Northpoint Students Continue Strong Performance with 96.9% Pass Rate on 2026 IREAD

Northpoint Elementary students continued their outstanding literacy performance on the 2026 IREAD assessment, achieving a 96.9% passing rate.

Northpoint’s results are 8.2 percentage points above Indiana’s statewide passing rate of 88.7% and place the school among P-H-M’s five elementary schools achieving pass rates of 95% or higher.

The 2026 results also demonstrate Northpoint’s consistency in literacy achievement. In 2025, 97.1% of Northpoint students passed IREAD, followed by 96.9% this year.

Across Penn-Harris-Madison, 94.7% of students passed IREAD in 2026, 6 percentage points higher than the state average. Ten of the district’s 11 elementary schools performed above the statewide passing 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. “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.

All P-H-M second grade students also participate in IREAD, providing an early indicator of whether students are on track to read proficiently by the end of third grade. In 2026, 72.1% of P-H-M second graders passed IREAD a year early.

Northpoint’s continued strong performance reflects P-H-M’s commitment to building on a culture of academic excellence and ensuring students have the foundational literacy skills needed for continued academic success.

By the Numbers

  • 96.9% — Northpoint 2026 IREAD pass rate
  • 8.2 percentage points — Northpoint performance above the state average
  • 95%+ — Northpoint has exceeded this mark for two consecutive years
  • 94.7% — P-H-M corporation-wide pass rate
  • 88.7% — Indiana statewide pass rate
  • 72.1% — P-H-M second graders passing IREAD

2026 Kindergarten Kickoff Huge Success

Before the Penn football team kicked off their football season under the Friday Night Lights, another type of kickoff happened under the lights that brought both tears and cheers! Click here to see a full photo gallery.

On Friday, August 21, 2026 we held our first-ever Kindergarten Kickoff. It was a sight to behold and warmed our hearts–approximately 175 kindergartners and 100 seniors walking towards each other on the football field meeting at the 50 yard line. The goal was for the Class of 2027 students to welcome into the P-H-M Family the Class of 2039 students giving them gold and black pom-poms. To say the Future Kingsmen were excited was an understatement; and the seniors were pretty pumped to welcome them into the P-H-M Family. 

Click to watch the video below …

This new tradition will be added moving forward as part of the festivities of Penn High School’s Home Opener boy’s tackle football game and the Community Tailgate, which has been a longstanding tradition.

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.

Community Tailgate, Friday August 21, 2026

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 against Valparaiso. Click here for game ticket info.

Gates open at 5:30 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 to buy your $6.00 Meal Ticket.

An advertisement for a tailgate event at a high school football game on Friday, August 21st from 6:00 to 9:30pm

Do you have an incoming kindergartner or a Penn senior? 

P-H-M Education Foundation is hosting a special “Kindergarten Kickoff” before this year’s football game!

The Class of 2027 will welcome the future Class of 2039 into the P-H-M family by meeting kindergartners on the 50-yard line of the Kingsmen football field and presenting them with black and gold pom-poms.

Click here for more details and to sign your student up to participate.

Kicking off the Inaugural “Kindergarten Kickoff”

This school year Penn High School will launch a new tradition celebrating the connection between Penn’s incoming Senior Class of 2027 and the Kindergarten Class of 2039.

At Penn’s first home football game on Friday, August 21 after the Community Tailgate (click here for more details on this event) and before the Penn-Valpo game, incoming kindergartners will be welcomed to the P-H-M family during our inaugural Kindergarten Kickoff celebration.

As part of this special event, Penn seniors will meet the kindergartners at the 50-yard line and pass them black and gold pom-poms, symbolizing the beginning of their journey as future Kingsmen and Lady Kingsmen.

This simple but meaningful moment represents the tradition, pride, and community that make Penn High School and P-H-M special. 

Info for Kindergarten Families

Click here to register your kindergartner to participate.

 

Show your Penn Pride by ordering your student an official Future Kingsmen t-shirt by clicking this link.

 

Three young girls holding pom poms, standing on a street next to a car and a truck.Event Details:

  • Gates open at 5:30 p.m. You must have a ticket to the football game to enter. 
  • Kindergarten and younger siblings are FREE and do NOT need a ticket!
    Purchase older student and adult tickets online for $7.00 ($8.00 at the gate) by clicking here.
  • Community Tailgate is 5:30-7:00 p.m. You can feed each member of your family for just $6.00! 
  • Check in for Kindergarten Kickoff at the PHM Education Foundation Table by 6:00 p.m.
  • Pick up your child’s t-shirt (if purchased)
  • Enjoy the festivities and connect with other P-H-M families
  • One adult should stay with their child until they walk onto the field and will remain in the end zone to meet them afterwards
  • Get your cell phones ready to take pictures of your student participating in the Kindergarten Kickoff!

Stay for the game:

After the Community Tailgate and the Kindergarten Kickoff event, families are encouraged to stay and cheer on the Kingsmen as they take on Valparaiso in their home opener.

Info for Penn Seniors Class of 2027

High school students in cap and gown walking near and waving to younger students

Seniors, click here to sign up.

Space may be limited, so we encourage you to register early.

Northpoint Students Top Finishers in MathCON

Congratulations to Northpoint MathCON finalists!

On May 23rd, the students traveled to Chicago to compete in the MathCON Nationals.

Two of our students earned the highest scores in the state for 4th and 5th grades:

  • Alan J.
  • Sonya L.

These two students also placed at the National Competition and received Honorable Mentions.

Discovery Middle School placed 2nd overall nationally in the 6th grade division. A student was named National Champion for all 6th graders; two others earned Honorable Mention.

Penn High School also performed very well with two Penn students earned the top scores in 9th and 10th grades.

Shape Elements Within You Mathematics 2026 Finals Top Performing Schools: Elementary Schools, High School, Middle School,

2026 Running is Elementary Video and Photo Gallery

Spring 2025 ILEARN Assessment Results

Outstanding Achievement

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation (P-H-M) proudly shares the outstanding performance of its students on the Spring 2025 ILEARN assessment, as released by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). P-H-M students outperformed the state average by an impressive 20 percentage points in the percentage of students passing both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. This achievement places P-H-M in the top 4% of public school corporations across Indiana (see the charts below).

“These results reflect the exceptional work of our teachers, students, and staff. We remain deeply committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential, and this data shows that our efforts are paying off.”

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short

District-Wide Achievements

  • P-H-M has maintained its Top 4% ranking for a second consecutive year, a testament to the district’s commitment to academic excellence and the strategies that drive student success
  • Northpoint and Prairie Vista Elementary Schools are in the Top 10; Discovery Middle School is #3 in the state
  • P-H-M 8th grade Math performance is up 24% since the 2021 benchmark year, with a 28% variance over the state average
  • Among Indiana’s largest public school districts testing close to 5,000 students, P-H-M ranks #1 in the state for the percentage of Free and Reduced Lunch (F/R) students passing both ELA and Math
  • Penn High School moved up from #27 last year to #15 this year in SAT pass percentage among public high schools

“These achievements are not by accident. They are the result of intentional investments in teacher professional development and the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices. We are fortunate to have educators and staff who are deeply committed to supporting every learner.”

Dr. Heather Short

Indiana junior high school students are now required to take the SAT for graduation. The IDOE also released SAT results. Results from the Spring 2025 IREAD assessment are expected to be released in early fall, and P-H-M looks forward to sharing those outcomes as well.

Assessment Data by Grade Level

ILEARN Math Results
Metric Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
PHM 71% 65% 65% 52% 57% 63%
State 52% 50% 42% 40% 36% 35%
Variance +19% +15% +23% +12% +21% +28%
ILEARN ELA Results
Metric Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
PHM 60% 55% 64% 57% 56% 64%
State 41% 42% 41% 41% 38% 43%
Variance +19% +13% +23% +16% +18% +21%

Northpoint Secretary/Treasurer Named 2026 Employee of the Year

Carly Taylor thought she was heading to the Northpoint Elementary School library to help Principal Lorraine White with an issue. Instead, she walked into a room filled with second graders, colleagues, and cameras, all there to surprise her with the news that she had been named Penn-Harris-Madison’s 2026 Employee of the Year.

Principal Lorraine White surprises Carly Taylor when she walks into the Northpoint school library

The celebration, organized by Principal White, included Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, district administrators, and members of the Central Office Business Department. Students added to the excitement by joyfully shouting “SURPRISE!” as Taylor entered the library. Click to watch the video below.

Following the announcement, Taylor, known for her humility, was met with an outpouring of appreciation. Principal White shared the news over the school’s PA system, prompting students and staff throughout the building to stop and congratulate her. The celebration continued with a “Brag Walk” through the school, with Taylor wearing Northpoint’s “MVP Brag Tag.” Click to see a full photo gallery in Canto.

Taylor began her career with P-H-M in August 2019 as a teacher’s aide. After a brief time away, she returned to Northpoint in September 2021 and now serves as the school’s Secretary/Treasurer. She says one of the most meaningful parts of her role is the opportunity to support others.

Carly Taylor with Northpoint Principal Lorraine White and other staff memberAffectionately known as the “heart and brains” of the building, Taylor was nominated by third grade teacher Molly O’Rear.

“She manages countless responsibilities with remarkable efficiency and grace,” O’Rear said. “She is the calm, steady presence our staff relies on and someone who truly goes above and beyond every single day.”

Taylor’s impact extends far beyond traditional office responsibilities. She coordinates substitute coverage, manages purchasing during high-demand times such as testing season, and supports staff in ways that often go unseen. She also plays a key role in organizing and supporting more than a dozen afterschool programs, ensuring schedules, communication, and logistics run smoothly for students and families.

Her work has supported major initiatives at Northpoint, including the school earning its STEM certification. Taylor helped organize scheduling, purchasing, and materials for the STEM lab, while also supporting implementation alongside school leadership. She has also been instrumental in coordinating Northpoint’s growing involvement in LEGO competitions, managing logistics for multiple teams, coaches, and students.

