Parents Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Mary Frank Elementary School

April 8 Solar Eclipse Information

While the Indianapolis area and south will experience 100% totality for the solar eclipse occurring on Monday, April 8, 2024, the St. Joseph County area will only experience 96%.

The Michiana area will start experiencing darkness at 1:53 p.m., lasting until 4:23 p.m., with 96% totality occurring at 3:09 p.m. and lasting just over 4 minutes.

Click to watch the video below and hear from P-H-M Digital Video Theater and Planetarium Director Melinda O’Malley as she shows us what to expect in our area.

Click here to see a Indiana Department of Natural Resources map of Indiana regions that will experience varying degrees of darkness. Click here to also get more background information on the Great American Eclipse website.

Because the partial eclipse time is occurring around elementary school dismissal times and based on the recommendations of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the IDOE, P-H-M will have an eLearning day on April 8. Click here for more information on that decision.

Thanks to Old National Bank and P-H-M Education Foundation, all students will have a pair of eclipse glasses to use at home when watching the eclipse with their families. The glasses will be sent home the week of March 25 before P-H-M’s Spring Break.

DVT Director Mrs. O’Malley demonstrates how the eclipse glasses should be used.

2024 Penn Musical, “The Music Man”

Penn’s school musical this year is “The Music Man.”

You won’t want to miss Penn’s talented student performers as they act out the play that follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef!

This year’s musical also includes the talents of a few P-H-M elementary and middle school students:

Mary Cortes, 5th grade, Prairie Vista Elementary School
Maxwell MacMillan, 5th grade, Mary Frank Elementary School
Anniston Steele, 7th grade, Grissom Middle School
Ezra Carrico, Katherine Hawkins, Benjamin Robertson and Noah Rohde, all in 8th grade, Schmucker Middle School

This isn’t the first year Penn’s musicals have included students from younger grades. In 2016, younger students also participated in “Mary Poppins.” But this is the first year in recent memory to have this many!

Visit bit.ly/PennMusicMan to purchase tickets.

FIRST-IN District Robotics Competition, March 2 & 3

The 2024 FIN Mishawaka FRC District Event will once again be held at Penn High School March 1st – 3rd (open to the public on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3). The event will be held in Penn’s Main Arena. See below for a daily schedule:

Saturday, March 2

10:30 – 11:00 a.m., Opening Ceremonies
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Qualifying Matches (No matches during Lunch, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)

Sunday, March 3

9:30 – 10:00 a.m., Opening Ceremonies
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Qualifying Matches
12:30 – 1:00 p.m., Alliance Selections
1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Lunch
2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Playoff Matches & Awards Ceremony

For elementary aged children, there’s also the Next Gen event from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The event will be upstairs–above Penn’s Main Arena–in the Fitness Center. This event is open to all children, not just P-H-M students. Children have the opportunity to do hands-on STEM activities, even operate a robot! Click here for pictures from last year’s event.

This year’s game is CRESCENDO^SM presented by Haas; click here to view a video about the game. FIRST^© Robotics Competition teams will use their STEM skills and creative power to turn up the volume as they design, build, and program their robots for action-packed game play. Watch the game animation to inspire ideas.

During our 2023-2024 arts-inspired robotics season, FIRST^® IN SHOW^SM presented by Qualcomm, FIRST Robotics teams will celebrate the roles STEM skills play in the arts and design, and how these skills help build a world of endless possibilities for students. Click here to learn more about FIRST^® IN and the District event being held at Penn High School.

2024 Young Authors’ Conference, Books & Bots

This year P-H-M Education Foundation’s Young Authors’ Conference is partnering up with the Next Gen Robotics event to bring you Books & Bots! This event blends literary innovations with robotic creations. It’s a wonderful opportunity for P-H-M students in Kindergarten – 5th grade. Click here to view photos on Facebook from last year’s Young Authors’ Conference; click here to view photos of the 2023 Next Gen event.

The 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.

Books & Bots is completely FREE! Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation and P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and his wife Donna Thacker for covering the cost of the YAC for the second year in a row from the proceeds of #GivingTuesday donations.

NEW THIS YEAR … both events will be held at Penn High School!

While the events are FREE, registration is required!
Registration is NOW OPEN! Click here to register today! Registration closes Friday, February 23.
One parent only must accompany students! Younger siblings may not accompany adults. Due to the planned activities and available space, this experience is for your young author and one parent.

