ParentSquare2025 Elementary Spell Bowl Results
It was a clean sweep for Northpoint at P-H-M’s at this year’s Elementary Spell Bowl–with the 5th grade team earning a perfect score! Click here to see the photo gallery below.
The annual event, held March 25th at Penn High School, is a competition between 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade student teams from all 11 elementary schools compete. The number of points between the placing teams are within just points of each other!
Below is this year’s “leaderboard” listing all first, second, and third place team scores:
3rd Grade Winners:
- 1st place- with 29 points, Northpoint, coached by Nichol Mondy
- 2nd place tie- with 28 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Renee Johanson
- 2nd place tie- with 28 points, Walt Disney, coached by Matt Serge
- 3rd place- with 27 points, Mary Frank, coached by Andrea Christensen
4th Grade Winners:
- 1st place- with 29 points, Northpoint, coached by Jen Payne
- 2nd place- with 25 points, Bittersweet, coached by Matt Bodnar
- 3rd place- with 23 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Rachel Kline
5th Grade Winners:
- 1st place- Perfect Score of 30 points, Northpoint, coached by Kendra Suddarth
- 2nd place- with 29 points, Prairie Vista, coached by Shelley Lebiedzinski
- 3rd place- with 28 points, Bittersweet, coached by Michelle Leniski
The teams spend weeks preparing for Spell Bowl with their teacher coaches. They may study word lists, learn about derivations (e.g., Latin roots) and rules (e.g., capitalization, pluralization), and how to spell correctly under pressure.
The format of the Spell Bowl is more like a written test. The emcee reads a word and uses the word in a sentence, the students listen and then write it on paper within a 15-second time limit. The students’ written entries are reviewed by a panel of judges and then their score is posted in front of the audience. Each correct word spelling is worth one point.
The annual event is held in Penn High School’s Center for Performing Arts to not only accommodate all the student teams, but also the students’ “fans,” which are their family, friends and other staff from their home schools!
Mrs. Franca Peluso Mulhern, P-H-M’s High Ability Coordinator, manages the Spell Bowl and works to assure that it is a positive and enriching experience for students. Academic competition can give students confidence, increase their motivation to sharpen their skills and abilities, and expand their opportunities to receive recognition.
Congratulations to all the student teams and coaches; they put in a lot of time and hard work!
Dr. Jerry Thacker Announces Retirement after 19 Years as P-H-M Superintendent
After nearly two decades leading the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker has announced his retirement, effective in July 2025. In a heartfelt letter sent this morning to P-H-M teachers, staff, students, and families Dr. Thacker shared his decision to step down after a remarkable 53-year career in education (click here to read the letter).
“Dr. Thacker’s vision of excellence helped shape P-H-M into one of the top-performing school districts in Indiana,” commented Chris Riley, President of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees. “We are grateful not only for his years of leadership, but for his tireless commitment and dedication to our entire community. There is no greater supporter of Penn-Harris-Madison than Dr. Jerry Thacker!”
Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M has achieved extraordinary milestones, including raising the graduation rate from 79% to 98%, ranking in the top 4% of the state academically, and helping students earn more than $200 million in scholarships. He also prioritized school safety, leading P-H-M to be ranked sixth in the nation for school safety initiatives.
In concert with the Board of School Trustees, P-H-M has a stellar record of financial stewardship. P-H-M overcame a $3 million deficit, built a strong and sustainable financial model, and maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the region—all while ensuring our students and staff had the resources they needed to thrive.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Thacker shared “As superintendent, one of the greatest joys of my career has been attending school events and witnessing our students shine—whether excelling in academics, performing in fine arts, or competing in athletics. Our students’ talent and dedication are extraordinary.”
Dr. Thacker’s educational career began in the classroom as a 6th grade teacher at Madison Elementary School, where he taught for five-and-a-half years, before moving to Mary Frank Elementary to teach 5th and 6th grades for eight years, where he also became a Team Leader. He even did his student teaching at P-H-M, at Moran Elementary. His passion for learning and leadership soon led him to administrative roles across Indiana and beyond.
Dr. Thacker’s extensive career in educational leadership includes:
- Eastlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
- Principal (1985-1987)
- Woodlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
- Principal and Director of Curriculum (1987-1989)
- Saginaw Intermediate School District (Saginaw, Michigan)
- Director of Curriculum, Professional Development, and School Improvement (1989-1990)
- Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (Indianapolis, IN)
- Director of Elementary Education (1990-1996) – Led significant academic improvements, increasing the district’s 4-Star Schools from one to eight within five years
- Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (1996-1998)
- Logansport Community School Corporation (Logansport, IN)
- Superintendent (1998-2006)
- Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
- Superintendent (2006-2025)
He earned his Elementary Education degree from Bethel College, his Master’s from Indiana University South Bend, and his Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan).
