MCS Newsletter - 4th Quarter

4th Quarter News March 18, 2026   CEO Corner I know it's hard to believe, but we are in the fourth and final quarter of the school year. Now is the time for students to make sure all their assignments are in on time, and they are well prepared for tests and quizes. When one year winds down, there's another one preparing to start, and this is where you come in. To help us have appropriate staff in the appropriate places, we need you to enroll your returning or new students in the parent portal starting April 1. Need a refresher on how to do that? It's all explained here: muncie.k12.in.us/enrollment. Did you know that the Class of 2026 will not have a Valedictorian or Salutatorian? This is the first year we will instead recognize all Honors graduates using the Latin honors system. Read more about that and other important items below. Spring Break is next week. I hope you and your family enjoy the time away from school activities and come back "ready to roll" on March 30. Thanks again for your support of Muncie Community Schools! Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO   All Class of 2026 Honors graduates to be recognized at commencement Four years ago, Muncie Central decided it would change the way it honors its highest graduates at graduation. Beginning in 2026, no longer will a Valedictorian and Salutatorian be recognized. Instead, the Latin honors system will be implemented. Honors graduates - students attending both semesters of senior year who achieve an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher - will receive an Honor cord, placement on the Honor Plaque, a listing in the graduation program and recognition during the ceremony. This change was made after much student input. It allows seniors to continue taking relevant, challenging courses instead of protecting a high GPA to win an award. This year's graduation will take place June 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium.   Register for 2026-27 beginning April 1 It's no April Fool's joke. Registration for next school year begins April 1! The quickest and easiest way for parents/guardians to enroll new or returning MCS students is by going to EnrollinMCS.org. Since current students' information is already entered, parents can simply update anything that has changed. For new students, please follow the instructions to create a Parent Portal to begin the process. If you prefer personal assistance, please contact or visit your home school during regular school hours.   Kindergarten Roundup set for April 9 This year's Kindergarten Roundup is set for April 9 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at all six MCS elementary schools. Families can register their child for the 2026-27 school year and get a first-hand look at classrooms and other facilities. Teachers and administrators will be on hand to answer questions and help students feel comfortable in the school setting. Parents/Guardians should have these items on hand: Current identification Proof of residency Student's birth certificate Student's immunization records Registration is for all students who turn 5 by September 1. We look forward to meeting you!   Other News & Notes: Last day of school still May 22 Due to the harsh winter weather, MCS used one more "snow day" than the state allows, which normally requires a make-up day be added on to the end of the school year. However, our request for a waiver day from the Indiana Department of Education was approved, meaning we can still dismiss for the summer on May 22 as scheduled - barring any other unforseen missed days beforehand. Cell phones banned from all classrooms starting next year In an effort to reduce distractions, state legislators approved a new law that bans cell phones, smartwatches and other devices from all classrooms beginning in the 2026-27 school year. MCS already has this policy in place for our elementary and middle schools. A new formal policy is being written for the school board's consideration, and Muncie Central will be enforcing the policy in the fall. Look for more information once the final policy is approved. Need $ for pre-K? Applications for financial assistance open soon One of the most important things you can do for your child is prepare them for kindergarten by age 5. The MCS preschool program helps your child succeed in a safe and nurturing environment. Cost is $50/week, but you may qualify for financial assistance through the state's On My Way Pre-K program, which will start accepting applications in early April. To fill out an interest form and be placed on the MCS preschool wait list, please visit https://preschool.muncie.k12.in.us/about-us/prek-enrollment.  MCS highlighted nationally for impact of community partnerships Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has been placed in the national spotlight by StriveTogether, a network of local communities working to help young people get on a path to economic mobility. MCS' early literacy proficiency rates, improving student attendance and growing graduation rates are just a few of the reasons for the accolades. StriveTogether has highlighted MCS through its 2025 annual report, a recent blog post and a recent LinkedIn Live webinar featuring MCS administrators and George and Frances Ball Foundation executives. Get more details here. Free student physicals available April 6 All 2026-27 high school students who plan to play sports can get a free physical at Muncie Central on Monday, April 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Please complete and bring the IU Health paperwork located at munciecentralathletics.com. Please enter Door 11 and head to the gym. For more info, call 765-747-5270. 2A Boys Semi-State at Fieldhouse this Saturday Want to take in some exciting boys Semi-State basketball action this weekend? You can see the 2A games at Muncie Fieldhouse. Game 1 begins at 10 a.m. with FW Bishop Luers taking on Oak HIll. Game 2 follows with Westview versus Lapel. The two winners go for the championship with tip off at 8 p.m. Tickets are available here. Summer school programs available We're not quite to spring break, but it's already time to think about summer! Some of our summer programs are already accepting registrations. See what's available and sign up here. More programs will be added in the weeks ahead.   Grants awarded to MCS teachers: Bilby receives Bell Classroom Enhancement grant EWA fifth grade teacher Chelsie Bilby has been awarded a Robert P. Bell grant for $350 from The Community Foundation for her "Eating Up History” project. The class is partnering with artists from Made in Muncie. They will design custom 8-inch plates that will be part of student presentations on past and present influential figures who have made a meaningful impact on the world. Bell grants range from $50-$600 and are meant to stimulate student learning. Devers-White surprised by $1,000 "Teachers Rock" award Connie Devers-White was a fourth grade teacher in Selma when Hannah Schutte, one of her students, was dealing with a lot of childhood trauma. Hannah, now a program director for TCC in Fishers, never forgot how Connie, now a school counselor at North View Elementary, helped her get through it. Hannah honored Connie this week with a surprise visit and a check for $1,000. Read more and see Connie's reaction here.     Mark your calendar: Important dates to remember over the next quarter: March 20: 3rd quarter report cards sent home March 23-27: No school - Spring Break April 1: Registration for '26-27 begins April 2: MCHS AP Art Exhibition (5-8 p.m. at 306 S. Walnut St.) April 9: Kindergarten Roundup (5-6:30 p.m., all elementary schools) April 14: MCS Board Mtg. (5 p.m.) April 28: Two-hour Early Release, MCS Board Mtg. (5 p.m.) May 12: MCS Board Mtg. (5 p.m.) May 22: Last day for students May 29: Final report cards sent home June 1: MCHS graduation (7:30 p.m.)   Come work with us Muncie Community Schools is always looking for friendly, motivated people to join us as full-time teachers, substitute teachers, instructional assistants or in some other capacity. Click the button below and send in your application today! MCS Open Positions   Help students succeed - volunteer As much as an hour a week can go a long way in helping students succeed in the classroom. If you have a heart for working with children or if you would like to assist MCS in another way, we would love to connect you with a school or teacher. Just click the button below. I want to volunteer!   Community Programs Muncie Community Schools appreciates our local partners that provide a variety of beneficial programs, events and discounts for MCS staff, students and families. While MCS is not directly involved with these, we hope you will click the link below and take advantage of these various opportunities. If you have questions, please contact the partner organization directly.  Community Partner Programs   MCS Community Engagement Council Over the past several years, this group has quietly gone about supporting MCS teachers and administrators through a number of projects and events. Comprised of caring members of the community, the CEC is always looking for others who would like to join in on the fun. To learn more about who is on the council and everything they do, please click below. Community Engagement Council   MCS Education Foundation For years, many people have asked how they can financially help support Muncie Community Schools. Now the answer is simple: give to the MCS Education Foundation. This newly formed 501(c)3 is an independent nonprofit public charity governed by a board of directors from across the community. Learn more and donate by clicking the button below. I want to donate!   Connect with us! For daily posts about school news and events, follow us on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. You can also view new videos or watch our livestreamed school board meetings on YouTube. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. You can find all the contact info for your students' school here. If you want general information about our district or school board, you can likely find it on our website. Just click below! MuncieSchools.org

