Kingsmen Nation
Rigor, Relevance, Relationships 9/2
Sean Galiher, Principal
Email: srgaliher@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://penn.phmschools.org/
Phone: 574-258-9503
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennHighSchool/
Twitter: @SeanGaliher
PNN Broadcast for 9.2.2022
This is the Penn News Network broadcast for 9.2.2022.
Sign-up for the Penn Homecoming Parade
Penn High School will host a homecoming parade on Friday, Sept. 23, at 5:30 p.m. Penn Clubs or Teams are invited to participate.
Participating groups could win money from the PHM Education Foundation for receiving the most votes for their group. First place will receive $1,500 for their club/team.
Click here to sign-up for the Penn Homecoming Parade (deadline Monday, Sept. 12).
Class meetings re-cap
Principal Sean Galiher and Assistant Principal Sarah Hendricks recently hosted virtual class meetings. During these class meetings, students were introduced to Student Services and our deans: Mr. Bonner, Mr. Fairbotham, and Mr. DeDario.
We explained our theme for the year “Keep Pedaling”, and the Penn Take 3 Motto. Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each other, Take Care of this Place.
Along with this Theme and discussions on goal setting we also explored student expectations. A few key takeaways from the virtual meetings:
Student Services is here to help! The Deans and staff are here to help students struggling with all aspects of academics and social emotional issues.
Attendance is extremely important and a focus of the dean's office. We will be monitoring and intervening with students who have chronic attendance issues. Our goal is to make all students persistent attendees.
Students who receive three tardies will serve a lunch detention.
Students should have received ID’s and are expected to wear them and show them to enter the building. If they are lost or you didn’t receive one, we will soon be able to make them in the IMC. An announcement will be made when this is available.
Students should not be wearing hats or hoodies in the building, showing midriffs, or using blankets in lieu of a jacket or sweatshirt.
Vaping is prohibited on campus and vape detectors are throughout the building.
Student Parking procedures were reviewed.
Reminders of the Safe School helpline. See something, say something. This is an anonymous tip line.
Football game reminders: no bags or drinks in the student section.
We look forward to having additional virtual meetings throughout the school year.
Breakfast and Lunches are not free to all students in 2022-2023
Breakfasts and lunches are not free this year to all students.
Students must have money on their account or in hand for lunch and breakfast unless they have been approved for free meals this school year.
- Breakfast $1.50
- Lunch $2.50
Free/Reduced meal applications are available on SchoolCafe.com
Attendance located at Door C
- Students who get an early dismissal will now be checking out and leaving through Door C.
- Parents who plan to pick up their students early can do so at Door C until 2:40 p.m.
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.
Pharmacy Technician Certification program available
Have you thought about a career as a Pharmacist? Would you like to get a step ahead of the game during high school?
We offer a Pharmacy Technician Certification program through Indiana University at South Bend for SENIORS only and it’s not too late to join. Classes begin Monday, Sept. 12. When students complete the program they receive their certification from the State of Indiana and will be licensed to work in any pharmacy. Penn takes care of the tuition and families are responsible for the purchase of books.
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, please follow this link. If you would like to enroll yet this semester, please contact Mrs. Black at dblack@phm.k12.in.us.
Model U.N. seeks participants
Model U.N. information meetings will be starting soon. This year we will be competing at Notre Dame, University of Michigan, and Indiana University. To receive updates, please check out our website.
Spell Bowl practice set for Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 8
The first Spell Bowl practices will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 8, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Room 118.
If you are interested in being a member of Penn's perennial state power Spell Bowl Team, please email Ms. Yarrell ayarrell@phm.k12.in.us
Voter Registration for students set for Tuesday, Sept. 20, and Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Penn
Tuesday, Sept. 20, is National Voter Registration Day.
Representatives from the St. Joe County Board of Voter Registration will be at Penn during all lunches on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and Wednesday, Sept. 21, to register eligible voters. You must be 18 on or before Tuesday, Nov. 8, to register to vote. You may also register to vote online at the Indiana Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) Public Information Site.
Japanese Exchange Program informational meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 8
There will be an informational meeting for all students interested in participating in the Japanese Exchange Program with Yamate Gakuin on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 103.
Jobs available for Penn students
Click here for information about jobs available for Penn students.
Dyslexia Screening to begin Aug. 29
Universal Screening for Dyslexia (a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words), will be conducted from Aug. 29, through Sept. 23.
DIBELS Benchmarking is the assessment used to perform our Universal Dyslexia Screening.
Click here for information.
Kingsmen Court seeks representatives
Applications for both Freshmen Kingsmen Court representatives and Club representatives are now available. Kingsmen Court is Penn's student government organization.
Freshmen representative application.
Club representative application.
Follow Kingsmen Court !!!
Instagram: @pennkingsmencourt
Twitter: @courtkingsmen
E-mail us with any questions @penn-kingsmen-court-grp@phm.k12.in.us
Academic Teams meeting set for Wednesday, Sept. 14
There will be an Academic Teams informational meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 3:30 p.m. in Rooms 257 & 259. The teams that will be discussed are: Spell Bowl, Quiz Bowl, Academic Super Bowl, TEAMS, and math competitions.
Learn about Penn's Academic Teams:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OOIpPIXeAF1ognOTKEgNEqd43Y6rnatBG3f0-3u_BlY/edit?usp=sharing
Kids Club need helpers
The P-H-M Kids Club after-school care needs extra helpers in the afternoons from 2:00-6:00 pm.
We can be flexible with days and hours for those who are interested in working
If you agree to work with us, any elementary school age child(ren) in the same building you're working may attend Kids Club for free.
For more information, please contact Binti Shah at: bshah@phm.k12.in.us or (574) 259-5231 ext. 43204
Return textbooks from 2021-2022 School Year
Textbooks - if you have any textbooks still checked out, please return them to the PHS bookstore as soon as possible. Bookstore hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Textbooks are to be returned to the bookstore at the end of each school year or when the class is complete.
Failure to return textbooks will result in additional charges.
Attendance
Powder Puff sign-up underway
Practices of Powder Puff start on Monday, Aug. 22, from 6:30-8 p.m. on the practice Football Field.
- Practice dates: 8/22, 8/29, 8/31, 9/7, 9/12, 9/14, 9/19
- Game night is Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m.
- To sign up please register on Register My Athlete. No Physical needed but you will need to pay the insurance fee.
- If you have questions stop by Room 128 and talk to Mrs Eutsey or email her aeutsey@phm.k12.in.us
Lifeguard Internships available
Students for Lifeguard Internships during blocks G1 & B4 are available. Student must already be Lifeguard certified. Contact Mrs. Crist at jcrist@phm.k12.in.us for details.
World Language/Social Science seeks student assistants/student interns
The World Language/ Social Science office is looking for student assistants/student interns.
Must be willing to
Be responsible
Be friendly and helpful
Be prepared to work hard
Have good attendance
Art Gallery seeks student assistants
We are still in need for responsible and trustworthy students to work as Student Assistants/ Gallery Docents in the Gallery and Room 154 for G2 and B3. You need be a junior or senior with grades maintained at a C or above to apply. See Miss Miller in Room 154 if you are possibly interested in doing this. It is an easy and kind of fun gig without a lot of work.
Important Documents to Complete Soon
Family Access is an important tool to use to review your student's information. Once you login please review all the documents contained in the Back to School Packet section. There are documents that need a response from you along with informational fliers. Remember to review your student's emergency contacts and submit any changes through Family Access.
The link to enter Family Access is https://skyward.phmschools.org. To learn more about Family Access, be sure to check out Skyward’s parent toolkit at https://www.skyward.com/parents-and-students/qmlativ-toolkit/parents. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the PHM Help Desk at familyaccess@phm.k12.in.us
Parents of incoming Penn students must complete Chromebook Parent Packet
Parents of 9th graders and new to district students. Please make sure you completed the Chromebook Parent Packet in Skyward. This is required to get a new Chromebook. Alternatively, this physical form can be printed and completed.
Alternate Door A Entrance Sidewalk
Penn High School will be undergoing some minor construction for a canopy at the Main Entrance (Door A) this fall. Door A will remain open throughout the project with all the safety procedures still in place. Anyone entering the building will continue to do so at Door A. There will be an alternate sidewalk to the north of Door A that will be protected from the construction. Please follow the posted signs.
Yearbooks arriving in mid-October
The Penn 2021-2022 yearbooks are scheduled to arrive in mid-October.
Return textbooks from 2021-2022
All students are asked to return textbooks from the 2021-2022 school year if you did not do that and the end of the last school year. The books may be returned to the Bookstore.
Penn High School Calendars
As part of the new Indiana law HB-1093, schools are limited to three days of e-Learning. The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation will use, if warranted, three weather-related e-Learning days as needed throughout the school year. If additional make-up days are required, they will be added to the end of the school year calendar beginning on June 2 with required student attendance.
