Education

Preschool registration for 4-year-olds also available By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN— Muncie Community Schools (MCS) will be holding kindergarten roundup at all six of its elementary schools Thursday, April 11 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for families to register their 5-year-olds for the 2024-25 school year while getting a first-hand look at classrooms and having questions answered directly by teachers and administrators. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to be eligible…

Sets Sights on Third Straight $1 Million Fundraising Goal By Ball State Marketing & Communication— MUNCIE, Indiana – One Ball State Day, Ball State University’s award-winning 24-hour fundraising event, returns Wednesday, April 3, with the goal of topping $1 million for a third straight year. Thanks to the support of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide, One Ball State Day (OBSD) has seen a remarkable increase in donations for five straight years, reaching more than $1million in gifts in…

A restorative approach to secondary education success By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN – When high school students are suspended or expelled from school, they are often placed in alternative pathways, which increases the chances of academic challenges and adds a layer of stress for the students as well as their families. The Pathway to Prosperity and Excellence Program is designed to provide academic and career support for students that might be considered at-risk. This collaboration can provide relief from that stress as well as a guided pathway…

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Leo Furlong, a fifth grader at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, is the champion of the 2024 Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. Mr. Furlong’s winning word was “jalapeño.” The spicy competition, involving nearly 40 spellers from several local school systems, lasted 12 rounds. The first runner-up was Kim Servan, a fifth grader from Royerton (Ind.) Elementary School. Second runner-up was a tie between Ainsley Falloon, a sixth grader at Northside Middle…

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Women’s Week 2024—Ball State University’s annual celebration of women’s achievements and contributions to society—will be March 25-29. The celebration, organized by Ball State’s Department of Women’s, Gender, and African American Studies (WGAS), will be marked with numerous free events at the University. One of the many planned events will feature a keynote address by Loretta Ross—renowned feminist, activist, and scholar—at 7:30 p.m. March 26 at Pruis Hall. Ms. Ross has spent…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski is retiring from K-12 education at the end of the school year. MCS Associate Superintendent Dr. Charles (Chuck) Reynolds, a Muncie Southside graduate and longtime district administrator, will succeed her when she officially leaves June 30. “This decision was incredibly difficult for me,” Dr. Kwiatkowski said. “I have grown to love the people of Muncie and I’m very proud of all we’ve…

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Though Clarissa Jones entered Muncie Central High School on the coattails of her older siblings, she marched her way into the school and created her own legacy. In fact, principal Chris Walker was quick to sing her praises about what a great student she’s been…

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Trey Mathews, a Muncie, Ind., native and sophomore Honors College student at Ball State University, has been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support his study abroad endeavors. This federally-funded, nationally competitive program provides up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students pursuing academic studies abroad to better prepare them to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. Additional support is available to selected students who…