Education

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — The International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS) has named Burris Laboratory School as its 2025 Outstanding Laboratory School of the Year. Burris, a public K–12 school that is part of Ball State University, was selected for its leadership in educational innovation, research, and its unwavering focus on student voice and academic excellence. The award, presented at the IALS annual conference in Kingston, R.I., honors one institution each year that exemplifies the core values of laboratory schools: research and inquiry, professional development, curriculum innovation, teacher preparation, and educational experimentation. This recognition caps a…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is accepting proposals for the 2025 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant, a competitive funding opportunity that provides up to $35,000 annually to support a community arts-focused organization or program in East Central Indiana. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 28. To apply for the grant or for more information, go to https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/community-engagement/arts-grant-application. The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant affirms Ball State’s commitment to community engagement with the greater arts community of East Central Indiana, by promoting broad participation to our various community arts…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—For a second straight year, Leo Furlong is the champion of the Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. On March 8, Mr. Furlong, a sixth grader at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, secured the 2025 regional title by correctly spelling ‘leviathan,’ earning a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this Spring in Washington, D.C. The semifinals and finals will be held May 27-29. This year’s Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee featured 41 spellers from 29 area schools and lasted eight rounds. Christopher Li, a seventh grader from Heritage Hall Christian Middle School…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — One Ball State Day (OBSD), the University’s annual day of giving and celebration of Cardinal spirit, returns for its seventh year on Tuesday, April 2. This day of beneficence brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to showcase the power of collective impact in advancing Ball State University and supporting student success. Since its inception in 2019, One Ball State Day has demonstrated what can be achieved when Cardinals unite. Last year, more than 6,300 people contributed more than 8,400 gifts, raising nearly $1.2 million and emphasizing the deep connections and…

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—In the four years she’s been at Muncie Central High School, Isabel Quirk has been making a mark. From athletics to community service to academics, Quirk happily maintains a busy schedule and is looking forward to attending Indiana University Bloomington next fall to study law, political science or human rights advocacy. During her time as a Bearcat, Quirk played tennis all four years and soccer…

Preschool registration for 4-year-olds also available By Andy Klotz, MCS— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) will be holding kindergarten roundup at all six of its elementary schools Thursday, April 10 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for families to register their 5-year-olds for the 2025-26 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 for kindergarten. The roundup will coincide with on-site open enrollment for all grades, preschool through 12th. Preschool openings are limited…

By Ro Selvey, Northside Middle School teacher— MUNCIE, IN – Students at Muncie Central High School are taking action for a meaningful cause. The Muncie Central Student Council is organizing a Riley Fun Run 5K as part of their Riley Fundraiser Project to support the children receiving care at Riley Hospital for Children.  Event Date: March 15, 2025  Time: 9 a.m.—12 p.m.  Location: Muncie Central High School Campus This event is open to the entire Muncie community, and everyone is encouraged to participate—whether by running, walking, or simply showing support. All proceeds will go directly to Riley Children’s Hospital, helping…