
East Central
eNewsletter January 2022
Notes from the Principal
1st semester gave us some quality opportunities in the arts, academics, philanthropy, and athletics all due to our steadfast commitment to staying in-person. Students and staff alike have benefited greatly from consistent personal interaction and in-person opportunities, and for that we remain very thankful. Clearly we are seeing a rapid increase in cases in Indiana and around the country, but our numbers continue to hold at around 1% regarding close contact students o staff becoming symptomatic. As long as these numbers continue, we expect to keep things pretty "normal" 2nd semester. Thank you to parents, guardians, and community members for your strong support through all of this.
We were able to get nearly all student finals exams completed the week of our return. And, and 2nd quarter and 1st semester grades were posted Friday, January 7th as promised. 2nd Quarter gave us 294 Honor Roll and 385 Exemplary Honor Roll students which makes up approximately 54% of our student population. EC students continue to excel despite last year's lost instructional time due to COVID.
In Athletics, winter sports have seen great success thus far with both boys and girls basketball teams winning their respective Holiday Tournaments. Boys and girls swimming continue to dominate in the pool winning EIAC honors this past weekend. Girls will begin sectional competition at the end of the month. And, our grapplers remain a top team in the tri-state and in the state posting dominating wins in multiple tournaments over the break and finishing 3rd at State Team Duals this past weekend in Indianapolis. We are looking forward to some quality IHSAA tournament runs starting in two weeks from all of our winter sports teams. A big thank you to Don Stonefield, Athletic Director, and all of our winter coaches. We are...EC!
In the arts, the "Legally Blonde" cast was selected to break and rehearsals have begun. We are looking forward to another great weekend of performances March. Percussion and Guard begin their winter competition series this month as well. Good luck to all!
EC and our surrounding communities remain steadfast in our support of Cpl Kelsee Lainhart, a 2019 graduate and one of the service members severely injured in the blast at Kabul airport this fall. She continues her journey toward recovery and was able to get home for the Christmas holiday. Please continue your support with positive thoughts and prayers. Again, thank you to Kelsee for her service and sacrifice.
WE ARE...EC!
“No leader is worth his salt who won’t set up the chairs.” Peter Drucker
Respectfully,
Tom Black
Students of the Month
Hope Fox
Hope Fox is quite deserving of the denotation of Student of the month at East Central High
School. Hope maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a recipient of the prestigious Academic Jacket for
maintaining a 4.0 GPA for at least 5 semesters. Hope excels in athletics lettering in volleyball,
basketball and track. She has committed to play basketball at Southern Connecticut State
University where she will be a freshman in the fall.
According to Kevin Moore, Lady Trojan Varsity Basketball Coach, “Hope Fox is a young lady who appreciates the high school experience for what it's worth. She excels as a 3-sport athlete while also taking pride in her academic accomplishments in the classroom. Additionally, she's a true Trojan as you will always see her in attendance at other events showing support of her classmates and being a true friend to so many. For someone that excels in many areas of her life, she remains very humble and has a team-first mentality and loves the work involved in being successful, which I love about her.” Assistant Principal, Mr. Swinney states that “Hope Fox is not only a fantastic student and a multi-sport athlete but she is a role model to many young ladies within the East Central Girls Basketball Youth Program. Hope volunteers every Saturday morning and multiple nights through the week for 2+ months to coach elementary students. As a father to two young daughters, I hope that they both grow up to be like Hope Fox!”
During football season you could find Hope on the sidelines as a commentator and interviewer
for Trojan Media Productions. She takes the opportunity to cultivate her skills in many areas as
a member of the high school Prostart Culinary Class and FCCLA, catering outside events. She
also works as a Student Administrative Assistant in the main office.
Hope is a member of All Saints Parish and volunteers there. She thanks her parents, Josh and
Robin Fox for being her biggest supporters in everything and also pushing her to reach her
goals. Her advice to other students, “Don’t be afraid to get involved in
clubs/sports/extracurricular activities at school. You may find new hobbies and you will definitely meet new friends.”
