This morning Grissom administration and special guests honored our school’s second class of ”Fourteen Under 14.” Click to visit the photo gallery (full resolution images are available for download).

P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, and Penn High School Principal Dr. Sean Galiher joined Grissom Principal Jen Sinclair in recognizing the students during a special breakfast before the start of school. The award is modeled after Michiana’s Forty Under 40 (of which several P-H-M leaders have been a part of), which is sponsored by the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The students were notified earlier in the week by surprise announcements by Principal Sinclair. 

The students were praised for their community involvement, student leadership, commitment to academics, entrepreneurial skills, and kindness towards others. Families of the award winners were on hand to celebrate as well. Students were given a crystal award to commemorate their achievement. 

Below is a list of this year’s winners. Congratulations to these amazing students!

• Leah Beehler
• Alexis Boutsomsy
• Harper Chudzicki
• Troy Gulas
• Seth Hayden
• Aubrey Hochstetler
• Kennedi Knisley
• Ava Rice
• Esmeralda Boutsomsy
• Evelyn Smoker
• Karina Vaccaro
• Taylor Yuan

ELA 6th grade co-teaching team Michelle Treber and Kelsey Baich got quite the April Fool’s surprise this morning, except it was no joke! Click here to see the full photo gallery below.

With the help of Principal Jennifer Sinclair, P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker dropped in on Mrs. Treber and Baich’s classes to let them know that they had Penn-Harris-Madison’s highest ELA growth on ILEARN for a 6^th grade co-teaching team.

Other P-H-M Administrators in on the surprise were Dr. Heather Short, Asst. Superintendent; Director of Professional Development Dr. Lavon Dean-Null; Ryan Towner, Director of Literacy; and Gena Todd, Director of Exceptional Education.

In classrooms across the district, our experienced teachers are working hard to help their students learn, retain and grow their knowledge base.

The Spring 2025 P-H-M Teacher Impact Awards are given to educators who had the most significant individual student growth with DIBELS, IREAD, ILEARN, and AP testing. Dr. Thacker awarded three other teachers with Impact Awards on April 1st. Click here more details.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for covering the cost for the beautiful crystal awards which teachers can proudly display in their classrooms.

After nearly two decades leading the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker has announced his retirement, effective in July 2025. In a heartfelt letter sent this morning to P-H-M teachers, staff, students, and families  Dr. Thacker shared his decision to step down after a remarkable 53-year career in education (click here to read the letter).

“Dr. Thacker’s vision of excellence helped shape P-H-M into one of the top-performing school districts in Indiana,” commented Chris Riley, President of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees. “We are grateful not only for his years of leadership, but for his tireless commitment and dedication to our entire community. There is no greater supporter of Penn-Harris-Madison than Dr. Jerry Thacker!” Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M has achieved extraordinary milestones, including raising the graduation rate from 79% to 98%, ranking in the top 4% of the state academically, and helping students earn more than $200 million in scholarships. He also prioritized school safety, leading P-H-M to be ranked sixth in the nation for school safety initiatives. 

Penn High School Commencement (2024)[/caption] In concert with the Board of School Trustees, P-H-M has a stellar record of financial stewardship.

P-H-M overcame a $3 million deficit, built a strong and sustainable financial model, and maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the region—all while ensuring our students and staff had the resources they needed to thrive. Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Thacker shared “As superintendent, one of the greatest joys of my career has been attending school events and witnessing our students shine—whether excelling in academics, performing in fine arts, or competing in athletics. Our students’ talent and dedication are extraordinary.”

Penn State Baseball Championship (2023)

Dr. Thacker’s educational career began in the classroom as a 6th grade teacher at Madison Elementary School, where he taught for five-and-a-half years, before moving to Mary Frank Elementary to teach 5th and 6th grades for eight years, where he also became a Team Leader. His passion for learning and leadership soon led him to administrative roles across Indiana and beyond.

Dr. Jerry Thacker visiting with Elm Road students on the 1st day of school (2019)

Dr. Thacker’s extensive career in educational leadership includes:

• Eastlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
  • Principal (1985-1987)
• Woodlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
  • Principal and Director of Curriculum (1987-1989)
• Saginaw Intermediate School District (Saginaw, Michigan) 
  • Director of Curriculum, Professional Development, and School Improvement (1989-1990)
• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (Indianapolis, IN)
  • Director of Elementary Education (1990-1996) – Led significant academic improvements, increasing the district’s 4-Star Schools from one to eight within five years
  • Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (1996-1998)
• Logansport Community School Corporation (Logansport, IN) 
  • Superintendent (1998-2006)
• Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation 
  • Superintendent (2006-2025)

He earned his Elementary Education degree from Bethel College, his Master’s from Indiana University South Bend, and his Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan). Dr. Thacker’s commitment to education has been driven by a lifelong dedication to student success. The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) named him Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2013 and again in 2017. He was also named Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2012 and received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2014—Indiana’s highest award—from then Governor Mike Pence. He has also been recognized as Alumnus of the Year from both IUSB and Bethel College. Donna and Jerry Thacker will spend the winter months in Florida. Dr. Thacker plans on remaining active in the field of education working as a consultant. He and Mrs. Thacker have been longtime contributors to and supporters of the P-H-M Education Foundation.  During his tenure, the Thackers have donated $232,500, including contributions to PHMEF’s Naming Rights Campaign:

• Chris Geesman Kingsmen Athletic Center (formerly the Kingsmen Athletic Center), $25,000 
• Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court, $10,000 donated in October 2023 
• Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium (formerly the  P-H-M DVT & Planetarium), $10,000 donated in January 2024
• Yeoman Family Plaza, $10,000 donated in March 2024 
• Greg Dikos Field, $10,000 donated in August 2024 

Dr. Jerry & Donna Thacker (2017)

It was announced in January that Penn High School’s new fieldhouse will be named the Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse. Click here for more information. Reflecting on his time at P-H-M, Dr. Thacker expressed deep gratitude for the support of teachers, staff, students, parents, and the broader P-H-M community. His leadership has left an enduring impact on the district, and his legacy will continue through the students, educators, and families he has influenced. “I will carry with me the countless memories of our shared successes and the friendships that have made this journey so meaningful,” Dr. Thacker said. “The future of P-H-M is bright because of each of you, and I have no doubt that our teachers, staff, and administrators will continue to inspire, empower, and lead with excellence. Our families will continue to raise amazing children. And our students are aptly prepared to make a difference in this world at every level.” Details about P-H-M’s Board of School Trustees’ search for the district’s next superintendent will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Dr. Jerry Thacker Penn Homecoming Parade (2024)

Seventh-grade students put their science skills to work in an exciting hands-on project—building and racing pinewood derby cars! As part of their science curriculum, every 7th grader who is taking science designed and constructed their own miniature race car, applying principles of physics and engineering to optimize speed and performance.

Throughout the process, students explored key scientific concepts such as friction, aerodynamics, and mass distribution. However, speed wasn’t the only focus—students also had the opportunity to showcase their creativity by painting and decorating their cars with unique designs.

The project culminated in a race where students put their derby cars to the test, competing to see whose design had the winning combination of speed and engineering. 

This hands-on learning experience not only reinforced scientific principles but also encouraged problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Whether aiming for the fastest car or the most eye-catching design, every student walked away with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the forces that make things go.

Way to go, Grissom 7th graders!

Every P-H-M 5th grader who will be attending a P-H-M middle school as an incoming 6^th grader in the Fall 2024 has the opportunity to join an instrumental music class, which includes either band or orchestra. “Instrument Selection Night” is when students and families get to make their choice!

Fifth graders at Elm Road, Meadow’s Edge, Madison, and Moran Elementary Schools will attend Grissom Middle School for 6^th – 8^th grades. Some Moran students will attend Schmucker. Moran families please click here to view the P-H-M School Boundaries Map as a reference.

Grissom’s Instrument Selection Nights are Monday, March 10th and Tuesday, March 11th.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is nationally recognized as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” offering choir, band and orchestra at Schmucker, Discovery and Grissom Middle Schools. 

At “Instrument Selection Night,” a music professional will be available to give students advice about which instrument may be best suited for them. They will be allowed to “try out” instruments from various instrument groups. Click here to download, view and print more information on Instrument Selection Night.

In order to join 6th grade band or orchestra, students must select an instrument that they will learn, practice and perform for the school year. Click this link to sign-up for your appointment at your designated school and date.

Due to the absence of local, state, or national elections on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, all P-H-M schools will be in session on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.  P-H-M will no longer have a Recess Day on this date.

As a result, the last day of school for students will now be Thursday, June 5, 2025. This is one day earlier than previously scheduled. P-H-M Teachers Association worked collaboratively with the District Administration to make these calendar changes.

Indiana law requires schools to be in session for 180 days each year. If necessary, P-H-M can utilize up to three weather-related eLearning days, as permitted under Indiana law (HB-1093). If additional makeup days are needed, they will be added to the end of the school year, following the new last student day, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Currently, no eLearning days have been called.

The new 2024-2025 school year calendar is posted on the P-H-M website, click here to view the updated calendar.

Students took ILEARN in the Spring. The students’ results are more than just a reflection on how well they know and retained what they learned in a particular subject area. Teachers work very hard to help their students review and retain the knowledge, and when necessary interventionist educators use RtI (Response to Intervention) tools.

The Fall 2024 P-H-M Teacher Impact Awards are given to educators who had the most significant individual student growth with Spring 2024 ILEARN (grades 3-8 and high school Biology), AP Testing at Penn, and highest RtI growth. 

Brianne Blanda, 7th grade ELA teacher, Grissom Middle School, was in the middle of a lesson when Principal Jenn Sinclair and P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker surprised her in front of her students. Ms. Blanda had the highest ELA growth in 7th grade, as measured from spring ILEARN to fall ILEARN checkpoints. Click here for the full photo gallery below.

One other award was given out on Friday, December 13:

• Ali Renz, Interventionist, Elm Road Elementary School – Mrs. Renz works with students who are academically at-risk in reading, and her work puts these students on an important pathway for growth. She had the highest growth of all interventionists for young students in RtI programming. Mrs. Renz students made well above average growth in two important measures of early literacy, oral reading fluency and MAZE, a standardized measure of reading comprehension.

With the help of the building principals, Dr. Thacker surprised the teachers with the Impact Awards. He was accompanied by other members of P-H-M Administration Dr. Heather Short, Asst. Superintendent; Director of Professional Development Dr. Lavon Dean-Null; and Ryan Towner, Director of Literacy. P-H-M Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom was also on hand; PHMEF covered the cost for the beautiful awards which teachers can proudly display in their classrooms.

While all P-H-M teachers make an impact with their students, dedicated to helping them achieve personal academic success, the Impact Award shines the spotlight on educators who have helped their students achieve individual academic growth on their formative assessments over time. The first-ever Impact Awards were handed out in September 2023 and recognized the teachers with the most significant overall student growth during the 2022-2023 school year.

Grissom Middle School’s band program is poised for growth, thanks to a grant awarded by the PHM Education Foundation (PHMEF). Jennifer Turnblom, Executive Director of PHMEF, visited the school to present a check for $1,757.50 to music teacher Camille Roper for her “Embouchure Project.”

The grant will fund the purchase of embouchure and ear training skill-building tools designed to enhance students' progress in learning music. These tools will help students develop proper mouth shape, improve tone production, and strengthen audiation skills. By building these foundational skills, students will be better equipped to advance in their musical studies with greater confidence and accuracy.

This project reflects Grissom Middle School’s commitment to excellence in music education and providing students with the resources they need to succeed. Congratulations to Camille Roper and the Grissom Middle School band program, and thank you to PHMEF for supporting this impactful initiative!

On Wednesday, Nov. 6^th, our Guardsmen Spell Bowl team won the Class 2 State Championship for the first time in school history!!!

This is a major accomplishment for our students and team coach Mr. Josh Kelver.

On Saturday, Nov. 16^th, the team competed at Purdue University as one of the top thirty schools in the State. They competed outside of Class 2 in the state’s overall Spell Bowl Championship and came in 6^th place with a score of 67.

Season Notes:

Spell Bowl is in its 39th year of existence, and this is the strongest season our school has ever put forth, for which the students deserve a whole heck of a lot of credit!

Grissom is now the reigning Class 2 State Champion, which is significant. This season wasn’t all varsity, either. Our B team ranked 21st in the state at the Area Competition and 5th in our class.

At Purdue (the overall state championship where class doesn’t matter), Grissom ended the season ranking 6th in the entire state. That means we outscored 118 other teams this season.

*Our score at Purdue was 67/72 (only one team per school can spell at Purdue, so this was just our varsity squad), by far the highest score Grissom has ever gotten in competition. Only missing 5 words as a team is pretty wild. Just for reference, when Grissom Head Coach Mr. Kelver spelled at Purdue for Grissom Middle School, in 2002, he missed 5 words by himself. So to only miss 5 out of 72 words (words like kaffeeklatsch, soliloquy, kohlrabi, brougham, ballon d’essai, antimacassar, triskaidekaphobia, etc., etc.) is exceptional. Again, these kids worked hard this season, studying before, during, and after school, on weekends, on Fall Break, over the summer, just nonstop. 

We had many perfect spellers this season. At the Area Competition, Matthew Doughty and Ellie Schwalbe both got 9/9 words right. And at Purdue, it was Seth Hayden, Ellie Schwalbe, Mia McConnell, Viktor Yoder, and Matthew Doughty. Riley Hoover was near perfect at Purdue with 8/9.

Mr. Kelver is very grateful to the students, staff, and parents who helped facilitate the season. Thanks to Bri Adams, Natasha Bean, Laura Furfaro, Brian Loring, Cami Roper, Emily Shreve, and Vickie Marshall for letting me poach from your advisory so much this fall.

Thank you to Karen Barcome, Julie Lis, Ashley Kelver, Nick Paliga, Stephanie Hochstetler, Jen Sinclair, Laura Furfaro (again), Kyle Sagarsee, Eric Spatt, Robbie Gingrich, and Braden Black for your help hosting the Area Competition.

Thanks to PTO for running the concession stand and for feeding our students at Purdue.

Thanks to all the adults at home who got students to and from practice, provided snacks, and helped students in myriad other ways throughout the season.

And thanks most of all to the team, who were a joy to work with.