East Central

With our return to in-person learning January 11th, we're pleased to announce many positives relating to consistent instructional formats and students receiving the direct instruction that became so challenging in November and December. Additionally, we've seen very little issues relating to COVID over the last month at the high school...another positive. We are very appreciative of Dearborn Counties acknowledgement, guidance, and support of this move back to in-person instruction. Our students, staff, and community are stronger for it. It's been a challenging year to date to say the least, but time and time again our students and staff have adjusted with each necessary transition. Thank you to our community as well for your patience, support, and help in keeping education, arts, and athletics happening.

We're in the midst of ISTEP+ testing this week and next recovering the lost spring testing window from April of 2020. The transition to a new testing model is coming. As soon as the State makes a decision, we'll share more. But, we ARE certain that the Graduation Pathways model will continue for current 10th graders and all coming grades behind them in lieu of a one-size-fits all graduation qualifying exam. For that, we are thankful. On another very positive note. We will be recognizing 47 juniors for earning academic jackets (4.0GPA or better through 5 semesters of high school). We'll also be recognizing 45 sophomores and 49 freshmen for maintaining that 4.0GPA or better mark to date as well.

In athletics, Winter Sports are coming to a close. Girls basketball won their second straight sectional title and are headed to the Bedford regional this coming weekend. Girls swimming send one diver, Natalie South, and one swimmer Kyra Hall for the third straight year to State in swimming. Wrestling continues their historic season after winning the 3A Team Duals State title in January by winning conference, sectional, and regional for the second straight year. 6 regional champions and 12 total wrestlers are headed to semi-state at New Castle this weekend. It's been an exciting winter thus far even with the smaller crowds. We still have boys swimming and boys basketball sectionals ahead of us with spring sports and some new fields to play on right around the corner. A big thanks to Don Stonefield, athletic director, and all of our winter sports coaches and athletes for adhering to protocols in order to keep our seasons going. Also, another big thank you to Trojan Media Productions for bringing us into the LIVE-action week after week.

In the arts, discussions are on-going regarding our spring art show. And, Mamma Mia the musical is planned for April 9th, 10th, and 11th. Stay tuned for more information.

Lastly, we will continue to do everything we can to keep children safe and IN SCHOOL this year in whatever way possible. 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.

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.

Ivy Tech Opportunity for High School Students

IVYT 111 (Student Success) is a one credit-hour program requirement for students who are interested in any of the following:

• Attending Ivy Tech as a degree-seeking student after high school graduation

• Interested in earning a technical certificate or associate degree while in high school

• Interested in experiencing a college course and college culture

Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg will be sponsoring two Spring Break IVYT 111 (Student Success Course) sessions for current high school students. Students can earn this one credit-hour course requirement in less than a week.

Session 1 Date and Time: March 15-18, 10am-1pm

Session 2 Date and Time: March 22-25, 10am-1pm

Class is delivered virtually, has no assessment prerequisites, and includes a scholarship that covers the full tuition, textbook, and any fees associated with the course. Please contact Claire Nagel at Ivy Tech for more information cnagel12@ivytech.edu

Outstanding Students of the Month

LYDIA TRABEL

East Central High School is proud to announce Ms. Lydia Trabel as a “Student of the Month”. Lydia is a senior at ECHS and is ranked #1 in her class of 309 students. She boasts a very impressive 4.284 GPA, perfect high school attendance and has strived to be the very best she can be. Lydia is the daughter of the late Don Trabel & the late Malia Steinmetz as well as Daryl & Patty Steinmetz. Lydia is Chapter President of FCCLA, a member of National Honor Society, a Career Tech Ed Ambassador and a member of the AOK club at ECHS.

While Lydia has maintained excellence in the classroom she has also excelled in FCCLA with Gold medals in multiple State and National competitions. She has volunteered her time in many philanthropic activities including annual events at North Dearborn Village, Ronald McDonald House, homeless shelters, church festivals, American Legion benefits and the Special Olympics. When Lydia is not studying or volunteering you can find her working at Remke Market, spending time with family and friends or watching the Cincinnati Reds.

Lydia is undecided where she will be attending college at this time. She would like to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing and then enter into a Physician’s Assistant (PA) program ultimately to be a practicing PA. Lydia thanks her parents, Daryl and Patty Steinmetz for always pushing her to be the best she can be and that she would not be who she is today without their support.

ELENA HALL

East Central High School would like to recognize senior student, Ms. Elena Hall as a “Student of the Month”. Elena is the daughter of Brian and Jennifer Sandlin. Elena has maintained an impressive 3.582 during her 4 years of high school.

Elena is an active member of the Spanish Club, Drama Club, National Honor Society and is the Technology Manager of the school store, The Trojan Exchange where she exemplifies her leadership skills working with others. In her spare time, Elena enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and working at Larosa’s.

Elena plans to go to Miami University and major in Zoology. She thanks her parents for always helping her and being her personal drivers to work and school. When Elena was asked what advice she would give to younger students she said, “don’t procrastinate...just do it”.

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

The Scheduling process for the 2021-2022 started in January.

• February: Counselors will begin meeting with students individually to discuss registration, diploma types, and pathway requirements.

• May: Students have up until May 12th, the last day of school, to make changes to their schedules for 2021-2022.

KEY POINTS FOR EACH 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 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.
• SAT: College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools
• ACT: https://www.act.org/

Juniors and Sophomores

• Juniors and Sophomores took the PSAT in October. Test results have been distributed directly from the College Board to students who shared an email address. A test interpretation presentation will be sent to students so that they can better understand their scores and know how to prepare for future standardized testing. Students are encouraged to link their College Board account to Khan Academy for individualized test prep materials; this is explained in the presentation that will be shared.
  
