East Central

As second semester begins, we continue have much to be excited about in 2020!

In athletics, winter sports continue to find success. Both boys and girls swimming are dominating in the pool continued that by winning conference titles this weekend at Connersville High School. Several meet records were broken along with many personal bests. Wrestling is off to one of their best seasons in recent history and are gearing up for senior night (1/14), conference (1/18), and their state tournament as well. Something unique in wrestling is coming to EC; they'll be hosting Elder in the PAC, 1/24, for Alumni night and "Rage on the Stage." It should be an exciting event. Both boys and girls basketball continue their seasons. Our girls won their holiday tournament the last Saturday in December over ranked Danville. Our boys lost a tough game in the championship of their holiday tournament the same night at Forest Park. Both teams will be raising monies this month for respective cancer charities with the ladies Teal Power Night (1/21) for ovarian cancer and the gentlemen's Coaches versus Cancer (1/18).

Try-outs for the spring musical "Newsies" began this week, and we're looking forward to another great weekend of shows in March. EC Dancers open their competitive season this weekend, and Winter Percussion/Guard begin competition this month as well.

EC Student Council's For The Kids (FTK) events for Cincinnati Children's Hospital continue next week with a student-volleyball tournament Thursday in the field house ending with a teachers vs students match next Friday in the main gym last period. Again all proceeds go to help the kids of Cincinnati Children's Hospitals. These events will culminate in Miracle Night hosted here at the high school the evening of 5/15. Last year over $7000 was raised for Riley Hospitals, and we hope to eclipse that mark this year.

Lastly, as the year continues we will keep striving...

• to make connections,
• to provide the best opportunities for our students,
• and perhaps most importantly, to offer a safe and secure school environment where your child/student can grow and thrive as an academic and as a person.

WE ARE...EC!

“No leader is worth his salt who won’t set up the chairs.” Peter Drucker

Respectfully,

Tom Black

Important Test Dates and Information

NWEA
All Freshmen and Sophomores in will be participating in the Winter NWEA testing in January. This test is administered in Algebra, Geometry, English 9 and English 10 courses. This computer adaptive test allows teachers to pinpoint what each student knows and what they are ready to learn next. For more information about NWEA please click here.

ISTEP+
The ISTEP+ Spring Retest will be held the week of February 10 - 14. This retest is for Juniors and Seniors that have not yet passed their Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE). For additional information please contact your child’s guidance counselor.

All Sophomores will be participating in the ISTEP+ (First Time Administration). This test is the sophomore Graduation Qualifying Exam. The test is split into two parts:

ISTEP+ Part 1 will be administered the week of February 24-28.

ISTEP+ Part 2 will be administered the week of April 20-24.

ILEARN

All students currently enrolled in Biology will take the ILEARN End of Course Assessment the week of April 27 - May 1.

AP EXAMS

The 2020 AP Exams will be administered over two weeks in May: May 4 through 8 and May 11 through 15. Please refer to this AP Parent and Student Bulletin for information regarding testing. Early testing or testing at times other than those published by the College Board is not permitted under any circumstances. For specific exam dates please click here.

SAT & ACT Information

If you are planning to attend a four-year college, you should plan on registering for the ACT and SAT soon. To prepare well for these tests, we recommend taking rigorous classes, doing well in your academic coursework, and taking advantage of free SAT/ACT prep materials (online and in the Guidance Office).

Don't forget to check out the Admissions webpage of colleges 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

When should I take the SAT?

Dual Credit Information for Parents and Students

Did you know ECHS has 45 courses that students can earn college credit in. Last year East Central High School students earned over $900,000 in college credit from Ivy Tech and Indiana University. Students and families can save the cost of an entire year of college by completing this STGEC checklist right here at ECHS. For fast facts of the STGEC click here or contact your child’s guidance counselor.

Class of 2023 & Graduation Pathways

For the first time in years, the class of 2023 will not have to “pass a test” to earn their high school diploma! Freshmen must complete what is known as “Graduation Pathways” to graduate high school in the state of Indiana. We are very fortunate at ECHS to be able to offer over 20 pathways for students to choose from. For questions, please contact your child’s guidance counselor.

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. The pantry is open every Monday through March 9th, 4-5:30PM enter through door #8. For appointments outside of these times, call 812-576-4811 ext. 11302; ask for Brenda Osman.

Educationally,

Mrs. Rosfeld

jrosfeld@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Rhonda Murdock - rmurdock@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Scheduling process for the 2020-2021 school year will begin in December.

• During January and February guidance counselors will begin meeting with students individually to discuss registration, diploma types and pathway requirements.

• April: Students will receive schedules for 2020-2021.

• May 28th: Last day of school and last day to change schedules for 2020-2021.

