On Wednesday, January 14, members of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees, P-H-M and Penn High School administrators and coaches, P-H-M Education Foundation Board Members, community partners, student-athletes, guests and members of the media gathered to officially open the 80,000-square-foot multi-use student facility (click here to see a brochure with specs & details). It was also a time to honor retired, long-serving Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and his wife Donna Thacker. 

Click to see a full photo gallery of all the pictures from the event.

Built for P-H-M Students

The Fieldhouse will serve Penn High School students across athletic programs, academic, and extracurricular programs, including marching band, color guard, and robotics events (elementary, middle and high school). Academic use of the facility will include physical education classes and secure large-scale assessments, for example PSAT, SAT, and AP testing.

In addition, the Fieldhouse will support P-H-M middle school students through Future Kingsmen Athletics and Marching Band, helping students build both athletic and fine arts skills while safely preparing for the next level at Penn High School.

“The Fieldhouse is about investing in students and the experiences that help them grow,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “From academics to athletics and the arts, it will support learning and opportunity across our district for generations.”

The Fieldhouse will be open for student use beginning Tuesday, January 20th.

A Community Investment—Without Raising Tax Rate

The Fieldhouse project was identified as a priority in P-H-M’s 2022 District Master Facilities Plan and was completed without raising tax rates for residents of Penn, Harris, and Madison Townships. P-H-M continues to maintain one of the lowest tax rates in St. Joseph County while delivering strong academic outcomes. The groundbreaking for the project was May 2024 (click here for those details). 

Click to watch the video below that includes time lapse video of the project–start to finish–and highlights from the ceremony.

The total project cost is $18 million, reflecting the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-range planning.

“This Fieldhouse is the result of years of thoughtful, long-range planning and sound fiscal stewardship by the Board,” said P-H-M Board of School Trustees President Chris Riley. “By following our District Master Facilities Plan, we were able to make a meaningful investment in students while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in St. Joseph County and without increasing the tax burden on our community.”

Designed for Versatility and Excellence

Located just off McKinley Highway, the 80,000-square-foot Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse expands Penn’s campus and provides much-needed indoor space to support year-round student programming across academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

“The design of this Fieldhouse reflects thoughtful planning around flexibility, safety, and long-term use,” said P-H-M Chief Operating Officer Dr. Sean Galiher. “Every element, from academic and training spaces to event amenities, was intentionally designed to support students, staff, and large-scale programming.”

The multi-use facility includes indoor space for these athletic teams:

*Track and Field: six-lane, 200-meter indoor track, pole vault, long jump, high jump, and shot put areas

*Indoor Hitting: Drop-down batting nets for baseball and softball indoor hitting practices

*Wood courts: two multi-purpose courts for basketball, volleyball

“The Fieldhouse gives Penn student-athletes a first-class, year-round training environment,” said Jeff Hart, Penn Athletic Director. “From indoor track and field to court sports and speed and agility training, this facility allows our programs to practice, compete, and prepare regardless of weather—supporting performance, safety, and student development.”

Beyond athletics, the Fieldhouse will accommodate marching band rehearsals, smaller scale robotics events, school dances, and other large student gatherings, further expanding opportunities for student engagement and districtwide events.

Additional amenities include four locker rooms, two classroom/conference spaces, a student commons area, a physical trainer and rehabilitation space, equipment storage, an observation hallway serving the second floor, a concession stand, security office, event parking, and future bleacher seating for more than 800 spectators.

“This Fieldhouse is truly a space for all Penn students, expanding opportunities for connection, creativity, and school pride,” commented Penn High School Principal Rachel Fry. 

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Giving

The Ribbon Cutting will commemorate that the Fieldhouse has been named in honor of retired P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and his wife Donna Thacker, recognizing their decades of leadership, service, and philanthropic support of Penn-Harris-Madison schools and the P-H-M Education Foundation (PHMEF).

Dr. Thacker served as P-H-M’s Superintendent from 2006 to 2025. Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M became one of Indiana’s top school districts with the schools, students, teachers, and staff achieving countless recognitions, at the state, national and international level (click here for more background information on Dr. Thacker’s tenure).