Click here for the 2022-2023 Penn High School Gold/Black Calendar.
Click here for the 2022-2023 Penn-Harris-Madison School District Calendar.
Chromebook insurance
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. 16, 2022. If you purchase insurance after Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, 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.
Student Lunch Delivery Policy
If a student forgets their lunch, only a lunch from home will be able to be dropped off at Penn. In order to support P-H-M’s Wellness Guidelines, we ask that food from outside vendors not be dropped off at school. Services such as Door Dash, Uber Eats or Grub Hub are not permitted on campus.
Switching buses
If a student is planning on riding home with a friend on a bus different than their assigned bus, students must bring a note from both students' parents to be approved in the dean's office. They need to bring those first thing in the morning so we can call to verify.
DVT/Planetarium to resume public shows in September
The PHM DVT/Planetarium will resume public shows in September 2022! Please check back with us in late August/early September for our 2022-2023 public show programs!
Tickets are usually $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens and seats can be reserved by visiting the DVT webpage 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.
Key testing dates at Penn
October 12, 2022 PSAT/NMSQT & PSAT 8/9 Exams (Alt Date: 10-25-22)
- All students in grades 10-11 will take the PSAT/NMSQT exam
- Fee to be covered by the IDOE
- All students in grade 9 will take the PSAT 8/9
- Fee to be covered by P-H-M
Saturday Dates for the ACT at Penn High School (Students must register online with the ACT at www.act.org).
- Sept. 10
- Feb. 11
Saturday Dates for the SAT at Penn (students must register online with the College Board at www.collegeboard.org).:
- Aug. 27
- Oct. 1
- Dec. 3
- March 11
March 1, 2023 IDOE Administration of the SAT (Window March 1-3)
- Required for all 11th grade students.
- Students will be registered by the IDOE
- Fee to be covered by the IDOE
May 1-12, 2023 AP Exams
- Specific dates & times for each exam are established by the College Board.
Register to Vote
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
Penn Prom 2023 set for Saturday, May 13
Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, at the Century Center. Amy Tiebout and Kelsey Weaver are co-chairs.
To be considered for the Junior Prom planning committee, please fill out this form before Saturday, Dec. 10. Meetings will start at the beginning of Spring semester and will be held in Rooms 264/266.
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.
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.
Swim/Dive meeting set for Tuesday, Aug. 30
Attention Swimmers and Divers: Anyone interested in trying out for the Penn High School Swimming and Diving team should meet at the pool on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 3:30-3:50 p.m.
Girls Basketball mandatory meeting set for Tuesday, Aug. 30
There will be a mandatory meeting Tuesday, August 30, at 3:30 p.m., in Staff Dining for any student interested in trying out for the Girls Basketball Team for the 2022-2023 season. Fall Sports Athletes do NOT need to attend, but you need to email Coach K for important season information - kulrich@phm.k12.in.us
Baseball workouts start Wednesday, Sept. 7
Fall Ball for the Penn State Championship Baseball Program is scheduled to start on Wednesday, Sept. 7 (weather permitting). We will continue the following weeks on Monday and Wednesday right after school until 6 p.m.-ish
Make sure your registration is complete and you are cleared for participation.
If our numbers are large, there will be two groups - a Monday group and a Wednesday group, and a Tuesday group and a Thursday group, but as of right now it is Mondays and Wednesdays.
No player will be allowed to participate until the registermyathlete is completed.
Speed Training starts on Thursday, Sept. 8
Speed Training on Thursdays starts at 7:30 a.m., Door G on Thursday, September 8.
Students must register online to participate in Athletics
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.
Penn Youth Girls Basketball League Registration set for Sunday, Sept. 11
Registration for the Penn Youth Girls Basketball League for Girls in Grades 3-8 will be from 12-2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in the Penn Main Arena.
Sunday, Sept. 25, will be a practice day at Penn. There will also be a parent meeting.
Games start on Sunday, Oct. 2.
Click here for details/registration form.
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.
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.
Connect with a Kingsmen Tutor
If students want to meet with a Kingsmen Tutor for academic assistance, they need to see their counselor for a pass.
Counseling Center Staff Directory
Click here for the Counseling Center Staff Directory and contact information.
Scholarship list
Click here for the current scholarship list.
PTO introduction
CLICK HERE for a PTO overview and how to follow on social media.
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.
TableTop Games Club meets on Mondays in the IMC
Come socialize, make some friends with common interests, and play tabletop games with us! The Penn High School Tabletop Games Club has all types of board games, card games, and D&D!
We are currently looking for:
- AT LEAST two DM's (bring your own campaign. Players have characters made)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! players to d-d-d-d-duuuuuel!
- MTG players (possible tournament in the future?)
- People that just want to play random board games each week!
Meetings take place each Monday After school until 4:30 p.m. in the IMC. Sign up is located outside of Miss Soard's room (237)
Join Around the World in 180 Days Club
Want to learn about different countries? Hear stories from exchange students? Listen to guest speakers? Eat foreign food? Join the "Around the World in 180 Days" club. For more information, visit our website.
DECA to meet on Thursday, Sept. 8
There will be a DECA Meeting for ALL returning and new members on Thursday, Sept. 8, in LGI-B at 7:35 a.m.
MSA seeks volunteers for Feed the Hungry project
The MSA execs have been working hard through the summer for this upcoming event, the 2022 Feed the Hungry with Pious Projects! Come to the Islamic Society of Michiana ( 3310 East Hepler St., South Bend ) on Sunday, Oct. 9, to help us prepare meals for the Homeless. Be sure to fill out this Google form to volunteer. https://forms.gle/eb7i4rTYz6PGHdYt5 Please come to our first meeting on September 14 or visit the MSA website. We hope to see you there!
Random Acts of Kindness Club to meet Thursday, Sept. 15
The call out meeting for the Random Acts of Kindness Club (RAK) will take place on Thursday, Sept. 15, in Room 104. The meeting will be from 3:30-4 p.m. Everyone is welcome!
Hope to see you there!
Sra. Brazeau
Penn Assisting Seniors Club seeks members
The Penn Assisting Seniors Club seeks members.
The mission of the club is to help the elderly community and bring a smile to their faces through making cards, gift baskets, and running donation drives, along with visiting local retirement homes.
Penn Assisting Seniors Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:45 a.m. in Room 219.
Freshmen Mentoring set for Thursday, Sept. 8, and Friday, Sept. 9
Freshman Mentoring will be meeting on Thursday, Sept. 8, and Friday, Sept. 9.
Black Student Union seeks members
If you are interested in joining the Black Student Union Club, email Ms. Yarrell at ayarrell@phm.k12.in.us.
Spell Bowl seeks team members
If you are interested in being a member of Penn's perennial state power Spell Bowl Team, please email Ms. Yarrell ayarrell@phm.k12.in.us
Chess Club to meet on Tuesday, Aug. 30
The Chess Club will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, Aug 30, in Room 247 from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome. If you do not know how to play, but want to learn, we will teach you. If you have any questions please see Mrs. White in Room 247.
E-Sports meeting set for Wednesday, Sept. 7
E-Sports will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 3:30 p.m. in Room 258. All students interested in competing at Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. or Valorant should attend.
Writers' Guild to meet on Wednesday, Sept. 7
About Writers' Guild
The Writers’ Guild is a group of students who love creative writing in all of its forms-short stories, flash fiction, poems, fanfiction. We meet in order to foster creativity and share our work with each other. We trade ideas, techniques, and offer feedback in a supportive environment. We are open to all members of the student body, and you can join any time during the school year.
Opening Meeting
All meetings are open to all Penn Students. We will meet on the first and third Wednesday of the month. The first meeting is on...
Wednesday, Sept. 7
3:30-4:15 p.m.
Room: 239
Room: 239
Meeting Activities
- Monthly Events and Challenges
- Occasional Writing Marathons
- Information about Writing Camps and Competitions including Scholarship Opportunities
- Personal Write Time
- Writing Discussions
- Exchange of Writing Techniques
- Author’s Chair
Questions
If you have and questions, contact Mrs. Morton via email:
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
Transportation
Transportation: The P-H-M Transportation Dept. will be using the transportation routing platform, 3DEZRouting, for the 2022-23 school year. This will allow for streamlined communication that enables you to view bus information, make requests, and receive regular correspondence directly from the Transportation Department. It will be populated the week before school starts. The Parent Portal will provide frequently updated information. Please make sure to set up your portal account. All address, phone, and/or alternate site requests need to be sent to whayes@phm.k12.in.us or 574-258-9500 ext 20851. Please be sure to visit the PHM Transportation page for information and directions on how to set up your account. https://www.phmschools.org/transportation.
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.