Education

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, Ind. – Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County secured an Early Years Initiative grant which focuses on new, enhanced, or expanded programs and projects as well as projects that influence healthy brain development and the development of physical, social-emotional, and cognitive skills in infants and toddlers (birth to age 3). The Muncie-Henry County CareerLink team, in collaboration with the Early Childhood Education Department, is offering a free eight-week skills training class called “Skills for Parenting in the Early Years”.  This class will include: Safe sleep Pediatric first aid and CPR How to select high-quality childcare Mental health for…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE,IN—The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees has approved raises for its teacher again, raising the minimum annual salary for all first-year teachers to $51,500 while also bumping veteran salaries based upon performance evaluations. All current, full-time certified teachers in good standing who are rated “highly effective” will receive an additional $2,000 while those classified as “effective” will get an additional $1,000. “It pleases us to be able to grant those compensation adjustments,” MCS Board President James Williams said. “We’re pleased with the work of our faculty and staff, and all that they do for our…

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 for kindergarten. Kindergarten roundup will coincide with open enrollment for all grades, preschool through 12th. Preschool openings are limited with…

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 both 2022 and 2023. OBSD participants can donate online at oneballstate.bsu.edu anytime from midnight-11:59 p.m. EDT on April 3. Supporters…

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 to opportunities.   “Every student deserves a place where they can continue to focus on their education, identify and grow their strengths, and…

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 School in Muncie, and TaMerra Edwards, an eighth grader from Lee L. Driver Middle School in Winchester, Ind. Spellers competed…

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 her life advocating for reproductive justice, human rights, and social justice. She is a co-founder of the SisterSong Women of…

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 accomplished at Muncie Community Schools in the last five years, but my family is ready for me to be located…