A copy of the 2020-21 Curriculum Guide is linked here for reference of course descriptions as well as posted on the school website under Quick Links. Students will receive additional forms that are also available on the school website if additional copies are needed.

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.

Seniors are allowed two college visit days to explore or finalize colleges of choice. Deadlines are quickly approaching for college applications and guidance counselors are always available to assist as needed.

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. Contact Heather Gard at hgard3@ivytech.edu for more information.

Juniors:

SAT and ACT testing dates are linked below for reference. Juniors need to make sure that SAT and/or ACT testing is completed this year so they can apply to colleges upon the start of their senior year. Certain schools (UC, IU, Purdue, Miami Oxford, NCAA) require that test scores be sent directly from the testing center to be official.

SAT

ACT

College Fair information

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. PSAT scores have been received, and 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, MSW, L.S.W

812-576-4811 ext. 11912

**National Honor Society Tutoring in the Library

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).

TRADITIONAL 4-YEAR COLLEGE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!
Over 2 million Hoosier adults need additional skills to compete in the 21st Century Workforce. To help more Hoosiers gain these skills, Indiana has created a new financial aid opportunity for working-age adults: the Workforce Ready Grant.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Workforce Ready Grant pays the tuition and mandatory fees for eligible high-value certificate programs at Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University or other approved providers. The grant is available for two (2) years and covers up to the number of credits required by the qualifying program. The grant does not cover courses that do not directly apply to the student’s certificate program. Program-specific fees and equipment are not covered.

QUALIFYING PROGRAMS

The qualifying high-value certificate programs were selected based on employer demand, wages, job placements and program completion rate. These programs are aligned with Indiana’s highest demand sectors:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Building & Construction
• Health Sciences
• IT & Business Services
• Transportation & Logistics

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for the grant, students must:

• Be age 18 years or older
• Be an Indiana resident and U.S. citizen or (eligible non-citizen)
• Have a high school diploma (or equivalent) but less then a college degree
• Enroll in a qualifying program at an eligible training provider
• File the FAFSA**
• Enroll full-time (typically four courses) if you are a Dependent Student**
• Enroll at least half-time (typically two courses) if you are an Independent Student**
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress**
• Meet any other minimum criteria established by the Commission

**Credit-Bearing programs only

HOW TO APPLY

• Visit the Next LevelJobs.org to connect with an eligible training provider
• Submit a complete and corrected FAFSA (please allow 5-7 business days for processing).
  • Applicants do no need to meet the April 15th deadline for state financial aid
  • The Workforce Ready Grant is not limited by family income

Roy Johnson - rjohnson@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

On November 14th, 13 members from the East Central FFA Chapter competed in the Area 1 Forestry Career Development Event at South Ripley High School. Contestants had to use their skills in forestry to complete an exam and identify different species of trees by their leaves, seeds, and wood samples. East Central’s top ranking team placed 2nd. That team consisted of Madison Shumate, Madison McAdams, Alex Dudley, and Heath Doll. This team has the opportunity to compete at the state contest on December 14th. Other members that competed include Adrien King, Bradley Kolb, Elizabeth Stout, Lewis Darringer, Kylee Starost, and Evan Kuhn. We also had 3 middle school members compete including Danny Callahan, Lloyd Darringer, and Issac Hartman. Our top placing individual was Madison Shumate placing 5th overall. Congrats to all members that participated!

Photo

Back row (Left to Right): Lloyd Darringer, Lewis Darringer, Evan Kuhn, Heath Doll, Bradley Kolb, Elizabeth Stout, and Alex Dudley

Front Row (Left to Right): Danny Callahan, Isaac Hartman, Kylee Starost, Madison McAdams, Madison Shumate, and Adrien King

Tina Waechter - twaechter@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

12 Students Microsoft Excel Certified

This quarter, students in the Information Technology class trained in a software program that many industries demand, Microsoft Excel. Students trained hard, and were tested in late December. Congratulations to the 12 students who passed and earned their MOS Excel Certification, which is not an easy task! A bigger congratulations to the following students who are now certified in Microsoft Word and Excel:

• Parker Becknell

• Jackson Dick

• Elizabeth Durham

• Lacey Kelly

• Chase Ludwig

• Grace Lyness

• Kadin Mackenzie

• Josey Mergenthal

• Caine Gindling

• Cooper Hoog

• Payge Konerman

Monopoly, a New Twist on an Old Game

Students in Accounting I got a chance to apply their accounting knowledge during the week of Thanksgiving. Students got to play Monopoly but were required to track their cash flow using the traditional accounting methods. They then used Quickbooks software to prepare financial statements when they finished.