As part of the morning activities, students will participate in two rotations: one with well-known children’s author and speaker, Carolyn Crimi; and the other with Jocelyn Dupuis. Following these rotations, students will enjoy spending time exploring technology, with an opportunity to share a piece of their piece of writing on a FlipGrid or online writing platform.

Thanks to Better World Books, parents can purchase ahead of time Carolyn Crimi books online and then bring them to the March 2 event. Click here to preorder your student(s) books.

As a way to support Better World Books’ mission of providing books to children around the world to do their part in achieving global literacy, a collection box will be set up near Penn’s Door D for families to donate their gently used books.

BACKGROUND ON CAROLYN CRIMI:
Carolyn Crimi enjoys snacking, pugs, Halloween, and writing, although not necessarily in that order. Over the years she has published 19 books for children, including Weird Little Robots, Secondhand Dogs, Don’t Need Friends, Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies, Where’s My Mummy?, There Might Be Lobsters, and I Am The Boss of This Chair. When she’s not snacking, Carolyn enjoys giving author talks to elementary schools all over the country.

BACKGROUND ON JOCELYN DUPUIS:
Also as part of Young Authors’ Conference, participants and parents will also enjoy an interactive experience with P-H-M’s extraordinary Jocelyn Dupuis. Jocelyn has a passion for music education and the performing arts. As a music teacher, she has taught many students to enjoy music as well.
*Questions, please contact Candace Cussen at ccussen@phm.k12.in.us.

Penn Orchestra Performs Elementary School Pops

“Captain Jack Sparrow” made an appearance at Penn High School today (Tuesday, January 30) performing the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song for 4th and 5th grade students. This mini concert is a great way to introduce students to instruments they might not be familiar with as they think about what possible instrument they might want to pursue in middle school. In P-H-M middle schools, students can pursue orchestra, band or choir as a Fine Arts elective.

Students got a real treat … the Orchestra’s drummers performed a song written by Senior Clayton Hopper; it was called “March of the Clumsy.” All the drummers performed it together to demo percussion.

Orchestra performing at Penn Elementary Pops Concert — Penn Orchestra Elementary School Pops Concert

Penn Orchestra Elementary School Pops Concert performance — Penn Orchestra Elementary School Pops Concert

Due to scheduling logistics, only half of P-H-M elementary schools participated and traveled to Penn for this year’s show. The other half attended last year. That way every P-H-M student will see the show in either 4th grade or 5th grade.

5th gr. Teachers Lexie Banks & Erin Horvath Win PHM Impact Awards

Today (Friday, September 15, 2023) Penn-Harris-Madison’s Learning Division awarded their first Teacher Impact Awards. New this year, the P-H-M Impact Award is being presented to educators who have helped their students achieve individual academic growth on their formative assessments over time. All P-H-M teachers across the district are dedicated to helping their students achieve personal academic success. The P-H-M Impact Award is shining the spotlight on those teachers who are showing the most significant overall student growth during the 2022-2023 school year (Round 1 of Awards). These teachers are prime examples of how our teachers and students achieve P-H-M Excellence!

The first Impact Awards were awarded to the 5th grade co-teaching team of Lexie Banks and Erin Horvath at Mary Frank Elementary School! With the help of Principal Christie Heerschop Assistant Superintendent Dr. Heather Short was joined by Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, Ryan Towner, and Executive Director of the P-H-M Education Foundation Jen Turnblom surprised Banks and Horvath. P-H-M is grateful to the Education Foundation for covering the cost of these beautiful awards. Click to see photos on Facebook.

Banks and Horvath had the two highest Math growth scores for 5th grade in P-H-M. Banks’s Class went from 3% proficiency at the beginning of 2022 school year (Clear Sight), to 97% proficiency on the Spring 2023 ILEARN. Horvath’s class went from 5% to 90% proficiency. Banks’ class had a gain of 94% and Horvath’s 85%! The average 5th Math grade gain across P-H-M 5th grade was 50%.

As a side note, Horvath’s classroom was Dr. Thacker’s room when he taught at Mary Frank!

Next P-H-M Administrators traveled to Discovery Middle School to surprise 7th grade Math teacher Emma Zerfas. Her students had the highest consistent 7th grade Math growth of all 7th grade Math teachers in P-H-M’s three middle schools. Zerfas’ students averaged 47% growth in proficiency; the
average P-H-M proficiency growth was 28%. Click to see photos on Facebook.

