FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Flexible Pathway Back to being a Spartan is coming for Fayette County students in grades 7-12 who have chosen other pathways!
The Fayette County School Corporation is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Spartan Flex Academy, a new educational opportunity designed to reconnect students and families with the Fayette County School Corporation while providing the flexibility many students need to thrive.
The Spartan Flex Academy was created for students who have chosen fully virtual learning, homeschooling, alternative educational settings, or who simply need a more personalized pathway to success. Rather than requiring students to choose between a traditional school experience and complete independence, Spartan Flex Academy creates a bridge that combines flexibility, support, accountability, and opportunity.
At its core, Spartan Flex Academy is about helping students find their way back to the Spartan family.
"At Fayette County School Corporation, we believe every student deserves a pathway to success," said Jeremy Duncan, Superintendent of Fayette County School Corporation. "The Spartan Flex Academy was designed to remove barriers, provide flexibility, and reconnect students to the incredible opportunities available through our schools. Most importantly, it provides a pathway back to being a Spartan. We truly feel that students learn best when connected to in-person teachers and provided multiple opportunities to learn and grow"
Students enrolled in Spartan Flex Academy will remain Fayette County School Corporation students and work toward earning a Connersville High School diploma while participating in a personalized educational plan that may include online coursework, academic mentoring, career exploration, dual credit opportunities, work-based learning experiences, and Early College programming.
One of the unique advantages of Spartan Flex Academy is that students remain connected to the opportunities available through Fayette County School Corporation. Eligible students may have access to athletics, clubs, fine arts programs, academic teams, student leadership opportunities, and school events while also benefiting from a flexible learning environment.
Students may also have access to programming through the Whitewater Career Center, including career and technical education pathways that are often unavailable to students who are fully homeschooled or enrolled in full-time virtual schools.
Through a hybrid model, students will complete coursework online while receiving support from certified educators and local staff. Students will also participate in regular in-person Student Success sessions at the Spartan Learning Center. These sessions are designed to provide academic support, mentoring, intervention services, progress monitoring, and meaningful connections with educators and peers.
As currently designed, students enrolled in Spartan Flex Academy will be expected to participate in approximately nine hours of in-person Student Success programming each week, helping ensure they remain engaged, supported, and on track toward graduation. If needed, transporation will be provided.
Because the Spartan Flex Academy is a path back to being a Spartan, it is intended primarily for students who have participated in a virtual learning program, homeschool environment, or alternative educational setting for at least one semester prior to enrollment. However, district administration reserves the right to consider individual student circumstances and may waive eligibility requirements when appropriate.
The Academy reflects Fayette County School Corporation's commitment to meeting students where they are while creating innovative pathways that support academic achievement, career readiness, and long-term success while maintaining the core values of connection, in-person learning, and more.
"Students should not have to choose between flexibility and opportunity," Duncan said. "With Spartan Flex Academy, students can receive the personalized support they need while remaining connected to their school community, pursuing their goals, and earning a Connersville High School diploma. We are excited to welcome students back into the Spartan family."
Additional information regarding enrollment procedures, eligibility requirements, and program details will be released in the coming weeks.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
Wow! All of the roughly 1100 student and family tickets for our Toy Story Family Movie Night on June 29th have now been distributed. We have no more tickets available. Thank you for your understanding! For those with tickets, see you on June 29th. Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled movie start time.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fayette County School Corporation Invites Families to Free Showing of Toy Story 5
The Fayette County School Corporation is excited to announce a special Free Movie Night for FCSC students, prospective students, and their families on Monday, June 29, at Showtime Cinemas in Connersville. Through a special partnership with Showtime Cinemas, FCSC has reserved the entire theater to provide families with the opportunity to enjoy Disney Pixar's newest film, Toy Story 5, at no cost.
The event will feature four showtimes: 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 7:45 p.m. Tickets are free and include admission to the movie, popcorn, and a 12-ounce drink. Attendance is limited, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled.
Each FCSC student or prospective student is eligible to receive up to three tickets. Accommodations for larger families may be arranged by contacting the corporation office.
