Student Handbook and Support Guide

Kindergarten Admission and Placement Requirements

In order for a child to enroll in kindergarten in the Muncie Community Schools, the child must be at least five (5) years of age on or before September 1 of the requested school year for which the child is being enrolled.  A valid birth certificate must be provided.

A child who has not completed a year of kindergarten, but who is at least six (6) years of age on or before August 1 preceding the school year, will be temporarily placed in kindergarten until the child can be evaluated and an appropriate final placement made.

The School Board directs the assignment of students to schools within the Corporation consistent with the best interests of students and the best use of the resources of the Corporation.

Expanded Learning Program

The Muncie Community Schools, through its Gifted and Talented Program, offers an Expanded Learning Program for students in grades K-8. Parents/guardians are encouraged to review our High Ability Program on our website or direct questions regarding the criteria of this program to the principal at East Washington Academy, Evan Shroyer or the High Ability Education. Your input is important to ensure that each child participates in the most valuable and challenging coursework offered by the Muncie Community Schools that will effectively serve your student’s needs.

Non-Custodial Parent Rights

In situations in which a student has both a custodial and a noncustodial parent, both shall have access to the student's educational records unless stated otherwise by court order.

Child Care

The YMCA will provide childcare services for K-5 students enrolled in certain Muncie Community Schools. The YMCA school age child care, elementary fees, and additional information can be found on the YMCA website.

 

School Contact Information

Change of Address/Telephone Number

Guardians are responsible for updating their contact information in PowerSchool.

Conferences

Conferences must be scheduled. Parents who would like to set up a conference with his/her child’s teacher may contact the school office. Please remember that teachers are instructing the class during the day and cannot leave students unattended. Teachers may contact parents to set up a conference on an as needed basis.

Emergency Notifications 

Muncie Community Schools Instant Alert messaging system i.e. Parent Square, will notify parents and school personnel that have active profiles of emergency school delays, closings, or early dismissal. Instant messages can be received by cell phone or e-mail in any combination. Guardians are responsible for updating their contact information in PowerSchool. 

Keeping Your Child Home

Parents have the first and ultimate responsibility for their children. Parents must decide for themselves if their child’s route to school is safe on days when the weather is bad and schools remain open. Students are given an excused absence in these cases; however, the parent must call in the absence. The child is marked absent for the day and is allowed to make up any school work. MCS defines inclement weather as being physically severe weather.

Additionally, parents/guardians should tune into local television stations or listen to local radio stations, such as WLBC-104.1FM, NASH-102.5FM, WIPB-92.1FM, WERK-990AM and 104.9FM for school delay and closing information. If there are no announcements, school will be in session.

School Delays and Closings

The decision to close schools is made day-to-day. The CEO may decide to close schools due to inclement weather or in the interest of students’ safety. In rare cases, one school may be dismissed early or closed because of a power outage, flood or other condition that makes it impossible for students to attend classes. In most cases when schools close, however, it is because of inclement weather.

• Two Hour Delay- It allows time for the district to monitor changing weather conditions. If the weather worsens, the district may decide to close schools for the day. Parents should have a plan for their children if the delay turns into a school closing.  Morning classes at the Muncie Area Career Center will be cancelled, but the PM session will continue on a normal schedule. Please note that regular breakfast will NOT be served. 

• School Closures- Buildings are closed. There will be no athletic practice during regular school hours if schools are closed. If conditions improve, practices and games may be held in the evening at the high school. Coaches and advisers will notify parents and students of schedule changes through Parent Square or other approved methods of electronic communication

• Early Dismissal- There are rare times when weather conditions become severe during the day and schools are closed prior to the usual dismissal time. Announcements of an early dismissal are made before 12:30 PM to allow bus drivers to be ready to take students home. Parents will be notified via Parent Square or tune in to radio and television stations and the Internet to hear of dismissals.

 

Volunteers

The Muncie Community Schools welcomes volunteers, their efforts are invaluable.  A volunteer application form must be completed on an annual basis and, for the safety of all of our students, all volunteers must have a limited criminal background check completed annually. More information about volunteers can be found on our website

Community Use of School Facilities

Per Board Policy G375, it is the policy of the Muncie Community Schools Board to construct, maintain, and operate facilities necessary for the instructional mission of the School Corporation. When these facilities can be made available for other community uses without compromising the instructional mission of the Corporation, the Board will make the Corporation facilities available. 

