Kingsmen Nation
Rigor, Relevance, Relationships 2/4
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
Please CLICK HERE for PHM Safety Protocols. Please CLICK HERE for specific details that pertain to Penn.
P-H-M, Indiana Dept. of Health update COVID-19 guidelines/policies
PHM Families,
We recognize that some of the daily COVID communication you receive from our school may have reduced the focus on other essential communications related to your child's education. Therefore, we are discontinuing the daily email communications related to this information. However, our COVID-19 information related to positive cases will now be available on our school website. There will be an alert posted on the homepage of the website; simply click the alert and you will be able to access the school’s COVID case data. The cases will be recorded by the date the information was shared with the school. All close contacts associated with any positive case will be identified and notified. In some cases, contact tracing and identification of close contacts will be ongoing.
I would like to share the following updated guidance from the Indiana Department of Health for Schools:
If a masked student (regardless of vaccination status) or a mask exempt-vaccinated student is exposed to someone with COVID-19 during the school day, the student may stay in school as long as they continue to be asymptomatic, wear a well-fitted mask properly at all times for 10 days, and should consider testing on Day 5, if possible.
The definition of “school day” is from the time the student boards the bus at home or enters the building as a car rider in the morning until the student leaves school with a parent/guardian or exits the bus immediately following the school day. This period includes lunch and Kids Club but DOES NOT include extra-curricular activities or events.
If an exposed student has symptoms develop, get a test or stay home for five days from the symptoms start date and if positive, follow isolation guidance. If the test is negative, return to school when symptoms have resolved.
Mask exempt students who are identified as a close contact remain subject to quarantine.
Additional guidance:
We will continue to notify parents/guardians of exposure and request they monitor their child for symptoms.
If individuals have a documented positive test for COVID -19 within the last 90 days, they are exempt from quarantine and testing for 90 days from the positive date. However, we still recommend staying home if symptoms develop until they resolve and/or seek appropriate guidance from their health care provider.
Beginning immediately, both positive and negative results for At-Home COVID tests are accepted. Individuals who test negative must still be fever-free for 24 hours without medication, and any symptoms they have must be resolved/improving.
Snowball Dance tickets go on sale at noon on Sunday, Feb. 6.
Snowball Dance tickets go on sale at noon on Sunday, Feb. 6.
Tickets will go on sale on Sunday, Feb. 6. at noon.
Click here to purchase tickets (the link will not be live until noon, Sunday, Feb. 6)
There will be no in-person sales of tickets. Tickets are limited to two (2) per student. Masks are required. A maximum of 1,200 tickets will be sold.
Click here for complete information.
Class of 2022 Diploma forms must be filled out by Wednesday, Feb. 9
Summer School information available
2022 Penn Summer School Registration Information
Summer Health- Click here for information
Summer PE- Click here for information
Online Summer School Courses
Students must have approval and sign-up through their counselor. No exceptions!
For questions and registration, please contact your Penn High School counselor.
Penn students excel in Scholastic Art Award competition
Art of winners will be displayed in an impressive public exhibition in the Warner Gallery at the South Bend Museum of Art in the Century Center from Saturday, Feb. 5, until Saturday, March 12. This year’s reception for artists, families, and teachers will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 12-5 p.m., as an open house featuring artist demonstrations, music, and more. The event is free and open to the public.
Penn Football 2022 season Cheerleader Tryouts set for March 28-30
Penn Football Cheerleader Tryouts for the 2022 season will be held March 28, 29, 30th at Penn High School.
If you are interested, please email Varsity Coach Rita Szweda at rszweda@phm.k12.in.us before March 25 and she will provide the tryout information and your name will be added to the tryout list.
Summer Science Program offers learning opportunities
The Summer Science Program offers teens an exhilarating and inspiring immersion into hands-on experimental science. Working in teams of three, 36 participants and 7 faculty form a supportive “living and learning community” over 39 days. Each team completes a real research project, taking and analyzing original data. Afterward, they join a worldwide network of 2,500+ alumni of all ages. In 2022 we will operate six programs:
- three in Astrophysics: research in near-earth asteroid orbit determination at New Mexico Tech, Univ. of Colorado Boulder, and Univ. of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- two in Biochemistry: research in fungal crop pathogens at Purdue Univ. and Indiana Univ.