“This Fieldhouse is an investment in students today and in the future of our district,” said Jennifer Turnblom, PHMEF Executive Director. “The Naming Rights Campaign directly benefits the Foundation’s endowment which in turn provides classroom grants for P-H-M teachers benefiting generations of students for years to come.”

Under the PHMEF Naming Rights Campaign structure, 80 percent of naming rights donations are placed into the Foundation’s endowment to support long-term student programs, while 20 percent directly funds professional development for P-H-M teachers.

Longtime PHMEF donors and supporters Gary and Tammy Fox donated $10,000 to the PHMEF Naming Rights Campaign to have the fieldhouse honor Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker. Gary Fox served on the P-H-M Board of School Trustees with Dr. Thacker as the Superintendent from 2001-2020 before stepping down. He was re-elected to Harris Township, Seat 4 in November 2024. 

“Dr. Thacker’s leadership helped shape P-H-M into one of Indiana’s premier school districts,” said Gary Fox. “Naming the Fieldhouse in honor of Jerry and Donna Thacker recognizes a legacy rooted in student success, community partnership, and long-term vision.”

During his time as Superintendent, Dr. Thacker and his wife contributed $300,000 in lifetime donations to the Foundation.

“It has been our greatest joy to watch generations of P-H-M students learn, grow, and benefit from the opportunities a quality education provides,” said Jerry Thacker and Donna Thacker. “We are deeply honored to have the Fieldhouse named in our honor, and we hope it becomes a place where students continue to discover their potential for generations to come.”

Project Partners

Construction of the Fieldhouse was completed by R. Yoder Construction Inc., with architectural design by Fanning Howey, a longtime P-H-M partner with more than 40 years of service to the district. Structural engineering was done by Magnus Engineering. Civil Engineering by Danch, Harner & Associates Inc.

The sounds of the season filled the air this week as Discovery Middle School’s 8th grade Piano Lab students took their talents into the community, sharing holiday music with local audiences.

Under the direction of their music teacher, Mr. Nate Freel, students performed a selection of festive pieces at StoryPoint Assisted Living Facility in Mishawaka, Ind., bringing smiles to residents and staff alike. Later in the day, the group continued spreading cheer with a second performance at the University Park Mall, where shoppers paused to enjoy the live music and join in the holiday spirit.

These performances offered students the opportunity to showcase their musical growth while connecting with the broader community, a wonderful example of #PHMExcellence in action.

Thank you to the Discovery music staff for inspiring our students to share their gifts and make the season a little brighter for everyone around them! 

Click here to view the full photo gallery.

Discovery Middle School’s band, orchestra, and choir came together today, December 17, 2025, for a combined holiday concert.

The daytime concert was presented for fellow students and highlighted a variety of seasonal selections The event showcased the collaboration between the music groups and reflected the skills students have developed through their work this semester.

The celebration continues tonight with an evening performance for family and friends, giving the Discovery community another opportunity to enjoy the holiday concert and support Discovery’s music programs.

1 2 ►

The Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation (PHMEF) continues its mission of supporting excellence in education by awarding $73,715.48 in classroom innovation grants for the 2025-2026 school year, marking one of the largest funding years in foundation history! And Discovery was fortunate to receive $1,966.81 in grant dollars!

Each year, PHMEF’s Annual Grant Cycle provides teachers across the district with opportunities to bring creative, hands-on learning projects to life, projects that go beyond traditional classroom resources. The grants are made possible through the generosity of community donors, local businesses, and district supporters.

During the first couple of weeks of December, PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom surprised grant recipients. Click here to see the full photo gallery.

Discovery was awarded three EZ grants (under $750). The descriptions are listed below:

1. Fit Lab
Emily Jenkinson • $471.00
Equipment for New Workout Room

2. Starbuddies Coffee Shop for All
Carly Hixson • $745.81
Supplies for Exceptional Education Student-Run Coffee Shop

3. Positive Postcards
Nicole Sullivan • $750.00
Personalized Postcards to be Mailed to Every Student

“On behalf of the entire PHM Education Foundation Board I want you to know how deeply we believe in our teachers and staff,” said PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom. “Your dedication, and passion for making a positive impact are what make our schools truly exceptional. We are committed to funding your innovative ideas because you are the heart of excellence in PHM, and we are proud to support the remarkable work you do every day.”

