Education

By Andy Klotz— Muncie, IN—Officials at Muncie Community Schools have decided to temporarily close Northside Middle School until next week in response to a recent uptick in positive COVID-19 test results at the school. Students will shift to e-learning, utilizing the district’s Schoology learning management system, for the rest of this week. In-person learning is expected to resume on Tuesday. “We wanted to be extra cautious here since we have seen a small increase in cases in a short period of time,” MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski said. “We consulted the County Health Department and…

By Barbara Schafer— Muncie, IN—ecoREHAB is partnering with Eastern Indiana Works and Ball State University to provide training in the basic skills needed for a career in the construction industry. This FREE sixteen week program will be a combination of classroom and onsite training focused on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, masonry, and plumbing. Sessions will also be presented on proper workplace behavior and interview skills. The scheduled start date is January 19, 2021 and will take place in Muncie. While in the program, trainees will be paid an hourly wage and provided most classroom supplies, construction tools, and proper work gear. Eastern…

By Andy Klotz— Muncie, IN – The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) has selected West View Elementary second grade teacher Kelsey Pavelka as an Outstanding Dual Language Teacher. She is one of just nine teachers in Indiana to receive the award. “I feel so fortunate to be recognized for doing the thing I love so much, teaching in a dual language immersion classroom,” Pavelka said. “I love the program’s mission and vision, and I’m proud to help children develop the cross-cultural competencies needed to succeed in a multicultural society and global economy.” AATSP Director Gabriela Coolidge…

By Andy Klotz— Muncie, IN—The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Board of Trustees has named former Delaware County Sheriff Ray Dudley its new chief of security. He will replace longtime Security Chief Chuck Hensley who is retiring at the end of the month. Dudley served as sheriff from 2015 to 2018 where he managed operations for the 220-inmate jail and law enforcement operations throughout Delaware County. He was responsible for the department’s $10 million budget and security for five Circuit courts, juvenile court and family support court. Prior to his stint as sheriff, Dudley spent 18 years as deputy sheriff and…

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— Muncie, IN—Students studying business at Ivy Tech Community College now have more options when they transfer to Ball State University as a result of a new agreement between the institutions. Ivy Tech graduates in business administration may transfer directly into 11 business majors offered by Ball State’s Miller College of Business under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement. “We have created a seamless process for students from Ivy Tech to find a home in the Miller College of Business at our University,” said Ball State Provost Susana Rivera-Mills. “We know that Ivy Tech students are highly…

By Andy Klotz— Muncie, IN– Due to a positive case of COVID-19 that has affected the entire front office staff and administration at Southside Middle School, the school will close immediately and not reopen until after the Thanksgiving break. Students will shift to e-learning by utilizing the district’s Schoology learning management system with live lessons taking place each period. A staff member received the positive test result Tuesday evening. After contact tracing, it was determined that the entire front office staff and all administrators were close contacts and must quarantine for the next 14 days. All after school activities at Southside are…