13881 Kern Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 968-9628
Fax: (574) 633-2134
Jean Milfort, Principal
Jennifer Sinclair, Assistant Principal
Michael Babcock, Assistant Principal
Chris Grossnickle, Assistant to the Principal
Cassie Schmucker, Secretary
Karen Barcome, Treasurer
Ruth Ebright, Office Aide
Click here for a list of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation contacts.
History
Grissom Middle School was built in 1968 and serves students from Elm Road, Madison, Moran and Meadow’s Edge Elementary schools.
Overview
Grades 6, 7, 8
Enrollment 2020-2021: 709 (as of Oct. 1, 2020)
School day: 9:05 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Academic Programs
Grissom offers a unique instructional program that provides for the interdisciplinary teaming of teachers. Instruction is provided in the fine arts/practical arts areas as well as in physical education and health. Band, choir and orchestra experiences are available for all students. A school-wide enrichment program and an academic competition program provide the opportunity for students to challenge themselves. An inclusion program addresses students with special learning needs. A program of focused instruction assures achievement for all students. A National Junior Honor Society chartered in the fall of 2004 recognizes students who have excelled academically.
”A” rated School District
Grissom is one of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation’s three middle schools. P-H-M has consistently received an “A” rating from the Indiana Department of Education since 2011 P-H-M serves more than 11,100 students in its 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and Penn High School. With the release of the Spring 2019 ILEARN results, P-H-M ranks 12th in the state for combined ELA & Math scores in grades 3-8.
*Because COVID-19 shut down Indiana schools in the Spring of 2020, students did not take statewide assessments for the 2019-2020 school year.
ILEARN Spring 2019 results–Percent of students passing ILEARN
English/Language Arts Math
Grade 6 45% 39%
Grade 7 55% 49%
Grade 8 56% 45%
Click here to view the 2017-2018 federal report cards on the IDOE website.
Parent Involvement
Grissom has a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) which provides strong support to the school and students. Many volunteer hours are logged by members to assist in activities and special projects. The funds raised by the PTA are distributed to benefit all students at Grissom.
Honors and Achievements
The Indiana Department of Education named Grissom a Four Star School in the 2014-2015, 2013-2014 and 2011-2012 school years. Grissom was named a Gold Star Counseling School in 2016 and 2017. Students have received numerous awards in academic, music and athletic competitions. For the 2018-19 school year, Grissom had six orchestra/bands compete in ISSMA: one winning "Gold With Distinction," four winning Gold, and one won Silver. In 2017, the Science Academic Super Bowl Team acheived 4th in the state. Also in 2017, 7th and 8th grade Orchestra students earned a Gold Plaque at the ISSMA Organization Contest with the 6th grade Orchestra students receiving a Gold Plaque “With Distinction.”
Grissom’s Counseling Department has also been designated a “Gold Star” school by the Indiana Department of Education.
Facilities/Activities/Resources
1:1 Technology, every student has a Chromebook to take home
WGMS Television studio
Academic competitions program
Accelerated Reading program
Student Council
Student mentor program with Meadow's Edge and Elm Road Elementary Schools
Annual coffee house which showcases Fine Arts
Performing Fine Arts (band, orchestra, and chorus)
Jazz Band
Circle the State with Song
Five Star after-school program
Positive School Wide Behavior program
School wide FOCUS instructional program
Athletic teams
After school intramural program
Mission Statement
The Grissom Middle School staff and community are committed to inspiring students to reach their potential by encouraging academic achievement, fostering the development of a positive self-concept, promoting life-long learning, and nurturing the development of productive and responsible citizens who can adapt to an ever-changing world.
Grissom students will attend Penn High School.
Colors: Red and white (blue accent)
Mascot: Guardsmen