Kindergarten and first-grade students at Prairie Vista Elementary marked a major milestone—the 100th day of school—with a day full of fun and learning! To celebrate, students were invited to dress as “100-year-olds,” complete with canes, glasses, and even gray hair, bringing an extra dose of charm and creativity to the festivities.

Beyond the entertaining costumes, the day was packed with educational activities centered around the number 100. Students practiced counting by tens and participated in hands-on exercises around the theme of “100”.

The celebration was a wonderful way to reflect on their achievements while making learning exciting and memorable.

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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.

Prairie Vista Elementary is set to bring nature-based learning to life, thanks to a $10,250.00 grant awarded by the PHM Education Foundation (PHMEF). Jennifer Turnblom, Executive Director of PHMEF, visited the school to present the check to Principal Keely Twibell.

The grant will support a project to restore and utilize the natural prairie area on the school’s property, creating unique learning opportunities for Prairie Vista students and the broader PHM community. In collaboration with community volunteers, the PTO, and school staff, the revitalized prairie will serve as a dynamic outdoor classroom. Teachers will have a space to conduct lessons in a natural environment, engaging students directly with the world around them.

The restoration plan includes the addition of wildlife identification and trail marker signs, observation station stumps, a natural obstacle course, raised garden beds, bird and bat houses, and more. Tools like microscopes, binoculars, magnifying glasses, and field guides will further enhance hands-on learning experiences. The prairie will also host conservation activities such as seasonal clean-up, maintenance, and seeding initiatives.

This project aims to inspire conservation efforts among students and community members while offering an innovative space for research and advanced study. Once complete, the prairie will be a resource for all PHM schools, providing an opportunity for collaborative learning across the district.

Congratulations to Prairie Vista Elementary and Principal Keely Twibell for this exciting initiative, and thank you to PHMEF for supporting the school’s vision for immersive, nature-based education!

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

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Parade Spectators

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Fun Zone & Expo

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Registration for the Girls Basketball Youth League will take place at Penn High School on Sunday, September 8th, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Please enter Door “D”.

This league is designed for girls in grades 3rd – 8th who live within the P-H-M District Boundaries.

Visit the PDFs posted below for information on how to register, dates/times/locations and cost.

CLICK HERE for complete league registration information.

CLICK HERE for important dates. 

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

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!

Schmucker 
Monday, March 6 and Tuesday, March 7
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is nationally recognized as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” offering choir, band and orchestra at Schmucker, Discovery and Grissom Middle Schools.

Every P-H-M 5th grader who will be attending a P-H-M middle school as an incoming 6th grader in the Fall 2023 has the opportunity to join an instrumental music class, which includes either band or orchestra. “Instrument Selection Night” is when students and families get to make their choice!

In order to join 6th grade band or orchestra, students must select an instrument that they will learn throughout their time in their chosen class. Our Instrument Selection Nights are designed with the intention of helping your child make this decision.

At “Instrument Selection Night,” a music professional will be available to give students advice about which instrument may be best suited for them. They will be allowed to “try out” instruments from various instrument groups. Click here to visit the expansive website with more details on on Instrument Selection Night.

You will sign up for an appointment at one of our Instrument Selection Nights. Try to sign up at the middle school where your child will attend. If those dates do not work, you may sign up for one of the other nights. Click here to sign up.

 Click here to download a PDF that provides more information on PHM Band and Orchestra.