-H-M Board of School Trustees meeting Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, presented three current P-H-M administrators for promotion. This was Dr. Short’s first school board meeting as superintendent since she started in the role on July 1. The following administrative changes were approved at the meeting:

New Administrators Board Approved at Dr. Short’s First Meeting

Randy Williams was approved as the new Director of Academic and Student Support. Williams previously served in several administrative roles within PHM since 2008, including Principal of Madison and Walt Disney Elementary Schools, Dean of Students at Penn and Associate Principal of Penn. In 2018 he was honored as a member of the “Forty under 40” class. In 2023 He became the Director of Secondary Education and Student Services for the Middlebury Community School system. Williams now returns to Penn-Harris-Madison with a wealth of new professional experiences and an enhanced skill set.

New Administrators Board Approved at Dr. Short’s First Meeting

Maddie Schmidt was approved for the Assistant Principal position at Grissom Middle School. Schmidt is a former Kingsmen and a graduate of Judson University. She has a master’s degree in Educational and Business Administration from Bethel University. Schmidt began her career teaching language arts at Schmucker Middle School. During her time there, she also served as an Instructional Leader. She is an active member of PHM’s Excellence in Leadership initiative and has held multiple teacher leadership roles at SMS. Most recently, she served as a Dean at Schmucker. 

New Administrators Board Approved at Dr. Short’s First Meeting

Beth Stroven was approved for the Assistant Principal position at Schmucker Middle School. This past year, Stroven served as a math teacher at Grissom Middle School and is a member of PHM’s Excellence in Leadership initiative. Prior to joining P-H-M, she was a teacher in Elkhart Community Schools, where she was recognized as the 2019 District Elementary Teacher of the Year and received the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Grant where she earned a master’s degree in Educational and Business Administration from Indiana State University. She later served as the principal of Mary Daly Elementary School. 

P-H-M Students Excel on Spring 2025 ILEARN

Spring 2025 ILEARN Assessment Results

Outstanding Achievement

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation (P-H-M) proudly shares the outstanding performance of its students on the Spring 2025 ILEARN assessment, as released by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). P-H-M students outperformed the state average by an impressive 20 percentage points in the percentage of students passing both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. This achievement places P-H-M in the top 4% of public school corporations across Indiana (see the charts below).

“These results reflect the exceptional work of our teachers, students, and staff. We remain deeply committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential, and this data shows that our efforts are paying off.”

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short

District-Wide Achievements

  • P-H-M has maintained its Top 4% ranking for a second consecutive year, a testament to the district’s commitment to academic excellence and the strategies that drive student success
  • Northpoint and Prairie Vista Elementary Schools are in the Top 10; Discovery Middle School is #3 in the state
  • P-H-M 8th grade Math performance is up 24% since the benchmark year, with a 28% variance over the state average
  • Among Indiana’s largest public school districts testing close to 5,000 students, P-H-M ranks #1 in the state for the percentage of Free and Reduced Lunch (F/R) students passing both ELA and Math
  • Penn High School moved up from #27 last year to #15 this year in SAT pass percentage among public high schools

“These achievements are not by accident. They are the result of intentional investments in teacher professional development and the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices. We are fortunate to have educators and staff who are deeply committed to supporting every learner.”

Dr. Heather Short

Indiana junior high school students are now required to take the SAT for graduation. The IDOE also released SAT results. Results from the Spring 2025 IREAD assessment are expected to be released in early fall, and P-H-M looks forward to sharing those outcomes as well.

Assessment Data by Grade Level

ILEARN Math Results
Metric Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
PHM 71% 65% 65% 52% 57% 63%
State 52% 50% 42% 40% 36% 35%
Variance +19% +15% +23% +12% +21% +28%
ILEARN ELA Results
Metric Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
PHM 60% 55% 64% 57% 56% 64%
State 41% 42% 41% 41% 38% 43%
Variance +19% +13% +23% +16% +18% +21%