- one in Genomics: research in evolution of antibiotic resistance, also at Purdue
If you'd like help in your application, please reach out to Mr. Gensic jgensic@phm.k12.in.us
Laser Music Shows on Feb. 11-12 feature Metallica, Led Zeppelin, U2, Laser Vinyl
Starting the weekend of Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12, the PHM DVT/Planetarium will have its first of FOUR weekends of LASER MUSIC SHOWS! We begin with Metallica, Led Zeppelin, U2, and Laser Vinyl! All tickets are $5 and seats can be reserved by visiting the DVT webpage (Select “Community” and then “DVT & Planetarium”) on the PHM Schools website or tickets can be purchased at the door with cash, check, or card 30 minutes before the show starts. The DVT is located inside Bittersweet Elementary.
Come and join us for a professional-quality laser music show, featuring intricate patterns and characters and a (water-vapor) haze machine.
LASER METALLICA February 11 Friday 6:30 pm
For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ain't My B***h, Fuel, One, Nothing Else Matters, Master of Puppets, Unforgiven II, Sad But True, Enter Sandman
LASER ZEPPELIN February 11 Friday 8:00 pm
Song Remains the Same, Over the Hills and Far Away, Good Times, Bad Times, Immigrant Song, No Quarter, Black Dog, Livin', Lovin' Maid, Kashmir, Stairway to Heaven, Whole Lotta Love, Rock -n- Roll
LASER U2 February 12 Saturday 6:30 pm
Where the Streets Have No Name, I Will Follow, Beautiful Day, Sunday Bloody Sunday, October, The Fly, Mysterious Ways, Pride, Zoo Station, With or Without You, Desire, New Year's Day
LASER VINYL February 12 Saturday 8:00 pm
AC/DC - Back in Black, Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Karn Evil 9, Van Halen - Jump, Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody, Kansas - Carry On My Wayward Son, Kiss - Rock-n-Roll All Night, Aerosmith - Dream On, Boston - Rock-n-Roll Band, Journey - Separate Ways, Pink Floyd - One Of These Days
Art Gallery features Student Exhibition
Girls Lacrosse practices start Monday, Feb. 14
Girls Lacrosse Mandatory Practices start Monday, Feb. 14.
Please email Coach Eutsey for the Schedule: aeutsey@phm.k12.in.us
Graduation Date
As of now, guest capacity will be at 75 percent (5,040) and all guests, graduates, and platform party members will need to be masked at all times while indoors.
COVID vaccination clinic set for Tuesday, Feb. 8
Penn-Harris-Madison's health partner, St. Joseph Health System, will hold another COVID vaccination clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Schmucker Middle School, from 5-7 p.m. The first dose, second dose, and booster shots will be available for all eligible participants. Information can be found here.
Parent Volunteers needed for Winter Dance
Parent Volunteers are needed for Snowball, Penn's Winter Dance, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 (7:30-11 p.m.).
Sign up can be located at
Kingsmen Tutors available to assist with academic progress
Earn college credits while in high school
Current Sophomores and Juniors . . .
Would you like to start earning credits toward your college degree and have Penn High School cover the tuition? The Penn High School Advanced CTE CC Program is a way for high school students to begin college coursework and/or prepare for a career.
Students take classes at area colleges and will receive a college transcript from their respective college. These are actual college classes, taught by college professors on their campus. Penn is able to pay for CTE (career and technical classes) in the areas of business, architecture, communication, public health and more. Colleges establish the course offering and days/time the classes are in session. Students may choose an area that matches their intended college major, their career plan or personal interest area. This is also a great opportunity for parents/guardians and students to save on college tuition expenses.
We offer a Pharmacy Technician Certification program through Indiana University at South Bend for SENIORS only. When students complete the program they receive their certification from the State of Indiana and will be licensed to work in any pharmacy.
Courses in the Advanced CTE CC program will meet one of the requirements for the Academic and Technical Honor Diplomas.
If you are interested in learning more or in taking a class next year, make sure to add Advanced CTE to your schedule for next year. If you have questions, please see Mrs. Ball in room 251 or email her with questions at mball@phm.k12.in.us.
e-Learning for Grades 9, 10, 12 on Wednesday, March 2; SAT for Juniors on Wednesday, March 2
Students in grades 9, 10 and 12 will have an e-Learning day on Wednesday, March 2.
Prom committee to meet on Wednesdays
Prom is April 30 in the Century Center from 8-11pm. This committee consists of juniors who are interested in planning prom. Please contact Mrs. Tiebout, atiebout@phm.k12.in.us or Mrs. Weaver, kweaver@phm.k12.in.us if you have any questions.