For more on the P-H-M Education Foundation’s 2025-26 grant awards, click here.

Discovery Middle School kicked off its annual “One Book, One School” program with a scavenger hunt that sent Archers all over the building in search of clues. The friendly competition added energy to the day and helped set the tone for a schoolwide culture of reading.

This year, all 6th through 8th graders are reading Bloom (The Overthrow) by Kenneth Oppel. Described by The New York Times as “the perfect book right now for young readers searching for hope, strength, inspiration — and just a little horticultural havoc,” Bloom is the first book in a fast-paced action-thriller trilogy.

The story begins in an unexpected way: with rain that carries mysterious seeds. Those seeds sprout overnight and spread rapidly, taking over fields, homes, and streets. The plants release toxic pollen and even form pods that can swallow animals and people. While the invasion seems unstoppable, three students: Anaya, Petra, and Seth, discover they might hold the key to fighting back. Their unique allergies appear to make them immune, and the race is on to understand why as the threat continues to grow.

The “One Book, One School” initiative encourages shared reading experiences, promotes discussion, and builds community across grade levels. With a thrilling book selection and an active kickoff, Discovery is well on its way to another successful year of reading together. 

1 2 ►

Seventh grade students at Discovery Middle School are gaining important, real-world skills through their Wellness classes by learning how to perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.

As part of the unit, students were taught proper CPR techniques, including how to administer chest compressions and rescue breaths. They then practiced on both adult and infant training dummies to simulate real-life scenarios.

In addition to CPR, students also learned how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, a critical skill used to help someone who is choking.

Through this hands-on learning experience, Discovery’s 7th graders are building confidence and understanding the importance of acting quickly and safely in emergency situations—valuable skills that could one day help save a life.

1 2 ►

The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees voted unanimously this morning to appoint Mrs. Jennifer (Jen) Smoker to fill the Penn Township Seat #1 vacancy created by the resignation of Matthew Chaffee in early October. 

A long-time resident and active community volunteer, Mrs. Smoker is a dedicated P-H-M parent of four children attending district schools. Her service and advocacy for students and staff have been felt across the district and throughout the greater community.

Mrs. Smoker currently serves on the P-H-M Education Foundation (PHMEF) Board of Directors, where she has chaired the Grants Committee since 2019. In that role, she helps oversee the process of awarding teacher and school grants that enhance learning, spark innovation, and promote excellence in all 15 P-H-M schools. She also supports PHMEF’s fundraising events and community partnerships that benefit students across the district.

Beyond her PHMEF service, Mrs. Smoker is deeply involved in several community organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for Granger Community Church, where she helps guide strategic planning and budget oversight; chairs the Grissom Middle School PTO Scholarship Committee, which awards scholarships to Penn High School seniors; and previously served as Board Secretary for Jr. Irish Soccer Club and Development Chair for Girls on the Run Michiana. Through these roles, she has combined her love of youth development, leadership, and service—supporting programs that build character, confidence, and connection.

Professionally, Mrs. Smoker brings two decades of business leadership and creative experience. A graduate of Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, she began her career as an Account Executive for major advertising firms in Detroit and Chicago, managing national brands such as Lincoln/Mercury and Quaker Oats. In 2003, she founded and operated CardCare.com, an online greeting card company she successfully led for 20 years.

“Mrs. Smoker’s commitment to servant leadership and her deep connection to our schools make her an outstanding addition to the Board,” said Board President Christopher Riley. “She has demonstrated her heart for P-H-M through years of volunteerism and community involvement and will bring a strong parent perspective to the table.”

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short added, “Jen’s energy, insight, and collaborative leadership reflect the very best of P-H-M’s Triangle of Success—students, teachers, and parents working together. Her service to our schools and community exemplifies P-H-M Excellence.”

Arrangements will be made with the P-H-M Board Attorney for Mrs. Smoker to take her Oath of Office. She will serve through the remainder of the current term, which expires in 2026. She may choose to run for election to the ensuing four-year term in the November 2026 general election.

