Board Approves Matt Garber as Walt Disney’s New Principal

At Monday night’s P-H-M Board of School Trustees meeting retiring Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, on behalf of incoming Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, presented three current P-H-M administrators for promotion. Dr. Short’s term as Penn-Harris-Madison’s new Superintendent begins July 1st. Ahead of her official start she recommended for Matt Garber to be named Walt Disney’s new principal!

Mr. Garber recently completed his second year as an Assistant Principal at Schmucker Middle School and is also a proud P-H-M parent. Before coming to P-H-M, Mr. Garber served as an assistant principal at two elementary schools in the Elkhart Community School system, both Title I buildings, and before that was an elementary school counselor for Fairfield Community Schools.

He has pursued his passion to serve students, teachers, and the community he represents with a dedicated leadership style built on trust. Mr. Garber’s personal motto is that principals should be “the lead in curiosity,” and he will undoubtedly continue to enhance the amazing culture and community that exists at Walt Disney.

His appointment formerly takes effect Tuesday, July 1.

 

Class of 2025 Graduates Reflect on Transformative Experience, Thanks to Walt Disney 4th gr. Teacher

Here’s a heartwarming story of #PHMExcellence that’s come full circle … Eight years ago, 4th grade Walt Disney Elementary teacher Jodi Cramer-Berry nicknamed her students “Team Cramer,” modeling them after the Chicago Cubs. When the Cubs defied all the odds winning the 2017 World Series, Mrs. Cramer-Berry told her students that they too could do anything, from passing ISTEP, doing well in school, going to college one day, and even going to a Cubs game. Many of the students had never been out of the area, much less to a MLB game. Some of the students were immigrants and spoke very little English. When this story made it all the way to the Ricketts Family, the owners of the Cubs, “Team Cramer’s” dream became a reality.

Now as members Class of 2025, Mrs. Cramer-Berry had to reconnect with them all before they graduated from Penn High School on Monday, June 9th. So back in May, we arranged a surprise reunion. “Team Cramer” Class of 2025 included a Valedictorian, an Indiana University Evans Scholarship winner, Early College, Cum Laude, Academic Honors, High Honors, and Technical Honors graduates. And last night their biggest supporter was there to cheer them on as they walked across the stage.
 
Click to watch the video highlighting #PHMExcellence at its best, showing what a difference that teachers make in their students lives’ and the impact that love, support, and believing in your students can make … 

Charlis Cunningham Wins Teacher IMPACT Award

Retiring P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, incoming Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Principal Dr. Mindy Higginson, incoming Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, and Literacy Director Ryan Towner stopped by Walt Disney to surprise Mrs. Charlis Cunningham with a big honor before the end of the school year.

Fifth grade teacher Mrs. Cunningham earned an IMPACT award for having the highest academic growth on ILEARN Math when compared to initial ILEARN Checkpoint Math testing over the course of the year.  

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs. Cunningham and her class!

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Message from Principal Dr. Mindy Higginson

This message below was shared with Walt Disney families via ParentSquare the afternoon of May 29, 2025.

Dear Walt Disney Families,

I am writing to let you know about an opportunity that has recently presented itself within Penn-Harris-Madison. I have been honored to have been offered and have accepted the position of Director of Professional Development and Student Learning. In this new role, I will work closely with our newly appointed Superintendent, Dr. Heather Short, and the soon-to-be new Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Lavon Dean-Null (who will be officially approved by the School Board June 23rd). In this new role, I will continue to support our Dolphin family and all schools across the district by providing continuous education for our teachers, which of course benefits our students. I will continue to serve as the principal of Walt Disney Elementary through the end of this school year and begin my new position in July.

I want to let you know that this promotion is bittersweet. While I’ll have the unique opportunity to help thousands of students across our district by supporting and working with our wonderful teachers, I will miss our amazing Walt Disney family of teachers, staff and students. I have truly treasured every moment spent with your children and getting to know all of you—whether inside the classroom engaged in learning or outside the classroom at all the wonderful social events that make the Disney community so special. From Trunk or Treat, Culture Night, and Math/Literacy Night to countless PTO events and celebrations, these moments have filled my heart with joy and pride.

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and support during my time as your principal. Walt Disney will continue to hold a special place in my heart. I will always consider it “home” and your children part of my extended “family.” I will be in the unique position of following their success through middle and high school. I look forward to spending time with them in these last few days of school.

Most sincerely,

Dr. Mindy Higginson
Principal
Walt Disney Elementary School

2025 Middle School Music Instrument Selection Night

Every P-H-M 5th grader who will be attending a P-H-M middle school as an incoming 6th 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 Bittersweet, Elsie Rogers, Walt Disney, Prairie Vista, and Moran Elementary Schools will attend Schmucker Middle School for 6th – 8th grades. Some Moran students will attend Grissom.

Schmucker’s Instrument Selection Nights are Monday, March 3rd and Tuesday, March 4th.

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.

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.

Penn Winter 2025 Dance Clinic (PreK – 8 gr.)

DATE: Saturday, January 11, 2025

TIMES: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
              (PreK & Kindergarten, 10:00-12:00)
              *Registration Check-in, 9:45 a.m.

LOCATION: Penn High School Fitness Center (Door G)

COST: $40 (PreK & Kindergarten)
            $50 (1st – 8th grades)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Payment due by Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Late registration could result in no t-shirt. Payments should be sent to Penn High School Athletics – c/o Cindi Minegar, 56100 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545
 
PERFORMANCE:  Students will perform Saturday, January 11 at the Penn Boys Basketball Game
              JV Game:  Pre-K, K, 1, 2
              Varsity Game: Grades 3-8

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

The P-H-M Education Foundation is proud to support teachers and students by funding innovative classroom grants that enrich learning experiences beyond the school district’s budget. From small purchases under $100 to larger projects exceeding $1,000, every grant enhances classrooms in meaningful ways. Click here to read about Education Foundation Grants and to see the full list of winners, or read the recap below.

Total Grants Awarded: $59,999.96 (Total 2024-2025 Grant Budget – $60,000)

● Total EZ Grants Requested – $24,533.26
● Total EZ Grants Approved – $10,369.23
● Total Traditional Grants Requested – $87,874.09
● Total Traditional Grants Approved – $49,630.73

EZ form grant requests for $750 or less:

1. Remediation Phonics
○ Meadow’s Edge Elementary
○ Ufli & Secret Stories Curriculum for 2nd grade
○ Awarded $260.00

2. “One Choice” Book Study
○ Schmucker Middle School
○ Purchase 60 copies of the the Jack & Nick Savage story “One Choice” books
○ Awarded $600.00

3. Elsie Press back in commission
○ Elsie Rogers Elementary
○ Funding for the Elsie Press Newspaper
○ Awarded $165.00

4. Third Grade Writing Portfolios
○ Meadow’s Edge Elementary
○ Publishing and resource materials for writing
○ Awarded $479.58

5. Infant CPR Training Kits
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Infant CPR Training kits from the American Red Cross
○ Awarded $685.62

6. Star Buddies, Coffee Shop for All
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Materials and supplies for coffee shop for teachers run by exceptional education students
○ Awarded $300.00

7. Film Photography Processing
○ Penn High School
○ Materials and tools for the film classes and darkroom
○ Awarded $320.00

8. Let your Learning GLOW
○ Elm Road Elementary
○ Black lights and materials for ILearn review in 4th grade classrooms
○ Awarded $661.51

9. Middle School Clay Assistant
○ Grissom Middle School
○ Slab roller for clay materials
○ Awarded $666.62

10. Ricochet Stools for Fidgety Students
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Stools designed for students to rock/tip safely
○ Awarded $638.20

11. Wiggle Seats for Classroom/Small Group Table
○ Prairie Vista Elementary
○ Wiggle seats/flexible seating for students
○ Awarded $509.94

12. Enhance Comprehension through updated Classroom Libraries
○ Elm Road Elementary
○ New books that encourage the comprehension process
○ Awarded $544.71

13. The One and Only Bob Literature Story
○ Prairie Vista Elementary
○ 25 copies of The One and Only Bob” books
○ Awarded $250.10