Ray Krider
Varsity Swim Coach, Mr. Brandon Loveless states that “From the time I met Ray Krider nine years ago until now, a lot is different about him but so much is still the same. What has always been constant is that Ray is one of the most caring, responsible, respectful, and selfless people I've had the pleasure of knowing and coaching. He constantly puts the people around him first. He's willing to go out of his way to make someone's day better, make someone's life easier, make his school and community stronger. The impact that Chubba has left on the EC community and his EC family will be felt for years beyond his graduation.” Ray is an active volunteer at his church, United Way, and Matthew-25 Ministries. When Ray is not studying or practicing for upcoming meets & matches you can find him giving swim lessons or on duty as a lifeguard. Ray also enjoys spending time with his family.
Ray will be attending Ball State University this fall to study Nursing. Ray pays gratitude to his mom, Susan for teaching him how to work hard, respect himself as well as others. When Ray was asked what advice he would give to underclassmen he responded, “Always give 100% effort in everything you do. Your hard work will pay off in the end and to always stay positive!”
School Breakfast and Lunch Update from Sunman Dearborn School Corporation
socioeconomic status, to receive FREE meals at school. According to the USDA, this program will continue through the 2021-22 school year.
Notes from Mrs. Rosfeld; Curriculum
Grade Reports
Semester One grades are finalized. Please take time to check your child’s grades in your Parent Portal account.
Semester grades are calculated by:
Q1 = 42.5%
Q2 = 42.5%
Final Exam = 15%
FREE College Courses!
This summer, Hoosier high school students will once again have the opportunity to accelerate the completion of a high-demand credential or one year of college credit through a continued partnership between IDOE, the Commission for Higher Education, the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, and institutions of higher education. Later this semester, eligible students will receive emails and mailings directly from the higher education institution with additional registration details. Those who register will receive free tuition, fees, and books. The program will also cover the cost of obtaining transcripts and any required College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Stay tuned for additional details in the coming weeks!
Khan Academy & Schoolhouse.world
The Indiana Department of Education announced a new partnership with Schoolhouse.world to support students in grades 8-12 with free tutoring for SAT preparation, math courses and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
In addition to resources through Schoolhouse.world, Khan Academy and College Board offer free SAT practice resources. This free resource comes as all Indiana high school juniors prepare to take the SAT this spring. Students can visit Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy – a personalized online program that helps students practice for the SAT with thousands of sample questions, instant feedback, video lessons and full-length practice tests. Nationwide, more than 10 million students have signed up for free SAT practice through Khan Academy. To learn more about these learning resources, and to sign up for a tutoring session, visit www.schoolhouse.world or www.khanacademy.org.
National Honor Society Tutoring
Every Tuesday and Thursday after school until 4pm in Room #114 (Mrs. Ketcham’s Room).
Extended School Day Program
Students are invited to participate in a free, extended school day program at East Central High School. This extended day opportunity has been created in order to address any learning loss that may have occurred due to the pandemic. The program will run from October through May of the current school year, two days per week, for one hour beyond the regular school hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are interested in having your student attend, please contact Mrs. Rosfeld.
SAT & ACT Information
ACT Local Test Dates
Don't forget to check out the Admissions webpage of any college you are interested in attending. You can find a "Freshman Profile" that will give you more information about the GPA, academic rigor, community service, and test scores required for admission.
You can click on the following links to learn more about taking the ACT/SAT:
ACT Information
Indiana CTE Career Guide Now Available Online
The Indiana Office of Career Technical Education (CTE) and the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet are excited to announce that the Indiana CTE Career Guide is now available online. The Career Guide provides valuable information about Indiana CTE including sections on the benefits of CTE, Work-Based Learning, Graduation Pathways, Next Level Programs of Study, and Career Clusters.
About Next Level Jobs
Next Level Jobs provides free training for Hoosiers and reimbursements for Indiana employers for training employees in high-demand fields. Next Level Jobs is part of Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Indiana agenda to continue the positive momentum of our state. Under his leadership, with support from the General Assembly, Indiana is taking the state’s workforce to the next level with a focus on the high-priority industries and in-demand, high-paying jobs driving Indiana’s 21st Century economy forward.
To apply for the Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant, individuals can go to www.NextLevelJobs.org and complete a quick survey that gathers information about their needs and interests. Once submitted, individuals are contacted by an education or training provider within their desired program. This direct and individualized outreach ensures that people are connected to the best programs and resources to suit their unique needs.
Trojan Food Pantry
Did you know that ECHS has a Food Pantry? It is available to all families that are in need of food as long as they have a student in Sunman Dearborn Schools. There are no additional requirements. Please contact Mrs. Osman, 812-576-4811 ext. 11302, for additional information.
Educationally,
Mrs. Rosfeld
Notes from Guidance
Scheduling process for the 2022-2023 school year will began in December.
During the month of January guidance counselors are meeting with students individually to discuss registration, diploma types, ICC and pathway requirements.
The target date to release 2022-23 schedules to students is in April. Last day to change schedules for 2022-23 will be May 26th.
Key items per grade:
Seniors: Remember, the FAFSA is now open until the April 15th deadline for Indiana. Students should follow up with counselors with admission issues or concerns, and they will assist with contacting colleges with questions particular to the students’ needs.
Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg Campus will host a FAFSA Completion Night on Feb. 8th from 6-7pm for current seniors and parents who may want individual assistance with completing and filing the FAFSA.
Seniors who are undecided about what to study after high school are encouraged to connect with Ivy Tech Community College’s Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP). This program helps high school graduates earn an Associate’s Degree in just 11 months and prepares them to transfer to a four-year college to earn their Bachelor's Degree.
Juniors: The ASVAB test will be offered for students who may need it on April 6th. Students who need a pathway will be selected to test by their guidance counselor. If a student would like to test and they were not selected, have them contact their counselor and they will be added if there is room on the list.
SAT School Day: New required test for all juniors in the state of Indiana beginning with the class of 2023 is the SAT that will be given during the school day on March 2, 2022. This test is free and used by the state for school accountability. The benefit of the test is that students will be able to use this score report for college applications. More information will be provided as the March date approaches.
Sophomores: Students interested in the Southeastern Career Center need to complete the enrollment form found HERE. This form has been posted in the English Google Classroom as well as emailed to students. View this Presentation to see what SCC has to offer especially for those who need an alternative option for Graduation Pathways. This Info Sheet has valuable information on SCC as well.
Sophomores and Freshman: Scheduling will be completed by the end of January for the following year with changes accepted until the end of the year. Students should be focusing on grades and career/college exploration. Once sophomore PSAT scores are received, results will be reviewed in the classroom along with additional supports for SAT/ACT test prep.
As always we are available to meet with students individually to support academic and emotional needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Rhonda Murdock
Director of Guidance
rmurdock@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
IVY TECH NEWS
IVY TECH NEWS
Ivy Tech College Connection Coach
For students working on achieving the Indiana College Core and needing to pick up courses, Ivy Tech has three eight-week sessions left throughout the year. These are online, virtual, in-person, or blended classes; students choose whatever works best. As an East Central High School student, there is a full scholarship for these courses, and books are free through the spring sessions.
Here are the upcoming sessions:
January 19-March 15
March 23-May 17
June 6-July 30 (Yes, you can still earn your ICC with summer courses)!
Contact Wendi Karle for more information. wkarle@sunmandearborn.k12.in.is.
Save Time, Save Money, Get a Degree
The Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP) is an 11-month program, which is student focused and designed to support, encourage, and mentor students throughout their first year of college. This program is great for students who prefer smaller class sizes and who prefer to be on a first name basis with their professors. ASAP works with students to build confidence before transferring to a 4-year university to get their bachelor’s degree or going into the workforce. Applications are now being accepted for the next cohort. If you are interested in applying to ASAP, joining one of our information sessions, or would like a tour of Ivy Tech’s campus, email Heather Gard at hgard3@ivytech.edu.
NEED HOMEWORK HELP?
**National Honor Society Tutoring in Room#114
Every Tuesday and Thursday 3pm-4pm.
