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Title 1

What is Title 1?

Title 1 is supplemental federal funding for low achieving children, especially in high poverty schools. This program provides extra academic support and learning opportunities for children farthest from meeting challenging state standards. Title 1 helps by supplementing and improving the regular education programs offered at Title 1 schools. The goal is to help students meet the State standards.

How does a school become a Title 1 school?

The number of students that qualify for free and/or reduced lunch is used to determine the district-wide poverty and school poverty levels. Title 1 can serve schools at or above the districtwide poverty average.


Cedar Elementary is a Schoolwide Title 1 building. Our Title 1 staff members are able to work with any student and will collaboratively work with teachers to provide small group, direct instruction in reading and math to meet the academic needs/skill deficits of students.  

The Annual Parent Meeting in early fall will be offered at two different times to accommodate parent schedules.

Our Vision

Nationally recognized district of choice that embraces all students and prepares them to grow and thrive for their future. 

We Believe

  • All students can learn and achieve to high standards throughout their lives. 
  • All students can become expert learners
  • Social-emotional well-being is essential for academic learning.  
  • Learners and their educators are highly diverse and require flexible supports
  • Collaboration among educators across disciplines and roles is essential. 
  • All students need and deserve a safe physical and emotional learning environment
  • Relationships are the foundation for growth and success. 

Title 1 Parent Involvement District Policy

Cedar Elementary Parent Involvement Policy

1. Cedar Elementary School will hold an annual parent meeting early in the school year at a convenient time to explain:

  • Title 1 participation and requirements
  • Parents’ rights to be involved 
  • The forms of assessment used to measure academic success and progress 
  • Description and explanation of curricula to be used 

2. The following items will be distributed to parents for review and input: 

  • Parent Involvement Policy – early in the school year 
  • Home School Compacts – at the annual parent meeting 
  • Parent Notices as they apply to Title 1 

3. Cedar Elementary will provide all parents with timely information in a language and format easily understood in the following ways: 

  • Registration packets 
  • Teacher notes, phone calls, emails 
  • School newsletters  
  • District and school websites 
  • Parent Square messages 
  • Interpreter services as needed 
  • Report cards via Power School 

4. Cedar Elementary will foster positive and productive family partnerships through: 

  • Providing opportunities for decision-making input related to the education of their children 
  • Host schoolwide events including Title 1 meetings, Family Nights, and an Open House 
  • Fostering and encouraging good school attendance 

5. Parents/Guardians will in turn foster positive and productive partnerships with school through: 

  • Supporting their students’ learning by: Ensuring good attendance, monitoring homework completion, supervising television watching and electronic game playing, encouraging positive use of extra-curricular time, and encouraging reading at home 
  • Volunteering at school 
  • Participating in school activities 
  • Communicating with school staff 
  • Being positive advocates for their children 

6. Materials and training will be offered to parents on how they can assist, encourage and improve their child’s academic achievement through: 

  • Newsletters
  • Resources for instructional strategies to practice at home
  • Digital resources 

Cedar families will communicate any suggestions or concerns to the Title 1 staff directly, and the Title 1 department will respond as timely and practically as possible. The Title 1 department will also communicate parent feedback with the district. 

Learning Resources

CLICK HERE

Meet Mrs. Ruder

melissa ruder

Melissa Ruder
Title 1 Teacher
(317) 544-6200

I am excited to work together with the students and families at Cedar. This will be my 13th year as an elementary educator and my second year as the Title 1 teacher at Cedar. I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2009, and I earned my MBA in Educational Leadership in 2016 from University of Indianapolis.

Spending time with my husband and extended family is something I truly enjoy! I have been married since 2009, and enjoy many outdoor activities including biking, walking, and fishing. In my free time, I also like to read books, visit ice cream shops, and sit by the fire on a cool evening.

It is my mission to instill a love for learning in all students, helping them to learn, grow, and achieve success through academic challenges. In order to help students reach their potential, it is important to build a partnership between school and home. If you have any questions, please reach out. I am always happy to help!

Right to Know Letter

First page of the PDF file: Cedar2022TitleIRighttoKnowLetter

Complaint Procedure Policy

Avon Community School Corporation recognizes that parents have the right to request a formal complaint. For the purpose of this policy, a complain or concern shall be any such that arises out of actions, procedures and policies in regard to Title 1 programming.

Parents who have a complaint or concern shall address it first with the building principal. If it is not resolved, the next step is to address the LEA Title 1 Director, Carrie Alday. If unable to resolve the concern, Mrs. Alday may seek the guidance from the Indiana Department of Education. If still not satisfied, the parent may take the complain to the Assistant Superintendent. The Superintendent would be the next to handle any situation if it is still unresolved.