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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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 Fine Arts programs at Mary Frank and Northpoint Elementary Schools are set to shine even brighter, thanks to a grant awarded by the PHM Education Foundation (PHMEF). Jennifer Turnblom, Executive Director of PHMEF, visited to present the check for $5,036.98 to Jason Poff, supporting significant upgrades to sound and lighting equipment at both schools.

The grant will fund enhancements to the audio and visual systems used in Fine Arts performances. These improvements aim to elevate the quality of student productions while providing students with valuable experience in technical aspects of theater, such as lighting and sound engineering. Additionally, these upgrades will create opportunities for students to develop communication and presentation skills through improved performance experiences.

By investing in state-of-the-art equipment, the grant supports the mission of fostering creativity, collaboration, and technical expertise among students. The upgraded systems will enrich performances, benefiting not only the participating students but also the audiences who enjoy their work.

Congratulations to Jason Poff and the Mary Frank and Northpoint Elementary communities for this exciting advancement in their Fine Arts programs, and thank you to PHMEF for its continued support of innovative educational opportunities!

Third-grade students at Northpoint Elementary combined creativity, technology, and holiday spirit to host a spectacular Thanksgiving parade inspired by the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The event brought joy and excitement to the entire school community.

The third graders designed unique “floats” using balloons attached to cups, which they placed atop small robots. Each robot was programmed to follow a carefully planned parade route through the school. Students from other grades lined the hallways, eagerly cheering on the colorful and imaginative floats as they passed by.

Adding a festive surprise, the grand finale featured robots decorated as Santa Claus and his reindeer, spreading holiday cheer as they concluded the parade. 

This innovative project not only celebrated the season but also integrated STEM learning. By combining artistic expression with robotics and coding, the third graders showcased their skills while sharing a fun and creative experience with their peers.

Kudos to Northpoint’s third-grade students for an unforgettable parade that truly embodied the spirit of the holidays!

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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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On Friday, September 20th, Kindergarten students took a field trip to “Amazing Acres,” a local pumpkin patch, where they spent the morning doing fall-themed activities. The students enjoyed a tractor “hayride” to a pumpkin patch where they each got to pick their very own pumpkin!

The morning wrapped up with free time where students could jump on a “jumping pillow” and a wide variety of games that are on site. Special thanks to all of our parent volunteers who made this trip possible.

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We were so happy to welcome our kindergarten friends today, take a look at photos and a short video below!

We are thrilled to announce that Nichol Mondy, a dedicated 3rd-grade teacher at Northpoint, has been honored by the Indiana Department of Education by making their TOP 25 list for Teacher of the Year! This prestigious recognition is a testament to Mrs. Mondy’s exceptional teaching skills, dedication to her students, and her commitment to educational excellence. 

Mrs. Mondy has had a remarkably busy summer, balancing her time between teaching summer camps, volunteering for children’s camps at her church, and participating in teacher professional development courses.

Her passion for education and continuous improvement truly sets her apart, which is why she was named P-H-M’s 2024 Elementary Teacher of the Year in May. 

Her innovative teaching methods, compassion, and enthusiasm create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that leaves a lasting impact on her students. Congratulations, Mrs. Mondy, on this well-deserved recognition!

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