Dr. Thacker’s commitment to education has been driven by a lifelong dedication to student success. The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) named him Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2013 and again in 2017. He was also named Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2012 and received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2014—Indiana’s highest award—from then Governor Mike Pence. He has also been recognized as Alumnus of the Year from both IUSB and Bethel College.
Donna and Jerry Thacker will spend the winter months in Florida. Dr. Thacker plans on remaining active in the field of education working as a consultant. He and Mrs. Thacker have been longtime contributors to and supporters of the P-H-M Education Foundation. During his tenure, the Thackers have donated $232,500, including contributions to PHMEF’s Naming Rights Campaign:
- Chris Geesman Kingsmen Athletic Center (formerly the Kingsmen Athletic Center), $25,000
- Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court, $10,000 donated in October 2023
- Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium (formerly the P-H-M DVT & Planetarium), $10,000 donated in January 2024
- Yeoman Family Plaza, $10,000 donated in March 2024
- Greg Dikos Field, $10,000 donated in August 2024
It was announced in January that Penn High School’s new fieldhouse will be named the Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse. Click here for more information.
Reflecting on his time at P-H-M, Dr. Thacker expressed deep gratitude for the support of teachers, staff, students, parents, and the broader P-H-M community. His leadership has left an enduring impact on the district, and his legacy will continue through the students, educators, and families he has influenced.
“I will carry with me the countless memories of our shared successes and the friendships that have made this journey so meaningful,” Dr. Thacker said. “The future of P-H-M is bright because of each of you, and I have no doubt that our teachers, staff, and administrators will continue to inspire, empower, and lead with excellence. Our families will continue to raise amazing children. And our students are aptly prepared to make a difference in this world at every level.”
Details about P-H-M’s Board of School Trustees’ search for the district’s next superintendent will be announced in the coming weeks.
P-H-M Named 2024 Best Community for Music Education
Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation was named among the 2024’s Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) in the country by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for the 11th year in a row! P-H-M is among only 17 Indiana school districts, out of about 300, that made the list.
Now in its 25th year, the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education program has recognized 583 school districts and 135 schools across the country for the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders and their support for music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children. This recognition celebrates and recognizes K-12 music teachers in school districts who found creative ways for the “show to carry on” despite schools moving online or to in-person settings where masks were required not only for student musicians and instruments.
In P-H-M elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes. Beginning in 6th grade, P-H-M students at our three middle schools (Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom) have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as their music elective. Students at Discovery also have the option of choosing Piano Lab. Schools from elementary all the way up to Penn High School also perform musicals.
Penn High School offers the Fine Arts & Communication Academy as part of its unique academy structure. The seven academy design provides Penn students with relevant and meaningful coursework taught in smaller, supportive environments where each student is known well by his teacher and peers. Nearly a third of Penn’s total 3,500 students are enrolled in the Fine Arts Academy with the majority being involved with music programs, either Choir, Orchestra, Band or another music program.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, P-H-M answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music.
In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood. Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.
Culver’s Bus Driver of the Month
We’re happy to introduce PHM bus driver Tim Tretheway, as the Culver’s Bus Driver of the Month for March 2024!
Tim drives for Prairie Vista Elementary School and Penn High School.
Transportation consistently receives compliments about Tim from coaches, teachers, and other leaders regarding trip efficiency and his willingness to help!
The surprise took place at Prairie Vista on March 27, 2024 as he waited for her students to board for afternoon pick-up. Some of his elementary student riders were in on the surprise.
Transportation Administrators (Director Brandon Tugmon, Asst. Directors Amy Aschenbrenner and Robin Tharp) joined Osceola Culver’s restaurant co-owners Mark Nowak and Keith Remington, Prairie Vista Principal Dr. Keely Twibell, and P-H-M Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom to surprise/congratulate Tim.
Thank you Culver’s and and the P-H-M Education Foundation for being valued partners to make this award possible! If you would like to nominate your student’s bus driver, click here to fill out the nomination form.
April 8 Solar Eclipse Information
While the Indianapolis area and south will experience 100% totality for the solar eclipse occurring on Monday, April 8, 2024, the St. Joseph County area will only experience 96%.
The Michiana area will start experiencing darkness at 1:53 p.m., lasting until 4:23 p.m., with 96% totality occurring at 3:09 p.m. and lasting just over 4 minutes.
Click to watch the video below and hear from P-H-M Digital Video Theater and Planetarium Director Melinda O’Malley as she shows us what to expect in our area.
Click here to see a Indiana Department of Natural Resources map of Indiana regions that will experience varying degrees of darkness. Click here to also get more background information on the Great American Eclipse website.
Because the partial eclipse time is occurring around elementary school dismissal times and based on the recommendations of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the IDOE, P-H-M will have an eLearning day on April 8. Click here for more information on that decision.
