East Central

We continue to move forward successfully in what has been the most challenging year many of us in education have ever known. In spite of these challenges, EC continues to shine in academics, athletics, and the arts. As many of you saw in Dr. Jackson's most recent parent letter, Indiana's change to mask recommendations rather than mandates does NOT include k-12 schools. Although we are certainly moving closer to "normal", some protocols remain. The good news is that we are moving forward with Prom, spring awards ceremonies, and Graduation. We have crowds again although at half capacity at spring sports and activities. It definitely feels like things are approaching the end of this most interesting and difficult school year. We are just so very thankful for every student, staff person, and community member that has supported us as we've navigated these uncharted waters.

In Academics, our 4th quarter will end May 12th with Finals taking place May 10th, 11th, and 12th. Finals WILL count this semester for all students as "learning" has remained uninterrupted other than a handful of snow days since we returned in January. With so many school only a few minutes away over in Ohio just returning to in-person learning for the first time since last March, we feel very lucky to be where we are...nearing the end of what has been a unique but mostly in-person school year regarding instruction. Also, congratulations to the 255 students inducted into the National Honor Society on April 7th...we're so proud to have such a large number of high-achievers!

In athletics, Spring Sports are off to a tremendous start. Both softball and baseball have taken to the new turf fields quite nicely winning in nearly every outing thus far. Track, too, has a plethora of outstanding competitors several of which expect to make appearances at this year's track state finals in June. Tennis and golf are just getting underway as well. As stated earlier, we are allowed 50% capacity at all spring sports contests and look forward to seeing crowds again supporting our student-athletes. Thanks again to Don Stonefield, athletic director, and all of our coaches and athletes for continuing to adhere to protocols so that we can keep teams out there competing. Only a year ago, many of these kids lost their respective seasons altogether because of this pandemic. And, another big thank you to Trojan Media Productions for bringing us into the LIVE-action week after week. We host events and activities nearly every night this time of year, and TMP has been and will continue to be there broadcasting

Mamma Mia is set for April 9th, 10th, and 11th. And, our Spring Art Show is scheduled for Sunday, April 25th.

Lastly, we continue to do everything we can to keep children safe and IN SCHOOL for the remainder of this school year. Thank you for all of your help and support in that effort.

WE ARE...EC!

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

Respectfully,

Tom Black

Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools is pleased to announce that the USDA has approved a
nationwide waiver due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic allowing ALL students regardless of
socioeconomic status, to receive FREE meals at school. We start this program effective
Monday September 14, 2020. According to the USDA, this program will continue until
the end of the 2020-21 school year or until funding runs out.

Rising Stars of Indiana

The Indiana Association of School Principals, as a part of the Indiana Academic All-Stars program, provides all high schools accredited by the Indiana Department of Education the opportunity to recognize junior students as Rising Stars of Indiana. Each high school was invited to nominate four juniors for recognition as a member of the Rising Stars of Indiana Class of 2022. Lillian Crouse, Paige Lyness, Jordyn Maurer, Olivia Stenger Class of 2022 Rising Stars

AP Exam Dates

ECHS will be participating in Administration #1 for AP exams. The College Board AP Exam dates for this administration are May 3 - May 17. At this time, the student's last day for the semester is May 12. These testing dates are set by the College Board and can not be changed. AP Biology and Statistics students are asked to plan ahead as their subject tests are on May 14 & 17 respectively.

Career Technical Education

The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet has released the 2021-22 Career Guide. Students are encouraged to utilize this valuable resource when they are exploring programs of study in the CTE area. It includes a variety of information relevant to CTE, including Work-Based Learning, In-Demand Occupations within the state of Indiana, Graduation Pathways, and Career Clusters.

Seniors

If you have not completed the FAFSA, wait no longer! Please take time to complete this important Free Application for Federal Student Aid to maximize your chances of getting financial aid to pay for your post-secondary education.

Summer Exploration Courses for Students in Grades 9-11

Below you will find an information flyer about exploratory courses that Ivy Tech offers over the summer. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore courses of interest or even complete courses that count towards an Ivy Tech certificate, technical certificate or associate degree while in high school!

