Kingsmen Nation
Rigor, Relevance, Relationships 10/9
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
Students wishing to transition from Virtual to Hybrid learning
Please complete this form by 10/16 if you wish to have your child move from 100% virtual learning to our current Hybrid in-person schedule beginning on 10/27.
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.
PSAT planned for Oct. 14 and Oct. 29
Given the current schedule, we will administer the PSAT on two separate dates.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 (Black Day)
Students in grades 10-11 whose last names begin with the letters A-L including students who have been working virtually are scheduled to test.
Thursday, October 29, 2020 (Gold Day)
Students in grades 10-11 whose last names begin with the letters M-Z including students who have been working virtually are scheduled to test.
Test day adjustments
Only students who are testing will report to school on these two dates.
All other students will be provided asynchronous lessons in Canvas, with consideration given to those students who will be testing.
All seniors and non-testing juniors who attend programs such as Building Trades, Cadet Teaching, and the Elkhart Area Career Center should report to those programs as normally scheduled.
More information regarding these two dates was provided by Principal Sean Galiher in an email to each student and each parent/guardian registered in Skyward.
New tardy process
The Attendance Office has a new “Tardy” practice. A QR Code (pictured above) is attached to the Security booth window and attendance booth. This process was implemented to streamline the process and to limit the need for multiple touch scenarios involving writing implements and clipboards.
The process is simple and quick.
- Your device must be signed into your PHM Google account. If not you will be asked/required.
- Activate your camera to scan the QR Code.
- For ANDROID devices, you must download a QR Code reader app.
- For IOS, you just need to activate the camera and follow the prompts on the screen.
- Fill out the form to provide the following information:
- Student ID
- First Name
- Last Name
- See Attendance person for “Tardy Pass” inside.
Penn masks on sale in Bookstore
Cameras on expectation for Virtual Learners
Charge Chromebooks before attending school
Penn does not have extra charges to loan out.
Picture re-take dates set
All picture retakes - including senior pictures - are Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Thursday, Nov. 12. The photos will be taken in the hallway between the Cafeteria and the Arena.
Virtual Learner re-takes will be on Monday, Nov. 9, from noon to 6 p.m. in the hallway between the Cafeteria and the Arena.
Virtual Learners must enter at Door A and follow all COVID-19 protocols (mask/physical distance/self-monitor).
How to order school photos information
To order school pictures please go the the following website:
Order Code: 50231FB
Student may only ride on assigned bus
Student before-school drop-off procedures
Student after-school pick-up procedures
Free Lunch!
Thanks to a USDA waiver, all meals served to students at P-H-M will be free until further notice.
Student accounts will be charged for any ala-carte sales.
- Click here for Penn's Menu for Meals in October.
Penn High School will offer pre-packaged breakfasts. Students will select pre-packaged meal components in the cafeteria.
Penn will also be offering take-home meals for students. The meals will cover the days when students are learning from home. Meals will be given out at the end of the day on Wednesday and Friday. The package will contain three breakfast and three lunch meals. Items will be frozen if possible and bags will have heating and storage instructions.
We will have meals available for the 100 percent virtual learners from all schools and the community. Meals will be distributed at Penn High School Door C from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. It will be the same type of bag with only four meals on Wednesday and six on Friday. Students do not need to be present for the parent or guardian to pick up meals. Student ID’s will not be required.
Free/Reduced meals & Textbook Assistance information
We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents to complete the application for Free/Reduced Price meals as well as textbook assistance. We know at this time that all students are receiving free lunches and many parents may not realize the need to complete the application for Free/Reduced Price Meals to qualify for textbook assistance.
Unfortunately, without completing the application and qualifying for textbook assistance, you will be responsible for school/textbook fees for your child(ren).
Click here for the income guidelines and application link.
Hybrid Calendar/schedules
Click here for the Hybrid Class & Lunch schedule.
Click here for the Hybrid Two-Hour Delay schedule.
Return to Learn safety protocols
Penn High School began its Hybrid Return to Learning plan on Monday, Sept. 21.
This document outlines our Return to Learn safety protocols as it relates to arrival and dismissal procedures, passing periods, lunch and classroom instruction.
Report student COVID-19 related symptom information to Penn
If a student presents one or more COVID-19 related symptoms, this information must be communicated to the school attendance office - 258-9501.
The following list shares those symptoms.
Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by the mouth
New onset of severe headache, especially with fever
New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Any student with one or more COVID-19 related symptom must stay home. If the student is at school, the student must be picked up within one hour of the parent being contacted. An additional conversation will need to take place with school officials to determine the correct plan of action. The student showing symptoms of COVID-19 could be subject to a 14-day quarantine.
PTO seeks candy donations
The PTO will be distributing candy to our PENN staff and administrators as a token of our appreciation.
Please drop off donations of individually wrapped candy bags with your student to main office, in person to Door A or to Barb Zuidema's house by Oct. 13, at 52375 Spring Arbor Ct., Granger.