Distribution of Materials by Students/Community Entities

Per Board Policy H200, students have the right, protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to exercise freedom of speech.  Such expression shall not interfere or be disruptive to the educational process.  This includes the right to distribute or display, at reasonable times and places, written material, petitions, buttons, badges, or other insignia, except expression which:

• is obscene to minors;
• is libelous;
• is indecent or vulgar:
• advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;
• contains insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people; and
• presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution or display, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of school or school activities, a violation of school regulations, or the commission of an unlawful act.

 Distribution or display of material in any of the above categories is prohibited on school premises or at any school-related event. 

Any person or organization wishing to distribute material on school property must first submit for approval a copy of the material in advance of desired distribution.  Permission to distribute or display material does not imply agreement of its contents by either the administration, the school, the Director of Public Education/CEO or the Board.

 

Attendance Expectations

• Indiana Department of Education expects a minimum 95% attendance rate.
• MCS standard: No more than 9 absences per year to maintain 95% attendance.
• Medical, dental, and personal appointments should be scheduled outside school hours. Verification may be required.
• Students leaving during school must have Principal approval and be signed out by a parent/guardian.
• Family trips and vacations should be scheduled outside school days. Absences count toward the total.
• Students must attend the full day to participate in extracurricular activities, contests, or events. Exceptions require Principal approval.

Student Attendance Requirements

Students are expected to attend school every day and arrive on time while school is in session.

Absences That Are Not Counted (With Documentation)

The following will not be counted as absences if the school receives appropriate verification within two (2) days after the student returns:

1. Participation in a school-sponsored or authorized activity
2. Serving as a page or honoree of the Indiana General Assembly
3. Serving on a precinct election board or assisting a political party or candidate on election day
4. Serving as a witness in a judicial proceeding
5. Active duty with the Indiana National Guard (up to 15 days per school year)
6. Participation in Civil Air Patrol (up to 5 days per school year)
7. Participation in an educational, non-classroom activity organized by the school, with prior written notice to the parent/guardian
8. Participation in the Indiana State Fair for educational purposes (up to 5 days per school year), if the student is in good academic standing
9. Participation in approved National or Indiana FFA or 4-H events (up to 6 days per school year), if the student is in good academic standing and prior approval is granted

Absences That Count

Any absence not listed above will count toward the student’s attendance record and will prevent perfect attendance.

Reporting an Absence

All absences require a phone call or written note from a parent/guardian.

Excused Absences (With Documentation)

Absences may be marked as excused if documentation is provided within two (2) days of the student’s return.

A. Medical

• Illness verified by a parent/guardian note
• Illness verified by a physician
• Recovery from an accident
• Professional appointments (medical, dental, legal, counseling)
  • Students should return to school after the appointment with documentation

B. Funeral/Bereavement

• Death of an immediate family member or relative

C. Religious Observance

• Participation in a recognized religious holiday, practice, or event

D. Family Choice (Planned)

• Pre-approved absences such as maternity or military-related events

E. Family Choice (Unplanned)

• Unexpected absences due to family circumstances, with approval

F. Administrator Approved

• Other reasons approved by the Director of Public Education/CEO or designee, as permitted by law

High School Exception

High school students may have up to two (2) excused days per year for college visits with proper documentation.

Long-Term Medical Conditions

If a student is expected to miss 20 or more instructional days due to a medical condition:

• A note from a licensed healthcare provider is required
• The school will create an instructional plan to support the student
• Additional consultation with the provider may occur
• Plans must align with:
  • Section 504 Plan (if applicable)
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP), if the student qualifies

Unexcused Absences

An unexcused absence is any absence that:

• Does not meet the criteria listed above, or
• Lacks proper documentation

Note: Out-of-school suspension is not considered an unexcused absence.