Wednesday, Mar 18 2026

MCS Newsletter - 3rd Quarter

3rd Quarter News January 6, 2026   CEO Corner Doesn't the start of a new year always feel great? It's almost like a second chance - an opportunity to "start fresh" and accomplish all those things you didn't get around to in the previous year, or to re-do something that didn't go the way you wanted. I hope you're looking forward to a wonderful second half of the school year. If the first half didn't go the way you or your student wanted, now is the time to turn things around! MCS has some "fresh start" items as we begin 2026. Renovations at The Fieldhouse have begun, with more to come, and middle schoolers looking for a positive way to start the day have a new program available. Get more details below. I'm not real big on making resolutions, but I do resolve to lead MCS through the public school funding challenges that lie ahead. I'm sure you will be hearing more about that from me in the future. In the meantime, I hope your new year gets off to a great start. As always, we appreciate you and your support of Muncie Community Schools! Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO   New scoreboards, bleachers installed at Muncie Fieldhouse Phase one of a long list of capital improvement projects is underway at MCS, and it includes several upgrades to the Muncie Fieldhouse. New scoreboards and bleachers have already been installed and look great! Later this spring, crews will replace the 50-year-old boilers with a new heating and air conditioning system. Yes, the Fieldhouse is going to be air conditioned, and we're all looking forward to that! The historic gym will host the IHSAA Boys Basketball Semi-State championship on Saturday, March 21.   Muncie Central's Clayton Dick receives Lilly Scholarship Muncie Central senior Clayton Dick has been named a Lilly Scholar! Presented by The Community Foundation, this prestigious award is given to just two students in all of Delaware County, and provides a full four-year scholarship to any public or private nonprofit college or university in Indiana. Students are selected based on their community involvement, academics, character and leadership. To see Clayton's reaction to this surprise announcement, click here. To hear him discuss this accomplishment and his future plans, click here.   Registration open for "Rising Leaders" program at Northside, Southside Families can now register their middle school students in "Rising Leaders," a before-school program that allows students early access into school to participate in creative projects and leadership opportunities that build confidence, character and community. The program is offered from 7:15 - 8:45 a.m. Monday-Friday. Interested? Click here to register or use the appropriate QR code above.   Other News & Notes: Muncie Chamber honors Chris Walker The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce recently honored Muncie Central Principal Chris Walker with the Excellence in Education Award. This award is presented to a teacher, administrator, organization or company that has made significant contributions in education or workforce development. Under Principal Walker, Muncie Central has a graduation rate above 90 percent and a lauded Early College program that has become a model for other schools around the state. Middle Schoolers learn skills to stop bullying Bullying can be a problem at any school, and it doesn't just happen at school. It can happen anywhere. Thanks to our partners at Meridian Health Services, MCS middle school students recently received great insights and useful tools to stop bullying in its tracks. Fabian Ramirez, a mental health expert who speaks all over the country, teaches kids to choose kindness instead. Hear some of his presentation and perspective here. Central's Sarah Hofmann recognized by Ivy Tech Congratulations to MCHS Math & Physics teacher Sarah Hofmann (left-center in photo) for receiving the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction at the Ivy Tech Muncie Campus. One winner was selected from each of the 19 campuses around the state. Sarah was previously honored as MCS' 2024 Teacher of the Year for secondary education. Forest Academy registration open Forest Academy, the new Montessori program that integrates practical life skills and individualized learning into outdoor activities, is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. If you have a K/1st grade student you would like to be considered, please apply here. If interested in one of the two open spots for the remainder of this school year, please email mallory.mccullough@muncieschools.org. MCS funding to be affected by SB1 Since the partnership with Ball State in 2019, MCS finances have seen dramatic improvement thanks to a state-issued loan, increased grant funding, improving enrollment and philanthropy. However, the legislature's passing of property tax reform (Senate Bill 1) will soon have a dramatic negative effect on all public school budgets, including MCS'. To learn more, School Board President Jim Williams explained it simply during a recent meeting. View that here (starts at 38:45). North View Captures boys City basketball title The North View Rockets are the 2025 boys basketball elementary school City Champions! The Rockets defeated Longfellow for the title in a hard-fought ballgame just before the holiday break. Congratulations to both teams on successful seasons! School year to be extended if more than two more closures It's been a rough start to winter in Central Indiana, and we've already closed school for one day as a result. We have three total asynchronous e-learning days built into our calendar, so if school gets closed more than two more days due to weather or other circumstances, MCS will extend school beyond May 22, the current last day of school. Each public school district is required to be in session for 180 days. No childcare at "Y" during 2-hour delays Don't forget, the YMCA of Muncie has changed its policy regarding its operations on days when school is delayed. It no longer provides morning childcare if school gets delayed due to weather. For more information, please call their office at (765) 285-1987.     Mark your calendar: Important dates to remember over the next quarter: Jan. 9: 2nd quarter report cards sent home Jan 19: No school - MLK Day Jan. 27: MCS Board Mtg. Feb. 7: Forest of Lights Winter Walk at Camp Adventure (5-8:30 p.m.) Feb. 10: MCS Board Mtg. Feb. 16: No school - Presidents' Day Feb. 24: Two-hour Early Release Feb. 24: MCS Board Mtg. March 13: 3rd quarter ends   Come work with us Muncie Community Schools is always looking for friendly, motivated people to join us as full-time teachers, substitute teachers, instructional assistants or in some other capacity. Click the button below and send in your application today! Open positions at MCS   Help students succeed - volunteer As much as an hour a week can go a long way in helping students succeed in the classroom. If you have a heart for working with children or if you would like to assist MCS in another way, we would love to connect you with a school or teacher. Just click the button below. I want to volunteer!   Community Programs Muncie Community Schools appreciates our local partners that provide a variety of beneficial programs, events and discounts for MCS staff, students and families. While MCS is not directly involved with these, we hope you will click the link below and take advantage of these various opportunities. If you have questions, please contact the partner organization directly.  Community Partner Programs   MCS Community Engagement Council Over the past several years, this group has quietly gone about supporting MCS teachers and administrators through a number of projects and events. Comprised of caring members of the community, the CEC is always looking for others who would like to join in on the fun. To learn more about who is on the council and everything they do, please click below. Community Engagement Council   MCS Education Foundation For years, many people have asked how they can financially help support Muncie Community Schools. Now the answer is simple: give to the MCS Education Foundation. This newly formed 501(c)3 is an independent nonprofit public charity governed by a board of directors from across the community. Learn more and donate by clicking the button below. I want to donate!   Connect with us! For daily posts about school news and events, follow us on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. You can also view new videos or watch our livestreamed school board meetings on YouTube. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. You can find all the contact info for your students' school here. If you want general information about our district or school board, you can likely find it on our website. Just click below! MuncieSchools.org