We hope to collect 60 + bags to send a "sweet thank you" to PENN staff and administrators.
Thank-a-Teacher Program
Teachers and staff are going above and beyond during these uncertain times. Find a way to say THANK YOU! The minimum donation is $20 per recipient and the money received is used to fund future grants for programs that wouldn't otherwise be possible due to budget cuts. Your special person will receive a note and congratulatory pin acknowledging your donation.
All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. We are also taking credit cards as payment. Forms can be downloaded at www.phmef.org. Thanks for your continued support for the P-H-M Education Foundation where our mission is to support excellence in education at P-H-M schools! Questions can be emailed to laynabender@phmef.org
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Mental Health
1. In order to share information about stress and stress management in a new way that is easily accessible to P-H-M's parents/guardians, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation SEL & Mental Health has united with community partners from Notre Dame, Reflections Counseling, Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, and Youth Service Bureau via a virtual panel format to create a video. The video includes a brief overview of the neurobiology of stress and what may be happening in our bodies due to COVID, tips for healthy stress management, the importance of modeling stress management for our students, helping to create a sense of psychological safety, information about supports offered at the elementary and middle schools through Youth Services Bureau, and how to access supports via P-H-M's counseling offices at the middle and high school. Please find the link to the video here: https://youtu.be/ZiD2yxReqpg
A very special thank you to our own incredible experts, including our amazing counselors. Mrs. Autumn Stout from Discovery, Mrs. Nancy Block from Grissom, Mrs. Stacy Eck from Schmucker, and Mr. John Westra from Penn High who were an integral part of this panel. Thank you also to our awesome community partners, Dr. Nancy Michael from Notre Dame, Dr. Heather Holleman and Dr. Jennie Knapp both from Reflections Counseling, Ms. Kim Neff from Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, and Ms. Laurie Ellis from Youth Service Bureau.
2. The SEL lessons for this month will focus on the SEL competencies of Mindset, Collaboration, Connection and Regulation. Specifically, we will talk about the importance of having a Growth Mindset and embracing the "Power of Yet" so we continue learning and growing, including growing from mistakes or setbacks. Lessons will also address the importance of being empathetic to others and showing care and concern to help others and ourselves.
2 The SEL Lessons for October will focus on the SEL Competencies of insight, regulation, collaboration, and connection. Specifically, we will teach students about concepts that fall under the umbrella of Emotional Intelligence; understand how their emotions can impact their body and touch on the concept of neuroplasticity of our brains; what empathy is and how to show it to others; and how to demonstrate care and concern for others in appropriate ways.
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.
Please participate in the U.S. Census
Penn High School would like to draw your attention to a very important event that will impact our school, community, and country for the next decade, and is taking place right now nationwide: the United States Census.
Please click on this link to read important information regarding the census and how your participation can help you, your family and our community.
Click here for Census resources.
Yearbook seeking feature images
If you'd like to be featured in the yearbook, we have some images we're looking for!
Specifically, if you have any cute pictures with your friends, family, pets, or by yourself from this summer, please email them to Branigan Thomas at bthomas066@phm.k12.in.us along with a short summary on what you were doing, your name, and your grade level!
If you have anything like the above but for autumn, you can email those pictures and that information to Paige Parker at pparker753@phm.k12.in.us
Purchase a 2020-2021 Yearbook
If you'd like to purchase the 2020-2021 yearbook, you can place your order any time at Jostens.com !
The sooner you order, the lower the price, so order ASAP!
Shipment price is built into the cost of the book, so make sure you give a shipment address that you want the book to be shipped to next fall!
For yearbook related questions, you can email Mrs. Pfernere at kpeterson@phm.k12.in.us
P-H-M Education Foundation Zoom for Education
Join us for the Zoom for Education Virtual Fitness Challenge! This brand new event is perfect for the whole family, from the experienced runner to the casual walker. Run solo on your treadmill, with your family around the block, or find a new place to explore! Not a runner? Choose your way to move (swim, bike, hike, row, dance, play a sport, or do cartwheels if that's your thing) to complete a 1 Mile, 5K, or 10K challenge anytime between Friday, October 9 and Sunday, October 11.
Zoom for Education will include exciting contests, fun surprises, PLUS...the top FIVE schools with the most participants (% of enrollment) will win $1,000!!! Grab your friends and family from across the country to join you in this exciting virtual movement that promotes healthy lifestyles and supports your P-H-M community. Price is $10 per person.
Please visit www.phmef.org for more information and updates.
Connect with Kingsmen Court
Follow Kingsmen Court !!!
Instagram: @pennkingsmencourt
Twitter: @courtkingsmen
Information about how to apply to your student council is coming soon!
E-mail us with any questions @penn-kingsmen-court-grp@phm.k12.in.us
New student assignments for Counselors announced
Click here for the list of Counselors, student assignments and contact information.
