Connersville Middle School

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!

Attention 8th grade parents and guardians. CMS will be hosting our annual 8th grade parent night on Thursday, March 12th from 6-7pm in the CMS Auditorium. Counselors will be presenting about the diploma requirements and scheduling classes for freshman year. We hope to see you there.

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.

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.

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