  
• 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

**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 Agricultural Power, Structure and Technology 1 have recently completed a plumbing project using PVC pipe. Each student made a lawn sprinkler using PVC pipe and fittings. They also attached a pop-up sprinkler head. Once completed each student tested it outdoors to make sure it worked correctly.

Currently, students in Agricultural Power, Structure and Technology 1 are working on 2 sheet metal projects. The first is feed scoop and the other will be a dust pan. With each project, students are required to mark, cut out, bend and fasten the pieces to complete the projects.

Students in Agricultural Power, Structure and Technology 2 are currently working on many projects that students bring in from home. Students are learning a great deal about ordering, purchasing and using materials to fabricate a wide variety of projects.

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

DropZone Continues to Work Hard

With an unprecedented year the DropZone has had the unique challenge of keeping technology working and in the hands of all East Central students. This year learning has been able to take place no matter the location of the student much in part to an incredible IT team, comprised of both adults and students here at EC. Throughout the day 25 high school students work in shifts monitoring a ticketing system, issuing loaners and responding to tech needs keeping digital learning as the main priority. To date the DropZone has processed 362 tech support tickets this school year.

Additionally, as the life of many of the corporations Chromebooks come to an end DropZone has been assisting the IT department with the unloading and preparation of the 1150 new replacement Chromebooks that will be rolled out to students next fall.

tboyd@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

This school year, 75 students in Mr. Bill Kennedy's Technology Education classes have completed an in-depth certification in life saving techniques and procedures on how to stop or slow down massive blood loss (https://www.stopthebleed.org/). 90% of preventable death is due to blood loss. Students participate in a formal presentation followed by hands-on practice of proper techniques and procedures on training dummies and real life individuals put in various scenarios. A written examination is also required to earn the certification. Each year, Mr. Kennedy, with the help of Officer Brian Maynard, include this training for all of his Technology Education students as part of their Safety Unit lessons.

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

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CATCHPHRASES

When you’re a teenager, “in one ear and out the other” is not just a cliché; it’s facts. I cannot count the number of times my mother, with a sigh of exasperation, would say to a younger me, “If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times.” Now as a teacher, which is like being a parent to 100+ teenagers, I can truly understand my own mother’s pain. It’s February. We’ve been in school for six months. I thought it would be fun to create a list of popular phrases the ECHS English teachers have said (to be hyperbolic) a million times.

As our inhouse ACP teacher, Mrs. Trossman, like so many college professors, advises her students with questions to ”check your syllabus.”

Mrs. Ketcham says, “If I had a nickel for every time I loan out my Chromebook charger, I could retire in 10 years, so I am constantly telling my students, ‘Charge your stupid Chromebook.’”

Using the words of Albert Einstein, Mrs. Jansing loves to offer this sage advice: “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.”

Mr. Meiners not only says, "Better late than never but never late is better!" multiple times a day, it’s also on a poster in his classroom.

True to her American Literature roots, Mrs. Rose-Ronnebaum tells her students: “Phones up and out of sight, and focus on those American dreams instead!”

In response to the question “Do we have to do this?”, Mrs. Tucker responds, “You can do whatever you want.” Then she follows up with a chat about consequences.

It’s not uncommon for whining to occur, and Mrs. Stanley has the perfect comeback: “Suck it up, buttercup.”

"Never let anyone outwork you or hustle you. Ever." -Rick Pitino. Mrs. Pieczonka encourages her students with the advice that someone might be better than them naturally, but they can always outwork them.

Mrs. Cecil challenges her students to: “Do it right the first time, so you don’t have to do it a second time.”

Finally, as the snow piles up outside my window on another e-learning day, I want to remind everyone that it’s okay to build a snowman, enjoy a sled ride, sip a hot cup of cocoa...but make sure you’re charging your Chromebook while you do.

Brenda Osman bosman@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Introduction to Fashion and Textiles

The Introduction to Fashion and Textiles Students have been learning about how fibers are made into fabric. Through this process students have learned the three basic types of weaving including plain, twill and satin weaves which they have demonstrated by weaving paper. We are currently investigating how fabrics are made through the knitting process and are learning the basics of crochet and will be making a simple headband.

Advanced Child Development

In the Advanced Child Development Classes, students just learned the importance of safe sleep in infants to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. We are beginning to study intellectual development and how the brain works. Students will create a brain from playdough while focusing on which part of the brain controls what part of the body. We will continue to focus on Piaget’s stages of development emphasizing the sensorimotor stage. Students will have a better understanding why providing children with a stimulating environment is important to their development.

Fashion and Textiles Careers

Students in Fashion and Textiles Careers are currently learning how to use our cricut maker with the cricut design center. They are practicing how to cut vinyl so they can learn to create their own design for a T-shirt.

They will learn how to make unique designs so they can embellish their exclusive clothing product.

Adv Nutrition and Wellness

Students in Advanced Nutrition and Wellness have been researching essential vitamins and the ways that different ones impact health. We continued to practice culinary knife skills and kitchen safety and sanitation through some food labs. Most recently we made vegetable soup and compound butter that we served with some freshly toasted, whole-grain bread. We are getting ready to explore the ways that minerals impact health and will continue to practice safe food preparation.

Preparing for College and Careers

Students in Preparing for College and Careers have been exploring personal values, practicing goal setting, and researching potential careers. