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P-H-M Students Continue Strong Literacy Performance with 94.7% IREAD-3 Pass Rate

MISHAWAKA, IN —With the Indiana Department of Education’s release Tuesday, August 11 of 2026 IREAD-3 results, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Heather Short is proud to share that 94.7% of P-H-M students passed IREAD.

P-H-M’s corporation-wide pass rate increased over last school year (2025-2026) and is 6 percentage points higher than this year’s statewide overall passing rate of 88.7%.

Five P-H-M elementary schools achieved an outstanding 95% or higher passing rate, including one Title I school.

Prairie Vista Elementary: 98.8% pass rate
Horizon Elementary: 97.7% pass rate
Northpoint Elementary: 96.9% pass rate
Elsie Rogers Elementary: 96.4% pass rate (Title I school)
Bittersweet Elementary: 95.9% pass rate

Statewide, results show that 88.7% of Indiana’s third grade students demonstrated proficient reading skills on the IREAD assessment. This is an improvement of nearly 1.5 percentage points over results for the 2024-2025 school year, the second-largest single-year increase since the assessment began (click here for more information on state results in today’s IDOE news release).

Five other P-H-M elementary schools had pass rates above the State average, with four of those scoring 90% or higher, including three of P-H-M’s Title I schools:

Moran Elementary: 94.8% pass rate (Title I school)
Walt Disney: 94.4% pass rate (Title I school)
Elm Road Elementary: 93.1% pass rate (Title I school)
Madison Elementary: 90.5% pass rate
Mary Frank: 88.9% pass rate

“These results are a reflection of the incredible dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and the partnership of our families,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “I am especially proud of the growth we are seeing across our schools, including our Title I schools that have achieved a 90% or higher passing rate. These accomplishments demonstrate what is possible when we maintain high expectations and provide students with the support they need.”

P-H-M continues to prioritize research-based literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, providing educators with professional learning, instructional resources, and opportunities to collaborate around student data and effective instructional practices.

The 2026 IREAD-3 results reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to building on a culture of academic excellence and ensuring every student develops the foundational literacy skills necessary for continued academic growth.

“We are proud of these results, but our work does not stop here,” Dr. Short added. “We will continue to use student data to identify opportunities for growth, strengthen instruction, and make sure every child has the opportunity to become a confident and capable reader.”

By the Numbers

94.7% — P-H-M corporation-wide IREAD-3 passing rate
6 percentage points — P-H-M performance above the state passing rate
5 schools — Achieved a 95% or higher passing rate
1 Title I school — Achieved a 95% or higher passing rate
3 schools — Increased their passing rates by 6–8 percentage points compared to 2025
Year-over-year growth — P-H-M’s overall passing percentage has continued to increase since 2024

Name of Elementary School	2025 IREAD Pass Rate	2026 IREAD Pass Rate
Bittersweet	95.9%	95.9%
Elm Road (Title I school)	84.4%	93.1%
Elsie Rogers (Title I school)	94.6%	96.4%
Horizon	100%	97.7%
Madison	84.2%	90.5%
Mary Frank	98.2%	88.9%
Meadow’s Edge (Title I school)	89.0%	86.0%
Moran (Title I school)	93.9%	94.8%
Northpoint	97.1%	96.9%
Prairie Vista	98.9%	98.8%
Walt Disney (Title I school)	86.2%	94.4%

All second grade students participate in the IREAD assessment – a tactic that has already proven successful at providing educators and families an early indicator of whether a student is on-track to read by the end of third grade.

P-H-M’s second grade results were an impressive 72.1% of students passing in 2026.

Santa is Back on Saturday, December 4, 2021Archived

We are happy to announce that Santa Claus is coming to town!

At the 2021 P-H-M Winter Wonderland Show, attendees will be treated to a fabulous light show and then children will have an opportunity to tell Santa what they want for Christmas.

The show is called “Laser Holidays” and it will be shown in the state-of-the-art Digital Video Theater located at Bittersweet Elementary School.

Quick Details:

Saturday, December 4, 2021
- Shows at 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
- Bittersweet Elementary School
$5 for all tickets
- Tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 10 a.m.
- Space is limited to 75 participants per time slot.
- Purchase tickets here: phm.revtrak.net

Ticket sales begin on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. Tickets will only be available online on a first-come, first-served basis.

