Some of the math courses have a different name than last year. Following is a chart to guide you through these new names.

(June 17, 2016) After a whirlwind week of events that seemed to rival the velocity of Skylar Szynski’s 95 mile-an-hour fastball, the former Penn High School baseball star and Discovery Middle School Archer, finally gets to catch his breath … at least for one day!

Szynski, who was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fourth round (112 overall) in the Major League Baseball Draft on June 10, signed with the Athletics on Thursday, June 16. He is scheduled to fly to Arizona on Friday, June 17, to start his professional career with the Athletics’ Rookie League team in Mesa.

MLB.com reported that Szynski signed for $1 million bonus, well above the $531,500 slotted for the 112th pick and has a provision for his college education to be paid for by the Athletics. Skylar has attended Penn-Harris-Madison Schools for his entire K-12 school career, including Horizon Elementary School from 2002-09 and Discovery Middle School, 2009-12.

Click here for the Skylar Szynski stat sheet.

“It’s very exciting, and nerve-wracking, too,” Szynski said after announcing his decision to forego a baseball scholarship to Indiana University and sign with the Athletics. “The pros will be less wear-and-tear on my arm. I’ll be more fresh.”

Szynski concluded a brilliant career at Penn in the Kokomo Semistate on Saturday, June 11. The defending state champion Kingsmen won the Northern Indiana Conference title this season, as well as sectional and regional championships before their season ended in the Final Four.

A 6-foot-2, 207-pound right-hander, Szynski pitched Penn to the 2015 Class 4-A state championship. He had a 27-4 career record for the Kingsmen. Szynski is only the fourth player to be drafted in coach Greg Dikos’ 29-season tenure, and he is the highest drafted Penn player.

Szynski burst onto the scene as a sophomore. He pitched a perfect game against defending state champion Elkhart Central, and finished that season with a 7-2 record.

“We’ve been watching Skylar for the last couple of years, the state tournament last year, the summer showcase tour last summer,” said Oakland Athletics Midwest Scouting Supervisor Rich Sparks. “He was on my team at the East Coast Pro last summer. A lot of eyes were on him last summer.

“It wasn’t just the Oakland A’s that liked Skylar this spring,” Sparks said. “I was at a game one time when there were 15 of us (scouts) there, and then the next time, there were 45 of us. All of the organizations had him high on their list. We just stepped up and pursued it a little harder than anybody else.”

Szynski said that the process leading up to his becoming a professional baseball player and signing has been a kaleidoscope of emotions.

“It’s awesome,” Szynski said entering the pro ranks. “I’m just blown away. I’m still in shock. Everyone has been very supportive. You just have to take it in stride.

“I’ve been talking about it for a couple of months, almost every day, trying to make the right decision, and weighing the pros and cons.”

Szynski said that his Penn coaches and teammates helped get him ready for the leap into pro baseball.

“They helped me get prepared by working hard every day, not taking a day off, and just having fun with it,” Szynski said.

Sparks said that Szynski displayed the character and maturity to sign out of high school.

“I would say that 90 percent of all kids drafted out of high school aren’t ready to go to the minor leagues,” Sparks said. “What sparked us is make-up. Make-up is a big thing for us in the Oakland A’s organization … mental toughness and stuff.”

Many high school pitchers only have a fastball in their arsenal, but Szynski’s 95 mile-an-hour fastball was just one reason the scouts flocked to Penn games. He also has a plus change-up and a plus breaking ball.

“The stuff itself is the peaking interest for us … the body, the frame, the way the arm works, the arm speed,” Sparks said. “It’s very tough to teach arm speed. We think he’s going to be stronger. We think he’s going to get bigger. He might throw harder in the future. That’s what we project. I don’t think there’s reason we can’t think of him as a No. 2, 3 starter in the Big Leagues for years to come.”

This year the Kingsmen offered player trading cards to their fans and boosters, and found that they were especially popular with younger P-H-M students playing in area youth leagues. Many youngsters had their cards signed by the ball players. Some day those Sklyar Szynski cards may be highly collectible! Click here to download your copy of Skylar’s card.

(June 10, 2016) It seemed assured that 2016 Penn High School grad Skylar Szynski would be drafted this year to play for a major league ball club. Known for his amazing fastball and great composure on the mound, last year he led the Penn Kingsmen to the IHSAA Class 4A State Championship. Of course the unknowns surrounding the draft were “In what round?” and “By which team?”

Those questions were answered Friday afternoon, June 10, 2016 when he was picked in the fourth round by the Oakland A’s (Oakland Athletics). Skylar was not in New Jersey for the event, nor was he watching from home with friends and family. He was practicing with his high school teammates as they prepare for this year’s Semi-State contest. (Penn will take on the Zionsville Eagles at noon on Saturday, June 11, at the Kokomo Municipal Stadium.)

