P-H-M’s Annual Community Tailgate is a long-standing tradition that brings families, students, staff, and community members together to show their Penn pride. The event is held before the Penn Football home opener and is a chance for everyone across the district to connect, celebrate, and support the Kingsmen.

This year’s home opener will be “The Backyard Brawl” against Mishawaka on Friday, August 29th, 2025. Click here for game ticket info.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. You must have a ticket to the football game to enter. Once inside the stadium head down to the white tents in the south end zone at the Yeoman Family Plaza.

Friday night marks the 67th meeting between Penn and Mishawaka. Penn leads the all-time series 49-16-1. 

The Indiana Department of Education released the 2025 IREAD results today, and Walt Disney Elementary is celebrating a remarkable achievement: 86.2% of third graders passed IREAD, up from 73.6% in 2024—a 12.6-point increase and one of the largest gains in the district.

This accomplishment is a testament to the perseverance of Walt Disney students, the dedication of our teachers and support staff, the encouragement from our families, and the leadership of former principal Dr. Mindy Higginson.

“Our students put into practice the literacy foundations taught by P-H-M’s dedicated teachers, and their families reinforced that learning at home. I also thank our principals, administrators, and support staff who worked tirelessly to provide the best and safest learning environments so our students could excel.” — Superintendent Dr. Heather Short

Walt Disney Dolphins truly rode the WAVE—showing Respect, Acting Responsibly, Valuing Friendships, and ensuring Everyone is Safe—throughout their IREAD preparation.

District-wide, 93.7% of P-H-M third graders passed IREAD, a 6.9-point increase from last year and the largest gain in district history. You can read the full district story here.

As the new school year begins, incoming principal Matt Garber looks forward to meeting students, families, and staff, and to building on this extraordinary momentum. “It’s an honor to step into a school community that has demonstrated such determination and teamwork,” said Principal Garber. “I’m excited to continue our journey of academic excellence together.”

P-H-M is hosting a districtwide drug awareness parent community meeting to help educate P-H-M families about the current drug trends attracting teenagers. This valuable information is something all parents/guardians should be aware of. Families of all grade levels, K-12, are invited and encouraged to attend.

The session will be led by Tall Cop Says Stop™ contracted educator, Melissa Moore, CPS. Tall Cop Says Stop™ was created by Officer Jermaine Galloway, an Idaho law enforcement officer since 1997. Galloway is regarded as one of America’s top experts in various drug and alcohol trends and specializes in underage drinking and drug enforcement. For more than 15 years, he has trained school administrators and safety personnel in spotting the dangers that threaten teens and the community. Melissa Moore, a 24-year public health experienced professional, who works to advance the mission of Tall Cop Says Stop™ in helping educate parents/guardians and students about the latest deadly effects of so-called recreational drug use.

We hope that P-H-M families are able to attend this very important education session.

Due to the nature of the discussion, children of any age are not permitted at the parent session the evening of Tuesday, October 21. Moore will present a student focused presentation to Penn sophomores, juniors and seniors during the school day on October 21st and 22nd.

Information on a live stream and YouTube recording will be shared soon. 

At Monday night’s P-H-M Board of School Trustees meeting Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, presented three current P-H-M administrators for promotion. This was Dr. Short’s first school board meeting as superintendent since she started in the role on July 1. The following administrative changes were approved at the meeting:

Randy Williams was approved as the new Director of Academic and Student Support. Williams previously served in several administrative roles within PHM since 2008, including Principal of Madison and Walt Disney Elementary Schools, Dean of Students at Penn and Associate Principal of Penn. In 2018 he was honored as a member of the “Forty under 40” class. In 2023 He became the Director of Secondary Education and Student Services for the Middlebury Community School system. Williams now returns to Penn-Harris-Madison with a wealth of new professional experiences and an enhanced skill set.

Maddie Schmidt was approved for the Assistant Principal position at Grissom Middle School. Schmidt is a former Kingsmen and a graduate of Judson University. She has a master’s degree in Educational and Business Administration from Bethel University. Schmidt began her career teaching language arts at Schmucker Middle School. During her time there, she also served as an Instructional Leader. She is an active member of PHM’s Excellence in Leadership initiative and has held multiple teacher leadership roles at SMS. Most recently, she served as a Dean at Schmucker. 

Beth Stroven was approved for the Assistant Principal position at Schmucker Middle School. This past year, Stroven served as a math teacher at Grissom Middle School and is a member of PHM’s Excellence in Leadership initiative. Prior to joining P-H-M, she was a teacher in Elkhart Community Schools, where she was recognized as the 2019 District Elementary Teacher of the Year and received the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Grant where she earned a master’s degree in Educational and Business Administration from Indiana State University. She later served as the principal of Mary Daly Elementary School. 