DMS Zerfas 9-15-23

The Teacher Impact Awards are also a testament to the hard work and outstanding learning and comprehension of our students and the support they receive from their families. That’s P-H-M’s Triangle of Success!

This was only Round 1 of surprising teachers with the Impact Awards. There are many P-H-M teachers to recognize in the days, weeks and months ahead!

“Back to School” Boys Basketball League

Boys in grades 2nd to 8th are invited to participate in “Back to School” Basketball League at Penn High School.
2nd – 6th grade League
DATES: September 24th; Oct. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd 29th

LOCATION:

2nd-4th, Penn Fitness Center
5th-6th, Main Arena/West Balcony/Aux Gym Time

TIMES:

2nd-4th, Sundays, Noon – 4:00 p.m.
5th-6th, Sundays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

COST: $99

Click here to register online.
7th & 8th grade League
DATES: September 10th, 17th, 24th; Oct. 1st, 8th

LOCATION: Penn High School

TIMES: Sundays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

COST: $79

Click here to register online.

Questions? Please contact the League Director Coach Smith if you have any questions at jsmith5@phm.k12.in.us

Fall 2023 Penn Youth Girls Basketball League, 3rd-8th grade

Penn Girls Basketball Head Coach Kristi Ulrich is once again offering a fall youth basketball league

The “Junior” League is open to girls in 3rd – 6th grades. The “Senior” League is for student-athletes in 7th & 8th grades. All those participating in the ”Senior” league MUST live in the P-H-M District or attend a P-H-M School.

Sign-ups are on Sunday, September 10 from 12 – 2 p.m. in the Penn High School Main Arena. Enter Door D.

The League runs September 17th – November 12th with a single elimination tournament for all age groups.

All games will be played on Sundays at Penn High School in the Main Arena, Auxiliary and West Balcony courts. Tournament times may vary on Nov. 12th.

Weekly Game Times are:

3rd & 4th grades: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
5th & 6th grades: 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
7th & 8th grades: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

PennPALS Open Houses, Wed., August 16

PennPALS will be holding Open Houses on Wednesday, August 16. Please attend the session that corresponds to your child’s time of attendance.

A.M. Classes: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
P.M. Classes: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Summer P-H-M Academic & Athletic Camps

The last day of school for the 2025-2026 school year is Thursday, June 4, 2026. But your child’s education does not have to end, and should not. Research shows students may lose two or more months’ worth of reading achievement, a month or more of spelling learning skills and about 2 months’ worth of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills during their summer break.

That’s why P-H-M offers a wide variety of activities over the summer from District enrichment camps to Penn athletic camps, as well as opportunities for students to improve their academic skills in Summer School. The enrichment academies are offered through P-H-M’s Learning Division and are FREE! We believe that children’s summer break can be fun while also giving students the academic boost they need.

Listed below are some of the activities available to P-H-M students and children in the greater community this summer. Parents are responsible for transportation unless otherwise noted. Not all camps are open to students who do not attend P-H-M schools, so please read the qualifications for each camp carefully. Click here for a listing of non-PHM community organizations that also offer summer camps activities.

Please Note: Camp Availability Subject to Change

Penn Athletic and Academic Camps

Kingsmen Camps: Penn coaches and members of the P-H-M faculty offer a wide variety of athletic and academic summer camp opportunities, including sports such as cheerleading, basketball, baseball, flag football, and boys and girls volleyball, as well as academic options like robotics and speech and debate. Camps are open to current students in grades K–8 (most are open to all children in the community). There is a cost for these camps.
- Click here to see the full listing on Penn’s website.