Attendance Interventions

• 1–3 consecutive unexcused days: Contact by phone or home visit.
• 5 cumulative unexcused absences: Parent/guardian notified by letter; home visit possible.
• 8 unexcused absences in a class: Student may fall behind or be withdrawn.
• 9-14 absences: Parent/guardian notified by letter at 9^th absence; home visit, agencies may be contacted; medical/funeral verification required for additional absences.
• 15 cumulative absences indicates that previous interventions have not resulted in improved attendance.
  • A letter will be mailed along with a phone call from the school attendance officer.  At this point, the school will take additional, more formal steps to address the concern. The Principal or designee may refer the student and family to appropriate outside agencies, including but not limited to child services or the juvenile court system, in accordance with Indiana law.
  • A formal attendance plan may be developed in collaboration with the student, parent or guardian, and school personnel. Continued absences may result in further consequences, including loss of credit, retention, or other actions as outlined by district policy.
  • High school students and their parents or guardians will be reminded that failure to maintain an attendance rate of at least 95% may significantly impact the ability to earn course credit and meet graduation requirements.

Tardies & Early Departures

• Tardies are recorded per class and accumulate each semester.
•  Late arrivals or early departures must be recorded in the office.
•  Parents are notified at Tardy #4, #7, #8; conference at Tardy #9.
• Consequences may include detention or a conference with the student support team.
   

High School Attendance

• Missing more than half a class counts as absent.
• After 5 absences: Parent notified; potential consequences include conferences, detention, or in-school suspension.
• After 7 absences: Parent-student conference offered; letter sent if conference cannot occur.
• After 8 absences: Alternative placement may be considered.

Truancy

Truancy is any intentional, unjustified, or unauthorized absence from school. A student is considered truant if they:

• Do not attend scheduled class(es), or
• Leave school without permission from a school official

A student is considered a habitual truant after accumulating ten (10) or more days of truancy in a school year.

Leaving School During the Day

If a student needs to leave school during the day:

• The student must get permission from the Principal or designee
• A parent or guardian must sign the student out in the school office

Failure to follow this procedure will be considered truancy.

Consequences of Truancy

Truancy is a serious violation. When a student is truant:

• Disciplinary action will be assigned according to the “Levels of Responses”
• Parents or guardians will be notified
• Behavioral supports may be implemented
• Appropriate agencies may be contacted, if necessary

Unauthorized Location or Tardiness

A student will be treated the same as truant if they:

• Are in a location at school without authorization instead of their assigned class, or
• Are more than five (5) minutes late to class

Driver’s License Impact (Indiana Law)

Under Indiana law (IC § 20-33-2-11):

• A student between ages 13 and 15 who is identified as a habitual truant
• May not be issued a driver’s license or learner’s permit until age 18

Extracurricular Participation

A student identified as a habitual truant may not participate in extracurricular or co-curricular activities unless one of the following applies:

1. Participation is approved under a school attendance plan signed by the student and parent/guardian, and allowed by the governing organization (if applicable)
2. The student has one full month of attendance with no unexcused absences, and participation is allowed by the governing organization (if applicable)
3. Participation is permitted under an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, Service Plan, or other legally required accommodation

Attendance Conference

The Corporation shall hold an attendance conference to discuss the absent student’s absences and establish a plan for the student to prevent future absences. At least the following individuals must be present:

1. Representative of the school
2. Teacher of the absent student
3. Absent student’s parent
4. Representative chosen by the absent student’s parent who may provide insight into the student’s absenteeism if the student’s parent makes a request to the school that the representative attend and provides notice to the school regarding the identification of the representative at least forty-eight (48) hours before the attendance conference.

This attendance conference shall be held no more than ten (10) instructional days after the absent student’s fifth absence, regardless of whether the absent student’s parent or representative in (4) above is able to attend.  The Corporation shall make all reasonable efforts to hold such conference on a date and time that works for the schedule of the absent student’s parent.

Absent Student Attendance Plan – Such plan may include:

1. wraparound services that are able to be provided to the absent student to ensure the absent student attends school;
2.  a specific description of the behavior that is required or prohibited for the student;
3. any additional disciplinary action the school will take if the absent student does not comply with the plan;
4. if applicable, a referral to counseling, mentoring, or other services for the student;
5.  if applicable, whether a parent is expected to attend the “additional services” described below; to the extent possible, the signature of the parent of the absent student agreeing to comply with the plan; and
6. the period for which the plan is effective, not to exceed forty-five (45) instructional days after the plan was established

Additional Services – The Corporation will offer additional counseling or services to an absent student if the school determines that the absent student's absences are related to any of the following:

1.  the absent student's pregnancy;
2. that the absent student is in foster care (as defined in IC 31-9-2-46.7);
3. that the absent student is homeless; or
4. that the absent student has a severe or life-threatening illness or related treatment.

  

Physical Exams & Tuberculosis Testing

• Physical exams are recommended for students entering:
  • Kindergarten, Grades 6 and 9, or MCS for the first time.
• Tuberculosis (TB) tests are recommended for students in:
  • Grades 5 and 9, or MCS for the first time.

Immunizations

Parents/guardians must provide at enrollment:

1. Proof the student is fully immunized (DPT, polio, MMR, Hepatitis A/B, varicella, meningococcal)
2. Proof immunizations are in process
3. A medical or religious exemption

• Proof must be submitted by the first day of school.
• A 20-day waiver may be granted if documentation is not yet provided.
• Students unimmunized after 20 days cannot attend school without an exemption.
• Parents are encouraged to update immunizations, including HPV vaccines.

Screening Services

• Hearing: Grades 1, 4, 7, 10, and new students
• Vision: Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 8, and new students
• Screenings are performed by qualified MCS personnel.

Control of Vermin & Skin Conditions

• Head lice: Student sent home; must be treated before returning.
• Scabies: Excluded until treated or cleared by physician.
• Ringworm: Can return if treated or lesion covered.
• Impetigo: Excluded until 24 hours on antibiotics and lesions are no longer “weeping.”

Student Illness at School

• Report to the nurse’s office; if nurse unavailable, report to principal’s office.
• Parent/guardian notified if the student must go home.
• Students must be fever-free (≤99.5°), vomit-free, and diarrhea-free for 24 hours before returning.
• Leaving without permission → truancy.

Medications & Treatments

• School staff may administer medication only with:
  • Pharmacy-labeled medication
  • Written parent/guardian authorization
  • Student name, physician, date, dosage, and purpose on file
• Includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Self-administration allowed for chronic conditions with physician and parent approval.
• Emergency medications may be stored in nurse’s office.

Meningococcal Disease

• Caused by Neisseria meningitidis; can lead to meningitis or bloodstream infection.
• Symptoms: Sudden fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, confusion, rash.
• Can result in hearing loss, limb amputation, or death.
• CDC recommends Menactra vaccine for:
  • All students 11–12 years old
  • Students 13–18 years old if not previously vaccinated
  • Children 2–10 with immune system disorders or spleen removal
• Parents should consult healthcare providers or local health departments for vaccination.

Sandy Hook

Muncie Community Schools has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise for anyone who would like to report information confidentially related to school safety. With the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (Say Something ARS), students become Upstanders who report warning signs and threats to Trusted Adults by text, app, phone, or website.  Tips are vetted and triaged by highly skilled crisis counselors in our accredited, bilingual National Crisis Center. Muncie Schools and/or law enforcement response teams are promptly alerted to life-safety reports to ensure swift intervention in critical safety issues. 

Sandy Hook Promise’s Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) is a holistic program combining education about the warning signs of potential violence or self-harm with the tools to report concerns safely. MCS encourages you to report any suspicious activity.

• Operates 24/7/365 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• Solely responding to messages (aka tips) received by the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
• Dedicated team of highly skilled and trained Crisis Counselors
• Fluent in multiple languages with translation support for over 600 languages
• Trained in suicide prevention, crisis management, and mental health support
• Skilled professionals with backgrounds in psychology, social work, and education
• Directed by a former law enforcement official with 20+ years of experience in anonymous reporting systems

Contact Sandy Hook

• Phone number: 844-5-SAYNOW (844-572-9669)
• App: Say Something SHP  
• Say Something Anonymous Reporting System https://www.p3campus.com/tipform.aspx?ID=3000&HF=1&Logo=0&X=1&H=0

Reporting of Child Abuse or Neglect

Per Board Policy A225, the School Board is concerned with the physical and mental well-being of all children and will cooperate in the identification and reporting of suspected cases of child abuse and neglect in accordance with law. 