Tuesday, Jan 06 2026

MCS Newsletter - 2nd Quarter

2nd Quarter News October 13, 2025   CEO Corner I hope you had an enjoyable and rejuvenating fall break! We are ready to launch into our second nine weeks, and there's a lot to be excited about. Many of us were excited to find out recently that, as a district, we have shown tremendous improvement in our IREAD-3 test scores. I want to thank all of the hardworking teachers, aides, parents, volunteers and others who have been pouring into our kids to help them with their reading and comprehension skills. This is essential to build a solid learning foundation that will carry on throughout their academic careers. Another exciting development is that our new Freshman Academy already has folks buzzing over at the high school. Principal Walker reports that this year's freshmen are having fewer overall issues adjusting to high school life, and even the upper classmen are apparently seeing the difference and are a bit envious. I appreciate everyone who applied to join my new Parents Advisory Group. We have all schools represented, and I look forward to getting feedback from these involved parents. Please take a few minutes to read through the rest of the information below, and thanks for being part of Muncie Community Schools! Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO   State Dept. of Ed. recognizes MCS' IREAD-3 growth MCS' move to a science of reading based curriculum a couple years ago is starting to pay off handsomely. In the IREAD-3 assessment results released by the Indiana Department of Education in August, MCS showed some of the biggest gains in the state. With a jump of more than nine percent from a year ago, nearly 80% of our third graders are now passing. Grissom Elementary had an astounding 46% jump from last year. Get more details here.   South View's new playground created with all kids in mind A $226,000 school improvement grant has put lots of smiles on the students at South View Elementary. Those funds were used to purchase and install a new ADA-compliant playground to complement the aging equipment already in place. South View Principal Dr. Casey Smitherman confirms that the kids love it. Read more here.   Clark receives Citizenship Award John Clark has devoted almost 40 years of his life to educating children and entertaining the community with his gift for music. Last week, the Muncie City Council recognized the longtime Muncie Central music teacher and Spirit of Muncie Band Director with a Citizen of the Month award. Council member Jeff Green commended Clark for his long-term record of success with nine Indiana State Fair Band Day championships and a host of other competition trophies. He also thanked him for teaching both his son and his granddaughter. Congrats, Mr. Clark... well deserved! View the presentation here.   Other News & Notes: First Parent Advisory Group meeting set "Thank you" to everyone who applied to be part of Dr. Reynolds' new Parent Advisory Group. This group will hear about school updates and have input on various issues to provide a voice in the decisions made by MCS leadership. All schools are represented and the first meeting will take place at the end of October. The first Student Advisory Group meeting is still being scheduled. Smith to share "phenomenal" experience from Lewis and Clark Trail Longtime MCS educator Chris Smith experienced a lifelong dream over the summer: following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark - literally. Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Foundation, Smith made the journey he now wants to share with others. Read more here and view a short video of his trip here. Freshman Academy off to great start The goal of Muncie Central's new Freshman Academy is to ease the transition from middle school to high school. It's proven successful other places, and it's off to a great start at MCHS. It centers around two main concepts: a teaming model and a freshman seminar. Get many more details by watching this presentation at a recent school board meeting (starts at 24:15). WVE honors Jerry Edwards West View Elementary recently held a touching ceremony for longtime teacher and coach Jerry Edwards who passed away two years ago at the age of 84. Mr. Edwards touched countless young lives, including Tim Kuzma and Steve Shondell, over his five decades as an educator. Both Kuzma and Shondell were on hand to pay tribute to their mentor and see the plaque (pictured) that has been added to the WVE gym in Mr. Edwards' honor. How school funding works Since the partnership with Ball State in 2019, MCS finances have taken a dramatic upturn thanks to a state-issued loan, increased grant funding, improving enrollment and philanthropy. However, the legislature's passing of Senate Bill 1 will soon have a dramatic negative effect on all public school budgets, including MCS'. Want a short tutorial on the financial challenges ahead? School Board President Jim Williams did a great job explaining it during a recent meeting. View that here (starts at 38:45). Boys Semi-State basketball at Fieldhouse One year after hosting a successful Sectional championship, the Muncie Fieldhouse will welcome back the IHSAA Boys Basketball State Tourament in 2026. The Fieldhouse will be one of eight Semi-State championship sites with two early games and one evening contest on Saturday, March 21. No childcare at "Y" during 2-hour delays The YMCA of Muncie has changed its policy regarding its operations on days when school is delayed. The Y will no longer provide morning childcare if school is on a two-hour delay. They made this decision to ensure the safey of YMCA staff and all students. For more information, please call (765) 285-1987. Warrior Walk set for November 8 The second annual No Laps Left Behind Warrior Walk will take place at Bearcat Stadium Saturday, Nov. 8 beginning at 10 a.m. WoofBoom Radio hosts this fundraiser meant to help veterans "get through life after meaningful service to our country." Click here for more info or to register.   Generous Contributions: Cornhole tourney raises $6,625 The MCS Community Engagement Council's second annual community cornhole tournament rasied $6,625 for MCS last month. Twenty-seven two-person teams competed for fun and prizes on a warm day at Minnetrista. The winning team of Nathan Stacy and Ty Maudlin (on right in photo) chose EWA to receive a $500 donation from the CEC. Thanks to everyone who played and came out to support! Nearly 500 books donated by Books-A-Million Each summer, Books-A-Million at the Muncie Mall holds a book drive to provide new books for MCS students. This year's drive resulted in nearly 500 books (requiring 11 totes) that we sort and prepare for students. This is a huge incentive for many of our students. Thank you, BAM!     Mark your calendar: Important dates to remember over the next quarter: Oct. 17: 1st quarter report cards sent home Oct. 28: Two-hour Early Release day Nov. 1: MCHS Holiday Art & Craft Show at Muncie Central (9a - 2p) Nov. 8: Warrior Walk at Bearcat Stadium (10a - 1p) Nov. 26-28: Thanksgiving Break Dec. 7: Community Sing at Fieldhouse (2:45 - 4p) Dec. 22 - Jan. 4: Winter Break Jan. 5: Teacher Work Day - NO STUDENTS Jan. 6: 3rd Quarter begins   Come work with us Muncie Community Schools is always looking for friendly, motivated people to join us as full-time teachers, substitute teachers, instructional assistants or in some other capacity. Click the button below and send in your application today! Open positions at MCS   Help students succeed - volunteer As much as an hour a week can go a long way in helping students succeed in the classroom. If you have a heart for working with children or if you would like to assist MCS in another way, we would love to connect you with a school or teacher. Just click the button below. I want to volunteer!   Community Programs Muncie Community Schools appreciates our local partners that provide a variety of beneficial programs, events and discounts for MCS staff, students and families. While MCS is not directly involved with these, we hope you will click the link below and take advantage of these various opportunities. If you have questions, please contact the partner organization directly.  Community Partner Programs   MCS Community Engagement Council Over the past several years, this group has quietly gone about supporting MCS teachers and administrators through a number of projects and events. Comprised of caring members of the community, the CEC is always looking for others who would like to join in on the fun. To learn more about who is on the council and everything they do, please click below. Community Engagement Council   MCS Education Foundation For years, many people have asked how they can financially help support Muncie Community Schools. Now the answer is simple: give to the MCS Education Foundation. This newly formed 501(c)3 is an independent nonprofit public charity governed by a board of directors from across the community. Learn more and donate by clicking the button below. I want to donate!   Connect with us! For daily posts about school news and events, follow us on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. You can also view new videos or watch our livestreamed school board meetings on YouTube. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. You can find all the contact info for your students' school here. If you want general information about our district or school board, you can likely find it on our website. Just click below! MuncieSchools.org