Space is limited to 75 participants per time slot. Once all tickets are sold, all sales end.

While the program is intended for Kindergarten through 3rd grade students, children of other ages may attend with their siblings. All children
must be accompanied by an adult and each person must purchase a ticket to attend.

Tickets will then be mailed to you from the Community Education office prior to the event.

If you have any questions about the program, please call 574.258.9568 or email jforkner@phm.k12.in.us.

Meijer Pharmacy Administers 1,170 Vaccine DosesArchived

Almost a year to the date Indiana schools shut down (P-H-M schools shut down on March 12, 2020), P-H-M teachers and staff got a literal shot in the arm and marked a major step forward in our fight against COVID-19.

On Monday, March 8, 202, Meijer Pharmacy set up a vaccination clinic inside the Main Arena at Penn High School and administered 1,170 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Every P-H-M teacher and staff member who wanted to get the vaccine was able to do so.

The vaccines were made available under the federal allotment of vaccines through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. The White House announced that the federal allotment would be open to educational staff at schools so teachers and staff could receive the vaccine, especially in states where educational staff had not been included in the first responder group. P-H-M Human Resources reached out to Meijer as word spread that they were working with Indiana schools to set up on-site vaccination clinics.

We are so thankful to the team at Meijer and to EVERYBODY at P-H-M who worked so hard to make this event happen on very short notice.

Meijer Pharmacists — *Two Meijer pharmacists who helped administer 1,170 vaccines on March 8, 2021*

Jenni McCarthy, a kindergarten teacher at Bittersweet Elementary said “I honestly have to say that it was fantastic when I found out that we could get them right here at school. I didn’t have to go anywhere. I didn’t have to sign up on any list, I didn’t have to do anything. It just goes to show that Penn-Harris-Madison is a great place to work because they always think of their employees first and are trying to make sure that we are safe to be back in the classroom.”

In addition to the over 700 P-H-M staff members who received a vaccine, we also reached out to area schools to make doses available to others as well. P-H-M felt it was important to share any extra vaccines with educators and staff from other school districts and private schools within P-H-M’s boundaries so that no vaccines would be wasted.

teacher received vaccine — *Marian High School Learning Specialist Katherine Dyer celebrates with her children & cries tears of joy after receiving her vaccine*

Dr. Jerry Thacker, P-H-M’s superintendent of schools said “…this just has a tremendous positive impact on the feeling the teachers, all school employees and the students have with regards to receiving a vaccine. They know they’re going to be safer, so this is the first step in that. It also gives us a barometer of what we need to be doing in the future with regard to reaching out and making sure that we can get our students back [in person].”

Watch the video to get a fuller sense of what the day was like. Meijer will return to Penn Monday, March 29th to administer the second dose.

To download high-resolution jpg files from the photo gallery below, just simply click the “DOWNLOAD” button on the bottom right-hand corner of the photo while viewing it in the Photo Gallery function. We are happy to provide this service to you, free of charge!

Copy of Return to School Update August 4, 2020Archived

The communication below was emailed to staff and parents today:

August 4, 2020

Dear P-H-M Families:

Thank you for your suggestions, concerns, and support offered after my July 30, 2020 communication regarding all students starting school in virtual learning. As you may remember, the St. Joseph County Department of Health medical professionals recommend a virtual start for all county school districts. Your correspondence and communication led to an amended recommendation. Please accept my deepest gratitude for your commitment to the students of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation.

Last night, the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees held a special meeting to discuss and vote on students returning in the fall. The Board approved a plan to begin the school year virtually for the first four weeks of the 2020-2021 school year. P-H-M students will attend school virtually from August 19-September 11. (Please click here to view a recording of the August 3, 2020 meeting and click here for the Virtual Learning Presentation.)

While we want our students to return to in-person instruction as soon as possible, safety is our highest priority for our students, faculty, and staff. We will assess the data daily and the metrics that are provided by the St. Joseph County Department of Health will guide a safe return to in-person learning. We will notify parents no less than 10 business days prior to advancing from virtual learning to in-person learning. Students who have selected the option of virtual learning only will continue in the virtual learning format.

Additional information regarding the virtual learning process, pickup of student materials, schedules, and other pertinent information will be shared by principals soon. Questions regarding the start of the year can be directed to your building principal or by emailing returntolearn@phm.k12.in.us

Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

Stay healthy and safe,

Dr. Jerry Thacker

Superintendent of Schools

Melissa Barnes Earns Impact Award!

Elm Road Elementary kindergarten teacher Melissa Barnes has been recognized with a P-H-M Impact Award for outstanding student growth.

From the beginning of the year to the middle of the year, Barnes’ kindergarten students demonstrated the highest growth at the grade level, achieving an impressive 55% increase. This growth reflects strong progress during the instructional period and highlights the effective learning environment created in her classroom.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Heather Short visited Elm Road Elementary to present the Impact Award and recognize Barnes for her achievement.

Congratulations to Melissa Barnes on this well-earned recognition and for making a positive impact on student learning at Elm Road Elementary.

Click here to view the full Canto photo gallery.

Elm Road Honors Local Veterans

Elm Road Elementary Veterans Day Program

Elm Road Elementary held a heartfelt Veterans Day program this afternoon to honor those who have served our country. Veterans who are family members of Elm Road students were invited to sit at the front of the gym, where they were recognized and celebrated by the entire school community.

Veterans seated at the front of the gym during the Elm Road Elementary Veterans Day ceremony — Veterans honored at Elm Road Elementary Veterans Day ceremony

Patriotic Performances & Learning

Students gathered with their classes to perform several patriotic songs in honor of the visiting veterans. Between performances, students had the opportunity to ask questions, learning more about what life is like in the military and the sacrifices that come with service.

Students performing patriotic songs during the Veterans Day program — Students perform patriotic songs for visiting veterans

Special Thank-You Gifts

The program concluded with a special moment as students related to the veterans presented them with handmade thank-you gifts. Smiles, hugs, and a few tears filled the room as students showed their appreciation to the family members and community members who have served our country.

Students presenting handmade thank-you gifts to veterans — Students present thank-you gifts to veterans

It was a meaningful afternoon filled with respect, gratitude, and #PHMExcellence in action.

View Photo Gallery

Click to see more photos from the Veterans Day ceremony

Homecoming 2025 Details

Attention P-H-M families and community members! Mark your calendars for the annual Homecoming Celebration on Friday, September 26, 2025. Penn High School students, don’t forget the Homecoming Dance is THE WEEK BEFORE on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Click HERE for dance tickets.

Saturday, September 20th, 2025 – Homecoming Dance for Penn Students

“Lights, Camera, HOCO!” Homecoming Dance For Penn Students only
•Time: 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Location: Everwise Freed Field & Yeoman Family Plaza
• Cost: $25 Per Ticket
• Purchase Tickets Here
• What: A wonderful Evening for PHS students! Great music, games, and food!

Friday, September 26, 2025

This event is ONLY possible through the generous support of the P-H-M Education Foundation, Presenting Sponsor “Drive and Shine” and our other incredible sponsors.

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 variety 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 below)
• What: Each P-H-M Elementary and Middle school will be marching as well as floats created by a variety 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 South Bend Adams
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: $6 in advance when purchased at the Athletics Department office inside Penn High School or $7 at the gate when paying with cash. (We do have an online option for added convenience but please note, there is an online fee of $1 per ticket added by the online vendor.)
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). Please be respectful of our neighbors in the surrounding areas and do not park in yards or block driveways. Be mindful of neighborhood parking restrictions.
Families are encouraged to arrive early to allow plenty of time to find parking and walk to the events

Fireworks
• Cost: Free!
• Special thanks to the Fireworks Sponsor Laidig Systems, Inc.!

Click Map to Expand

September 20th – 29th , 2025

Silent Auction
• Beginning September 20th, 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

This Friday, Aug. 29, 2025: P-H-M Community Tailgate Party

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.

This Friday, Aug. 29, 2025: P-H-M Community Tailgate Party

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

Save the Date: Penn High School Homecoming 2025

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.

5th Graders Celebrate Pi Day With Pie!

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.

teacher at white board

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.

students eating pie

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.