Kingsmen Nation
Rigor, Relevance, Relationships 8/11
Sean Galiher, Principal
Email: srgaliher@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://penn.phmschools.org/
Phone: 574-258-9503
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennHighSchool/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @SeanGaliher
Covid-19 Health and Safety Overview
The PHM school board voted to make masks optional to start our school year. Below are a few additional mitigating strategies we want everyone to be aware of. Please CLICK HERE for PHM Safety Protocols. Please CLICK HERE for specific details that pertain to Penn.
Start of the Year Procedures
- Masks are optional for students and staff.
- Cafeteria barriers will still be in place in the cafeteria. Students will be assigned seats and each student will be between plexiglass barriers.
- Contact tracing will still be in place. Students and staff who are vaccinated and identified as a close contact will not need to quarantine.
- Teachers will maintain appropriate social distancing from students to the best of their ability in classrooms.
- Teachers will need to maintain seating charts in classrooms to assist with contract tracing.
- Students should not congregate in large groups before school or during passing periods.
- Students may chose to use an individual barrier if they choose in classrooms. They are not required to be used by all students.
- Classrooms will be set up with students facing the same direction as much as possible.
Unless approved by the building principal, no visitors or guests are allowed in the building for at least the first 9 weeks of school during the school day.
Schedule pickup and walkarounds at the secondary level will be allowed.
“Welcome back to school events” are permissible to take place outside of the school building with community access to indoor restrooms.
No interior classroom open houses or parent meetings will take place for at least the first 9 weeks of school. Gymnasiums, auditoriums, and cafeterias may be approved for use on a case-by-case basis.
Parent information sessions will be held virtually.
No field trips will be taken for at least the first 9 weeks of school.
The Penn fitness center will remain closed to the community for at least the first 9 weeks of school.
The Community Open Swim Program will remain closed for at least the first 9 weeks of school.
The scheduled use of facilities by the community will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Lessons begin 8/30
At Penn-Harris-Madison, we want to equip our students with the skills they need for success now and in the future. One way we do this is through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons. Penn-Harris-Madison has created SEL Curriculum for our students based on Indiana Department of Education SEL standards/learning competencies in order to intentionally teach students vital SEL competencies to equip them for success both now and in the future. SEL is the knowledge and skills essential for wellbeing as well as personal and professional success. It includes teaching, modeling, practicing, and reinforcing these skills (Indiana Department of Education).
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons begin on Monday, August 30. These lessons are taught once a week for 25-30 minutes during the first Gold class of the week. Our 3rd block classes are 15 minutes longer than other class periods so students do not loose instructional time in those classes. Our first quarter topics and slide presentations will be made available before August 30. If parents have concerns with any of the lessons, please contact Mr. Galiher and we will work towards a plan.
In order to explicitly teach SEL skills as well as cover Employability Skills, both of which are needed for college and career success, SEL lessons are taught on a weekly basis (with some expectations due to school schedules) by the teacher in the classroom setting, SEL lessons are geared for all students at the Tier 1 level, which means it is core instruction and for all students, Not only do the lessons explicitly teach the SEL skills, it is also used as a time to build relationships, positive community, and reinforce a sense of belonging, all of which is important for a positive learning environment. At the elementary level, the lessons are taught based on the teacher’s schedule. At the middle school level, the lessons are taught one day a week during Advisory, which occurs the first 30 minutes of the day. At the high school level, the lessons are taught on the first Gold Day of the week during the 3rd block, which is slightly longer than the other blocks due to the lunch schedule.
First day of school scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 18
Click here for the 2021-2022 Gold/Black Calendar.
School pictures set for Aug. 18-20 and Aug. 23
School pictures for every student at Penn will take place Aug. 18-20, and Aug. 23. These photos will serve as your school and yearbook pictures, as well as your school ID. Senior pictures will also occur at this time.
Click here to order pictures.
Student Lunch Delivery Policy
Back-to-School Bash! set for Saturday, Aug. 21
Celebrate the new school year with the Penn Education Foundation Silver Mile Back-to-School Bash! This day of fun for the family will be from 5-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21. The Back-to-School Bash! is a chance to reconnect in person, strengthen our community and celebrate the bright future of our students during the new school year.