Free breakfast & lunch for students to continue to be available second semester.
Free breakfast and lunch will continue to be available second semester.
Please make sure to give your ID number to a cashier before leaving the serving area.
Thank you for your patience as we take numbers so we can continue this program.
Learn about Math competitions opportunity
SEL lessons for January-February
Important Ski Club changes
Penn Ski Club- please read and put into your calendar the changes listed below.
We will now be going to Swiss Valley on Monday nights due to a bus driver shortage.
The first night will be Monday, Jan. 10, then Jan. 24, and Jan. 31, with the last night Feb. 7, if there are no cancellations due to bad weather. Monday, Feb. 14, will be the make-up night.
We will still leave Penn at 4:30 and Granger Dairy Queen around 4:45.
Hopefully you can pick up your cards the week of Dec. 13. Mrs. Brown will send an email when she has the passes.
Penn Ski Club is a go this year. You must be signed up and paid by Friday, Dec.3.
Students may pick up information in the bookstore and on the door for Room 160.
Also students may download the information and print it themselves. There are 3 sheets to be printed and returned, and there is a bus information form for you to keep.
Ski Club Medication Authorization Form
In addition, Ski Club members must be registered in Register My Athlete.
Prom 2022 seeks student volunteers
Are you interested in helping to plan and organize prom? You must be a junior and be able to attend meetings, and some outside work is required. You also are committing to setting up before and briefly helping to take down decorations after prom. There are perks! (Come to the meeting to find out.)
Our first meeting is December 8th at 8 a.m. in Room 264 (Mrs. Weaver's room next to the Fitness Center upstairs). Please email Mrs. Tiebout, atiebout@phm.k12.in.us if you plan to attend.
Additional Kingsmen Spirit Gear now available
Troop Town Project underway
Troop Town hopes to break ground in May of 2022.
Visit https://www.mishawakatrooptown.org/ to learn more about the project and to donate.
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.
Help build a bright future as a P-H-M employee
Parents, guardians, grandparents and community members can help build a bright future as an employee of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation.
Who would work better in P-H-M schools than those with a vested interest in the success of P-H-M schools? It's a unique way to give back to the community.
In addition to the many benefits of working in P-H-M schools, it offers parents/guardians the opportunity to be on the same schedule as their children in terms of start and finish times to the school day, as well as winter break, spring break, etc.
Click here for current openings.
Please check out the infographics below regarding employment with P-H-M.
Become a Penn Booster !!!!
We truly appreciate your dedication and support of Penn High School. The Penn Booster's main function is to enhance the overall educational experience for the students here at PHS, and we couldn’t do it without you. The Boosters provides resources for our PHS athletic and student groups through various fundraising efforts, including events, sponsorships, donations, concession stand income, and most importantly through our memberships.
Memberships are $10 a year and are open to anyone interested in supporting Penn. Becoming a Booster Member does not mean you have to be on the Booster Board. You can be a representative for your respective athletic or academic team and be the liaison to the Board, or you can just support the Booster program by becoming a member with your $10 donation.
We are also excited to have launched our new Booster website. Please visit us at http://www.pennboosters.org as we continue to connect with the PHM community.
If you are interested in sharing your gifts or talents with the Boosters, we would very much enjoy finding an opportunity for you to do that. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and talk about how you can help our group continue to provide the “Gold Standard” that we are accustomed to here at Penn.
Click here for details.
Work Permits no longer required
The State of Indiana is creating an Employer Registration system for any employer that employs five (5) or more minors.
Effective 7/1/2021, Indiana will no longer require work permits for minor employees. Employers will no longer be required to complete the “Intent to Employ” form, and schools will no longer issue work permits.
Employers will be responsible for maintaining an accurate list of all minor employees. If an employer has four (4) or fewer minor employees, registration will not be required. This registration does not have any impact on the work hour requirements for minors. All employers must still comply with the Teen Work Hour Restrictions.
Student Lunch Delivery Policy
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.
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.
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.
Counseling Center Staff Directory
Scholarship list
Meet the PTO
CLICK HERE for PTO updates, calendar and more.
Penn PTO is a group of devoted parents and volunteers who work hand-in-hand with administration to support our students, staff and teachers through events that bring together community and show appreciation.
The PTO provides grants to our teachers, clubs and student groups.
We also coordinate Snowball (an event your student will not want to miss), teacher appreciation week and monthly appreciation events for teachers and staff, as well as organizing and funding things such as Freshman Frenzy.
We have meetings once a month and would love for you to join us and learn more. Please email pennhspto@gmail.com to be added to our meeting invite list for a virtual meeting option or check the calendar and join us in person.
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!
Gardening Club to meet on Tuesday, Feb. 8
Chess Club to meet on Tuesday, Feb. 8
Chess Club will meet on Tuesdays after school until 4:15 p.m. in Room 247. The club is for anyone who is interested in learning chess or playing the game with their peers. Everyone is welcome to join regardless of experience! Contact Mrs. White at dwhite@phm.k12.in.us with any questions.
Japanese Club to meet on Wednesday, Feb. 9
Republican Club to meet on Thursday, Feb. 10
Esports team seeks players for Valorant, Rocket League, Overwatch or Super Smash Bros
Science Academic Super Bowl meetings held on Thursdays
Interested in joining?
Do these 3 things:
- Join our email group list by emailing Mrs. Tiebout.
- Transportation fees ($10) are due by the end of the month in the bookstore.
- Go to www.registermyathlete.com and select Academic Super Bowl - Science to sign up.
Girl Up Club seeks members
The Girl Up Club is seeking members. The club seeks to inspire girls in the Penn High School community to become leaders, change-makers and discover their true voices.
GSA meetings scheduled
Volunteer at the Humane Society
On Saturday mornings, Penn Animal Outreach Club will be volunteering a small group of members to take care of cats at St. Joe Humane Society (2056 Grape Rd.).
Any students are welcome to sign up! The dates are listed in the Google sheet below. Each session is from 9 a.m. to noon and sign up is first come first serve.
If you are under 16, you must fill out the waiver and code of conduct attached below and bring it to the event. Also, we must have one parent chaperone per event, so if your parent can volunteer their time please let us know in the google sheet. The parent must also fill out the waiver attached below and the sign up sheet.
The center also requires that each volunteer have a written note saying that their parents allow them to be chaperoned by the volunteering parent. Since we are taking care of cats, please do not come if you are allergic in any way.
Click here for the Humane Society Code of Conduct form.
Sign up sheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f-FraCz59uAL4kWFTZ7PxrBZ5IzuOrOEKoV8mDvkhbM/edit
Penn Dance Marathon seeks members
Are you interested in joining Penn Dance Marathon? Dance Marathons are held in hundreds of high schools and colleges around the nation and they benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals all around the country. We raise money for Riley Children's Hospital throughout the school year. This is through various means of fundraising such as restaurant giveback nights, canning at sporting events, and individual fundraising on DonorDrive. We also interact with fellow Riley Families and hold a multi-hour fundraising event in April where we reveal our earnings. The club is open to everyone and there are no dues or fees.
To sign up go to this link:https://forms.gle/yWFw6XKuAnUbRNWMA
Apply to be on our executive board with this link: https://forms.gle/3Nz39wRG7f3G9gEv9
Quiz Bowl meets Mondays/Wednesdays
Quiz Bowl Practice Info
Quiz Bowl meets on Mondays/Wednesdays from 3:30-4:15 pm in Room 136
Interested? Email Mr. May (bmay@phm.k12.in.us) or Mr. Conner (aconner2@phm.k12.in.us)
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
Penn Athletics All-Sports Passes on sale
Penn Kingsmen All-Sports Passes are now $30 for students and $50 for adults for Winter/Spring Sports.
They can be purchased online at: https://phm.revtrak.net/Student-Athlete-Fees/Athletic-Passes/#/list
Join Kingsmen 100
1. GET AN ALL SPORTS PASS
2. SHOW THE STRENGTH COACHING STAFF
3. ATTEND PENN ATHLETIC EVENTS
4. SHOW STRENGTH COACHING STAFF ROSTER FROM EVENT
5. CHEER ON THE KINGSMEN
CLICK HERE for details.
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
Community events open to P-H-M students and families
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
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.
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
Penn High School Calendars
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.
ebooks now available through Penn High School
Certified Lifeguards needed
Penn needs certified lifeguards to work during after school hours.
Pay: $10 an hour.
Times: Monday-through-Friday 3:30-6 p.m. and/or 6-8 p..m.; Saturdays 7:30-10 a.m. and/or 10 a.m.-Noon.
Email Mrs. Crist, jcrist@phm.k12.in.us, if you are interested.