**Do you have a study hall? Talk to your counselor about peer-to-peer tutoring during study hall.
**Talk to your teachers. Teachers arrive daily at 7:30am and could possibly help you before or after school.
**KhanAcademy.org Completely free online educational videos in all core classes.
**AskRose.org / (877) ASK-ROSE 24/7 homework help (Ran by the students of Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN).
AG
EAST CENTRAL FFA DONATES TO PAWS HUMANE CENTER
For the eleventh year, East Central FFA members collected items and
monetary donations for PAWS of Dearborn County Humane Center in
Lawrenceburg. Agriculture students brought in items during the month of
December, and all items were delivered to the humane center on Thursday
January 13. A check for $150 was also presented to the center staff.
Photo: L to R Jacob Kuhn, Ana Eckstein, PAWS staff member and Lewis Darringer
AGRICULTURAL POWER STUDENTS DEVELOP PLUMBING SKILLS
Students in Mr. Johnson’s Agricultural Power, Structure and Technology 1 classes completed a functional project where they developed some basic plumbing skills using PVC pipe. Each student made a lawn/garden sprinkler. Students were required to measure and cut all needed pieces, properly prime and glue all fittings, attach a pop-up sprinkler head, and then test their project for leaks.
Business
The EC Business Academy is going to have a NEW COURSE next year! Meet Digital Marketing…
Mr. Miller will be teaching a new class next year that will give you a chance to really explore social media and digital media to understand marketing in this new era. Digital Marketing provides an introduction to the world of e-commerce and digital marketing media. The course covers how to integrate digital media and e-commerce into organizational and marketing strategy. Students will explore e-commerce applications and the most popular digital marketing tactics and tools. Emphasizes familiarity with executing digital media, understanding the marketing objectives that digital media can help organizations achieve, and establishing and enhancing an organization’s digital marketing presence.
Engineering/Technology
English
January 5th was the first day of the spring semester, and the EC English teachers are excited to see their students and to begin new topics of study.
English 9 and English 9 Honors students are beginning the semester with the Holiday Research Project, which includes research, paper composition, and presentation skills.
English 10 students are studying Holocaust literature, including the novel Night, and the related topics of WWII history and propaganda. Mrs. Jackson’s English 10 Honors students have started their Shakespearean Unit, focusing on the play Julius Caesar, while Mrs. Ketcham’s students are currently studying the poem "Burning the New Year" by Naomi Shihab Nye and writing a formal business letter to "break up with 2021." Next week they will begin studying Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
English 11 and English 11 Honors students are revisiting the yearlong theme of the American Dream with F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic The Great Gatsby. Through the book, students will explore the characteristics of the Roaring 20s and the themes generated from the main character, Jay Gatsby. In addition to the literary elements generated by the novel, juniors will continue building their vocabulary with SAT Hot Words preparing them for the state test in the spring. They will cap the first part of the quarter off by comparing the novel to the movie version of their choice for further discussion.
In English 111/AP Language the students will continue their study of rhetoric by analyzing significant historical speeches.
English 12 students are beginning the semester studying elements of conspiracy theories as a way to think critically about mysteries before they transition into the Mystery Unit, which will include stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. English 12 Honors students are currently studying the poem "Burning the New Year" by Naomi Shihab Nye and writing a formal business letter to "break up with 2021." Next week they will begin studying the Restoration Period, focusing on Samuel Pepys and Jonathan Swift.
ACP L202 students are reading and discussing How to Read Literature Like a Professor to develop and sharpen the skills of literary analysis.
ACP Public Speaking students are preparing their first speech assignment, the Public Community Speech, which highlights the unique contributions of individual students to the class community.
AP Literature students are currently studying the poem "Burning the New Year" by Naomi Shihab Nye and writing a formal business letter to "break up with 2021." Next week they will begin studying The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The ECHS English Department wishes everyone a healthy and happy 2022!