Thanks to Old National Bank and P-H-M Education Foundation, all students will have a pair of eclipse glasses to use at home when watching the eclipse with their families. The glasses will be sent home the week of March 25 before P-H-M’s Spring Break.
DVT Director Mrs. O’Malley demonstrates how the eclipse glasses should be used.
Mrs. Montgomery wins PHM Impact Award
Teachers whose students have seen significant First Semester growth, achieving individual improvement on their formative assessments over time, are being recognized with the P-H-M Impact Award. It’s quite an honor, and surprise, to receive this award.
Today Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker visited Prairie Vista Elementary School to congratulate 1st grade teacher Rose Montgomery.
Principal Dr. Keely Twibell helped Dr. Thacker surprise Mrs. Montgomery as she was teaching class.
Mrs. Montgomery had 100% average or higher growth on DIBELS; that’s 82% with accelerated growth!
While all P-H-M teachers across the district are dedicated to helping their students achieve personal academic success, we are especially proud of Mrs. Montgomery and the other teacher Impact Award winners.
The Impact Awards were first handed out in September 2023 to teachers with the most significant overall student growth during the 2022-2023 school year.
Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for covering the cost of the awards for purchasing the beautiful crystal awards given to the teacher award recipients.
2024 Penn Musical, “The Music Man”
Penn’s school musical this year is “The Music Man.”
You won’t want to miss Penn’s talented student performers as they act out the play that follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef!
This year’s musical also includes the talents of a few P-H-M elementary and middle school students:
- Mary Cortes, 5th grade, Prairie Vista Elementary School
- Maxwell MacMillan, 5th grade, Mary Frank Elementary School
- Anniston Steele, 7th grade, Grissom Middle School
- Ezra Carrico, Katherine Hawkins, Benjamin Robertson and Noah Rohde, all in 8th grade, Schmucker Middle School
This isn’t the first year Penn’s musicals have included students from younger grades. In 2016, younger students also participated in “Mary Poppins.” But this is the first year in recent memory to have this many!
Visit bit.ly/PennMusicMan to purchase tickets.
FIRST-IN District Robotics Competition, March 2 & 3
The 2024 FIN Mishawaka FRC District Event will once again be held at Penn High School March 1st – 3rd (open to the public on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3). The event will be held in Penn’s Main Arena. See below for a daily schedule:
Saturday, March 2
- 10:30 – 11:00 a.m., Opening Ceremonies
- 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Qualifying Matches (No matches during Lunch, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
Sunday, March 3
- 9:30 – 10:00 a.m., Opening Ceremonies
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Qualifying Matches
- 12:30 – 1:00 p.m., Alliance Selections
- 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Lunch
- 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Playoff Matches & Awards Ceremony
For elementary aged children, there’s also the Next Gen event from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The event will be upstairs–above Penn’s Main Arena–in the Fitness Center. This event is open to all children, not just P-H-M students. Children have the opportunity to do hands-on STEM activities, even operate a robot! Click here for pictures from last year’s event.
This year’s game is CRESCENDOSM presented by Haas; click here to view a video about the game. FIRST© Robotics Competition teams will use their STEM skills and creative power to turn up the volume as they design, build, and program their robots for action-packed game play. Watch the game animation to inspire ideas.
During our 2023-2024 arts-inspired robotics season, FIRST® IN SHOWSM presented by Qualcomm, FIRST Robotics teams will celebrate the roles STEM skills play in the arts and design, and how these skills help build a world of endless possibilities for students. Click here to learn more about FIRST® IN and the District event being held at Penn High School.
IDOE Recognizes Prairie Vista for IREAD Results
Our school, along with Northpoint Elementary School, was celebrated for their outstanding IREAD-3 achievement rates. Third grade teacher Mrs. Renee Johanson attended with Principal Dr. Keely Twibell.
With Northpoint students having a 98.00% pass rate and Prairie Vista students achieving 95.30%, the schools were among 241 Indiana elementary schools to receive 95% or higher on the 2023 IREAD-3 assessment.
A celebration took place Thursday, February 15 at Indiana State House South Atrium. Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner was on hand along with President Pro Tempore of the Indiana Senate Roderic Bray and Speaker of the Indiana House Rep. Todd Huston.
These accomplishments are not only a credit to our students and families, but also of course to our K-3 teachers, aides, and educational assistants.
2024 Middle School Instrument Selection Night
Every P-H-M 5th grader who will be attending a P-H-M middle school as an incoming 6th grader in the Fall 2024 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!
Fifth graders at Moran, Bittersweet, Elsie Rogers, Walt Disney, and Prairie Vista Elementary Schools will attend Schmucker Middle School for 6th – 8th grades.
Schmucker’s Instrument Selection Nights are Monday, March 4th and Tuesday, March 5th.
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.
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.
In order to join 6th grade band or orchestra, students must select an instrument that they will learn, practice and perform for the school year.