Nancy Ladson, a 7th grade math teacher at Schmucker Middle School, has earned a P-H-M Impact Award for exceptional student growth in Advanced 7th Grade Math.

She was visited by P-H-M Superintendent of Schools Dr. Heather Short in recognition of the achievement.

From Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2, her class demonstrated a gain of 145 scale points. This growth was among the strongest observed across all classes during the assessment window and reflects significant instructional impact.

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Schmucker Middle School wrapped up the final day before winter recess with a staff vs. students basketball game that gave everyone a fun way to head into the break.

Students earned the opportunity to attend the game by using PBIS points, which they accumulate throughout the year for positive behavior and meeting school expectations. The event served as both a reward and a celebration of the hard work students have put in.

Held at the end of the school day, the game featured plenty of energy from both teams, with classmates cheering on their peers and staff members from the stands. The friendly matchup created a memorable send-off as students and staff headed into winter recess on a high note.

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Schmucker Middle School held its Veterans Day celebration on Friday, November 14. The event was originally scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, but a snowfall that morning caused a two hour delay, prompting the school to move the program to the end of the week.

Local veterans filled the cafeteria as the 8th grade band, orchestra, and choirs performed a selection of patriotic music. Veterans connected to students were invited as special guests and were seated in a place of honor.

Toward the end of the program, students who have relatives that served or are currently serving in the military presented their veterans with red flowers as a thank you for their service. It was a meaningful moment that highlighted the pride and gratitude shared by the entire Schmucker community.

The celebration provided students and staff with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Veterans Day and to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.

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Mishawaka, IN – We are thrilled to announce that L.A. (Kriss) High, an 8th grade Math teacher at Schmucker Middle School and Penn-Harris-Madison’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, has advanced at the state level as one of Indiana’s Top 3 Finalists for the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year award! This incredible recognition continues to highlight Mr. High’s impactful teaching and dedication to student success.

Today, September 3rd, 2025, members of the Indiana Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year selection committee made a surprise classroom observation at Schmucker Middle School and delivered the exciting news that Mr. High had been elevated to the Top 3. Over the coming days and weeks, the IDOE will continue its process of evaluating finalists before announcing the statewide winner this fall.

When notified about reaching the Top 3, Mr. High shared:

“Once again, I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be named as a Top 3 Finalist for Indiana Teacher of the Year. Thank you to my wife, Emily, and our daughters, Kate and Molly, who have been constant supporters all these years and through this entire process. When I reflect on my career as a teacher, I can’t help but think of the people and the relationships that have been built through the years. I have been blessed to be surrounded by people in my life who have impacted me from childhood until now. I wish I had the chance to personally recognize each one in a manner that they deserve, but I hope all of those people know how much they have meant to me throughout my life. To the rest of my family, friends, and co-workers—thank you for the influence you’ve had on my life.”

From District Honors to Statewide Recognition

On May 5, 2025, now-retired Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker surprised Mr. High with the news that he had been named P-H-M’s 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year. The announcement recognized his exceptional performance in 8th-grade math, particularly his award for highest student growth on ILEARN assessments. 

Impact Outside the Classroom

In addition to his outstanding performance in the classroom, Mr. High has demonstrated leadership by organizing imaginative fundraising efforts for Riley Hospital for Children—including trivia nights, a “pie-a-teacher” contest, and a 150-mile bike ride that has raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years.

A Top 3 Finalist in Indiana

Following this impressive district-level honor, Mr. High entered the Indiana Teacher of the Year (INTOY) process. As of now, he is one of the Top‑3 finalists out of all of the teachers in Indiana. We announced on August 15th, 2025 when Mr. High was named a Top-7 Finalist.

What’s Next?

Finalists are evaluated by a committee that includes former Indiana Teachers of the Year, IDOE staff, educational and community leaders, and representatives from higher education. With today’s advancement to the Top 3, Mr. High is now one step closer to potentially being named the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year. The final winner will be announced in early Fall 2025.

Celebrating Teaching Excellence

This exciting milestone affirms the impact of L.A. High’s work in educating and inspiring middle schoolers. P-H-M is proud to celebrate his achievements, and we look forward to cheering him on as the state selection process continues.

— For more background on how Mr. High was named P-H-M’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, visit our May 5 article.

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. 

Mishawaka, IN  – We are excited to share that L.A. (Kriss) High, an 8th grade Math teacher at Schmucker Middle School & Penn-Harris-Madison’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, has advanced at the state level as one of Indiana’s Top-7 finalists for the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year award! This recognition highlights Mr. High’s impactful teaching and commitment to student success.

When notified about reaching the Top-7, Mr. High had this to say “I am incredibly honored and grateful for this recognition. I’m so excited to be able to represent all past and present teachers, families, and students I’ve worked alongside throughout my career. I could never accomplish any of this without the influence of numerous people throughout my life. Thank you to my wife, Emily, and my daughters, Kate and Molly, for always cheering me on as a teacher. To the rest of my family, friends, colleagues, and students- your impact on my life is far greater than you know.”

From District Honors to Statewide Recognition

On May 5, 2025, now retired Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker surprised Mr. High with the news that he had been named P‑H‑M’s 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year. The announcement recognized his exceptional performance in 8th‑grade math, particularly his award for highest student growth on ILEARN assessments, and his leadership in organizing imaginative fundraising efforts for Riley Hospital for Children—including trivia nights, a “pie‑a‑teacher” contest, and a 150‑mile bike ride that raised nearly $60,000. 

A Top-7 Finalist in Indiana

Following this impressive district-level honor, Mr. High entered the Indiana Teacher of the Year (INTOY) process. As of now, he is one of the Top‑7 finalists out of all of the teachers in Indiana.

What’s Next?

Finalists are evaluated by a committee that includes former Indiana Teachers of the Year, IDOE staff, educational and community leaders, and representatives from higher education. The final winner will be announced in early Fall 2025.

Celebrating Teaching Excellence

This exciting update builds on our earlier story and affirms the ongoing excellence of L.A. High’s work in educating and inspiring middle schoolers. We’re proud to celebrate his achievements and look forward to cheering him on as the state selection advances.

— For more background on how Mr. High was named P-H-M’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, visit our May 5 article.

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.