P-H-M’s Annual Community Tailgate is a long-standing tradition that brings families, students, staff, and community members together to show their Penn pride. The event is held before the Penn Football home opener and is a chance for everyone across the district to connect, celebrate, and support the Kingsmen.

This year’s home opener will be “The Backyard Brawl” against Mishawaka on Friday, August 29th, 2025. Click here for game ticket info.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. You must have a ticket to the football game to enter. Once inside the stadium head down to the white tents in the south end zone at the Yeoman Family Plaza.

Friday night marks the 67th meeting between Penn and Mishawaka. Penn leads the all-time series 49-16-1. 

Penn-Harris-Madison invites students, families, alumni, and community members to celebrate Homecoming 2025 on Friday, September 26, 2025 courtesy of the PHM Education Foundation.

The annual celebration includes the Homecoming Parade on Bittersweet Road in front of Penn High School, showcasing student groups, athletic teams, school clubs, and community organizations, followed by the Penn Kingsmen football game against South Bend Adams at Everwise Freed Field.

This is an event for the ENTIRE community and will have activities for people of all ages. Mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun! More details will be shared closer to the date.

March 14th, or 3-14, is known as Pi Day because the mathematical constant π (Pi) is 3.14. Pi is an important number in mathematics, used to calculate the circumference and area of circles. To celebrate this special math-themed day, our 5th-grade classes participated in engaging lessons and enjoyed a well-earned reward.

In the morning, students explored the significance of Pi through hands-on math activities. They practiced using Pi in formulas, discovering how it helps measure circles in real-world applications. Through hands on lessons, students gained a deeper understanding of this essential mathematical concept.

After a morning of hard work, students were treated to a “Pie Party” in the afternoon. With a variety of pies to choose from, students had a fun and delicious way to celebrate their learning.

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Fifth-grade students at Elm Road Elementary transported their audience back in time with a performance of American Revolution: 1763-1789 on Thursday, February 13. Just days before Presidents’ Day, the students took on the roles of historical figures and everyday colonists, bringing the birth of the United States to life through music, drama, and storytelling.

The production highlighted key moments in American history, from the fiery debates of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to the daring midnight ride of Paul Revere. The audience watched as King George III clashed with the colonists and Betsy Ross stitched the nation’s first flag.

Congratulations to Elm Road’s fifth graders for an outstanding performance that made history come alive!

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Fourth and fifth-grade students from Bittersweet, Elm Road, Mary Frank, Meadow’s Edge, and Northpoint elementary schools recently enjoyed a musical demonstration by the Penn High School Symphonic Orchestra. This event offered the elementary students an exciting glimpse into what musical instruments may be in their future.

The demonstration began with a slow, moving piece before transitioning into a showcase of individual instruments. Penn orchestra members lined up at the front of the stage to perform brief solos. Each instrument’s unique sound and appearance were highlighted, sparking curiosity and excitement among the elementary students.

The event reached its peak when two Penn teachers brought a thrilling touch of cinematic drama to the stage. Dressed as Princess Leia and Darth Vader from Star Wars, the duo engaged in a light saber battle to the delight of the audience. In a dramatic twist, Darth Vader emerged victorious and led the orchestra in a powerful rendition of the iconic “Imperial March.” Adding to the spectacle, the string players adorned their bows with LED lights, transforming them into glowing light sabers as they performed the final number.

The demonstration not only entertained but also served as an introduction to the world of orchestral music, inspiring many young students to consider learning an instrument in the future. The Penn High School Symphonic Orchestra’s performance was a perfect blend of education and entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on its young audience.

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Elm Road Elementary celebrated a significant milestone today—the 90th day of school, marking the halfway point of the academic year. Dubbed “Halfway There Day” in honor of the Bon Jovi classic “Livin’ on a Prayer,” the event featured a special concert by Jason Sapen, a member of the band Blammo.

Jason brought high energy to the celebration, performing hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Shake it Off,” “Last Christmas,” and more. Students and staff sang along, clapped to the beat, and embraced the festive atmosphere as they celebrated their progress through the school year.

The concert left everyone smiling and energized, providing a fun and meaningful way to recognize this halfway milestone. As the second half of the school year begins, the Elm Road community is ready to keep working hard and making memories.

What a way to mark “Halfway There Day”!

Due to the absence of local, state, or national elections on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, all P-H-M schools will be in session on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.  P-H-M will no longer have a Recess Day on this date.

As a result, the last day of school for students will now be Thursday, June 5, 2025. This is one day earlier than previously scheduled. P-H-M Teachers Association worked collaboratively with the District Administration to make these calendar changes.

Indiana law requires schools to be in session for 180 days each year. If necessary, P-H-M can utilize up to three weather-related eLearning days, as permitted under Indiana law (HB-1093). If additional makeup days are needed, they will be added to the end of the school year, following the new last student day, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Currently, no eLearning days have been called.

The new 2024-2025 school year calendar is posted on the P-H-M website, click here to view the updated calendar.

Elm Road students and staff came together for a joyful sing-a-long assembly to celebrate the holiday season. The event featured a selection of classic Christmas and holiday songs that had everyone singing along with cheer.

Adding a fun twist, the students used kazoos to accompany their singing, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. A special highlight of the event was a performance by the Elm Road Jumpers, the school’s jump rope club, who showcased their impressive skills during one of the songs, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The excitement peaked during the performance of “Frosty the Snowman” when Frosty himself (with a little help from a spirited staff member in costume) made a surprise appearance, dancing and spreading holiday magic.

This festive tradition brought the Elm Road Elementary community together in the spirit of the season, leaving smiles on every face as they headed off for winter break.

Elm Road Elementary is excited to enhance its music program thanks to a grant awarded by the PHM Education Foundation (PHMEF). Jennifer Turnblom, Executive Director of PHMEF, visited the school to present a check for $1,655.84 to music teacher Cynthia Berryman for her “Drumming Up Creativity” project.

The grant will fund the purchase of 12 new “tubano” drums, which are designed to promote bilateral coordination and help students master complex rhythms using both hands. This hands-on approach to music will allow students to become composers, working with partners to create their own pieces. The program will also provide opportunities for students to showcase their compositions through performances within the school community.

This exciting addition to the music program highlights Elm Road Elementary’s commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration through the arts. Congratulations to Cynthia Berryman and Elm Road Elementary, and thank you to PHMEF for making this innovative project possible!