Scholarships: Due Friday, May 21st

• Summer Exploration Scholarship: Now available! Students interested in the Summer Exploration Scholarship need to complete the scholarship interest form at https://forms.gle/57cL2cz4Dyq8Vmov9. Once students complete the form, our K-14 team will contact the student with additional information in regard to registration. Please note, graduating high school seniors are not eligible for this opportunity.

Summer Exploration Information and Application

Please direct all questions to Wendi Karle at wkarle@ivytech.edu or 812-576-4811 ext: 11910

Leadership in Law Summer Opportunity

This one week intensive program provides students with an invaluable opportunity to observe, interact and develop leadership skills. Leadership in Law allows students to participate in a curriculum that provides insight into careers as an attorney, law, law enforcement and government. During the week, students will experience real court in action, firsthand experience with crime scene technology and conclude the week with a mock trial.

* As stated on the forms, students need to fill out an application and write a short essay.
*Return the application and essay by May 12th to Mrs. Rosfeld or email directly to

Contact for questions or more information:
Judge Sally McLaughlin, Superior Court II 812-537-8800
Garrett Bascom, Dearborn –Ohio County Prosecutor Office - 812-537-8898 fax- 812-537-4295
gbascom@dearbornohioprosecutor.com

Leadership in Law Application

Leadership in Law Information

IMPORTANT 2021-22 Dual Credit Students

All, East Central High School students that will be enrolling in dual credit courses for the first time in the 2021-22 school year MUST complete the Ivy Tech Dual Enroll application BEFORE May 6, 2021. The application takes 10 minutes, and students must have their social security number to complete the application. Students are asked to go ahead and complete the application even if they are unsure as there is no penalty for completion. *Students that already have a Dual Enroll account do not need to apply again*

Dual Enroll Application

Step by step guide to complete the dual credit application

ECHS/IvyTEch Dual Credit Courses

Accounting I

Accounting II

Horticultural Science

Landscape Management

Admin & Office Mgmnt

Marketing

Advanced Math (Finite)

Natural Resource Mgmt

AG Structures, Fabrication & Design

PLTW Civil Engineering

Anatomy & Physiology

PLTW Digital Electronics

Biology II

PLTW Intro to Engineering

Calculus (AB & BC)

PLTW Principles of Engineering

Chemistry II

Pre-Calculus & Trig

Computer Science I

Computer Science II

Principles of Adv Manufacturing

Principles of Agriculture

Culinary Arts & Hospitality I (ProStart)

Culinary Arts & Hospitality II (ProStart)

Principles of Business Mgmt

Spanish III

Digital Applications

US History

Education Professions

French III & IV

Outstanding Students of the Month

KYLA MAXWELL

It is with great pride that ECHS announces Kyla Maxwell as the March Student of the Month. Kyla is a senior and is the daughter of Randy and Robin Maxwell. Kyla sets the bar high for all student-athletes at ECHS. She boasts an impressive 4.239 GPA and is a 4-year member of the Girls Varsity Basketball team, National Honor Society, Student Council, Vice President of Membership for FCCLA and a recipient of the prestigious Academic Jacket.

Kyla's success on and off the court is simply incredible. She has the all-time most wins in ECHS girls basketball history. She has received a plethora of awards for her commitment to the game including EIAC All Conference, Defensive MVP, All Dearborn County First Team and IBCA Top 100. Her academic accolades include the ICGSA Academic All State, several Academic Excellence Awards and 4 consecutive years on Exemplary Honor Roll.

Above all else, Kyla finds time to give back to our community. Each day she volunteers to read to Mrs. Meyer’s 6th grade class during her lunch and is a volunteer coach for 4th & 5th grade basketball. She also finds time to serve at the North Dearborn Food Pantry and the annual Gobble Wobble. In her free time she manages to prepare and serve food at Quad Que Food Truck in St. Leon.

After graduation, Kyla plans to attend Purdue or Xavier for nursing. She would like to give gratitude to her parents for always supporting her and having her best interest at heart. Kyla’s advice for her younger peers is “not to forget to be a kid..you’ll be a grown up before you know it”!

