Meadow’s Edge Elementary marked Read Across America Day on Monday, March 2, with a schoolwide celebration centered around the work of Dr. Seuss. The day also coincided with the beloved author’s birthday, making it the perfect opportunity to highlight the joy of reading.

Staff members joined in the fun by dressing as characters from classic Dr. Seuss books, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the building and bringing favorite stories to life for students.

The celebration also featured a lineup of special guest readers from Penn-Harris-Madison leadership. Members of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees and district administration visited classrooms to share some of their favorite Dr. Seuss stories with students.

Guest readers included Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Board Member Jen Smoker, Board Secretary Dana Sullivan, Board President Chris Riley, Board Vice President Ryan McCullough, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Sean Galiher, and Director of Professional Development and Student Learning Dr. Mindy Higginson.

The day concluded with an all-school assembly, where Board President Chris Riley read a Dr. Seuss-inspired book written by Meadow’s Edge Reading Specialist Lisa Ludwig. The special reading provided a unique and memorable ending to a day focused on literacy, creativity, and community.

Through engaging activities and the support of district leaders, Meadow’s Edge students were encouraged to celebrate reading and build a lifelong love of books.

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This morning, fifth grade students from Meadow’s Edge Elementary experienced a hands-on history lesson during their visit to The History Museum’s “Cabin Days” program in South Bend.

The 90-minute outdoor experience immersed students in pioneer-era life, where they interacted with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional trades and crafts. Students learned about fur trapping and trading, watched blacksmithing in action, and saw how everyday items like candles and clothing were made through beeswax candle dipping, weaving, and knitting.

In addition to these demonstrations, students toured the historic Navarre Cabin, one of the oldest surviving structures in the region. Museum guides also shared insights into the lives and contributions of Native Americans and early African American settlers who helped shape the area’s history.

The trip brought classroom lessons to life, giving Meadow’s Edge students a chance to see, touch, and experience the past in ways that connect directly to their studies in Indiana and U.S. history. It was a memorable morning of learning beyond the classroom walls!

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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. 

Penn-Harris-Madison invites students, families, alumni, and community members to celebrate Homecoming 2025 on Friday, September 26, 2025 courtesy of the PHM Education Foundation.

The annual celebration includes the Homecoming Parade on Bittersweet Road in front of Penn High School, showcasing student groups, athletic teams, school clubs, and community organizations, followed by the Penn Kingsmen football game against South Bend Adams at Everwise Freed Field.

This is an event for the ENTIRE community and will have activities for people of all ages. Mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun! More details will be shared closer to the date.

Congratulations to Meadow’s Edge Elementary School teacher Emily Williams, who has been named this year’s recipient of the P-H-M Education Foundation’s Jeneane Arter Excellence in Education Award.

In collaboration with the PHM Education Foundation, The Arter Award, established in honor of Northpoint Elementary School teacher Jeneane Arter, recognizes an outstanding P-H-M educator who has made a meaningful impact on students’ lives. The award is especially unique because it is student-nominated—students submit essays highlighting how their teacher has positively shaped their educational experience.

Emily Williams was surprised today with a special visit from PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnbloom and Darla Lippert with a presentation of the $2,000 award, which is generously underwritten by Jason and Darla Lippert.

This honor reflects the heartfelt appreciation of the students whose nomination essays praised Ms. Williams’ dedication, support, and ability to make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Her commitment to her students has left a lasting impression—and now, she joins an esteemed group of educators recognized for excellence in P-H-M.

Congratulations, Ms. Williams!

On Thursday, March 20th, our gymnasium was filled with music as second and third-grade students took the stage for their “Oceans of Fun” concert. The performance featured a lively selection of songs led by Music Teacher Mrs. Sarah Claeys.

In the afternoon, the young performers showcased their talents for their classmates, giving the entire school a chance to enjoy the music. Later in the evening, the students will take the stage again for a special performance for their families and friends.

Students added a touch of flair by wearing cowboy hats for one song and using ribbon wands to enhance another, making the show both visually and musically engaging. Their enthusiasm and hard work made for a memorable event!

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Fourth and fifth-grade students from Bittersweet, Elm Road, Mary Frank, Meadow’s Edge, and Northpoint elementary schools recently enjoyed a musical demonstration by the Penn High School Symphonic Orchestra. This event offered the elementary students an exciting glimpse into what musical instruments may be in their future.

The demonstration began with a slow, moving piece before transitioning into a showcase of individual instruments. Penn orchestra members lined up at the front of the stage to perform brief solos. Each instrument’s unique sound and appearance were highlighted, sparking curiosity and excitement among the elementary students.

The event reached its peak when two Penn teachers brought a thrilling touch of cinematic drama to the stage. Dressed as Princess Leia and Darth Vader from Star Wars, the duo engaged in a light saber battle to the delight of the audience. In a dramatic twist, Darth Vader emerged victorious and led the orchestra in a powerful rendition of the iconic “Imperial March.” Adding to the spectacle, the string players adorned their bows with LED lights, transforming them into glowing light sabers as they performed the final number.

The demonstration not only entertained but also served as an introduction to the world of orchestral music, inspiring many young students to consider learning an instrument in the future. The Penn High School Symphonic Orchestra’s performance was a perfect blend of education and entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on its young audience.

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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.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Meadow’s Edge Elementary School proudly paid tribute to our nation’s heroes with a Veterans Day concert. The special event featured performances at 1:30 p.m. for students and staff and an evening show dedicated to the families and veterans from the local community.

The school gymnasium was adorned with red, white, and blue decorations, adding to the uplifting atmosphere. Students wore themed attire while they performed patriotic songs. 

Meadow’s Edge Elementary extends its deepest thanks to the veterans, families, and all who supported this significant event.