14. North Point Drama Club “The Dazzles”
○ Northpoint Elementary
○ Creation of a Drama Club including “The Big Band” Musical
○ Awarded $583.00

15. Scintillating Science
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Tabletop ice maker for the Science classes
○ Awarded $371.49

16. Photography Club: Explore to Fine Art Photography
○ Penn High School
○ SD memory cards for cameras
○ Awarded $107.88

17. Microscope for all learners
○ Penn High School
○ Digital microscope that can connect to a computer
○ Awarded $479.00

18. “Wonder” Novel Study
○ Bittersweet Elementary
○ Purchase of 30 copies of the novel “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
○ Awarded $377.70

19. Coding with Beebots for Kindergarten
○ Northpoint Elementary
○ STEM based coding robots for all kindergarten classes to share
○ Awarded $676.00

20. Door M Picnic Table Part Deaux
○ Penn High School
○ Picnic table for outdoor space for teachers’ and students’ use
○ Awarded $750.00

21. Preschool Playground Revamp
○ Penn High School
○ Refurbish and install new equipment and play areas outside of Door K including a sandbox in partnership with Penn Construction for the Penn Preschool
○ Awarded $419.38

22. Discovery Band Tuners
○ Discovery Middle School
○ Devices that clip to music stands helping students tune their instruments
○ Awarded $523.50

Full Funding:

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

1. Learning by Induction
○ Penn High School – John Gensic, John Fitch, Rachael Meyers, Brian May, Steven Sanders, Toni Boger-May
○ 10-12 grade Sciences & Culinary Arts students
○ Awarded $1,347.74
○ A unique collaboration between STEM and FACs classes at Penn obtaining equipment to modernize space in the culinary classes to include more user-friendly and energy efficient induction cooking materials. Science students will use previously funded thermal cameras and partner with culinary students to help them see a direct connection between science, technology and the application in everyday lives in the kitchen.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants
2. Drumming Up Creativity
○ Elm Road Elementary – Cynthia Berryman
○ All kindergarten through 5th grade students through Music class
○ Awarded $1,655.84
○ 12 new “tubano” drums that will promote bilateral coordination and facilitate complex rhythms using two hands. Students will become composers and create their own music with partners and will perform within the school community.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants
3. Schmucker Speech Room Upgrade
○ Schmucker Middle School – Jenna Pacheco
○ All middle school students receiving Speech Therapy
○ Awarded $2,626.00
○ Upgrades in interactive technology through a video smart board that allows for effective and interactive therapy sessions benefiting students with communication difficulties under the guidance of speech therapy.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants
4. Mary Frank and Northpoint Tech Upgrades Phase 2
○ Mary Frank Elementary & Northpoint Elementary – Jason Poff
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $5,036.98
○ Expansion of sounds and lighting equipment to enhance Fine Arts performances. These upgrades will help students become more effective communicators through performance experience and more technical lighting and sound engineers.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

5. You Can’t Swipe This Screen – Screen Printing Basics
○ Penn High School – Alex Dunfee
○ Digital Design students in grades 9-12
○ Awarded $3,373.58
○ Provides students the opportunity to learn the screen printing process in class (one of the most common ways to print on fabric.) Students will design and make their own ink-based screen printed shirts and have the opportunity to collaborate and produce products with other student organizations within Penn High School.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

6. Feeding You Mind One Book at a Time & Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine
○ Horizon Elementary – Sue Robers & Emily Cornett
○ Elsie Rogers Elementary – Hollie Truckowski
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded up to $7,169.00 per vending machine; $14,338 total (schools to negotiate and work together on pricing/vending machine design)
○ Funds to purchase a book vending machine as part of an incentive program allowing students to earn tokens to then use to purchase a book with the help of staff from the vending machine. Students will have the opportunity to keep the book encouraging the promotion of literacy as a reward with increased student engagement. Vending machines will have the PHMEF logo branding and will be displayed prominently within each school (library or school lobby.)

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

7. Grissom’s Embouchure Project
○ Grissom Middle School – Camille Roper
○ Band students in grades 6-8
○ Awarded $1,757.50
○ Purchase of embouchure (mouth shape) and ear training skill building tools for the band program allowing students to correctly and quickly improve their progress in learning music. Students will build fundamental skills in embouchure development, tone production and audiation skills.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

8. Integrating Children’s Books into Physical Education
○ Walt Disney Elementary – Stephen Gouorko
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $300.50
○ Unique collaboration with classroom teachers and librarians to implement an interdisciplinary learning program that promotes literacy and physical activity in students. Students will use books to research new ways to eat healthy and make better choices while playing games and participating in physical activities based on the books.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

9. The Prairie at Prairie Vista
○ Prairie Vista Elementary – Dr. Keely Twibell
○ All K-5th grade students, other PHM schools and the greater PHM Community
○ Awarded $10,250.00
○ In collaboration with community volunteers, the school community and PTO organization, Prairie Vista will restore and utilize the natural prairie area on school property. The grant will create learning opportunities for all PHM students allowing them to engage directly with the natural world. Teachers can bring classes out to the natural environment to create a dynamic learning environment. Students and community members will be encouraged to take an active role in prairie conservation efforts, clean-up activities, seasonal maintenance and seeding initiatives and will be an area that other schools can visit to pursue research projects and advanced study. Restoration efforts include but aren’t limited to Wildlife identification and trail marker signs, observation station stumps, a natural obstacle course, raised garden beds, bird and bat houses, microscopes, binoculars, magnifying glasses and field guides to enhance the learning experiences.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

10. Tinker and Thrive – 3D Printing for Focused Students
○ Penn High School and all 11 Elementary Schools – Kyle Marsh
○ K-5th grade students and 9-12 grade Penn students
○ Awarded $4,936.56
○ Purchase and installation of 3D printers in all elementary students with a designated teacher lead. Students who use fidget toys as a tool for focus and accommodation in the classroom, will have the ability to design and create their own fidget toys using 3D printing technology, empowering them with the ability to customize tools that best supports their unique needs for attention and engagement.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

11. Write On!
○ Walt Disney Elementary – Katie Carroll
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Awarded $1,884.03
○ Organization and expansion of the student Engagement Lab where students and teachers use props and visuals to illustrate/bring to life student’s written work. It will provide an opportunity for cohesive and engaging writing experience for students as they grow in Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Materials will also be incorporated into school community events like the Math and Literacy Night and Culture Night at Walt Disney Elementary.

Partial Funding

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

1. Power Hour: Fitness & Focus for a Strong Future
○ Discovery Middle School – Terry Arter, John Hedrick, Kevin McMilen & Autumn Stout
○ All 6th-8th grade students
○ Requested $5,000.00
○ Awarded $1,795.00
○ Funds to purchase new workout equipment to start a workout club before school, enhance exercise during PE and offer opportunities for athletes before and after school. The current equipment is unsafe and damaged. These funds will be used to begin replacement of old equipment. Funds are in collaboration with the Discovery PTO and Dr. Aaron Leniski & Mrs. Elizabeth Cunha’s existing budgets.

PHMEF Awards 2024 Classroom Grants

2. Foreign Language Academy
○ Horizon Elementary – Ally Schmidt
○ All K-5th grade students
○ Requested $1,049.00
○ Awarded $329.00
○ Purchase of a Spanish Language Curriculum, Calico Spanish, which is designed for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Students will be taught in six 1-hour sessions as a part of an afterschool club. There is the possibility to expand into other languages in the future. Grant is in partnership with Horizon Staff funded through the Horizon PTO and in collaboration with Penn High School Mentors as suggested volunteers for the program.

2025 Books & Bots

robot sitting on a stack of books reading a book with Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation logo

Saturday, March 1, 2025   

9:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. 

at Penn High School

for P-H-M students K – 5th grade

FREE! There is no cost for this event, but registration is required and limited.

REGISTRATION: Opens January 17 – deadline is Friday, February 14, https://bit.ly/BooksandBots

Sponsored by the P-H-M Education Foundation, Young Authors’ Conference is an opportunity for P-H-M students in Kindergarten – 5th grade to meet and hear from well-known children’s author and speaker Shannon Anderson, participate in a variety of robotic explorations, and visit a “Make It and Take It” puppet making session!

