Northpoint News
Friday February 23, 2024
Important Dates
February 24th-Circle the State with Song
March 1st- Lucky Stars Spring PTO fundraiser
March 2nd- Books and Bots
March 18th-Spring Bookfair
March 19th- Elementary Spell Bowl
March 21st- Galaxy Gallery
#PHMExcellence
Grissom Middle School started a new tradition this week to honor students. The "Fourteen under 14." The initiative seeks to highlight students who excel academically and make a difference in their community. Students had to apply and get teacher recommendations. The inaugural program had more than 60 applicants! On Friday, Feb. 23, Grissom Principal Jen Sinclair and Superintendent Dr. Thacker, along with other special guests, recognized the first "Fourteen under 14" class and their families at a breakfast before school. Click to read more.
#PHMExcellence
Penn High School's beloved and hard working Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Cates was recently named 2024 National Coach of the Year by the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA). This is just the latest in a string of honors. In 2022, Penn's program led by Coach Cates was awarded with a NHSSCA Program of Excellence School designation! Coach Cates is a mentor, motivator, and great role model for students; he's one of Penn students' most beloved adults! Click here to learn more about Coach Cates.
FIRST-IN District Robotics Competition, March 2 & 3
The 2024 FIN Mishawaka FRC District Event will once again be held at Penn High School. If you've never been a spectator at a Robotics Competition, you don't know what you're missing! So come out and cheer on Penn's Teams 135 and 328 as they take on other Indiana high schools. The two-day event is Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 in Penn’s Main Arena. No tickets needed, the event is FREE! Click here for more details.
The Music Man, March 1st - 3rd
You can spend the entire weekend at Penn if you want, after the Robotics tournament, you can take in a musical too! Visit bit.ly/PennMusicMan to purchase tickets for Penn's annual student musical (scroll to the bottom of the page
Books & Bots, Saturday, March 2nd
The "Books & Bots" event will start at 9:15 a.m. in Penn’s Fitness Center. There will be the three rotations at three locations within Penn High School. Families and students will visit each station for 45 minutes, with a 15 minute break in between. The rotations will be an author visit, reader’s theater, and fun with the bots! Next Gen (the bots area) will be open until 1:00 p.m. Registered participants will receive a S’more with confirmation details the week of February 26. You and your student’s rotation schedule and starting location will be provided in the S’more. If you have any questions after receiving the email, please contact ccussen@phm.k12.in.us.
Please enter Door D. Parking is available in the front of Penn, at Schmucker Middle School, and in the parking lot near River Valley Church. Click here to access a Penn Building Map. Once inside Penn, look for “Books and Bots” signage and please arrive at your room between 9:00-9:15 a.m. With record attendance expected, plan plenty of time to park and walk to your designated area.
Remember parents can purchase Carolyn Crimi books online ahead of time from Better World Books and bring them to the event. Click here to preorder your student(s) books.
Don't forget to bring your gently used books to donate and support Better World Books' mission of providing books to children around the world. A collection box will be set up near Door D.
Limited Parent Building Access
During the IREAD-3 and ILEARN testing window, we will be limiting parent volunteers in the building. Parent will not be able to sign up for lunch with their children during these time.
Summer School
It is that time in the year for teachers to recommend students for summer school based on our middle of the year data. Parents will be recieving invitations next week to register their children for summer school. The dates for summer school are June 10-28. The times will be 7:30-12:00. Transportation will be provided for in-district students. The location for students in K-4th grade will be at Prarie Vista Elementary school and Kids Club will be available at that same location. 5th grade students will be at Schmucker Middle School from 9:00-1:00. If you have any questions please call the office.
I Love To Read Challenge
February is one of our favorite months at Northpoint because we participate in WSBT's "I Love To Read Challenge" Our school has participated in this reading initiative ever since the news station invited schools from across the region to read more in February. We totaled up our minutes and are pleased to announce that we have reached our one million minute goal with a few more days in February left. Congratulations on meeting our goal. Students will be rewarded on the day before spring break!
Celebrating Black History Month
Some of our Kindergarten students listened to the book, "Mae Among the Stars" and learned about Mae Jemison, the first black woman astronaut in space. They tied that into their field trip visit to the planetarium.