Monday, Oct 13 2025

Back to School News

Back to School News August 4, 2025   Welcome Back! Another new school year is here, and no matter how many times I experience it, somehow I'm always excited. How about you? We are anticipating another great year at MCS. We enter this year knowing all our elementary schools are making significant progress in reading, and our graduation rate at Central is over 90 percent for the first time in years. Speaking of Muncie Central, the launch of our Freshman Academy has lots of folks excited. We've seen this concept pay off in other places around the country, so we're eager to see how it will assist our newest Bearcats as they begin their high school journey. There are other new things to be aware of (see below), and one of them is a Parents Advisory Group. I will meet with this group once every quarter to gather input on a wide range of subjects, so if you would like to be considered for a spot in these meetings, I hope you will take a couple minutes to apply. Once again, let me welcome you to the new year. Everyone at Muncie Community Schools is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for you and your student. I hope you will take an active role in your child's education and work with us to make this the best year yet! Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO   Kult, Hughes named '24-25 MCS Teachers of the Year Mary Kult (above left), a kindergarten teacher at South View, and Kate Hughes (above right), an AP World History teacher at Muncie Central, have been selected as Muncie Community Schools’ Teachers of the Year for primary and secondary grades, respectively, for the 2024-25 school year. Dr. Reynolds presented each with awards during a staff event today at Central. Get more details here.     Spirit of Muncie finishes 2nd at Indiana State Fair The Spirit of Muncie Band and Guard put on another fantastic performance at this year's Indiana State Fair band competition on Friday, but came up just short in taking the top spot for the second straight year. Their show "Love. Loss. Light." was judged second best behind the Anderson Marching Highlanders. Here are the final results of the top five schools: Anderson HS - 92.85 Spirit of Muncie - 91.96 Kokomo HS - 90.89 Jay County HS - 87.85 Richmond HS - 87.18 The runner-up finish was the first time in four competitions this season the Spirit of Muncie did not come out on top. Congratulations to everyone for all their hard work over the summer! (Photo: courtesy Angela Beck)   Apply to join Dr. Reynolds' Parent Advisory Group If you've ever wanted to better understand how Muncie Community Schools operate, or if you've wanted to have some direct input on decisions made about school activities, technology in the classroom or even lunch choices, here's your chance! A new Parent Advisory Council is being formed with the intent of providing selected parents an opportunity to meet with Dr. Reynolds quarterly to provide input on a wide variety of issues. To be considered, parents should fill out this short questionnaire. Each applicant will receive a response, and an initial meeting with those people selected is tentatively planned for September.   New this year: MCHS Freshman Academy Muncie Central will launch a new Freshman Academy when school opens on Wednesday. This school-within-a-school concept combines academic and social support with smaller learning communities to ease ninth graders' transition into a bigger school with different expectations. This concept has proven to improve overall student achievement and, ultimately, increase graduation rates. Learn more about the Freshman Academy here. Camp Adventure Forest Academy Another new educational program launches this year at Camp Adventure. It's called Forest Academy, and it consists of one combined class of preschoolers and kindergarteners who will use outdoor classrooms with instructors teaching Montessori principles to foster hands-on learning and exploration. The vision is to grow the program into a comprehensive K-3 program. Learn more about the Forest Academy here. WDS at Northside, Southside Last year, a new weapon detection system was successfully added to the safety protocols at Muncie Central High School. This year, this same system is being rolled out at both Northside and Southside Middle Schools beginning Wednesday. For a visual reminder on how this system works, please view this video made at Muncie Central last winter. If you have any questions about this new system, please see the FAQs we’ve posted on the Safety and Security page of our website.  Indiana absenteeism law Senate Enrolled Act 482 became Indiana Law this summer. It's an attempt to improve how all schools in Indiana report student absences to the Indiana Department of Education. There's been some chatter that this will lead to more student suspensions or judicial consequences for parents. That's not true! At MCS, we work with all families to help get students to class, and we take into consideration individual circumstances. Get more insight in this article from Indiana Capital Chronicle. MCS Education Foundation For years, many people have asked how they can financially help support Muncie Community Schools. Now the answer is simple: give to the MCS Education Foundation. This newly formed 501(c)3 is an independent nonprofit public charity governed by a board of directors from across the community. Learn more at muncieeducationfoundation.org/. Facility improvements After several years of major facility renovations throughout Muncie schools, this year's changes are less elaborate, but still important. A renovated parking lot is just part of the upgrades outside Bearcat Stadium. This project also includes new underground sewer lines for the Fieldhouse and the stadium, as well as an additional restroom and concession building on the south end of the stadium. The west end of the Fieldhouse also has a new concrete ramp for ease of access. MCHS to offer new diplomas beginning this year The Indiana Department of Education's new diploma rules target the class of 2029, meaning students graduating that year or after will need to earn at least 42 credits (instead of 40). They will also have the opportunity to earn "Honors" and "Honors Plus" diploma seals in three different pathways: Enrollment, Employment and Enlistment. Muncie Central will have these diplomas available for all students beginning this year! For more information about the new diplomas, please click here.   Other News & Notes: Pre-K openings at Grissom MCS has done much to expand its highly rated preschool program in recent years. There is usually a wait list at each of our schools, but this year, we still have a few openings at Grissom Elementary. If you would like to make sure your child is prepared for kindergarten, take advantage of this opportunity. Visit the preschool enrollment page here. Four Bearcats part of new Thrive CU campaign Did you know that Thrive Credit Union now offers a Muncie Community Schools debit card? Every time anyone uses the card, MCS receives 8 cents, which will help fund programs to benefit students. To promote this school spirit card, Thrive is running a billboard campaign featuring four MCHS students: Drevyn Fivecoats, Lily Bales, Amaya Zolman and Trey'Von Evans. Find out more about the cards here, and thanks for your support! Sandy Hook Promise system for threats MCS wants to do everything possible to make sure our students and staff are safe when they're in school. That's why we have made the Sandy Hoook Promise Anonymous Reporting System our primary way of reporting any type of threat that could impact our schools. This system helped prevent a potential mass shooting in Mooresville earlier this year. Find out more here.   Back to school reminders: Please check our website - muncieschools.org - for any information about MCS or your child's individual school. It's here that you can find all kinds of helpful information, including insights on: School and district events Immunizations School supply lists Student/Family handbooks Multilingual education Trasportation services Food service Much, much more!   MCS Cornhole Tournament registration now open If you enjoy playing cornhole and/or supporting MCS, then mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 20. That's the day of the 2nd annual MCS CEC Cornhole Classic at Minnetrista. Enter your two-person team by Aug. 15 to get the Early Bird rate of $75, which includes t-shirts, food passes and a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Find out more and register here.   Come work with us Muncie Community Schools is always looking for friendly, motivated people to join us as full-time teachers, substitute teachers, instructional assistants or in some other capacity. Click the button below and send in your application today! Open positions at MCS  Help students succeed - volunteer As much as an hour a week can go a long way in helping students succeed in the classroom. If you have a heart for working with children or if you would like to assist MCS in another way, we would love to connect you with a school or teacher. Just click the button below. I want to volunteer!  Community Programs Muncie Community Schools appreciates our local partners that provide a variety of beneficial programs, events and discounts for MCS staff, students and families. While MCS is not directly involved with these, we hope you will click the link below and take advantage of these various opportunities. If you have questions, please contact the partner organization directly.  Community Partner Programs  MCS Community Engagement Council Over the past several years, this group has quietly gone about supporting MCS teachers and administrators through a number of projects and events. Comprised of caring members of the community, the CEC is always looking for others who would like to join in on the fun. Click here to learn more about the council and how you can be part of the team.   Connect with us! For daily posts about school news and events, follow us on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. You can also view new videos or watch our livestreamed school board meetings on YouTube. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. You can find all the contact info for your students' school here. If you want general information about our district or school board, you can likely find it on our website. Just click below! MuncieSchools.org