Enrichment Academies

Visual Arts Academy (July 13 – 17, July 20 – 24, or July 27 – July 31, 2026)
In this award-winning one-week academy, current P-H-M Kindergarten – 5th grade students learn art history, art production and writing through a unique integration program. The program is based at Penn High School and in collaboration with the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art. Families may select the week that is most convenient for all of their children to attend, regardless of their grade. The program is free of charge. Registration is required and it is on a first come first served basis as space is limited for this week long learning opportunity!
- Click here for complete information and to register for the Visual Arts Academy
Junior STEM Academy
In this one-week academy, current P-H-M Kindergarten – 5th graders will discover how math and science are applied in the real world. Each week is reserved for specific grades and will be held at Penn High School. The program is free of charge. Registration is required and it is on a first come first served basis as space is limited for this week-long learning opportunity!
- Kindergarten and 1st grade attend the week of July 27 – July 31
- 2nd and 3rd grade attend the week of July 20 – 24
- 4th and 5th grade attend the week of July 13 – 17
- Click here for complete information and to register for the Junior STEM Academy
Junior Foreign Language Academy (July 13 – 17)
This academy integrates the German language, social studies, culture, visual arts and music into an intensive and enriching learning experience. The one-week camp is held at Penn High School and is open to current P-H-M 3rd, 4th or 5th grade students. The program is free of charge. Registration is required and it is on a first come first served basis as space is limited for this week long learning opportunity!
- Click here for complete information and to register for the Junior Foreign Language Academy
Learn a Foreign Language Academy (June 15 – 26)
This two-week academy is open to current P-H-M 6th and 7th graders. The course will be taught by Penn High School Foreign Language teachers who will teach the students how to read, write, and speak in French. The program is free of charge. Registration is required and it is on a first come first served basis as space is limited for this week long learning opportunity!
- Click here for complete information and to register for the Learn a Foreign Language Academy

Opportunities through P-H-M Community Education – Click for Full Brochure

Community Education classes are open to any student in the community; the child does not need to be a P-H-M student or live within the District to be eligible.

Learn to Swim Classes: (Penn High School, Session I: June 15-26, 2026; Session II: July 6-17, 2026; Session III: July 20-July 31, 2026)
All three sessions are 10 classes held at the Penn High School pool. Classes are 30 minutes each and take place both in the morning and afternoon with 8 different class times to pick from. Children must be at least 4-years-old and potty trained. The cost is $50 per child, per two-week session. Click for more details.

Camp Invention (Mary Frank Elementary School – June 22-26, 2026)
A week-long summer enrichment program for children entering Grades 1–6. Camp Invention program instills life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through
hands-on fun! Camp will be held Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. It will be based at Mary Frank Elementary School. The cost is $290 Click here to register and pay online through the Camp Invention website.

Super Kids Camp (Horizon; June 15-19, 2026 | Mary Frank; July 13-17, 2026 | Elsie Rogers; July 27-31 2026)
Students entering Grades 1- 6 will experience an engaging rotation of science, music, art and fitness activities in this half-day camp. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at three locations. The cost is $50 per child per camp. Click here for more details.

Youth Theater Camp at Penn High School (Session I: June 22-26, 2026; Session II: July 20-24, 2026)
A one-week creative and expressive experience for students entering Grades 5 – 8. Pick one (or both) of these weeks for your child to attend. This half-day camp is offered 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The cost is $90 and includes a t-shirt. Click for more details.

Summer Kids Club (June 8th – August 14th)

Full-day childcare will be offered for current P-H-M students in grades K-5. Children will enjoy a variety of educational and recreational activities, crafts and field trips. Click here for more details and online registration.

Summer School Information

P-H-M will conduct two Summer School sessions prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Current P-H-M students who need the academic boost from summer instruction will receive invitations to attend. Penn High School students are able to take high school classes for credit in either summer session. Some students will work online to complete coursework and make up credits.

For elementary, middle and high school students, Summer School will be offered. Times vary depending on the program, please refer to the programs below.

ELEMENTARY SUMMER SCHOOL (Grades K-4, June 11 – July 1)

Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Meadow’s Edge and Moran Elementary School, breakfast & lunch provided, P-H-M Transportation available to students that live within PHM boundaries

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER SCHOOL (Grades 5 – 7, June 11– July 1)

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Penn High School, P-H-M Transportation available to students that live within PHM boundaries

YOUNG ADULT & LIFE SKILLS (Grades 6 – Young Adult, June 11– July 1)

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Penn High School, P-H-M Transportation available to students that live within PHM boundaries

PENN HIGH SUMMER SCHOOL, Session 1 (June 11 – July 1)
PENN HIGH SUMMER SCHOOL, Session 2 (July 9 – July 29)

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Penn High School, P-H-M Transportation available to students who live within P-H-M boundaries

P-H-M students entering grades 9-12 must register with their school counselor to take high school summer school classes. Click here for more information on Penn’s website.