MICHAELA SMITH

East Central High School is proud to announce Ms. Michaela Smith as a “Student of the Month”. Michaela is a senior at ECHS and earned a perfect 4.33 GPA first semester of the 2020-21 school year. Michaela is the daughter of Doug and Jessie Smith. She is an active member of FCCLA and the Women’s Choir at ECHS.

Mrs. Osman, Michaela’s FCCLA advisor and teacher is extremely proud of her dedication and commitment to learning. Mrs. Osman states, “Michaela is a senior in the Education Professions Class and is a cadet teacher in a second grade classroom at North Dearborn Elementary School with Mrs. Dole. She does an outstanding job working with her elementary class, she is kind and patient with all of the children. She truly enjoys her cadet teaching experience and will be an exceptional elementary teacher in the future. Michaela competed in the Winter FCCLA Virtual National Leadership Conference and placed 1st in the Nation on the Education Challenge Test! She is also a student in Introduction to Fashion and Textiles and is an outstanding seamstress. She is a very conscientious student and I am fortunate to have her in two of my classes. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and teaching her skills that she will use in the future.”

Michaela can be found volunteering with youth programs at her church or working at Shawnee Springs Nursing Home in her free time. She enjoys sewing, baking, shopping with friends and traveling. Michaela would like to thank her 4th grade teacher from North Dearborn Elementary School, Mrs. Wuestefeld who inspired her to try new things, to believe in herself and to have courage. Mrs. Wuestefeld is the reason Michaela wants to be a teacher! Michaela will attend Northern Kentucky University in the fall to study elementary education. We wish her great success!

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 available by appointment only: 812-576-4811 ext. 11302, Ask for Brenda Osman or email bosman@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Educationally,

Mrs. Rosfeld

jrosfeld@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

ASVAB testing is scheduled for April 7th. This test is a qualifier for Graduation Pathways. Any student who needs this opportunity for testing will be invited to test that morning. We offer this option twice each year.

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.

Counselors are available to assist students with college questions and appeal processes for admission if needed. In the month of May, counselors will share with seniors how to send final transcripts from East Central, Ivy Tech, and IU to their selected college. We will also gather information for plans after graduation and scholarships that they have been selected for so we can recognize them.

April 7th at 6:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center is the National Honor Society program for Senior recognition and Junior induction. Senior Scholarship Awards program will be held on May 12th at 6:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center. Invitations for both events are given to students who need to attend prior to the event.

Senior Scholarship Awards Program will take place on May 12th at 6:30pm. Students will receive an invitation to attend if they are receiving a scholarship. This invite will be sent out at the start of May up until the date of the program as outside selection committees will be making selections and notifications will continue to come in.

Juniors: SAT and ACT testing dates are available with most updated options in the attachments below. 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. With Covid, colleges have been moving to test optional for admission but this could change the following year so testing is still recommended.

April 7th at 6:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center is the National Honor Society program for Senior recognition and Junior induction. Juniors who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher will be invited and inducted into the National Honor Society.

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. Since we are not able to have in-person presentations this year, this VIDEO is available to students/parents to see what SCC has to offer especially for those who need an alternative option for Graduation Pathways.

Sophomores and Freshman: Scheduling will be completed by the end of February for the following year with changes accepted until the end of the year. Students should be focusing on grades and career/college exploration.

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

Ivy Tech College Connection Coach

To support high school students and help them explore future career and college opportunities, Ivy Tech is providing a College Connection Coach dedicated to East Central students. Wendi Karle started working with students in late February and will be on site each Wednesday in the Guidance Suite as the College Connection Coach. As a graduate of East Central, and with a background in secondary education, as well as college and career development, she is invested in helping students achieve success. She can be reached at wkarle@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us or wkarle@ivytech.edu.

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.

**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).

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

Students in Landscape Management Beautify School Grounds

Students in Landscape Management are currently weeding, edging landscape beds, pruning and applying fresh mulch to the existing landscaping around ECHS. Students are learning correct techniques for these practices that they can use at home.