Monday, Aug 04 2025

Parents/Students: join the CEO Advisory Council

Message from the CEO July 9, 2025 Dear MCS Families, Would you like to find out more about what’s going on in our schools? Would you like to be involved with the decisions made that affect all students and staff? If the answer to either question is “yes,” please consider applying for a spot on my new Student/Parent Advisory Council. There are two councils being formed – one for students and one for parents. Each group will meet quarterly with me at a location still to be determined. We will discuss the issues that students, parents and staff face every day. Not only will you be informed about many developments within our schools, but you will have a “seat at the table” with the ability to provide input on things like school curriculum, lunch menu options, extracurricular opportunities, mental health supports, technology in the classroom and much more! To be considered, parents should fill out this short questionnaire and students need to respond to these questions. We will respond to each applicant sometime in August with plans on an initial meeting in September. Thanks for your participation. I’m looking forward to working with you!   Sincerely,   Dr. Chuck Reynolds, Director of Public Education and CEO Muncie Community Schools   MuncieSchools.org

Wednesday, Jul 09 2025

MCS Newsletter - 4th Quarter

4th Quarter News March 31, 2025   In the Homestretch Can you feel it? Can you sense the end of the school year is near? We are now in the fourth and final quarter of the year, and we have a lot to accomplish in these last nine weeks, so I hope spring break helped revive and refresh everyone so we can finish with a flourish. I have one big schedule change to make you aware of: no school on April 18. Instead, we will use this day as a "snow make up" day rather than May 9 as previously schedule. That means no school on April 11, 18 and 25, but we will be in session May 9, which is also an AP exam day at Muncie Central. You can view the district calendar here. There are other important dates to remember as well, specifically: April 1 - OMW Pre-K applications open April 6 - MCS online registration begins April 10 - Kindergarten Roundup June 2 - MCHS Graduation I can't thank you enough for what you do to keep your children engaged in their education on a daily basis. School is important, but support and encouragement at home is essential! Please keep it up for nine more weeks (at least). Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO   MCHS to add Freshman Academy Transitioning from middle school to high school can be tough. There's a new, bigger building to navigate; different rules to follow; and a lot more choices to make. MCS wants to ease that transition, which is why we will launch a new Freshman Academy at Muncie Central starting next year. This academy will be in the same building, and will include a support system to help students start their high school careers down a successful path. Look for more information coming in May.   Kindergarten Roundup April 10 This year's Kindergarten Roundup is set for April 10 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at all six MCS elementary schools. Families can register their child for the 2025-26 school year and get a first-hand look at classrooms and other facilities. Teachers and administrators will be on hand to answer questions and help students feel comfortable in the school setting. Parents/Guardians should have these items on hand: Current identification Proof of residency Student's birth certificate Student's immunization records Registration is for all students who turn 5 by September 1. We look forward to meeting you!   2025-26 MCS registration starts April 6 The quickest and easiest way for parents and guardians to enroll new or returning MCS students is by going to EnrollinMCS.org. For current students, your information is already entered, so you just need to update anything that has changed. For new students, please follow the instructions to create a Parent Portal to begin the process. If you prefer personal assistance, please contact or visit your home school during regular school hours.   Other News & Notes: Applications for Pre-K financial assistance open April 1 One of the most important things you can do for your child is prepare them for kindergarten by age 5. The MCS preschool program helps you do that, providing appropriate experiences where your child can succeed in a safe and nurturing environment. Cost is $50/week, but you may qualify for financial assistance through On My Way Pre-K, found here. To fill out an interest form and be placed on the MCS Preschool wait list, please click here. MCHS to offer new diplomas next year In case you missed it, the Indiana Department of Education has issued new diploma rules for all high schools. Beginning with the class of 2029, students will need to earn at least 42 credits (instead of 40) and have the opportunity to earn "Honors" and "Honors Plus" diploma seals in three different pathways: Enrollment, Employment and Enlistment. Muncie Central will have these diplomas available for all students starting next year! For more information about the new diplomas, please click here. One more "Listen and Learn" April 15 Thank you to everyone who came out to the March Listen and Learn sessions where Dr. Reynolds shared about MCS' progress over the last 5 years as well as how we approach the challenges that lie ahead. One more session will take place April 15 at Northside Middle School beginning at 5 p.m. If you haven't yet, please join us! Sandy Hook Promise coming to MCS There's nothing more important than providing a safe, welcoming learning environment for students and staff, which is why we will be joining the Sandy Hoook Promise Anonymous Reporting System next week. High school and middle school students will be receiving in-school training on how to use the system to alert officials to any potential threats of gun violence. This is how a potential mass shooting was prevented recently in Mooresville. New weapon detection system working well It only took students a few days to adapt to the new weapon detection system installed at Muncie Central in February. Students now know what items to remove from backpacks before proceeding through the safety pillars, so there is virtually no delay getting into school. Grant-funded playground opens at WVE Thanks to the combined efforts of West View preschool teacher Andrea Schmitt and the Kenwood and Gatewood neighborhood associations, WVE has a new playground with equipment designed for 2-to-5-year-olds. The group applied for and received a $49,000 grant funded through the American Rescue Plan. An official dedication and kickoff party is expected near the end of the school year. Calendar update: no school April 18 Dr. Reynolds recently announced a calendar change: there will be no school on Friday, April 18. Instead, this will be our “snow make-up day” that was previously scheduled for May 9. That means there is school on May 9, which also happens to be an AP testing day at Muncie Central. Please update your personal calendars! Camp Adventure Forest Academy Parent Meeting MCS is truly blessed to have a place like Camp Adventure to educate students and the community at large through nature. Next year, the facility will begin implementing Montessori principles for Pre-K and kindergarten students through its Forest Academy. Want to learn more? Attend the parent meeting on site at 4881 S. Proctor Rd. on Monday, April 7, 5-6 p.m. Thrive Bearcat debit cards now available Did you know that Thrive Credit Union now offers a Muncie Community Schools debit card? That means every time anyone uses the card, MCS receives 8 cents, which can really add up over time! We'll use those funds for programs to benefit students. There is no fee to switch to an MCS card. Find out more at thrivecu.org/schoolspiritcards, and thanks for your support!   Come work with us Muncie Community Schools is always looking for friendly, motivated people to join us as full-time teachers, substitute teachers, instructional assistants or in some other capacity. Click the button below and send in your application today! Open positions at MCS  Help students succeed - volunteer As much as an hour a week can go a long way in helping students succeed in the classroom. If you have a heart for working with children or if you would like to assist MCS in another way, we would love to connect you with a school or teacher. Just click the button below. I want to volunteer!  Community Programs Muncie Community Schools appreciates our local partners that provide a variety of beneficial programs, events and discounts for MCS staff, students and families. While MCS is not directly involved with these, we hope you will click the link below and take advantage of these various opportunities. If you have questions, please contact the partner organization directly.  Community Partner Programs  Connect with us! For daily posts about school news and events, follow us on Facebook or X. You can also view new videos or watch our livestreamed school board meetings on YouTube. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. You can find all the contact info for your students' school here. If you want general information about our district or school board, you can likely find it on our website. Just click below! MuncieSchools.org

