By: Jenni Marsh, President & CEO, United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties—
Muncie, IN—United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties is retooling the July 29th open to the public Listen and Learn session about Muncie Community Schools. Originally, the event had been capped at a very small number to hold a kitchen table conversation about families’ hopes for Muncie Community Schools.
“When Director of Public Education and CEO of Muncie Community Schools Lee Ann Kwiatkowski was able to attend that conversation, understandably, more people wanted to attend so they could meet her,” explained United Way President & CEO Jenni Marsh. “Because we had more interested people attending than a productive Listen and Learn session is structured for, we are adjusting the event.”
On July 29th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. families and community members are invited to Kennedy Library to meet Kwiatkowski. There will be light refreshments and opportunity to visit with the new MCS leader. Registration is not required but is encouraged.
“The library has the capacity to accommodate 65 people in that community room—so we’re hopeful that by opening it up to a meet and greet format, we will have terrific turnout from the whole community,” Marsh said.
Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Ed.D., Director of Public Education and Chief Executive Officer, Muncie Community Schools
United Way will be there as well to capture people’s hopes for the schools but will not be providing a light supper or the full conversation. The organization has been partnering with Ball State University and Muncie Community Schools to gather feedback and direction by conducting Listening & Learning sessions.
“Each session is meant to be a kitchen table conversation. There are no right or wrong answers. Rather, the experience is a tried and true technique to capture the community’s will,” Marsh explained.
Because full conversation is an important step to capturing the community’s thoughts about the direction of Muncie Community Schools, United Way has four more Listen and Learn sessions. These next sessions will be:
- August 1st from 6:30 pm – 8 pm at Huffer Memorial Childcare Center
- August 6th from 6:30 pm – 8 pm at United Day Care Center
- August 8th from 6:30 pm – 8 pm at Ross Community Center
- August 20th from 6:30 – 8 pm at Motivate our Minds
Registration for these sessions will be required because childcare and a light dinner will be provided. To register for one of these interactive and engaging sessions, please call Lesley Devine at (765) 288-5586 ext. 304 or email her at ldevine@uwdcin.org.
Listen and Learn sessions will give Muncie Community Schools and Ball State University a foundation of public knowledge on which to build an innovative and strategic plan. Feedback is anonymous and will help Muncie Community Schools determine its priorities in the coming years.
So far this summer, United Way has talked with dozens of students and their families, as well as faculty and administrators. Twelve more sessions are scheduled.
About United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties
United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties focuses its resources on education, health, and financial stability. The non-profit fights to create lasting change in community conditions. With its bold goal to reach grade-level reading by 2024, United Way works to help children read at or above grade level by the end of their third-grade year. Learn more at invitedtoliveunited.org.