Ready for 2020:

Students in the Graphic Design course got a chance to apply their Microsoft Publisher and Photoshop knowledge by creating their own 2020 calendar. They could choose to create it for themselves or create it as a gift for someone else. Regardless of who they made it for, they were required to follow all the design, copyright, and fair use principles while creating it. The results were great, below are front cover designs from Brooklyn Konerman, Zoe Kuehling, and Dylan Volk. Each student put his/her unique design on it based on the target audience.

Shelly Anderson - sanderson@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

In English 12 Mrs. Pieczonka and Mrs. Trossman's classes have been investigating the Career Ready and Next Level websites. They were given the opportunity to take both skill and value assessments that further lead to researching various careers and training programs. Students were exposed to Workforce Ready Grants that are available to Indiana residents in order to obtain free work training. Many of our students are still considering different paths for the future and these activities allowed them to investigate a variety of options.

Brenda Osman bosman@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Intro to Culinary Arts & Hospitality

In December, students studied quick breads and yeast breads. We began by exploring quick breads. Students learned that quick breads bake and rise quickly with the use of chemical leaveners such as baking soda or baking powder. Students also learned about the two different mixing methods used when making quick breads: the muffin method and the biscuit method. In the culinary lab, students used their skills to make Blueberry or Strawberry White Chocolate Scones using the biscuit method. Next students learned all about yeast breads. They learned that there are also 2 different mixing methods when it comes to making yeast breads: The conventional method and quick mix method. In the culinary lab students used their knowledge of the conventional method and made soft pretzels. Next they used the quick mix method and made pizza dough and created their own pizzas in their lab groups.

ProStart

In the month of December the advanced culinary students made lots of Holiday treats that we sold as a fundraiser in order to go to the upcoming state Culinary Competition. Students made Oreo Balls, Turtles, and Glazed Pecans. During these labs students learned so much more than just making yummy desserts! In the culinary lab students have to carefully read recipes, measure properly, follow directions, collaborate with their group members, listen to each other, and problem solve. During these lessons, students also put their math skills to work. They were responsible for costing out their recipes so they knew how much we should charge for the fundraiser. The Chocolate Covered Turtles recipe requires students to make their own caramel before adding the pecans. This is a process that allowed students to learn all about the different candy making stages. December was a great month for lessons that tasted good, while putting our skills into action!

Introduction to Fashion & Textiles

This past month students learned some basic mending skills including how to correctly sew on a button. They also completed making stockings before Winter Break.

Child Development

Students finished the Child Development Quilts. They also finished the semester learning about the medical care an infant receives immediately after birth. The students will begin this semester learning about infant care.

Education Professions I

The cadet teachers are doing a great job assisting teachers this year at North Dearborn Elementary, Sunman Elementary and Sunman Dearborn Middle School. The cadet teachers will read to the students or the class, work individually with students while practicing spelling, sight words or math facts, help students with worksheets, make copies, manipulatives, overheads, flash cards, etc. They are experiencing many aspects of the teaching profession while learning how to work with children of various ages.

Education Professions II

The cadet teachers in Education Professions II taught a lesson which emphasized children’s literature in the classroom they assist before winter break. They did an amazing job and this gave them the opportunity to put their skills from their classroom activities into action.

Human Services-Community Health

The Family and Consumer Sciences Department offers a program where a few seniors have the opportunity to intern at specific Human Services Agencies in our community for an hour a day. Three of our students interned at Margaret Mary Health this past semester and presented their opportunities to their teachers and instructors from several local schools. Maria Franks, Camryn Randolph, and Grace Manning learned a lot about their future careers and did a great job presenting about their internship.

The East Central FCCLA Chapter along with Mrs. Dennis’ 1st Grade Class went Christmas Caroling together at the North Dearborn Village and St. Andrews Nursing Home. Over 45 students entertained the elderly with our festive carols.

On another evening, the East Central FCCLA chapter also decorated the Christmas Tree at the North Dearborn Village after sharing some Pizza and Dessert and then decorated sugar cookies with the elderly. Both the residents and the chapter members had a great time with these holiday traditions.

The Indiana FCCLA State Officers also have been very busy advocating and forming partnerships around the state. During their December State Officer Meeting, they met with 5 different people and/or organizations, including Indiana Dairy Council, Indiana Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, Indiana Dept. of Health, Indiana Soybean Council, Indiana Restaurant Association and the Indiana State Teachers Association.

UPCOMING FCCLA Meetings:

The January FCCLA Chapter meetings will be January 7th and 21st from 3-4 p.m. in the sewing lab. New members are always welcome. In January, FCCLA members will begin preparing for the state competition with STAR Events. Competitions range from community service activities, culinary, fashion, child development, hospitality and tourism and so much more. All students are welcome to participate.

Annual FCCLA Snowflake Dance is January 17, 2019 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the East Central HS Cafeteria.