PHM Central Office Business Department members Her professionalism and attention to detail have earned her respect not only at Northpoint, but across the district. Through her work managing school finances and operations, Taylor collaborates closely with the Business Department and has provided valuable feedback to support the implementation of a new financial purchasing program. She is also a trusted resource for colleagues across multiple schools and frequently assists fellow secretaries and treasurers.

“Carly exemplifies what it means to lead from where you are,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “Her attention to detail, her willingness to support others, and her commitment to excellence make a meaningful difference across our district, helping ensure our schools run smoothly so our teachers can focus on student learning.”

Beyond her operational leadership, Taylor has made a lasting impact on school culture. This year, she introduced a staff “shout out” initiative, encouraging employees to recognize one another through handwritten notes.

Just as important as her behind-the-scenes work is the way she connects with people. Taylor is often the first face families see when they walk through Northpoint’s doors, setting a welcoming tone for the entire building.

Bulletin Board that Carly created  Two people standing in front of a sign celebrating an achievement at a library.

“Carly is the first warm smile families see when they walk through our doors and the calm, steady presence our staff depends on every day,” said Principal White. “She anticipates needs before they arise, solves problems with professionalism, and treats every student, parent, and colleague with genuine kindness and respect. Her dedication and integrity make her incredibly deserving of this honor.”

“I am proud to be part of such an incredible team,” Taylor said. “I appreciate being able to witness the heart and commitment our school pours into the care, support, and growth of our students and families.”

Taylor is also a proud P-H-M parent, with a student at Discovery Middle School.

Each spring, P-H-M honors a Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year, and an Employee of the Year.

Penn High School Spanish Teacher Kelley Watts was named the district’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year on Thursday April 30, 2026.  

Fourth grade teacher Josie Engdahl was named Elementary Teacher of the Year earlier in the day on Friday, May 1. 

All three honorees will be formally recognized at P-H-M’s annual Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner on Wednesday, May 20. The Teachers of the Year will go on to compete for Indiana Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in Fall 2026 by the Indiana Department of Education. The P-H-M Education Foundation awards each Teacher of the Year a $1,000 grant and gift card to the Employee of the Year.

Non-resident Application Window Opens March 2, 2026

Penn-Harris-Madison is pleased to be able to offer enrollment to non-resident students on a limited basis for the 2026-27 school year.

Families living in neighboring school districts interested in having their elementary children attend a P-H-M elementary school can apply for that opportunity.

calendar iconThe window to apply for available non-resident seats will open Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. and close on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. 

On March 2 at 8:30 a.m., P-H-M will post the schools, grades and number of seats available for the upcoming school year. Families must complete an online application between March 2 – 20.

The NRS application will be posted on www.phmschools.org/non-resident-student-enrollment/ on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

There is no first-come, first-served advantage. 

 

 

2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 13

Click to register:

bit.ly/BooksandBots2026

 

PHM Education Foundation Books and BotsSaturday, March 7, 2026   

9:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. 

Penn High School

for P-H-M students K – 5th grade

FREE! There is no cost for this event, but registration is required and limited.

Click here to register online today!

OPTIONAL T-SHIRT PURCHASE: If you would like to order a t-shirt, CLICK HERE to be taken to Time for Tees website to place your order. Please note, this is an OPTION and not required. 

Sponsored by the P-H-M Education Foundation, Young Authors’ Conference is an opportunity for P-H-M students in Kindergarten – 5th grade to meet and hear from well-known children’s author and speaker Jill Esbaum, participate in a variety of robotic explorations and engage in a dinosaur exploration activity. This is a FREE event thanks to the Foundation!

Jill Esbaum is the award-winning author of more than 65 children’s books, both fiction and nonfiction. A few recent titles include It’s Corn Picking Time!, Polecat Has a Superpower, and Bird Girl – How Gene Stratton Porter Shares Her Love of Nature with the World. Back in 2012 National Geographic Kids asked Jill to write a book featuring the Angry Birds and dinosaurs titled Angry Birds Playground: Dinosaurs, which gave her Dino Fever. Her dinosaur books since then include If a T. Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party, How to Grow a Dinosaur, and a three-book graphic early reader series, Thunder & Cluck. Jill lives on a family farm near Davenport. 

2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots 2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots

As part of the morning activities, students will participate in three rotations: one session with author Jill Esbaum, one dinosaur exploration session thanks to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, and one session where students will enjoy the hands-on exploration of technology with Sphero Bots, Dot and Dosh, Bee Bots, Ozobots and more! Our amazing P-H-M teachers and volunteers will guide students and their parents through the interactive session guiding them on how develop a character and create their own puppet.

2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots 2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots 2026 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots

At least one parent or guardian must accompany the student(s)!  If more than one child is registering for Books and Bots, the family will stay together so only one adult is needed. Siblings YOUNGER than kindergarten may not accompany adults. This experience is for your young author(s) and the parent/guardian.

CONFIRMATION: Participating students will receive additional information prior to the conference through their home school at the end of February.

COST: Free!

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Candace Cussen at ccussen@phm.k12.in.us.

Click here to register online today!