Visit Silver Mile Back to School Bash | PHMEF & Silver Mile Back to School Bash Registration, Sat, Aug 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite for more details.
The Back-to-School Bash! includes:
- 1-MILE BUBBLE BASH - $10 per person (registration includes entry to Fun Zone)
This non-timed event starts and finishes on the TCU Freed Field track and follows a multi-terrain course within P-H-M's campus. This event is an upbeat and entertaining mile-long fun run/walk that includes foam bogs and spirit stations along the course.
- KICKBALL TOURNAMENT - $100 per team
Our inaugural kickball tournament will start at 5:30 (after the Bubble Bash). This is a great way kick off the new year and give back to all 15 of our P-H-M schools! So, tighten your laces and round up your team of 8 and register today!! Click here for the Kickball Registration Form.
- FUN ZONE - $5 per person
Also new this year…P-H-M families can meet and reconnect on TCU Freed Field while enjoying a variety of inflatables!
- Click here for the Silver Mile Registration Form.
- SILVER MILE HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO – Saint Joseph Health System will be back offering valuable health screenings and there will be an expanded Family Fitness Expo with interactive vendors and activities. Booths are $150 for businesses and $25 for non-profits. If you know anyone that would like to join the fun, send them our way.
- VOLUNTEERS - To run smoothly, the Silver Mile enlists a volunteer force of more than 200 parents, friends, P-H-M staff and students. If you are interested or know of any groups looking for volunteer hours, let me know. They can register to volunteer on phmef.org or 2021 Silver Mile Volunteer Form Tickets, Sat, Aug 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
- Silver Mile Information Flyer.
Student Parking passes available
Student Parking passes will be available for eligible Juniors and Seniors from 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. on Monday-through-Friday, Aug. 9-13, and on Monday, Aug. 16, and Tuesday, Aug. 17. When in-person school is in session, parking passes are sold before school from 7:30-8:15 a.m. and after school from 3:17-3:30 p.m.
Students must bring the completed forms, ID, and other required items. Cash and checks (made out to Penn High School) are acceptable payments. We cannot accept credit cards at this time. Change will not be made so bring exact amounts.
Students will go to the Counseling Center office to show that required forms (posted below) have been filled out properly. After paperwork is filled out and approved, students will go to the bookstore to pay for parking pass.
Sophomores are not eligible for parking passes.
Vape detectors installed
Penn seeks parent/guardian and student volunteers for Information Packet Assembly
Help get the school year off to a great start.
Penn High School seeks parent/guardian and student volunteers to assist with Information Packet Assembly from 9 a.m.-noon on Monday, Aug. 16.
Enter through Door A.
Click here to sign-up.
Counseling Center information
STUDENT SCHEDULES are tentatively slated to be mailed home the last week of July. At this same time, schedules can also be viewed digitally by logging into your Skyward Student or Family Access accounts.
SCHEDULE-CHANGE INFORMATION:
Appointments with counselors may be made to address scheduling errors/omissions and level changes ONLY. Appointments will not be made to make changes to electives during the summer. To make an appointment, please contact Wendy Hayes at (574) 254-2851, or call (574) 258-9502. Counselors are available for appointments between 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. starting Monday, Aug. 2. Appointments can be conducted both in-person or virtually this summer so when calling to schedule an appointment, please indicate your preference for the appointment format. For simple schedule errors that can be addressed without a meeting, please email your alphabetically assigned counselor (listed below) to work toward a solution.
Counselors will not be available on Monday, Aug.9 and 16, or Tuesday, Aug. 17.