Melissa Gulasy - mgulasy@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

The photography students were excited to have the opportunity for photographer and former E.C. graduate, AJ Waltz to join their class for a week and discuss different photographic lenses, cameras, lighting techniques, and photography as a career. After graduating from East Central, AJ has had much success in his career and has had major photographic assignments with Victoria Secret, political campaigns, and other corporate photography. Other news, Art Club is an after- school program that meets every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. Anyone is invited and you do not have to be in an art class to join. Students can experiment and learn new studio skills and get tutorial help with class assignments. Come and meet new people and have fun!

Matt Lyon - mlyon@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Mrs. Martin's Spanish II classes have been having fun learning about how Christmas is celebrated in Spanish speaking countries. Students were given a country and presented a Google slideshow to explain how each country celebrates Navidad. Students discovered that the holiday season ends later in many of the Hispanic countries and how the nativity is the most important decoration.

January 6th is Three Kings Day. Students watched a video, did presentations and took notes about this tradition. The final activity, to wrap up the lesson was the students left a shoe out in the hall and Mrs. Martin put candy in the shoe. This mirrors what happens the night of January 5th - January 6th. The children leave out their shoes and the next morning gifts and candy are left in their shoes.

Juanita Reinshagen - jreinshagen@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

The Math Department hopes that everyone in the EC Family and Community had a very Happy Holiday season! We hope everyone had safe travels and enjoyed their time with family and friends.

We would like to “Welcome Back” all of our students, faculty, staff, and administration. We look forward to 2nd Semester being just as successful as 1st Semester.

As we begin the 2nd Semester, we are gearing up for NWEA Testing and preparing for the first round of ISTEP in February. All of our freshmen and sophomores who are enrolled in Algebra I, Algebra II, or Geometry will be testing in their respective math classes. Please make sure you get plenty of rest and a good breakfast to keep that mind sharp! Good luck to all of you!!

Not only do we have the first round of ISTEP in February, Common Assessment in March (before Spring Break), the second round of ISTEP coming up quickly in April, and last, but not least, AP testing in May. We’re working hard to ensure that our students are prepared and we look forward to all of them being successful!

Stay tuned - next month we will spotlight another of our wonderful aides!

Donna Tanner - dtanner@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

The choir department presented their Christmas Concert on Dec. 15th in the Performing Arts Center. Congratulations to the choir students on their outstanding performances.

Mark Foster mfoster@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

East Central’s athletic trainer Sammy Cliffe came into Mr. Walter’s and Mr. Behlmer’s health classes and taught the students how to properly perform CPR as well as how to use and AED device. If students wish to become certified in CPR they can contact Sammy at sncliffe@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us .

Carl Pieczonka, of the Dearborn County Sheriff's Department, was invited to speak to Mr. Walter’s and Mr. Behlmer’s health classes about illegal drugs. Officer Pieczonka shared valuable information with the students when it comes to drug abuse, such as the negative consequences, the harmful side effects, and the adverse effect on the community.

Tim Maluvac - tmaluvac@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Chemistry I students return from break to explore chemical reactions. Students performed synthesis, decomposition, single-displacement, and double-displacement reactions after predicting the products .

Steve Lewis - slewis@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Results from the Stock Market Competition from 1st Semester:

Jack Isom finished 37th in the State (out of 2528 teams) and 2nd in our state region (138 teams)

Team of Brilan McCory, Hailey Roden and Rachel Hill finished 53rd in the State and were 4th in the region.

Team of Seth Turner & Howard Person: 67th in the State and 5th in the region.

Julie Ernst - jernst@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Don Stonefield - dstonefield@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

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

https://sunmandearborn-in.finalforms.com/

Dear Parents of East Central High Students,

I am pleased to announce the 16th Annual East Central After Prom will be held April 18, 2020. I would like to introduce myself as the new Prom Committee Chairman. I have been involved in many community and school activities for many years. I will be working with the school and will be looking for committee members to help come up with some new ideas to make this year’s after prom a huge success.

For those who are unaware of After Prom, it is a fun filled night with food, games, and entertainment right after the prom. It is held at East Central High School. Everyone that is a junior and senior is invited to join in the fun. They DO NOT have to attend the prom to attend the after prom.

The after prom is entirely funded through donations from parents and the community each year. We will be looking for donations of cash and prizes. Right now, I am looking for volunteers to be on the after prom committee. The first meeting will be held Monday Jan 27th at 630 in the East Central Cafeteria (please enter through the PAC doors). Any parent, grandparent, or older sibling that would like to join in the planning of the After Prom should attend. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Herth at 513-260-0665.

I hope to see you at the meeting.

Thank you,

Karen Herth

All donations: Please send to East Central High School

Attn: After Prom, 1 Trojan Way, St. Leon, IN 47012

Students and parents, download the REMIND app and text @weareec to number 81010 for messages and alerts from the high school. (This is NOT for school closings and delays.)

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