Mrs. Smoker was chosen from five applicants. The other four candidates were John “Todd” Douthit, Brandon M. Kastner, William “Matt” Ludwig, and Ryan C. Woodruff (click here for their resumes). Public interviews of these applicants took place during a special board meeting held Tuesday, October 28th. President Riley said the decision to fill the vacancy was a difficult one, as all five candidates would have been excellent choices.

Click here for the process the Board of School Trustees followed for filling the vacancies.

U.S. News and World Report released its “Best Schools” rankings for K-8 public schools by state and Discovery is #3 out of Indiana’s 483 public middle schools.

Data is based on the 2021–2022, 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 school years.

Schmucker also made the list at #53.

And all of P-H-M’s elementary schools are ranked among Indiana’s “Best Elementary Schools”:

• Northpoint #1  
• Prairie Vista #2 
• Horizon #37
• Mary Frank #39
• Bittersweet #94
• Elm Road #172
• Moran #175
• Elsie Rogers #297
• Madison #273
• Meadow’s Edge #370
• Walt Disney #385

Indiana’s 395 Indiana public high schools were also ranked, and Penn ranked #26.

The U.S. News & World Report analyzed 103,391 pre-K, elementary and middle schools nationwide for their rankings. The rankings use the same methodology for all included grade levels. For each state, schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments. Half of the formula assessed the scores themselves and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. In other words, the top-ranked schools are all high-achieving and have succeeded at educating all their students. Click here for more information on the methodology.

The highest ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores on an array of college-level exams, and graduated in high proportions. They reviewed data on 17,901 public high schools. Click here for more background information on their ranking system.

P-H-M’s ENL Department is hosting their annual Community Connections Fair on Saturday, November 1st.

Join us for activities, arts & crafts, food, performances, and to learn about resources in our community. It is completely FREE and all P-H-M families are invited to attend. Click here to see photos on Facebook of past Fairs.

For any families that want to sign up to perform, please click here to fill out the Google form.

October is National Principals Month! To celebrate, we’re sharing short Q&As with each of our principals—giving you a glimpse into their leadership style, favorite parts of school life, and what drives their #PHMExcellence every day.

If you could swap places with a student for one day, what class or activity would you be most excited to participate in — and why?

Piano Lab – I secretly would love to learn how to play piano and this class is so unique and fun to have in a student’s schedule at Discovery, I would absolutely enjoy it!

What’s your go-to morning routine (or must-have snack/coffee order) that helps you tackle the day?

Right now I am really into the iced coffee with vanilla flavor from McDonalds, not just for the taste, but the price….$1.06 with the app – you can’t beat that! Midday I love to order a tea from Discovery’s StarBuddies coffee shop; the price is even better — FREE!

What were you like as a middle or high school student — and what’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

I attended Schmucker MS (because Discovery wasn’t built yet) and Penn HS and I was shy and worried about doing things “right” a lot of the time. I think I would tell my younger self to not be afraid to try new things and try out any sport or club that looks interesting. You never know what will end up being the thing you are passionate about and meet some great friends along the way!

If your job as a principal had a theme song, what song would be your walk up song–the one playing when you walked into school each day?

Unstoppable by Sia

What was your favorite school lunch or snack when you were a student? What is your favorite school lunch now as a principal?

Hands down, the square pizza then and now! I have a lunch account now and eat in the cafeteria regularly and although the walking taco is a close favorite; the school pizza has always been a core memory and I can’t pass it up!

What’s one fun fact about you that most students or staff don’t know?

I am working towards my black belt in Taekwondo along with my three sons. I am currently a brown belt and I recently competed in a tournament and one first place with my weapons form – nunchucks.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of school that might surprise people?

I am fluent in Spanish and love to Latin Dance – salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia; it’s a fun hobby and great music.

What’s one thing on your bucket list you still hope to do one day?

Travel to all 7 continents – I have been to 4 so far!

What’s your favorite school tradition or event?

Discovery does the One Book One School event every year and it is such a great event that brings the whole school together. Everyone in the building reads the same book and we do fun activities like hallway detectives, scavenger hunts, Student and Teacher Trivia Gameshows and the final event – Battle of the Book. So many prizes and everyone is excited and talking about the same book, both staff and students, during that month and half!

If you could describe your school in one word, what would it be?

Excellence