Education

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—Looking for ways to give back to your community? Stop by the Ball State Faculty/Staff & Community Volunteer Fair 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Ball State’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Meet representatives from over 20 local organizations, learn about volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and schedule, and connect directly with organizations doing great work in our community. Why should YOU volunteer? It’s good for your health! Volunteering locally strengthens your personal well-being by reducing stress, boosting happiness, and helping you forge deep, meaningful connections with your neighbors. It’s good for your community!It directly uplifts your…

By Andy Klotz, APR—  MUNCIE, IN—Longfellow Elementary School Principal Gerry Moore has a saying. It’s even painted on the school walls: “Excellence is the expectation… with no excuses!” That motto may have something to do with the school’s most recent Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment. Forty-one of Longfellow’s 49 third grade students demonstrated proficient reading skills on the most recent assessment. That’s an 83.7% passing rate, which is an impressive 15.8% improvement over the school’s 67.9% rate from a year ago. “This is exciting!” Moore said. “This is my eleventh year at Longfellow, and we’ve been working hard…

U.S. Department of Education grants final approval, capping a seven-year effort and formalizing Ross’s commitment to affordable, career-focused healthcare education By Adriana Caldare— MUNCIE, IN — Ross Education, which has trained healthcare professionals for more than 50 years, has announced that it has completed its conversion to a not-for-profit institution. On July 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education granted the final approval required, formally recognizing Ross as a nonprofit institution for federal student aid purposes. The Department’s approval concludes a process Ross began in 2019. Ross’s corporate parent converted to a Michigan nonprofit corporation in February 2021 and is…

$187,000+ Investment Delivers Inclusive Play Space for Students of All Abilities By Samuel Coffman— SELMA, IN—Liberty-Perry Schools Corporation celebrated the grand opening of a new wheelchair-accessible playground at Selma Elementary School on August 10 at 3:30 p.m. This marked the completion of a $187,000+ investment designed to ensure every student has a place to play, connect, and belong. “This playground reflects our commitment to ensuring every student feels welcomed, included, and valued,” said Superintendent Aaron Black. “Play is an important part of childhood, and every child deserves access to a space where they can learn, interact with their peers, and…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—  Andrea Streaty and Morgan Leckie have been selected as Muncie Community Schools’ 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, respectively, for primary and secondary grades. Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Chuck Reynolds presented each with awards during MCS’ “welcome back” staff event today at Muncie Central High School. Streaty is a third grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School who serves as the grade level team lead. She is also the student council sponsor and teaches in the school’s successful afterschool STEM club. “Andrea’s enthusiasm and creativity engages even the most challenging students,” Longfellow Principal Gerry…

Free annual program engages East Central Indiana middle and high school students through hands-on learning, local business partnerships, and career exploration. By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN —  Ivy Tech Community College recently hosted 28 area middle and high school students at the John and Janice Fisher Building for its annual STEM Camp. The free, five-day program provides local students with a dynamic, hands-on introduction to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), empowering young women across Delaware County to explore technical fields in an engaging, supportive, and collaborative environment. “The reason I always come back is because everybody who comes to…

By Hannah Dunckel— MUNCIE, IN— Meridian Health Services, with support from presenting sponsor Ivy Tech, is hosting the Back-to-School Fit Fair on Tuesday, July 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Southside Middle School located at 1601 E. 26th St., Muncie, IN 47302. This event is being held in conjunction with Muncie Community Schools’ registration day. The community and people of all ages are invited to the Back-to-School Fit Fair featuring:  FREE Health Fair & Fitness Zone including: Health screenings provided by Meridian Health Services Screenings include ADHD, blood pressure, dental, ear checks, flexibility, and mental health Food and…