Grade 9:
Mrs. Nancy Block: A - Howard
Mrs. Deanna Ward: Howe - Miller and all Early College freshmen
Mrs. Marni Cronk: Million - Z
Grade 10:
Mrs. Lynn Stratford: A - Cooley
Mrs. Sandy Hunter: Coomes - Hackett
Mr. Shane Varga: Hadzimesic - LeDonne
Ms. Amanda Bates: Lee - Oberlie
Mrs. Maddi Watkins: Oh - Skelton
Ms. Janiece Fitzgerald: Smith - Zhang
Mrs. Stacy Eck: all Early College sophomores
Grade 11:
Mrs. Lynn Stratford: Abbas - Craft
Mrs. Sandy Hunter: Craig - Hadian
Mr. Shane Varga: Hairopoulos - Lima
Ms. Amanda Bates: Lis - Petty
Mrs. Maddi Watkins: Pica - Stauffacher
Ms. Janiece Fitzgerald: Steele - Zuyderwyk
Mrs. Stacy Eck: all Early College juniors
Grade 12:
Mrs. Lynn Stratford: A - Con
Mrs. Sandy Hunter: Coo - Hal
Mr. Shane Varga: Ham - Lan
Ms. Amanda Bates: Lao - Ow
Mrs. Maddi Watkins: Pa - Sk
Ms. Janiece Fitzgerald: Sl - Z
Mrs. Stacy Eck: all Early College seniors
Update address changes in Skyward
It's very easy to update your address if you've moved. You can take two pieces of mail, like a utility bill, mortgage/lease statement, etc,...and either drop them off at Penn's Counseling Center or scan or photograph them and email them to Wendy Hayes at whayes@phm.k12.in.us.
Be sure to include the student's name and grade, and if there needs to be a bus change form completed for a new route.
Chromebook insurance available
If you wish to purchase Chromebook insurance, please make a $25 payment at the Penn High School bookstore or online at phm.revtrak.net (click “Chromebooks” then “Penn High School” ). Online payments are only accepted until Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. If you purchase insurance after Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, your Chromebook must pass an inspection by the Technology Department and the fee can be paid in the bookstore.
Please reference this document for additional insurance information.
Free and Reduced Meal Application information
P-H-M offers free breakfast and lunch to students
P-H-M will be supplying free breakfast and lunch to all P-H-M students for the upcoming school year.
We will also be operating Community pick-up sites at the schools hosting summer school and at several Mishawaka parks.
Click here for detailed information.
You will receive a breakfast and lunch meal per child. Students who are attending summer school will get their meals with summer school.
P-H-M locations for pick up are:
- Penn High School, Door K (Southeast corner of the building) – 6/7/21- 8/13/21
- Walt Disney Elementary School, Door B (Main Entrance) – 6/7/21- 8/13/21
FREE MEALS will be available to children 18 years of age and under, or persons more than 18 who are determined by a state or local public education agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who participate in a public or non-profit private school program established for the mentally or physically disabled.
The program will operate Monday through Friday during designated weeks.
P-H-M will also be running sites at several Mishawaka Parks. Meals can be consumed on site or taken off site.
P-H-M announces new transportation routing platform
The Penn-Harris-Madison Transportation Department is excited to announce our transition to our new transportation routing platform, 3DEZRouting, for the 2021-22 school year.
This will allow for streamlined communication with Transportation that enables you to view bus information, make requests, and receive regular correspondence directly from the Transportation Department.
The Parent Portal will provide frequently updated information, so please be on the lookout for emails from the following addresses allowing you to create your Parent Portal Account beginning in July.
Cryptology opportunity available
Are you interested in Cryptology? Would you like to work with a Notre Dame Professor on a cryptology project this year?
If so, please email jgensic@phm.k12.in.us for more information.
Penn seeks Robotics Volunteer Coordinator
The Volunteer Coordinator finds volunteers from the St Joe County and surrounding areas, as well as the FIRST Robotics community, places volunteers into positions, connects volunteers to any training required, schedules and coordinates the volunteers for the three-day event (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) in March of 2022.
The FIRST Robotics Michiana District Event hosted by Penn High School is fun, high-tempo, exciting high school competition for robotics teams across the state and the greater region. With more 5,000 participants, spectators, coaches, and mentors it will showcase some of the most dedicated, smartest, passionate, and innovative high school students.
- The Volunteer Coordinator duties will star in November/December and run through March
- The Volunteer Coordinator must be willing to communicate with local agencies, businesses, volunteer groups, and other stakeholders to sign-up volunteers
- The Volunteer Coordinator will work within Indiana FIRST Robotics volunteer system
- The Volunteer Coordinator will conduct 1-2 meetings per month to begin and then weekly meetings (virtual/phone)
- This is a volunteer position. It is a great way to network and do some event planning.
- Co-Volunteer Coordinators or Volunteer Coordinator Assistant are also options
Softball Mandatory meeting set for Wednesday, Aug. 25
Penn Athletics All-Sports Passes on sale
All-Sports Passes are on sale for students and adults. Passes may be purchased in the Athletic Office from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-through-Friday.