Students in Landscape Management Build EZ Benches

Each student in Landscape Management is building a park style bench known as the EZ Bench. Students gain experience building a project from scratch and also gain valuable experience using power tools. Students are able to take these projects home and use them.

Krista Hutzel - khutzel@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

The Business Management and Marketing classes have organized a Student Cornhole Tournament!

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT!

Hosted by the Trojan Exchange

Teams of 2 - $20 per team

Snacks and Drinks Provided

Sunday, April 25th @ECHS Parking Lot

Sign up at the Trojan Exchange store!

tboyd@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Computer Integrated Manufacturing students are currently learning to program industrial robotic arms to perform material handling tasks. Trey Werner monitors the computer numerical control (CNC) router machine while it cuts out a wooden maze game.

Susan Ketcham - sketcham@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? The Academy of American Poets launched National Poetry Month to bring awareness to American poetry and celebrate American poets. First observed in 1996, this year marks the 25th annual celebration. Millions of readers, students, teachers, librarians and others participate by completing various activities. This year the academy is asking people to share their favorite poems on social media using the hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth. Make sure that you take a few moments to read poetry this month and share how it impacts your life!

Don’t forget that final exams are coming up May 10-12. Let’s make sure that we finish strong!

Brenda Osman bosman@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Adv Nutrition and Wellness

Students in Advanced Nutrition and Wellness focused their energy on the nutrients: Water and Fats. We learned about the importance of proper hydration and how even slight dehydration can cause serious problems. We learned about tricks and tips for drinking more water, including using fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even spices to create spa waters. We sampled 4 different spa waters throughout the week and the classes voted on their favorite, which was Berry Lemon Water. We are currently researching the pros and cons of fat in our diet and the ways that fats impact our health. We made peanut butter cookies to practice cooking with fats and will have another lab soon.

Preparing for College and Careers

Students in Preparing for College and Careers are preparing for professional interviews. We explored proper interview attire and students were able to "shop" online to create their own interview outfits. Students had the opportunity to learn how to tie a necktie. Some even practiced some of the more difficult knots and earned a few bonus points. We are also practicing interview questions so that we can prepare for the in class interviews which are right around the corner.

Child Development

Students took some time to research and become experts on a specific birth defect. They then created a presentation and taught the rest of the class about their project. Students have also been preparing to take home the RealCare Baby, which simulates the needs of a newborn and can help students learn about the challenges of parenting. Students had the opportunity to practice caring for the baby during a demo day so that they could be more comfortable before taking the baby home.

Introduction to Fashion and Textiles-The students in Introduction to Fashion and Textiles are learning how to make cosmetic or pencil bags in class. We are reinforcing the task of sewing in a zipper and using a zipper foot on the sewing machine. The bags are turning out quite well for their first experience. They are now working on their final sewing project for the semester.

Advanced Child Development- Advanced Child Development are studying the different types of child care facilities. They also had the opportunity to plan the set up of a preschool room and explain why they chose that particular layout. We are currently working how to guide preschool children in a classroom setting.

32 FCCLA members just competed in over 20 STAR Events virtually for the Indiana FCCLA Conference. These members will find out their results on April 14, 2021 at a modified Indiana FCCLA Conference. East Central FCCLA also has 4 students running for Indiana FCCLA State Officer positions including, Paige Lyness, Lara Moster, Olivia Stenger, and Maria Deddens. We also want to congratulate the 2020--2021 FCCLA State Officers Hayley Lewis, Indiana Vice President of Community Service and Maria Deddens, FCCLA State President on their year of service to our organization. All students involved have done an outstanding job!

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

The art department is very excited to announce that we will be having a student art show for all the talented ECHS students. The art show is scheduled for April 25 from 12 to 3 in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center. The art show contains over 500 artworks of ceramics, paintings, drawings, photography, and digital design works.

Congratulations is in order for Alecia Prues’s artwork titled “Staying Strong '' was selected as one of the top five national finalists from the 9-12 grade group in ESS’ 2021 art competition!