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation (P-H-M) proudly shares the outstanding performance of its students on the Spring 2025 ILEARN assessment, as released by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). P-H-M students once again outperformed the state average by an impressive 20 percentage points in the percentage of students passing both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. This achievement places P-H-M in the top 4% of public school corporations across Indiana (see the charts below).

“These results reflect the exceptional work of our teachers, students, and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “We remain deeply committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential, and this data shows that our efforts are paying off.”

P-H-M has maintained its Top 4% ranking for a second consecutive year, a testament to the district’s commitment to academic excellence and the strategies that drive student success. Out of Indiana public schools that passed both ELA and Math, Northpoint and Prairie Vista Elementary Schools are in the Top 10; and Discovery Middle School is #3 in the state.

A closer analysis of the data shows strong gains across grade levels and student groups. Middle school students, in particular, demonstrated significant improvement in math, based on the state’s 2021 benchmark. P-H-M 8th grade Math performance is up 24% since the benchmark year and now the variance over the state average is 28%.

The district’s Free and Reduced Lunch (F/R) student population, which now exceeds 30%, continues to demonstrate notable progress. Among Indiana’s largest public school districts testing close to 5,000 students, P-H-M ranks #1 in the state for the percentage of F/R students passing both ELA and Math.

“These achievements are not by accident,” added Dr. Short. “They are the result of intentional investments in teacher professional development and the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices. We are fortunate to have educators and staff who are deeply committed to supporting every learner.”

Indiana junior high school students are now required to take the SAT for graduation. The IDOE also released SAT results. Among public high schools in pass percentage, Penn High School moved up from #27 last year, to #15 this year.

Results from the Spring 2025 IREAD assessment are expected to be released in early fall, and P-H-M looks forward to sharing those outcomes as well.

ILEARN Math

ILEARN ELA

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.

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!

In March, Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Dr. Jerry Thacker announced his retirement after 19 years. 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. Click here to read more about P-H-M student success achieved during Dr. Thacker’s tenure.

Dr. Thacker has had a remarkable 53-year career in education working in leadership roles across Indiana and Michigan. As the school year wrapped up and in gratitude for his many contributions to the field of education, Dr. Thacker has received several honors.

These five prestigious awards were conferred upon Dr. Thacker:

• May 4, named IAPSS – District II Superintendent of the Year
  
• May 9
  
  Ivy Tech Community College presented him with an Honorary Degree in College and Community Service at their Commencement
  
• May 9, Head Start Consortium gave him the “Making a Difference” award for his loyal dedication, unwavering commitment, and his indispensable support of Head Start’s mission at Head Start’s 60th Anniversary Celebration and Board Meeting
  
• May 21
  
  Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood presented him with a Key to the City and a proclamation declaring May 21st “Dr. Jerry Thacker Day”
  
• May 30
  
  State Senator Linda Rogers presented him with the Circle of Corydon award on behalf of herself and Governor Mike Braun. The award honors Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions that have bettered Indiana, and who have demonstrated the qualities exemplified by our state’s greatest citizens

Internally, P-H-M school principals, teachers, and students also wanted to thank Dr. Thacker for his years of service and dedication to the district. Several came up with meaningful ways to express their appreciation:

• May 1, Penn High School Bands recognized him for his “caring leadership and service” at the Spring Concert
  
• May 16
  
  Grissom Middle School students and staff lined the hallways to applaud him as he walked through the school’s hallways
• May 16
  
  Penn High School Building Trades program presented him with a Golden Hammer for recognition of his Outstanding Support and Service 
• May 22
  
  Bittersweet Elementary School students and staff lined the hallways to applaud him as he walked through the school’s hallways
• May 27
  
  Walt Disney Elementary School establishes the “Dr. Jerry Thacker Achievement Award” to recognize students who exemplify persistence, good citizenship, and positive competitiveness
  
• May 30
  
  Schmucker Middle School principal presented him with an Elevation Award for 53 years of service in education to students, teachers, and parents
• June 2
  
  
  Prairie Vista Elementary students performed a “We are your Triangle of Success” presentation and gave him a planter with all the thumbprints of students (grades K-5) and staff to illustrate the impact he’s had on their lives
  
• June 3
  
  Retiring Penn Band Director Glenn Northern, leads the Symphonic Winds section of the Kingsmen Marching Band in the Penn High School Fight song outside Dr. Thacker’s office at the Educational Services Center. Click here to see the video on Facebook.

Before the end of the 2024-2025 school year came to a close, Dr. Thacker shared the video message below with P-H-M students, teachers, and families.

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