While the evening is intended to be a fun celebration for families, Toy Story 5 also carries a message that resonates with Fayette County School Corporation's commitment to fostering meaningful learning experiences and healthy technology habits.
In the film, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the toy gang find themselves facing a new challenge as children's attention increasingly shifts from traditional play toward screens and digital devices. The story explores the balance between technology and imagination, reminding us that creativity, personal interaction, and real-world experiences remain important parts of childhood.
"Technology is a valuable tool in education, but it should never replace the experiences that help children grow socially, emotionally, and creatively. At the Fayette County School Corporation, we are intentional about creating opportunities for students to collaborate, problem-solve, engage in hands-on learning, and build relationships. The message of Toy Story 5 reinforces the importance of balance and reminds us that imagination and human connection still matter," said Superintendent Jeremy Duncan.
FCSC has continued to evaluate and refine the role of technology in its schools, ensuring that devices support learning while preserving opportunities for discussion, creativity, movement, and meaningful engagement. The themes presented in Toy Story 5 provide a family-friendly opportunity to continue that conversation beyond the classroom.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets will be available beginning Tuesday, June 16, at the Fayette County School Corporation Administration Building, located at 1401 Spartan Drive, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Individuals unable to pick up tickets during those hours may call (765) 825-2178 on or after June 16 to make alternative arrangements.
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be distributed until all seats are filled. Ticketed attendees should plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before their scheduled showtime.
EVENT DETAILS
What: FCSC Free Movie Night – Toy Story 5
Who: FCSC students, prospective students, and their families
When: Monday, June 29
Where: Showtime Cinemas, Connersville, Indiana
Showtimes: 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 7:45 p.m.
Cost: Free (includes admission, popcorn, and a 12-ounce drink)
GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT THE FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION!
We served an incredible 1,568 meals to 196 families on Monday of this week. This is awesome! Our second distribution is tomorrow at both Frazee and Everton. This distribution will include breakfast and lunch for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Due to congestion on 3rd Street outside of Frazee, those picking up food should enter in the rear of the building off Meyer Ave and exit out the front of the building onto 3rd Street.
As a reminder, below are the details of the program:
Everton Elementary School
Mondays & Fridays
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Frazee Elementary School
Mondays & Fridays
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Program Details
-Meals are free for all children ages 18 and under.
-Meals are packaged as take-home meals and should not be consumed onsite.
-Children must be present to receive meals.
Monday distributions include:
-4 breakfasts
-4 lunches
Friday distributions include:
-3 breakfasts
-3 lunches
We have had some questions as to why only Everton and Frazee are being used for distribution this summer. We apologize, but these sites are determined without our control by the USDA and IDOE. We thank you for your grace and understanding.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
IMPORTANT - A signed parent agreement must be completed and kept on file with permission and the exact name of who is able to pick up the meals. Students may not receive both Summer Food Service Program meals and CACFP meals (free government meals through local daycare). These forms will be available upon your first pick-up for parents or guardians to fill out.
To confirm that children live in the household and the adult is actually the parent or guardian of the child receiving the meals, we are also required to cross-check our Powerschool student database. If children are not current FCSC students, they may still receive food, but documentation such as a school ID card, report card, or medical card is required.
Meal handouts will be available every Monday and Friday at two convenient locations within the Corporation:
Everton Elementary School
Mondays & Fridays
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Frazee Elementary School
Mondays & Fridays
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Program Details
-Meals are free for all children ages 18 and under.
-Meals are packaged as take-home meals and should not be consumed onsite.
-Children must be present to receive meals.
-Distribution lines will form in front of each building.
Monday distributions include:
-4 breakfasts
-4 lunches
Friday distributions include:
-3 breakfasts
-3 lunches
The Summer Food Program is designed to ensure children continue receiving nutritious meals during the summer break when school is not in session. Fayette County School Corporation remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of all students and families in the community.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
Fayette County School Corporation Families,
This morning, Fayette County School Corporation officials were notified of a police-involved incident in the immediate vicinity of Connersville Middle School. The situation did not involve any FCSC students, employees, or stakeholders; however, due to the proximity of the incident and out of an abundance of caution, Connersville Middle School, Little Spartan Preschool, and Grandview Elementary School were immediately placed on lockout status while law enforcement responded.
According to the Connersville Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 8:30 a.m. to the 200 block of West 19th Street regarding a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers encountered a suspect who fled on foot toward the Connersville Middle School area. During the pursuit, the suspect reportedly produced what was believed to be a firearm and pointed it at an officer. In response to the perceived threat, an officer discharged his service weapon. A Connersville Police Department K9 unit was deployed and successfully apprehended the suspect without further incident.
We have no reason to believe the suspect intended to enter school property. However, given the rapidly evolving nature of the situation and the suspect’s movement toward the school area, we are extremely grateful law enforcement was able to stop and apprehend the individual before the situation could escalate further.
Throughout the incident, school administrators remained in close communication with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff. An FCSC School Resource Officer from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department was present at Connersville Middle School during the incident. Once authorities determined the situation was isolated and there was no further threat, the lockout was lifted.
We want to recognize the tremendous challenge law enforcement faces in situations like this, actively responding to a rapidly evolving and dangerous incident while simultaneously maintaining communication with nearby schools and coordinating protective actions. The Connersville Police Department and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department did an exceptional job providing timely information and working collaboratively with school officials so appropriate safety measures could be implemented quickly and effectively.
We are tremendously grateful to our local police, first responders, and our incredible staff for their swift and professional response. We also appreciate the cooperation and patience of our students and families as safety procedures were implemented this morning.
According to the Connersville Police Department, any additional information regarding the ongoing investigation will be released by the Indiana State Police Public Information Office.
Warm regards,
Jeremy Duncan
Superintendent, Fayette County School Corporation
Fayette County School Corporation Announces 2026 Summer Food Program
The Fayette County School Corporation is proud to announce its 2026 Summer Food Program, providing free breakfasts and lunches for all children 18 years old and younger throughout the summer months.
The program will run from June 1 through July 31, 2026, with meal handouts available every Monday and Friday at two convenient locations within the Corporation. Meals are provided through Fayette County School Corporation in partnership with Chartwells School Dining Services.
Meal Service Locations & Times:
Everton Elementary School
Mondays & Fridays
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Frazee Elementary School
Mondays & Fridays
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Program Details
-Meals are free for all children ages 18 and under.
-Meals are packaged as take-home meals and should not be consumed onsite.
-Children must be present to receive meals.
-Distribution lines will form in front of each building.
Monday distributions include:
-4 breakfasts
-4 lunches
Friday distributions include:
-3 breakfasts
-3 lunches
The Summer Food Program is designed to ensure children continue receiving nutritious meals during the summer break when school is not in session. Fayette County School Corporation remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of all students and families in the community.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fayette County School Corporation Announces Shift in Technology Use for Youngest Learners
May 15, 2026
Connersville, Indiana — The Fayette County School Corporation (FCSC) is announcing an important shift in how technology will be utilized in our youngest classrooms beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.
We believe deeply in the power of relationships, hands-on learning, meaningful connection, and the impact a great teacher can have in a classroom. After thoughtful consideration, conversations with educators and families, and a review of emerging research regarding screen time and brain development, the Fayette County School Corporation has made the decision to move away from 1:1 technology for students in Kindergarten and First Grade.
While technology will continue to play an important role in education, students in our K–1 classrooms will no longer be issued individual devices for daily use. Students will still have occasional opportunities to engage with technology in purposeful and age-appropriate ways, but our primary focus will shift toward direct instruction, collaboration, creativity, movement, literacy-rich environments, and hands-on experiences.
Much research continues to highlight concerns regarding excessive screen exposure for young children, particularly in relation to attention span, language development, social interaction, and cognitive growth. The early years are foundational. Children learn best through relationships, active exploration, real-world experiences, and a strong sense of connection and belonging. Nothing can replace the impact of a caring teacher who knows their students, builds confidence, inspires curiosity, and creates a classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
In addition to this change for our primary grade levels, the corporation is also actively exploring screen time guidelines and best practices for other elementary grade levels in order to ensure technology use remains balanced, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate.
Fayette County School Corporation will also not be sending elementary Chromebook devices home with students during the summer months. This decision reflects our commitment to encouraging family engagement, outdoor activity, reading, creativity, and healthy balance away from screens when students are outside of the classroom setting.
This shift is not about rejecting technology. Instead, it is about being intentional with technology and recognizing that educational decisions should always be centered on what is best for students developmentally, academically, socially, and emotionally.
We remain committed to preparing students for the future while also protecting the critical experiences that shape strong foundations in early childhood.
“Children only get one childhood. We want our youngest learners spending more time talking, creating, exploring, building relationships, and learning directly from caring adults…not through screens. This decision reflects our belief that strong relationships, hands-on learning, and the presence of an exceptional teacher are some of the most powerful influences in a child’s life.”
— Jeremy Duncan, Superintendent
Fayette County School Corporation appreciates the partnership of our families, teachers, and community as we continue working together to create learning environments that put students first.
Due to several water main breaks and resulting street closures throughout the city of Connersville, bus transportation may be delayed today as drivers navigate alternate routes to safely transport students.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as our transportation team works diligently to adjust routes and ensure all students arrive safely.
Thank you for your continued support of the Fayette County School Corporation!
Connersville High School and Ball State University Launch Direct Admit Partnership
CONNERSVILLE, Ind. — Connersville High School and Ball State University are proud to announce a new Direct Admit initiative designed to create a seamless pathway from high school to college for qualifying students.
Beginning with the upcoming senior class, eligible Connersville High School students will have the opportunity to receive direct admission consideration to Ball State University through a streamlined process intended to reduce barriers and support student success.
The partnership is designed to identify academically prepared students early and provide them with direct support throughout their senior year as they transition to higher education. Students who qualify will receive ongoing communication, campus engagement opportunities, and individualized guidance from Ball State University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
To qualify for the Direct Admit program, students must:
Earn a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher by the end of their junior year
Be pursuing a Core 40 diploma or a more rigorous diploma pathway
Be on track for high school graduation
Submit the required FERPA authorization documentation signed by a parent or guardian
Through the program, students will benefit from:
A condensed Ball State application process
Early communication regarding next steps for enrollment
Access to Ball State admissions and support staff
Invitations to campus events and workshops
Transition support during their senior year
The initiative reflects a shared commitment between Connersville High School and Ball State University to increase college access, improve student outcomes, and strengthen opportunities for local students.
“This partnership creates exciting opportunities for our students and families,” said Fayette County School Corporation Superintendent Jeremy Duncan. “By simplifying the admission process and connecting students directly with Ball State resources, we are helping students confidently take the next step toward their future.”
Ball State University representatives emphasized the importance of proactive student support and collaboration with high schools to ensure successful college transitions.
The Direct Admit initiative will include ongoing collaboration between Connersville High School counselors and Ball State University admissions staff to monitor student progress, support enrollment completion, and encourage student engagement throughout the admissions process.
For more information about the Direct Admit program, families may contact Connersville High School counseling department or Ball State University Undergraduate Admissions.
A BIG THANK YOU to those who attended Frazee Elementary School's Ribbon Cutting and Open House this week. We were honored to welcome State Representative Lindsay Patterson, EDG Director Brad Colter, Members of the FCSC Board of School Trustees, many current and former teachers, community members, students, and families. It was an awesome evening to celebrate an incredible investment in children here in Fayette County.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
The Guys Choir, Treble Choir, and Mixed Choir earned gold ratings from all three judges, and earned the Gold rating overall! Additionally, the Treble Choir and Mixed Choir earned the honor of "Gold with Distinction." This means their scores were so good, that another level of achievement was recognized by the judges. Every year, across the state of Indiana, only 10% or fewer of the band, choir, and orchestra entries earn the "with distinction" honor.
Mrs. Clifford and the choirs would especially like to thank Mr. Morey, Mrs. Risch, and Mr. Wilson for coming on the trip to supervise, assist, support, and encourage the choirs. We would also like to thank Mrs. Brock who took so much time to prepare medical bags to ensure all of our students were safe and prepared for the day.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