If a staff member, volunteer, or contracted vendors have reason to believe that a student is the victim of child abuse or neglect, that staff member shall immediately make an oral report to the Department of Child Services (DCS) or local law enforcement. After the report is made, the staff member shall immediately notify the building administrator if the building administrator was not with the staff member when the report to DCS or law enforcement was made. 

If appropriate, the building administrator may also immediately report the the Director of Public Education or designee. Information
concerning alleged child abuse or neglect of a student is confidential information and is not to be shared with anyone other than the administration or the reporting agency.  A person who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

Crisis Intervention (Homicide/Suicide)

In order to deal effectively with a potential situation in which a student is suspected to be in danger of doing harm to self or others (suicide/homicide), the school will notify the students’ parents to inform them that their child needs to be seen by a professional counselor for an emergency evaluation.  The student could be seen by a school counselor, community partner, or private mental health provider. 

If parents do not follow the school’s directive and seek the immediate assistance of a professional counselor for their child when informed by the school of their child’s potential danger to him/herself or others, the Delaware County Child Protection office will be notified.

Safety and Security

Weapons Detection System

• MCS uses advanced weapons detection technology at school entrances to identify potential threats before entry.
• The system is discreet, minimally disruptive, and maintains a positive school environment.
• Purpose: Deter violence, reduce risk, and ensure student and staff safety.

Searches & Seizure

• School officials may search students, their belongings, lockers, desks, and vehicles when there is reasonable suspicion of:
  • Violation of school rules or Indiana law
  • Items that could cause harm or illness
• Searches are limited to what is necessary to find evidence.
• Student searches: Conducted in private by same-sex personnel with a same-sex witness; parents notified afterward.
• Vehicle searches: Students who park on campus give implied consent.

Weapons & Contraband

• Law enforcement is involved when practical for weapons searches.
• Found weapons or illegal substances are turned over to law enforcement.
• School administrators and Security Department are notified immediately.

Visitor Management – Raptor System

• All visitors must check in at secure entrances.
• Raptor system scans ID and prints a visitor badge with photo, name, time, and destination.
• Raptor cross-checks sex offender databases for safety.
• Goal: Balance security with a welcoming school environment.

Security Cameras

• Schools and buses are equipped with security cameras to monitor safety.
• Video is reviewed for:
  • Discipline incidents
  • Code of Conduct violations
• Video does not replace disciplinary reports and is stored according to policy.

Threats to Buildings

• Educational Lockdown: Threat outside the school

  • Doors and windows secured
  • Students return indoors and roll is taken
  • Instruction continues with doors locked and blinds closed
  • Security monitors exterior threat

• Lockdown: Threat on or near campus

  • Announcement over PA and radios
  • Description of suspect and potential weapon communicated
  • 911 contacted immediately

Expectation of Privacy

• Students have no expectation of privacy in lockers, desks, or vehicles on school property.

 

 

 

AI General Overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer-based tools and systems that can generate text, images, or other content, analyze information, and support learning or productivity. 

AI is increasingly present in educational settings and can be a helpful tool when used responsibly to support instruction, learning, creativity, and efficiency. However, AI does not replace human thinking, professional judgment, or academic effort. 

To ensure AI is used safely, ethically, and aligned with our educational values, Muncie Community Schools has established clear expectations for both staff and students regarding appropriate use, academic integrity, privacy, and accountability.

Staff

The use of AI tools by Muncie Community Schools employees is subject to the following expectations:

• Compliance with Laws and Policies

Staff use of AI must comply with all applicable federal and state laws, as well as the Corporation's policies related to data privacy, student safety, and information security.

• Appropriate and Ethical Use

AI tools may not be used to create, modify, or distribute content that is harmful, misleading, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate.

• Approval of AI Tools

Staff may only use AI tools reviewed and approved by the Corporation for instructional or professional purposes.