As anticipated, Szynski was taken in the early rounds, being the 6^th pick of the 4^th round, and the 112th draft pick overall. MLB commentators had this to say about the A’s recruit: “He has a quick arm and a strong frame…… consistent delivery of the fastball… great aptitude for the change-up.” They concluded, “There is little doubt he can make it as a starter in pro ball.”

Major League scouts have had eyes on Skylar (6-2, 207 lbs.) for a few years now. The right-hander pitched a perfect game, retiring 21 batters, while still a sophomore at Penn, and he has attracted attention ever since. With speed guns in hand, no less than 20 MLB scouts have attended games this season to record Skylar’s 95 MPH pitches and to observe his play as a right fielder. The 2016 season wrapped with a 10-game winning streak for Szynski and the Kingsmen, followed by strong post-season play.

In the preseason, Szynski was named to the 1st team senior preseason All American team. This list recognizes the top 50 seniors around the country as they enter their final season in their high school career. 

Szynski’s 2015 honors include pitching in the prestigious Area Code Games in California, the East Coast Pro showcase in Fla., and the Jupiter (Fla.) World Wood Bat Tournament. His 2016 honors include being named the Northern Indiana Conference MVP. Skylar, son of Brent and Robin Szynski of Granger, Indiana, is an Indiana University commit.  He has not made a decision yet abou the Oakland A’s or Indiana University. He has attended Penn-Harris-Madison Schools for his entire K-12 school career, including Horizon Elementary School from 2002-09 and Discovery Middle School, 2009-12.

This highlight sheet includes Skylar’s stats and other facts about the outstanding Penn baseball program led by Head Coach Greg Dikos for the past 29 years. The program has garnered four State Championships to date (1994, 1998, 2001, 2015—with the 2016 title to be determined on June 18).

This year the Kingsmen offered player trading cards to their fans and boosters, and found that they were especially popular with younger P-H-M students playing in area youth leagues. Many youngsters had their cards signed by the ball players. Some day those Sklyar Szynski cards may be highly collectible! Click here to download your copy of Skylar’s card.

About Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation serves approximately 10,700 students in 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and Penn High School. P-H-M’s six “Four Star schools” for the 2015-2016 school year, as named by the IDOE are: Horizon Elementary, Mary Frank Elementary, Prairie Vista Elementary, Northpoint Elementary, Discovery Middle, and Penn High School. 100% of our teachers rank either highly effective or effective. P-H-M’s 2015 ISTEP+ results placed the District 10th in the state among 293 public school districts. P-H-M has been rated an “A-rated” school district by the Indiana Department of Education for six years in a row. Penn High School's graduation rate exceeds the state’s with a 97% graduation rate earning the High School national rankings by both the Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Most Challenging High Schools” and “Best High Schools.” Penn’s STEM Academy is a Fully STEM Certified Program by the IDOE—making it the first large, comprehensive public high school in the state to achieve this elite status! To learn more, please visit www.phmschools.org.

7th Grade Football – Monday, August 1  8:00-10:00 a.m.

8th Grade Football   – Monday, August 1  8:00-10:30 a.m.

7/8th Grade Cheer – Tuesday, August 2  9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

7th Grade Volleyball  – Monday, August 8  11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

8th Grade Volleyball  – Monday, August 8  9:30-11:00 a.m.

6th-8th Cross Country –  Monday, August 15  8:00-9:30 a.m.

All students should report inside of Door E by the main gym for the first practice. 

REMINDER: In order to participate in athletics, students must have an updated physical turned in, on or before the first practice, dated after April 1, 2016. Students may bring completed physical forms to the first practice and turn in to the coach.

Fall Intramurals and Club lists will be posted to Canvas and the Discovery Website by September 15, 2016. A copy may also be picked up in the main office.

Mr. Kauffman

Mrs. Harper

The Indiana Department of Education has announced the 2014-15 Four Star Schools and six Penn-Harris-Madison Schools made the annual roster for this elite distinction.

Along with Discovery, P-H-M’s other Four Star Schools include Horizon, Mary Frank, Northpoint and Prairie Vista Elementary Schools, and Penn High School.

In order to achieve this designation, a school must be in the top 25th percentile of schools in two ISTEP-based categories. Additionally, a qualifying school must have earned the highest designation in the state’s accountability system and be accredited by the Indiana Department of Education. A total of 287 schools received the award throughout the state. A complete list of the schools that received the award, as well as a more complete methodology outlining Four Star determination, can be found on the IDOE’s website.

In January, the 2015 ISTEP+ scores were released and P-H-M ranked 10th in the state among 293 public school districts. The District earned an 81.4% pass rate for ELA (English/Language Arts); 78.0% pass rate for Math; and an overall combined pass rate of 72.1% for both subjects areas. P-H-M was also rated an “A-rated” school district for the 6^th year in a row.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation serves approximately 10,700 students in 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and Penn High School. Penn High School's graduation rate exceeds the state’s with a 97% graduation rate and is rated a 90-25-90 school by the IDOE. 100% of P-H-M teachers rank either highly effective or effective. 

SUMMER TEEN ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS (STEPs)

STEPs is an activity-centered summer program for high school students entering grades 9-12. Taught by IU South Bend faculty, each of our one-week intensive learning “camps” introduces students to a different area of college study through lively, hands-on projects. All camps are limited to 15 students to ensure maximum engagement with our faculty. Morning and afternoon programs run from July 11-15 and July 18-22 and are $125 per program, with an optional lunch for an additional $20 per week. Reduced rates are available for students with financial need. To learn more about financial aid or to register for a program, visit www.iusb.edu/clas/steps. Special exceptions may be made for students entering 8^th grade if they have a strong academic record. If you have questions about the program or would like to apply for an exception, please contact Associate Dean Lee Kahan at  lkahan@iusb.edu.

You can also find more information here.

CANVAS is an online communication platform that connects students, parents and teachers. CANVAS has boosted the success of P-H-M’s Chromebook program in middle and high school, and most of our users have given it a “thumbs up” this year.

Starting June 6, 2016, P-H-M’s CANVAS users will see a new and improved “dashboard” when they log on. In addition to the new look, the user will have new options for organizing and viewing CANVAS content. We think the changes being made to the user interface will merit two thumbs up!  

Parents and students, watch the video below for an overview of the changes. 

The URL (web address ) to CANVAS is not changing. You will find it at the same location, or by using the same link or shortcut, as you have used in the past. 

• Click here to go to the CANVAS login page now, or copy/paste this address into your browser bar: https://phm.instructure.com/ to go there. 

Your login information will not change. Your CANVAS login is the same as your HAC (Home Access Center) login.

• Contact the school office or email the HAC helpdesk HAC@phm.k12.in.us if you need help setting up your account. 

Visit the Canvas Help Page for additional resources and information.

Congratulations Indiana Academic Super Bowl Top 10 Overall Junior Division Teams. 

2016 is the eighth year IASP is recognizing the Top 10 teams in each Indiana Academic Super Bowl enrollment class, based on the cumulative scores of all five rounds at the Area Competition.  A certificate award is being mailed to each team coordinator this week. This award is unrelated to State Championship awards, and is a separate way to recognize academic achievement.

Congratulations to Discovery’s team for being a part of this elite group!  The full list of “Top 10” teams can be viewed online at http://www.iasp.org/pdf/SuperJr2016Top10Overall.pdf

Seventeen students from Discovery Middle School will be competing in a prestigious national math competition this weekend.

Mathcon is a popular math competition for students in grades 5-12. More than 45,000 students nationwide, from 330 schools in 42 different states take the test, but they only take the top 100 students from each grade level to compete at the national finals.

Representing Discovery at Mathcon in Chicago on April 23 will be:

• 6th Grade: Eric Yun and Hunter Striegel

• 7th Grade: Grace Waddell, Peter Sullivan, Ethan Yoder, Reagan Hoke, Anya Tang, Camden Kaminsky and Shubham Lahane

• 8th Grade: Seunghoon Sun, Lyvia Li, Tara Devaraj, Andy Kaboski, Dustin Smith, Jeffrey Du, Rajeev Datta and Noah Lang

First Round of the competition took place at the school back in February. The Second Round taking place this weekend in Chicago will be an “on site” paper test. The MathCON test questions require ingenuity and insight, but little technical knowledge beyond grade level mathematics and includes problems of varying degree of difficulty that enables all students to be equally challenged. 

On Wednesday, April 13, 2016, the Discovery Middle School Math team traveled to Huntington University (Indiana) to compete against 24 other middle school teams in the annual statewide academic competition.  

Coached by Michelle Crawford, the team met and practiced earlier in the year.

Their preparation paid off—the Archers brought home the First Place Trophy! And Seunghoon Sun took 1^st in the individual competition!

Team members include:  Seunghoon Sun, Lyvia Li, Andy Kaboski and Jeffrey Du. Alternates were Aidan Sweeney, Grace Waddell, Reagan Hoke and Peter Sullivan.

The Huntington University Middle School Mathematics Competition is provided as a means of fostering mathematical interest and expertise among students, 8th grade and below. The competition consists of three parts:

Written Exam: The written exam consists of 20 multiple choice questions from mathematics topics ranging from general arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Competitors are given 40 minutes to complete the exam. The questions allow the use of a scientific calculator. The score for each team member on the written test will be added to the team score and to the individual score.

Individual Ciphering: During the individual competition each competitor is given a problem to complete without the aid of a calculator within a two minute time interval. Each individual completes the problem as quickly as possible. Competitors only have one chance to turn in a solution.

Team Problem Solving: During the team problem solving portion of the competition, a set of harder problems are given to the entire school team to complete. These problems are designed to encourage participation from the entire team. The team is responsible to work together to distribute the tasks to complete the problem. Teams can only submit one solution.

Congratulations to the Discovery Math Competition Team on this outstanding achievement!