Student Athletic Training opportunities available at Penn
Athletic Training is a great profession in today’s health field. While working as a Student-Athletic Trainer with Penn Sports Medicine, you will learn, and experience what it’s like to work in the Athletic Training Profession.
Daily activities include: taping, hydration, therapy, and assisting our Certified Athletic Trainers with rehab, and injury care. You get first-hand experience in the sports medicine world.
Each season you attend practices and games, home and sometimes away. Every Penn team accepts you into the team. Not only will you work with our athletic teams, we have a team of our own. Our two Certified Athletic Trainers, Tricia Irvin and Jaymee Wolfe, help you learn along the way. You also work along with other students of Penn in the program.
Although being a Student-Athletic Trainer is fun, it’s a commitment you must be willing to make. A lot of hours are spent working and learning. If you are interested and would like to shadow us in the athletic training room, please contact either Tricia Irvin or Jaymee Wolfe. Application process is required.
Tricia Irvin: mirvin@phm.k12.in.us
Jaymee Wolfe: jwolfe@phm.k12.in.us
Girls Basketball League (Grades 3-8) Registration set for noon-2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12
Click here for the Registration form and league cost/details.
Boys Basketball League (Grades 2-8) registration set for Wednesday, Sept. 1
Registration for the Penn Boys Basketball League for students in Grades 2-8 will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 5:45-8 p.m.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 1, 5:45-8 p.m.
Where: Penn High School/ Enter through Door D
Price: $75 Grades 2-6 / $60 Grades 7 & 8th
Registration form: Click here for the Registration form.
Discount: $10 Discount for Summer Basketball Camp Attendees
Information: If you have any questions please contact Assistant Varsity Coach Julius Smith at jsmith5@phm.k12.in.us
Order your 2021-2022 Yearbook now
Click here for the order form.
DVT/Planetarium seeks interns
Interns are wanted for the 2021-2022 school year at the PHM DVT/Planetarium!
Have you ever wondered how the shows are created at the DVT/Planetarium? Do you have any creative ideas for shows? Do you enjoy learning new things? Would you like to have a unique work experience to make you stand out on your college applications?
Look no further and join the PHM DVT/Planetarium team!
Don’t think you have what it takes to be an intern or to create a show? Just like it takes people with various talents and skills to produce a TV or theater show, it takes a variety of people to create a DVT/Planetarium show! We need students with skills in script writing, artistic design, computer programing, sound/music, and more!
Interested? Contact Mrs. O’Malley at the DVT/Planetarium now!
Art Gallery seeks student docents
Penn Bowling Team seeks students for Girls Bowling Team
Interested students should contact Mrs. Brazeau at mbrazeau@phm.k12.in.us
Football seeks managers, videographers
Anyone interested in being a student manager or student videographer for the Football Team next year is invited to contact Coach Pete Riordan at priordan@phm.k12.in.us or Coach Cory Yeoman cyeoman@phm.k12.in.us for information.
Safe School Helpline now available as an app
The Safe School Helpline® is a confidential way to report student concerns about threats, suicide, drugs, bullying or anything that threatens the safety of our schools. It's Available 24/7. Click to watch a video on how to get in touch with Administration anonymously 24/7/365.
Four Ways to Report to the Safe School Helpline®
Call: 1-800-418-6423 ext 359
Text: TIPS to 66746
Online: SafeSchoolHelpline.com
Mobile App: Download the FREE app from the GOOGLE PLAY STORE and the APPLE APP STORE
- The app makes it easy to anonymously report a safety or mental health concern using your mobile device to text, call, or submit an online form.
Students parking on campus must have registration on file
P-H-M seeks bus drivers
P-H-M is in need of Bus Drivers.
All drivers begin as Sub Drivers and are guaranteed four hours of work a day at a rate of $19.75/hr. Once a driver is elevated to a route driver they will continue to be guaranteed four hours of work per day. Their pay will be increased to $21.61/hr and they will have opportunities to drive field trips, and athletic events. Trip pay is $13/hr with a minimum pay on a trip being $30. After 60 days of work they will be elevated to a rate of $22.33/hr. These wages are effective 1/1/2021 and all training is provided by the Penn-Harris-Madison Transportation Department.
Please apply at the link below.