PTO introduction, update
The Penn PTO welcomes you to join us for the 2020-2021 school year. While this year may look diferent, the purpose of the PTO is still vital.
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!
Click here to read this week's edition of PTO Corner, which includes important dates & information.
Social Studies Academic Team to meet on Tuesday, Oct. 13
The Social Studies Academic Team will have a Virtual Meeting from 8-8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Email ebowers@phm.k12.in.us for the link.
Click here to join the email list.
Around the World in 180 Days Club to meet on Tuesday, Oct. 13
Around the World in 180 Days Club, the former Armenian Club, will have two Virtual Meetings in October. Both meetings will take place on Fridays from 8-8:30 a.m.
October 2nd topic - Country of Armenia
October 16 topic - Country of Georgia
Email ebowers@phm.k12.in.us for the link.
Dance Marathon meeting set for Wednesday, Oct. 14, and Thursday, Oct. 15
The first general members meeting of the year for Dance Marathon is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 & Thursday, October 15 at 3:30 in the afternoon! The Executive Committee has been hard at work making decisions for Penn Dance Marathon for the 2020-2021 school year.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing our ideas with you. The meeting will be held virtually, so be sure to check our Dance Marathon Instagram page for the Google Meet code prior to the meeting! Choose whichever day you will be a virtual student. In-person students will likely still be traveling home at the time the meeting begins. See you soon!
Freshmen Mentoring set for Monday, Oct. 12
GSA meetings scheduled
Kingsmen Against Cancer to meet on Thursday, Oct. 15
The meeting location is yet to be determined but will be sent on the email list.
More information can be found on the pennkac twitter or Instagram and questions can be sent to pennkac@gmail.com
Kingsmen Community Care Club
We are so excited to be back! Our club, Kingsmen Community Care, is still happening this year.
Kingsmen Community Care is a partnership with the Center for the Homeless in South Bend.
In the past year we hosted many donation drives and hosted two events for the children that live there, a Fall Festival and a Movie Night. Although we cannot be in person for quite some time this year, we do have many exciting things planned.
Our meetings will be on an Instagram live for followers or anyone else that would like access. We then will be saving the livestream and emailing it out so that the information can be watched at your convenience. To share your email and to be put on our email list please email either ehenderson006@phm.k12.in.us or cperkins023@phm.k12.in.us or contact Mrs. Weaver with any further questions you may have. We are very excited for this year and hope you are too!
Thank you!
Eva Henderson and Chloe Perkins
Kingsmen Community Care Co-Presidents
National Honor Society application information
Juniors and Seniors-
If you are interested in becoming a member of NHS, email ktagliaferri@phm.k12.in.us to be added to a Canvas course for applying. In your email please include your full name, ID number, Graduation Year, first block Room Number on Gold and Black days, and whether you are in-person or virtual.
Writers' Guild to meet on Friday, Oct. 16
Basketball Cheer tryouts Oct. 19-21
Basketball Cheer tryouts will be Monday, October 19, Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Penn High School from 4-6:30 p.m.
Cheer candidates must enter through Door D.
Sign up at registermyathlete.com in order to participate. You must be registered on registermyathlete.com before October 19 to participate.
Email Varsity Coach Rita Szweda for the tryout information at: rszweda@phm.k12.in.us.
Baseball Open Field set for Mondays and Wednesdays starting on Sept. 21
Mondays and Wednesdays: Juniors and Seniors
Tuesdays and Thursdays: Freshmen and Sophomores
- Times remains the same 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Make sure all necessary paper is completed
- IHSAA Questionnaire - An athlete cannot stay and participate next week without this completed.
- Register My Athlete - Students cannot train with the baseball team if this is not updated.
- Student-Athlete Responsibilities - You are responsible for self-checking at home for signs and symptoms of possible COVID-19 (must stay at home if sick), to let the Coaching Staff know directly if you're not feeling well.
- Wearing a mask to and from training, bringing your own (well-marked) water bottle which cannot be shared, and cleaning your clothing after every training session is mandatory.
Boys Lacrosse meeting for Freshmen/New Players set for Wednesday, Oct. 14
If you are interested in joining our team for the 2020-2021 Season, we are holding an in-person meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria (enter through Door D). Masks and social distancing are required.
We ask ONLY Freshmen and NEW player families attend (a mandatory parent/player meeting will be held for ALL players in February).
Registration closes Oct. 30, so this will be your one opportunity to learn about this amazing sport! If you have any questions, you can email Myra Sweeney: myjim11@sbcglobal.net
All-Sports passes on sale
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.
Bittersweet Railroad Crossing Alert
Stop signs have been installed on Bittersweet Rd. (north of McKinley) at the railroad crossing. Stop signs have also been added on Cedar Trail, Birch Road, Apple Road, and Ash Rd. (County Line). Please use caution and be aware of the new stops on routes to Penn.
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
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
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.