• Professional Responsibility and Integrity

AI may be used to support planning, efficiency, and creativity, but staff remain responsible for professional judgment, accuracy, and the final content shared with students, families, or colleagues.

• Protection of Confidential Information

Staff must not input personally identifiable information (PII), confidential student data, or sensitive staff or school information into AI tools.

• Communication

Staff will clearly communicate expectations for student use of AI, including when it is appropriate, how it may be used in learning, and what constitutes misuse or academic dishonesty.

• Modeling Responsible Use

Staff are expected to model transparent, ethical, and responsible use of AI tools in alignment with instructional expectations and district values.

• Consequences for Misuse

Misuse of AI, including violations of policy or law, may result in disciplinary action in accordance with Corporation procedures.

 

Students

The use of AI tools by Muncie Community Schools students is subject to the following expectations:

Appropriate and Responsible Use

AI tools may not be used to create, modify, or share content that is harmful, misleading, or inappropriate.

• Academic Integrity and Honesty

Students may not use AI tools to engage in academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating, or presenting AI-generated work as their own. Teachers will clearly communicate expectations for appropriate and ethical AI use for assignments and coursework. Violations will be addressed in accordance with the Student and Family Handbook, Levels of Responses.

• Use Aligned to Teacher Direction

Students may only use AI tools when permitted by the teacher and in accordance with assignment guidelines and classroom expectations.

• Responsibility for Learning

Students are responsible for understanding and explaining the work they submit, even when AI tools are used for support.

• Consequences for Misuse

Malicious or inappropriate use of AI may result in disciplinary action, in accordance with the Student and Family Handbook, Levels of Responses

Software & Digital Tools

• MCS provides school-approved software to enhance learning, including:
  • Learning management systems
  • Instructional applications
  • Google Workspace for Education and Additional Services
• Parent/guardian consent is granted by signing this handbook.
• Software is reviewed for educational use and complies with:
  • FERPA – Student education record privacy
  • COPPA – Protection for children under 13
  • State and local data protection laws
• No student data is sold; parents may request a review if concerned, but opting out may affect participation.

School Devices: iPads & Chromebooks

• Grades K–1: iPads provided, remain in the classroom.
• Grades 2–8: Chromebooks provided each period, returned to classroom cart for charging.
• High School: Chromebook issued freshman year, kept for all four years. Regular audits conducted.
• Virtual Learning: Device provided, returned at end of year or upon withdrawal.

Device Responsibility

• Students must take care of devices:
  • Keep charged, clean, and updated
  • Report issues or damage immediately
  • Use devices for academic purposes only
• Damages or loss will incur replacement or repair fees:

 

 

 

Maintenance & Return

• Grades K–8: Devices returned daily to carts.
• High School: Devices remain with student; audits ensure all equipment is accounted for.
• Virtual Learning: Devices returned at year-end or upon program exit.

Conclusion

• Following this policy helps students:
  • Use technology responsibly
  • Maintain access to reliable academic tools
  • Develop ownership and accountability for school equipment

 

Grade Progress Reports

Grade cards are distributed at the end of the 9-week grading periods.  Mid-term progress reports will be provided for each student on four dates specified by the corporation. Report card and progress report distribution dates are posted on the district calendar.

Checking Academic Progress

Guardians can also view their child’s academic progress and school assignments on PowerSchool Parent Portal.  A username and password is needed to access the site. That can be obtained along with directions for website use by contacting the student’s school.

Grading

It is the position of the Board of Trustees of Muncie Community Schools, That grades awarded for student achievement and performance are determined by the student's teacher.

Elementary Information

The K-5 grade scale for Muncie Community Schools is as follows: 

• 97-100% = A+
• 94-96% = A
• 90-93% = A-
• 87-89% = B+,
• 4-86% = B
• 80-83% = B-
• 77-79% = C+
• 74-76% = C
• 70-73% = C-
• 67-69% = D+
• 64-66% = D
• 60-63% = D-
• 59% and below = F

All elementary students in grades 1-5 will be given letter grades in all subjects unless otherwise directed by an IEP or an ILP. 