Shannon Anderson has spent 25 years teaching, from first grade through college level. She is now a full-time author, with picture books titled: B is for Belonging, Heroes Don’t Have to Fly, I Love Strawberries, and more. She is also known for her biography series, with books like The Story of Benjamin Franklin, The Story of Helen Keller, and so many more. A champion of kindness and positivity, Shannon believes that every day offers a new opportunity to make a meaningful difference.  

I Love Strawberries! book coverAmerican Tall Tales, Johnny Appleseed book coverB is for Belonging, book cover

As part of the morning activities, students will participate in three rotations: one session with Shannon Anderson, one interactive puppet-making session, and one session where students will enjoy the hands-on exploration of technology with Sphero Bots, Dot and Dosh, Bee Bots, Ozobots and more! Our amazing P-H-M teachers and volunteers will guide students and their parents through the interactive session guiding them on how develop a character and create their own puppet.

Student with laptop operating Sphero bot Teacher holding artwork done by Sphero bot

At least one parent or guardian must accompany the student(s)!  If more than one child is registering for Books and Bots, the family will stay together so only one adult is needed.  Siblings YOUNGER than kindergarten may not accompany adults. This experience is for your young author(s) and the parent/guardian.

CONFIRMATION: Participating students will receive additional information prior to the conference through their home school at the end of February.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Candace Cussen at ccussen@phm.k12.in.us.

7th Annual Hair Donation Event to be held Nov. 16, 2024

This year’s “Short Hair Because We Care” will hold a hair donation event for the Children With Hair Loss organization will be held Saturday, November 16 at Penn High School’s Studio Theater.

Short Hair Because We Care Info

Anyone in the community can donate their hair, but the minimum is 8 inches of hair. Hair that is colored and permed is accepted. Local professional hair stylists will be donating their time to cut volunteers hair for free. Because this is for hair donation, the service provided is just a simple cut, no style.

This event was started in 2019-2020 school year by a group of 7th grade Grissom Middle School students. 

“It started as something that students could give, that wouldn’t be money or something they wouldn’t have control over being young students, but everyone can donate their hair, so that’s why we started it: to give everyone an opportunity to serve even if they don’t have other resources,” Ella Smoker Class of 2024. Click to see the WNDU-TV’s story.

Last year, 33 people donated a total of 334 inches (click to see photos)! Donate this year and help beat last year’s totals!

If you’re interested in donating, click here to sign up using the Google form.

Email shbwcphs@gmail.com with questions, and follow the group on Instagram at @shbwc_phs. 

If you can’t make it to the event or don’t have enough hair to donate, you can still help out by donating directly to Children With Hair Loss.

Children With Hair Loss is a nonprofit organization that provides hair replacements at no cost to children or young adults facing hair loss at no cost. Whatever the cause, hair loss can have effects that go deeper than cosmetics. Providing this hair is how this organization gives back to the community. You can help us give back to your community and the children facing hair loss by donating your hair or simply spreading the word about the event to everyone! 

Walt Disney Receives $5,000 Classroom Supplies Grant

The grand opening of the new Burlington store (Princess City Plaza, 4410 Grape Rd, Mishawaka) was this morning, and guess who had the honors of cutting the ribbon? Principal Dr. Mindy Higginson!
 
Principal cuts ribbon at grand opening
 
With the grand opening and in celebration of the new store in the community, Burlington in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org donated $5,000 to Walt Disney Elementary School.
 
The donation is for our Walt Disney teachers. They will use it to purchase classroom supplies.
 
Walt Disney was lucky enough to receive this donation because the criteria was that the school needed to be a Title I elementary school within 5 miles of the new Burlington store. 
 
Joining Dr. Higginson this morning was P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and four Disney teachers.
 
Walt Disney staff and PHM Superintendent holding Walt Disney sign
left to right: Bri Feltz, Jena Keough, Dr. Thacker, Dr. Higginson, Erin Roe, and Ashleigh Heatherly