Monday, Mar 31 2025

MCS Newsletter - 3rd Quarter

​ ​ 3rd Quarter News January 9, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Expecting great things in 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Happy New Year! The start of a new calendar year means the start of a new semester and a new grading period. I hope everyone gets off to a great start! Second quarter report cards will be going out Friday, so look for those soon. As we have already seen, this is the time of year when weather can alter plans quickly. When the weather is "iffy," our crew drives the streets around 4 a.m. to determine if school may be delayed or canceled that day. We try to make that call by 5 a.m. so we can start notifying families by 5:30. The quickest way for you to receive those messages is through our ParentSquare notifications. To make sure your account is activated or to learn more about ParentSquare, please click here. I want to take a minute to commend Muncie Central Assistant Principal Justin Oliver for his recent act of bravery. If you haven't already heard, Justin took immediate control of a potentially dangerous situation in order to protect a student. He confronted a home intruder one Sunday afternoon after dropping the student at his home before his parents returned from vacation (see the CBS 4/Fox 59 story here). This is not the first time Justin has put himself in harm's way to make sure students stay safe. I marvel at his selflessness, and I am very appreciative for his dedication to the safety of our students and community! Please read the important information below. Make it a great day, and thanks for all your support! Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Northside, Southside students to receive tutoring, college prep through Indiana GEAR UP ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Great news: Indiana GEAR UP has added Northside and Southside 6th and 7th graders to its list of cohorts receiving tutoring, special programs and other support to better prepare them for higher education. What's more, these services will continue with them all the way through their days at Muncie Central High School! Not familiar with GEAR UP and its mission? View a short video here. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Paige, Gudger, Serf honored by Juneteenth Muncie ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Grissom Family Navigator Rahmed Paige, Northside Guidance Counselor/AD Tara Gudger and Longfellow Master Teacher Faith Serf will be honored later this month as Juneteenth Muncie's 2025 "Igniting The Flame" award winners. The honor goes to community members for "extraordinary, unwavering dedication and commitment to positively impacting, motivating, educating and equipping the leaders of the furture." Congratulations to all! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Other News & Notes: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Grissom Elementary named Purple Star school ​ The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has recognized Grissom Elementary as a Purple Star school, meaning the school meets several requirements showing significant commitment to service members, veterans and families connected to our nation’s military. Muncie Central High School and Northside Middle School are also Purple Star schools. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ New high school diploma rules coming ​ After a full year of debate, the Indiana Department of Education has released its new diploma rules affecting all Hoosier students starting with the class of 2029. The changes are an attempt to: graduate more students better prepare students for college equip students with skills needed to secure a rewarding career Schools can begin adopting the new rules as soon as next school year. MCS has a committee looking at the new rules and the best time for us to convert to them, so stay tuned for more information. If you would like to know more about what led up to this, please click here. To provide the IDOE with feedback on the new rules, please click here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Apply now for Dual Language Immersion Program ​ Applications are now being accepted for MCS' highly acclaimed Dual Language Immersion Program. This in-depth English-Spanish curriculum begins at the kindergarten level (West View Elementary) and carries on through 8th grade (Northside Middle School). Apply here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ MCHS eSports season begins ​ Last quarter, we told you about the eSports Club launching at Muncie Central. Now, the club is becoming a sanctioned team that will have its first competitive events versus other schools later this month. Get more details here and watch this short video to learn more about why this program is so important. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ More after school programs for 2025-26 ​ Academic enrichment, healthy lifestyles and character development will be at the core of the new 21st Century Community Learning Center programs that are being added to three MCS elementary schools next school year. Grissom, South View and East Washington Academy will house the new programs that will run from 2:55-5:55 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning in August. The programs are open to all K-5 students on a first-come, first-served basis, and will include snacks and student transportation home. MCS and the YMCA of Muncie are working together to provide these programs, which are made possible by a grant from the Indiana Dept. of Education. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Oliver captures criminal, protects student ​ As a former marine, Muncie Central Assistant Principal Justin Oliver has been trained to be ready for anything. That training came in handy last fall when Oliver dropped off a student one Sunday before his parents returned home from vacation. Get the full story here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Principal's birthday wish comes true ​ South View Elementary Principal Dr. Casey Smitherman is constantly trying to improve the lives of her students. Last month, she used the occasion of her own birthday to do just that. She asked her staff to support her birthday wish of providing a supply of new shoes for students who may need them. The end result was dozens of pairs of brand new shoes donated, consisting of all brands, sizes and styles. Awesome job, Stars! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Sandy Hook Promise coming to MCS ​ Muncie Community Schools takes student safety seriously! We will do whatever it takes to provide a safe and secure learning environment, which is why we will soon be joining the Sandy Hoook Promise Anonymous Reporting System. This will be added to our existing Safety Tip Line and Bully Report Form that anyone can use. More details to come soon. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cybersecurity incident at PowerSchool ​ MCS is one of the many area school districts that have been informed of a data breach at PowerSchool, which supplies our student information system. PowerSchool says there is no evidence of malware; the incident is contained; and that service is not disrupted. However, the culprit did gain access to certain information in the system. Fortunately, unlike many other districts, MCS does not store any SSNs in the system. To read the full explanation from PowerSchool, please click here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Parents of toddlers: we want you! ​ If you are the parent of a young child who has not yet entered kindergarten, the Indiana Dept. of Education would like to hear from you. The first 600 people who fill out a 10-minute survey about early childhood learning will receive a $25 gift card. Click here for more information about the survey. Contact your home school or the MCS Administration office to get the link to the survey. Thanks for your participation! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ MCS Diversity ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ At MCS, we believe a diverse student body and staff is one of our strongest attributes - a real world setting to help prepare children for life outside of school. We are committed to dismantling any racism in our schools, and we provide a number of programs that help in this effort, including a District Equity Team, School Equity Team and Diversity CATS. We also: Provide employees with implicit bias training Conduct occasional cultural competency activities Share monthly inspiring quotes with students and staff ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ MCS Diversity details ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Come work with us ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Muncie Community Schools is always looking for friendly, motivated people to join us as full-time teachers, substitute teachers, instructional assistants or in some other capacity. Click the button below and send in your application today! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Open positions at MCS ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Help students succeed - volunteer ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As much as an hour a week can go a long way in helping students succeed in the classroom. If you have a heart for working with children or if you would like to assist MCS in another way, we would love to connect you with a school or teacher. Just click the button below. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ I want to volunteer! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Connect with us! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ For daily posts about school news and events, follow us on Facebook or X. You can also view new videos or watch our livestreamed school board meetings on YouTube. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. You can find all the contact info for your students' school here. If you want general information about our district or school board, you can likely find it on our website. Just click below! ​ ​ ​ ​ MuncieSchools.org ​ ​

Thursday, Jan 09 2025

2nd Quarter News

​ ​ 2nd Quarter News October 16, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ "Fall"ing Back into School ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Did you enjoy your Fall break? I sure hope so. It's such a great time to catch your breath after nine weeks of getting back into "school mode." As we start out the second nine-week grading period, I want to take a minute to thank you for getting your student(s) to school every day and on time. Chronic absenteeism is an issue at most public school districts these days, but MCS has been improving, and that's due to parents understaning how important it is to be present. Just two absences per month makes a student "chronically absent," so keep up the great work! Time now to address a growng and very serious issue in our district and many others: idol threats of violence posted on social media. Please ensure your children know this is no joking matter. Muncie Police recently arrested three students for two separate incidents of posting threats on different platforms prior to Fall break. In conjuction with MPD, we investigate every threat, no matter how minor, and take action that can negatively alter a student's future. Find out more about MCS' response to threats here. Finally, we want to wish all our fall sports teams the best of luck as they prepare for sectional competitions. The football team wraps up its regular season Friday night at home against Richmond before facing Logansport in the first round of Sectionals on October 25. Make it a great day, and thanks for all your support! Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ MCS Adult Ed Program, Grissom Elementary recently honored ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The Indiana Department of Workforce Development recently honored the Muncie Community Schools Adult Education program as a “Program of Excellence” during a special ceremony for the Indiana Association of Adult and Community Education. In addition, the Indiana Department of Education recognized Grissom Elementary School with an Excellence in Early Literacy grant at the Indiana Educational Excellence Awards last month. Congrats to all! Read more about the Adult Ed honor here and get details on the Grissom grant here. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Other News & Notes: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Social Media Threat Response ​ You've likely seen the news stories. School districts all over Indiana and around the country are spending time and resources investigating threats posted on social media. They are usually hoaxes, but they have severe consequences for the people who make them. How does MCS respond to these threats? Find out here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ National Principals Month ​ Our principals work hard and do a great job of providing a safe, welcoming atmoshpere at each of our schools. Since October is National Principals month, we are profiling each of our prinicipals so you can get to know a little bit more about what makes each one of them tick. You can find the profiles here on our Facebook page. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Science of Reading Progress ​ We are in our second year of using the Amplify CKLA reading curriculum in all our elementary schools, and already we're seeing great results. District-wide, 67% of our K-5 students passed the iRead3 test compared to 53% that passed before switching to the science of reading curriculum. Not sure what the science of reading is? Find out more here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ MCHS Unveils Awesome eSports Facility ​ As you know, kids love video games! Participating in eSports has even become a viable way of earning a college scholarship. That's just one reason we've created one of the coolest eSports gaming centers in the state at Muncie Central. We'll be sharing more about this growing program in the weeks ahead. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cornhole Tourney Raises Nearly $5,000 ​ The MCS Community Engagement Council's first annual community cornhole tournament rasied more than $4,850 for MCS last month. Twenty-one two-person teams competed for fun and prizes in the parking lot of The Clubhouse downtown. The winning team of Rob Helber and Tori McCormick chose Southside Middle School to receive a $500 donation from the CEC. Thanks to everyone who played or came out to cheer! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ MCHS Trunk or Treat Oct. 26 ​ It's that time year again... time for fall fun, spooky costumes and treats! The MCHS Student Council will be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat event Saturday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Central's north side parking lot. The event is completely free and open to the public, so put on your costume, grab your little goblins and enjoy a fun night of trunk-or-treating. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ October Diversity Quote ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ At MCS, we believe a diverse student body and staff is one of our strongest attributes - a real world setting to help prepare children for life outside of school. We are committed to dismantling any racism in our schools, and we provide a number of programs that help in this effort, including a District Equity Team, School Equity Team and Diversity CATS. We also: Provide employees with implicit bias training Conduct occasional cultural competency activities Share monthly inspiring quotes with students and staff Find out more here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Come Work with Us ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We may be a quarter of the way through the year, but we could still use friendly, motivated people to join MCS as full-time teachers, substitute teachers, instructional assistants and in many other positions. Click the button below and send in your application today! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Open positions at MCS ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Help Students Succeed - Volunteer ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As much as an hour a week can go a long way in helping students succeed in the classroom. If you have a heart for working with children or if you would like to assist MCS in another way, we would love to connect you with a school or teacher. Just click the button below. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ I want to volunteer! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Connect with us! ​ ​ ​ ​ For daily posts about school news and events, follow us on Facebook or X. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. You can find all the contact info for your students' school here. If you want general information about our district or school board, you can likely find it on our website. Just click below! ​ ​ ​ ​ MuncieSchools.org ​ ​