All finalists will be posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages on Monday, April 12th. Click on the link to vote. Each “like” received from Monday, April 12th through Sunday, April 18th (11:59 PM EST), will count as one point. The points awarded via social media will be added to the scores from our seven internal judges – and the winner from each group will be announced on Wednesday, April 21st! Each winner will receive $500 and an additional $500 for their school.

Other exciting news is Isabelle Lowry (“Best of Show”) and Abigail Bowling (1rst Place) in the Dearborn Highlands Arts Council 2021 in the division for High School Art winners.

In total, four award winning art projects were selected from Dearborn County for the 2021 State Youth Art Month Exhibit in Lawrenceburg this year.

Special thanks to the Friendship State Bank for their award sponsorship and Adam’s Art & Supply for the prize sponsorship. The 2021 Youth Art Month Exhibit will be on exhibit through April 21 in the Arts Council Gallery, 331 Walnut Street. The Dearborn Highland Arts Council, a nonprofit organization, is comprised of supporters of the arts, with support from the Columbus Area Arts Council, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

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

Over Spring Break, one of the e-learning assignments was to recreate a painting by an artist from a Spanish-speaking country. Students then had to research and write about that artist and painting. Many students went all out on the assignment and got very creative. I love seeing students drop their guard and have fun working on a project. Many tried so hard that they asked me to never show their final product to anyone. That was usually a good sign that the project was high quality. Here are a few examples of the work from some of my students.

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

Happy Easter everyone! We hope everyone had a great Spring Break and a wonderful Easter spent with family and friends.

Well, the end of the year is upon us and it happened so quickly! We know it is difficult for our students to concentrate with so many “extras” going on, like Spring sports, warmer weather, upcoming AP exams, upcoming class exams, and, of course, for the Seniors - GRADUATION!! However, we have to keep focused for a little while longer.

There is a lot happening in the East Central Math Department. This year we will return to our traditional end of semester exams (May 10th, 11th, 12th). We also have AP exams in Calculus and Statistics, coming up in May. Our freshmen and sophomores will be taking the NWEA test the last week of April.

So, the end of the year is a crazy time anyway, but it’ll seem crazier this year because of the earlier release date. It will be here before we can blink an eye!

Remember, stay focused, don’t let that homework slide, and good luck to all of our students!

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

ECHS DRAMA Presents:

MAMMA MIA!

April 9th - 7:00p

April 10th - 3:00p & 7:00p

April 11th - 3:00p

Limited capacity seating

Pre-sell tickets only

Email: echspac@gmail.com for tickets

Mark Foster mfoster@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

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

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

In Mr. Maluvac’s Anatomy course we are just finishing talking about the Central Nervous System. We dissected the brain of a sheep in pairs and used the experience to help identify and understand the relationship of various parts of the brain to one another and their functions. We will continue discussing nerves by diagramming and discussing the peripheral nervous system and identifying various nerves of the body.

In Mr. Maluvac’s Biology 1 class we have been discussing Ecology and Biomes. During the course of the next three weeks we will be identifying and creating models of the most common biomes on Earth

Mr. Maluvac’s Biology 2 class is finishing discussion and investigations of the composition of organisms from cells to organ systems. Their investigation had them identify and describe 10 types of tissues that exist in animals. Over the next couple of weeks we will be learning about ecology and the structures of several types of plants and plant tissues.

In Mr Lamb’s Chemistry II students just wrapped up a unit on equilibrium and are now working on acids and bases. Students will be learning how to perform titrations to determine how to find the percentage of acetic acid in vinegar.

In Mr. Lamb’s AP Chemistry students are learning how to calculate pH of weak acid solutions. Students will use information from titrations to calculate the equilibrium constant of a weak acid.

Pictured below Mrs. Burkhardt’s AP Biology class students are taking part in a natural selection lab where they are raising brine shrimp in different environmental conditions to see which individuals are better able to adapt to them.

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

Mr. Owen's US History students are going to finish up the year with an examination of the Cold War, it's causes and consequences, and a brief reflection on the nature of the discipline of history. Final projects will be coming in on May 3rd.

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/

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