Education

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – Mitchell Schuring has never been to the Muncie Fieldhouse. Until eight months ago, he had no idea the Muncie Central Bearcats have won more boys basketball state championships than any other school in Indiana. But that didn’t keep him from creating an impressive artistic tribute to Bearcat basketball in the form of a painted, 6-foot fiberglass basketball. The artwork, entitled “Muncie Central’s Unmatched Record of Success,” is one of 24 pieces created for “Hoosier…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – The many hours of practice paid off for a group of West View Elementary students who are Indiana’s 2024 M.A.T.H. Bowl state champions. Eleven West View Elementary 4th and 5th graders beat out 117 other schools from around the state to claim the title in the Red Class, which includes all schools with up to 162 students combined in 4th and 5th grades. “I couldn’t be more proud of these students who worked very…

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN – With University of Iowa women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark expected to go to the Indiana Fever with the first-overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft on April 15, the choice is not only a boost for the Fever’s roster—it is also expected to mean a significant economic impact for Central Indiana. According to a study conducted by Dr. Michael Hicks from the Miller College of Business at Ball State University, Ms….

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…

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…

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…