Wednesday, Oct 16 2024

Almost time for school!

​ ​ Back to School News August 5, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Welcome! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ I love the start of the new school year! School floors have a special shine; there are fresh touches of paint; and students' anticipation of meeting new teachers and making new friends is at its peak. As the new CEO for Muncie Community Schools, I look forward to leading our dedicated team of educators and staff professionals. I guarantee you will not find a harder working group anywhere! I also want to thank all of you who have offered congratulatory good wishes since my promotion was announced last spring. I take great pride in my Muncie roots, and I can't wait to engage with those of you whom I've yet to meet. If you are new to Muncie schools, please know that we are an innovative public school district. Our one-of-a-kind partnership with Ball State University allows us to provide students with unique experiences not found in other districts. For a better understanding of that, and for other insights on what MCS is all about, I invite you to watch this short video. Please take note of the items below. They should be helpful to ensure we all get the year started on the right note. Thanks again for putting your trust in MCS. Let's make it a great year! Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Reynolds, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ New This Year: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cell Phone Policy ​ MCS has a new cell phone policy for students. Here's the short version: No phones in elementary schools Phones must be in lockers in middle schools Phones allowed, but turned off in high school unless teachers allow their use in class for education purposes For all the details, please visit our Student Handbook page. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Extended Elementary Day ​ In an effort to help improve primary students’ academics, MCS has extended the school day by 15 minutes at all of its elementary schools this year. The day will still start at 8 a.m. (doors open at 7:40) and dismissal is at 2:55 p.m. (rather than 2:40). This allows teachers more time to get through their lessons, and brings the amount of daily teaching time in line with the majority of schools around the state. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ParentSquare ​ ParentSquare is a unified communication platform that offers a host of tools to allow MCS administrators and teachers to effectively communicate with you through email, text and app notifications. You can see helpful newsletters like this one to stay up-to-date on school happenings and easily respond to inquiries. For more information, please visit this page on our website. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Bearcat Stadium concessions and locker rooms ​ Last year, a whole new stadium. This year, Bearcat Stadium has been outfitted with a new building at its north end. The new structure contains locker rooms for the athletes and a concessions stand and restrooms for fans. Enjoy! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gymnasium Makeover at Northside ​ It's been decades since the gym at Northside Middle School has looked this good! Years and years of varnish layers have been stripped; new paint added; and temporary bleachers installed. Gym class and ballgames should be much more enjoyable! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Building Additions at Longfellow ​ The Longfellow Lions have a new look - a cool film wrap at the front entrance and other new graphics inside the school. Portable classrooms have also been added just to the north of the building, and students can enjoy the recently installed playground for the whole year! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Hoffman & Goldey: '23-24 MCS Teachers of the Year ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Sarah Hoffman of Muncie Central (standing at white board) and Vanessa Goldey of Grissom Elementary (receiving award from Dr. Reynolds) have been selected as Muncie Community Schools’ secondary and primary Teachers of the Year, respectively, for the 2023-24 school year. Click here to see all the ToYs and other award winners. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Spirit of Muncie - State Fair Champs! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The Spirit of Muncie Band and Guard, led by John Clark, Daniel Sager and Rhonda Reynolds, captured 1st place at the Indiana State Fair Band Contest on Friday. Their "Uninvited" show featured music from Alanis Morissette, Sam Smith and original music from Southside alum Sean Sumwalt. Here are the final scores of the top three schools: Muncie Central - 93.050 Anderson - 91.488 Kokomo - 91.225 This is Central's fourth State Fair championship (the 10th for all Muncie schools) and makes it a clean sweep for these talented, marching musicians and performers - four first-place finishes in four competitions to start the season. Way to go, everyone! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Diversity celebrated at MCS ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ At MCS, we believe a diverse student body and staff is one of our strongest attributes - a real world setting to help prepare children for life outside of school. We are committed to dismantling any racism in our schools, and we provide a number of programs that help in this effort, including a District Equity Team, School Equity Team and Diversity CATS. We also provide employees with implicit bias training and conduct other cultural competency activities throughout the year. Find out more here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Come work with us ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The school year starts Wednesday and we could still use friendly, motivated people to join MCS as full-time teachers, substitute teachers, instructional assistants and in many other positions. Check out our openings here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Help students succeed - Volunteer! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As much as an hour a week can go a long way in helping students succeed in the classroom. If you have a heart for working with children or if you would like to assist MCS in another way, we would love to connect you with a school or teacher. Just click the button below. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ I want to volunteer! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The MCS Community Engagement Council has schedule the first-ever MCS Cornhole Classic for Sept. 7, and you're invited! This fundraising event will have 36 two-person teams competing for fun and prizes with a chance to win $500 for your favorite MCS school. Sign up quick before all the slots are filled. More details and registration can be found here. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Connect with us! ​ ​ ​ ​ For daily posts about school news and events, follow us on Facebook or X. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. You can find all the contact info for your students' school here. If you want general information about our district or school board, you can likely find it on our website. Just click below! ​ ​ ​ ​ MuncieSchools.org ​ ​ To pick up a draggable item, press the space bar. While dragging, use the arrow keys to move the item. Press space again to drop the item in its new position, or press escape to cancel.

Monday, Aug 05 2024