Secondary Information

• 90 - 100% = A
• 80 - 89% = B
• 70 - 79% = C
• 60 - 69% = D
• 59% & below = F

More information regarding grades is posted in the MCHS Curriculum Guide and the Middle School Course Guide.

Guidance Services

Guidance services in each elementary school focus on individual counseling and classroom group guidance sessions.

Retention

A student will be promoted to the succeeding grade level when she or he has:

1. completed the course requirements at the presently assigned grade;
2. in the opinion of the professional staff, achieved the instructional objectives set for the present grade;
3. demonstrated sufficient proficiency to permit him or her to move ahead in the educational program of the next grade; and
4. demonstrated the degree of social, emotional and physical maturation necessary for a successful learning experience in the next grade. A student enrolled in special education shall be promoted or retained based on the opinion of the Case Conference Committee and the student’s Individualized Education Plan.

Tiers of Support

The mission of Muncie Community Schools is to provide a quality educational environment where every child is known, safe, inspired, challenged, and empowered.

To achieve this mission, MCS uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework. MTSS provides academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports to meet the needs of all students.

Tier I: Universal Supports

Tier I supports are available to all students. Typically, 80–90% of students succeed with these universal supports. When a student struggles to meet academic, behavioral, or social-emotional expectations, school personnel may consider Tier II supports.

Tier II: Targeted Interventions

Tier II supports are for students who need additional help—usually 5–15% of students.

• These supports are not highly individualized.
• They are provided in a way that minimally disrupts the school day.

If a student continues to struggle despite Tier II interventions, school personnel explore Tier III supports.

Tier III: Intensive Individualized Supports

Tier III supports are highly individualized and intensive.

• They help students develop academic, behavioral, or social-emotional skills they have struggled with.
• Tier III typically supports 1–5% of students.

Readiness to Learn: A Student-Centered Approach

The Readiness to Learn Tiers of Support show how MCS provides increasing support based on students’ strengths and needs.

• Supports are provided by school staff, families, and community partners.
• Three of the MCS Five Pillars of Focus—Student-Centered Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, and Family and Community Engagement—are woven into the Student and Family Resource Guide.

MCS believes in a learner-centered approach: teaching focuses on the needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles of students rather than adult convenience.

• Student-centered teaching increases participation, knowledge retention, problem-solving, collaboration, and social-emotional growth.
• Developmental stages and positive learning strategies support social-emotional learning, which in turn promotes academic success and positive behavior.

Parents, families, MCS staff, community non-profits, and service providers are partners.

• MCS is committed to welcoming schools and culturally responsive practices.
• We engage community organizations to provide additional resources, wrap-around services, and support student and family well-being.

School and Parent Interventions

Tier I: Universal Supports (80–90% of Students)

Purpose: Supports all students in a school.

Possible School Interventions:

• Restorative Practices
• Brain-aligned strategies
• Conference with student
•  Conference with parent
• Teach or re-teach skills

Possible Parent Interventions:

• Call the teacher
• Communicate with the school
• Establish a reward system with the teacher
• Seek community or wrap-around resources
• Ask questions about schoolwork
• Read all papers sent home

Tier II: Targeted Interventions (5–10% of Students)

Purpose: Provides additional support for smaller groups of students needing more targeted assistance.

Possible School Interventions:

• Teach or re-teach skills with interventions
• Daily check-ins with a trusted adult at school
• Referral to Misesteem (Student Assistant Coordinator, Counselor, Behavior Coach)
• Service learning
• Written notification to parents
• Conference with parent
• Request parent meeting

Possible Parent Interventions:

• Talk with teacher, principal, and child about concerns
• Volunteer to observe child in the classroom
• Learn about academic standards
• Get to know child’s friends and their parents

Tier III: Intensive Individualized Interventions (1–5% of Students)

Purpose: Provides intensive support for students not successful with Tier I or Tier II interventions.

Possible School Interventions:

• Strategies designed to meet the individual student’s needs
• Referral to mental health and wellness partners

Possible Parent Interventions:

• Attend all meetings
• Follow up with referrals or appointments
• Communicate with the school regularly
• Continue to work with MTSS Team and administrative team.