PHM 2024 Online Major Savor Fundraiser
Our parents are welcome to purchase peelers to help Northpoint and the PHM Education Foundation. All sales for our school will be online, please be sure to check the box "credit student?" and choose Northpoint as the school to receive kickback funds. All of the peelers ordered will be sent directly to the address you provide. Please call the office if you have any questions. Click on the link below if you are interested in purchasing a peeler that saves you lots of money.
https://www.majorsaver.com/cards/
Kids Heart Challenge
Kids Heart Challenge™ is HERE! Northpoint Families, Kids Heart Challenge has officially kicked off!
Our kids will feel good by doing good, knowing they made a difference for kids just like them!
Watch the official kick-off video HERE to get to know our heart heroes! PLUS, this Online Envelope will show you all the thank you gifts your student can earn.
AHA is teaming up with NBA Pacer Basketball Team
As a special thank you for our school participating in Kids Heart Challenge this year, the American Heart Association is inviting you and your family to celebrate with us and the Indiana pacers on April 14th at 1:00PM. The promotions we have planned include:
- Ticket pricing starts at $17 with no box office fees!
- 25 students will be chosen at random to be on court during the Player Introduction.
- 20 students will be chosen at random to high five the players at halftime.
Hope to see you there!
Camp Invention Registration
Every year Northpoint hosts Camp Ivention which is a week long, hands-on STEM challenge program during the summer. If you are interested in registering your child please click on the flyer below. Spots go quickly as this is one of the popular camps during the summer.
PTO NEWS
Lucky Stars Auction - 3/1, 6-9 pm, Knollwood Country Club
Tickets are now on sale for our biggest fundraiser of the year. This adult-only event is always a great time! Spend time with Northpoint's staff and parents while enjoying food, live and silent auctions, entertainment, and a cash bar. Purchase your tickets by 2/22.
Volunteers Needed
Northpoint PTO needs help with the following upcoming events:
Lucky Stars Auction, 3/1
Book Fair, 3/18-22
Galaxy Gallery (art and talent showcase), 3/21
Staff Appreciation Week, 5/6-10
Multicultural Night, 5/9
Please email northpointpto@phm.k12.in.us if you have any questions or if you are able to volunteer some of your time.
Procedures for Car Pool Line
Due to an increased amount of car riders this year, we need to change our car pool procedures to provide a safer environment for our staff and students. Please be sure to pick up a car tag number in the office if you don't have one yet. We would appreciate your patience and cooperation as we implement the following new procedures;
1. Once you have entered the curb line up, please wait until you have been ushered forward to begin exiting the car pool line.
2. DO NOT pass around cars at any time while you are in the car pool line.
3. Cars will be stopped at the entrance to the the curb line to allow for all students to enter vehicles and exit safely.
4. Your child will be directed to walk safely to their vehicle that should be stopped along the curb.
5. If you are stopped at the entrance to the car pool line, you will be the lead car that should pull all the way up to the first cone . DO NOT STOP WHERE YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE STANDING.
6. PLEASE STAY OFF YOUR CELL PHONES DURING CAR POOL PICK UP.
7. If you need to help buckle in your child, please pull into the parking lot to do so and don't do so while driving in the carpool line as it holds up traffic flow.
8. Watch for the traffic ushers who will be wearing orange vests to direct you when in the curb lane.
9. IF THE BELL RINGS AND THERE ARE NO LONGER ANY ADULTS AT THE CURB, PLEASE PARK YOUR CAR AND WALK YOU CHILD INTO THE BUILDING.
We understand that waiting in a long line is frustrating, but we have to think of the safety of our students and staff members. We appreciate your support with these new procedures. Please call Mrs. White at 574-271-8598 or email her at lwhite@phm.k12.in.us if you have any questions.
Lunch with your child
https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=s.signup&urlid=10c0e49afa82da5fdcf8-lunch1&view=calendar
Consent Forms
Other Helpful Links
Safe School Helpline
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.
Northpoint Contact Information
Email: lwhite@phm.k12.in.us
Website: www.northpoint.phmschools.org
Location: 50800 Cherry Road, Granger, IN, USA
Phone: 574-271-8598
Twitter: @NorthpointStars