FACS
Brenda Osman bosman@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
Introduction to Fashion and Textiles
The students in the Introduction to Fashion and Textiles are currently finishing up the laundry unit where they learned about the different types of laundry detergents and stain removers. They also have had the opportunity to practice stain removal techniques including removing chocolate, lipstick, oil, and ink from samples. Through this experience, they discovered the best way to remove stains was by using Dawn dish soap or a basic stain remover with a little elbow grease to remove the stain. They also learned how to read a clothing care label and how to interpret the clothing care symbols. The next unit in the class will be basic mending skills to help students make simple sewing repairs on their families’ clothing.
Advanced Child Development
The Advanced Child Development students are currently studying the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a one year old. Students will be researching the physical development milestones as well as understanding a feeding schedule of an infant.
Education Professions
The Education Professions students are moving into their next Ivy Tech Dual College Credit “Child and Adolescent Development.” In this class, the students will explore the theorists of child development from prenatal development through adolescence. This is a very comprehensive child development course to help our future teachers understand the growth and development of their future students.
Fashion and Textile Careers
The Fashion and Textile Careers students are learning about the Fashion Movement across the World. They are exploring fashion trends, fashion leaders and laggers, and the various fashion cycles that occur with each piece of clothing. The students will then research some basic economics in regards to fashion to help them have a better understanding of the world of fashion merchandising.
FCCLA
The East Central FCCLA is preparing for a busy FCCLA STAR Event season! Students are currently selecting their FCCLA Project for competition in March at the Indiana FCCLA State Conference. They are also working on planning and implementing their project so that they can compete for the #1 position in their event. Through the STAR Event projects students practice planning and carrying out a project in addition to public speaking skills, leadership and teamwork skills. All members of FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences Classes are allowed to participate in STAR Events. There are over 32 events relating to a variety of skills and topics in Family and Consumer Sciences to interest all students! Please contact Mrs. Brenda Osman, Ms. McConnell or Mrs. Bonilla for more information.
Currently, Becca Tupper is working on her FCCLA community service project with the Ronald McDonald House. Please collect pop tabs so that she may donate them to the Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati. They have the largest house in the world with 177 rooms for families. Through the pop tab donations, this is one of the ways to offset the cost of the rooms for families. Our FCCLA chapter will also be holding a bake sale at the Girls’ Basketball game on January 18th to raise money for our chapter to prepare dinner for the families at the Ronald McDonald House in February.
Were you a member of the East Central FCCLA or FHA? The East Central FCCLA will be holding the first annual FCCLA/FHA Hall of Fame Alumni Dinner on February 4th at 6:30 p.m. in the East Central Cafeteria. If you are interested in attending here is the link to sign up: https://bit.ly/ECFCCLAAlumniDinner We would love to see you there!
Fine Arts
Melissa Gulasy - mgulasy@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
In Mrs. Gulasy’s drawing classes, students had the opportunity to study Still Life Drawing. Still Life Drawing allows students to get better at observational drawing and is a great way to practice creating shapes and building three dimensional forms through shading techniques of realistic lighting. They experimented with black and white charcoal to enhance the dark to light value.
In another drawing project, students had the opportunity to try the art of Zentangle Drawing. Zentangle is a fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured repetitive patterns. Adding to the Zentangle Drawing was the technique of copper Repousse which is a French term meaning “push up”. This technique is created when the students shaped and hammered a sheet metal of copper to create raised designs. The copper in Cate Cole’s “Tiger” is in the nose area. Check out Madge Flower’s Zentangle Drawing with a center of copper sheet metal below!
Foreign Language
Matt Lyon - mslyon@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
Visiting Japan:
I sometimes hear from students talking about planning on visiting Japan.
I have had a few students who visited Japan when they were at EC. Also several EC graduates contacted me that they visited Japan as college students and others stayed at the U.S. military bases in Japan. Last year, there were three students who were going to visit Japan through Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Languages (IUHPFL). but unfortunately they couldn’t because of the pandemic. This year, I have four students who are trying to visit Japan this summer through the program. Also, several weeks ago, one current EC student asked me to write a recommendation letter. She is thinking of applying for a college in Japan!
Visiting a foreign country for a long period of time will help you grow as a person for sure! If you are interested in going to Japan, contact me!