Community events open to P-H-M students and families
Community Resources list
Click here for a listing of non-school community resources available to Penn students and families by businesses area organizations.
Adobe Acrobat Reader will be required to view the pdfs on this page. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please visit Adobe’s website, at this link http://www.get.adobe.com/reader/www.get.adobe.com/reader/, to download your free version. Or you can stop by the Educational Services Center at 55900 Bittersweet Rd., Mishawaka to pick up a copy.
Support the PTO through Amazon Smile
Help support your Penn High School PTO!
Simply follow the directions below and search for: Penn High School PTO Incorporated. Every time you order eligible items, a percentage at no extra cost to you, will automatically go to PHS PTO.
How to turn on AmazonSmile in the mobile app
Join AmazonSmile
If you’re not already an AmazonSmile member, sign up on your web browser. Simply select your favorite charity to start generating donations, at no cost to you.
Get the app
Download or update to the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app on your phone. You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
Turn on AmazonSmile
Open the app and find ’Settings’ in the main menu (☰). Tap on ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone.
If you have any questions, please contact us at pennhspto@gmail.com
We appreciate your support!
PTO introduction, update
Over the past 3 years, the Penn PTO has provided grants to teachers, student groups, clubs, and organizations who apply during our fall grant cycle. The PTO also assists with volunteer opportunities, hosts the annual Snowball Dance, which is open to all grade levels 9-12, provides monthly teacher/staff appreciation events/recognition, and meets monthly to keep lines of communication open between parents, students, and administration. Come see what Penn PTO is about!
Connect with Kingsmen Court
Follow Kingsmen Court !!!
Instagram: @pennkingsmencourt
Twitter: @courtkingsmen
E-mail us with any questions @penn-kingsmen-court-grp@phm.k12.in.us
Students must register online to participate in Athletics
Student-Athletes must be picked up at Door D after practice
Parents/Guardians are asked not to pick up student-athletes at Door E due to safety concerns.
PHYSICALS FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT PENN
St. Joseph Health System Sports Medicine, Beacon Medical Group Sports Medicine and the South Bend Clinic notified Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation and other St. Joseph County high schools that they would not be able to continue the practice of their physicians providing school-based "on-site" pre-participation physical examinations for student-athletes.
Student may only ride on assigned bus
Student before-school drop-off procedures
Student after-school pick-up procedures
Fitness Center currently closed to community
Important School Information
Click on the following links for IMPORTANT SCHOOL INFORMATION:
School Messenger, the alert notification service: https://www.phmschools.org/parents/schoolmessenger
Parent FAQ on Emergency Preparedness:
https://www.phmschools.org/school-emergency-frequently-asked-questions
12th-grade Immunization Requirements:
https://www.phmschools.org/parents/12th-grade-immunization-requirements
Skyward and student progress
Join the Kingsmen Team as an employee
Join an institution committed to excellence. P-H-M is looking for prospective employees in a number of areas.
Click here for the jobs board.
Penn High School app now available
Android http://bit.ly/pennappandroid
The app was developed by Penn Sports Journalism Class interns Riley Clauss and Micah Focht.
The app provides quick links for students to the Penn website for the following categories:
- School news
- Google Calendars (Black-and-Gold Day Calendar, Athletics Calendar, Fine Arts Calendar)
- Student resources, including links to HAC and Canvas
- Counseling
- Clubs
- Fine Arts/Performing Arts
- Contact us/Staff Directory search engine
- The Pennant Sports News website
Contact Independent Study at independentstudy@phm.k12.in.us
If you are enrolled in Independent Study, please use the following email address for all questions and help: independentstudy@phm.k12.in.us.
Attendance reasons can now be reported through Skyward/Family Access
Parents/Guardians now have the ability to submit attendance reasons - for full-day absences, early dismissals or late arrivals - for approval by the school - through Skyward/Family Access, instead of calling Penn High School.
Requests can be entered on the day of the absence (i.e. a student is ill) or scheduled in advance (i.e. - a student has a doctor appointment).
Click here for instructions on how to submit attendance reasons through Skyward/Family Access.
Attendance
Penn High School Calendars
Check out P-H-M's Community Events webpage
Click here to check out the P-H-M Community Events webpage for listings of non-school activities and events made available to P-H-M students and families by area organizations.