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.
IMPORTANT SCHEDULING UPDATE!
The Indiana Department of Education has graciously granted the Fayette County School Corporation three (3) waiver days due to the impact of weather closures. This means that our students will attend school 177 days rather than 180.
2025-2026 WEATHER CLOSURES:
Tues, Dec. 2nd - Asynchronous eLearning
Mon, Dec. 15th - Asynchronous eLearning
Tues, Dec. 16th - Make-up Feb. 16th
Mon, Jan. 26th - Make-up April 3rd
Tues, Jan. 27th - Waived Day (originally scheduled to be made up May 26th)
Wed, Jan. 28th - Waived Day (originally scheduled to be made up May 27th)
Thurs, Jan. 29th - Waived Day (originally scheduled to be made up May 28th)
*The last day of the 2025-2026 school year is now Friday, May 22nd as originally scheduled.
*IF we have additional weather closures, no additional waiver days will be granted and we will make up days the week of May 25th.
Come and experience for yourself all of the incredible opportunities provided for our students. You don't have to reside in Fayette County to attend the Fayette County School Corporation.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
Due to incoming weather, our CHS Natatorium Ribbon Cutting and Open House has been moved to February 11th. The Ribbon Cutting will begin at 6:30PM with the Open House to follow from 6:30-7:30PM. Go Spartans!
The Fayette County School Corporation is currently without phone service. We are working with our carrier who is investigating a possible fiber cut. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Attention former CHS swimmers and divers, community members, and the entire Spartan family,
You are invited to attend a RIBBON CUTTING and OPEN HOUSE for the newly renovated Connersville High School Natatorium on Monday, January 26th. The Ribbon Cutting will be at 6:30PM with an Open House to follow from 6:30-7:30PM.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
During the month of January, we proudly celebrate and give thanks to the incredible members of our Board of School Trustees for their dedication, leadership, and service to our students, staff, and community. Their thoughtful decision-making, countless hours of work, and unwavering commitment help shape the future of education in our community every single day.
We are grateful for their vision, their willingness to listen, and their passion for doing what’s best for kids. Please join us in showing appreciation for our School Board and thanking them for all they do to support learning, growth, and opportunity for every student.
Great things are happening at the Fayette County School Corporation!
Thank you to everyone who has already shared feedback on our survey.
If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to complete our short strategic planning survey and help guide the future of FCSC.
https://forms.gle/nwG4y3ZmEvDgZ1L97