Math
This month, the math department would like to recognize many of our gifted students. Our math program has grown tremendously over the years! Excelling students in more rigorous math courses have been asked on multiple occasions to tutor students with their math homework and other assignments. As teachers, we rely on our students to help each other out and they never let us down!
Tutoring has helped not only students who are struggling in certain areas of math, but also our high ability students in gaining confidence in their abilities. It also helps reinforce the foundation of their math skills while bridging the gap between students of all math levels. With how often we push our students to perform well in their classes, we also encourage them to get out of their comfort zone. Tutoring is not an easy task or something that all students can handle, but I feel that our math program has helped shape these gifted students into very bright and young educators.
As our students continue to grow and progress within our math program, we will continue to motivate them by challenging their abilities both in the classroom and while tutoring others. Their collaborative nature in the higher level classes such as Calculus is transitive into their tutoring skills. While they build communication skills helping one another with material in class, they are able to sharpen these skills by helping others in the tutoring program.
Music
PE/Health
As 2022 rolls in, Physical Education classes gear up for the new semester. Students will be learning about different sports while also revisiting and expanding their knowledge on units they have already studied.
Congratulations to the bowling tournament winners: Ava Wallpe, Adrienne Mitchel and Josi Haarmeyer. Shout outs to the cornhole champions: Addie Brewer and Madi Plogsted, Ava Russell and Riley Perkins, Ellie Osborne and Kylie Ferreira, Meredith Sizemore and Riley Renck, Rylee Schloss and Ava Leihgeber. Great job everyone!
Science
Tim Maluvac - tmaluvac@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
In Mr. Maluvac's Biology1 course the students are investigating heredity. Pictured here the students are using techniques learned by studying the works of Gregor Mendel to determine the possible offspring that could result from the mating of two pea plants.
In Mrs. Hoffman's Chemistry 1 students are working on writing, balancing, and identifying different types of equations. They are completing types of reaction lab sets and also looking at physical versus chemical changes in the lab. Some students will also get the opportunity to analyze equations beyond the basics before moving forward to Unit 4 Stoichiometry.
In Mr. Medlock's courses students in Chemistry were able to use stoichiometry to calculate how efficient their dream cars were. Students in Principles of Biomedical Science were able to compare the difference between vasoconstriction and vasodilation and their effect on thermoregulation. Students in Human Body Systems were able to diagram a sarcomere and understand how the sliding filament theory works within it. Students in Biology were able to model the structure of nucleotides and then use them to build a DNA model.
Social Studies
Steve Lewis - slewis@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
The Social Studies Department is evaluating textbooks for next year and we are excited to bring to life those textbooks in the classroom in the future.
In Mr. Owen's American History classes students are studying the post-Civil War era. Students have also begun their semester projects, which involve examining the relative successes and failures of a variety of Presidential Administrations. Students teams will be required to submit a 25 to 50-page paper in which ten distinct Presidential terms are evaluated in terms of relative success (or failure) in accomplishing stated goals. These papers will include analysis of primary source documents, as well as specific historical events.
In the European History class, students are examining the effects of the second wave of the Industrial Revolution in Europe. Students have also begun Semester Projects. These require a demonstration of the mastery of the techniques of historical inquiry through a paper that examines current trends in European society. Students who are planning on taking the AP exam in May have begun preparing for that test.
In Mr. Lewis' Intro to American Politics class, the students have registered for dual-credit through Indiana University and have already started examining current political events and the effects of decisions by political leaders.
Athletics
For all sports related news, schedules, updates, etc. click on the following link or contact EC Athletics at 812-576-4811 ext 11932
https://ectrojansathletics.com/
For student athletes interested in eligibility-forms, physicals, transfers, etc. click on the following link or contact EC Athletics at 812-576-4811 ext 11932
ECHS Communication
Tom Black
Email: tblack@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
Website: https://echs.sunmandearborn.k12.in.us/
Location: 1 Trojan Place, Suite A St. Leon, IN 47012
Phone: 8125764811
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunmandearborn.k12.in.us/
Twitter: @EastCentralHS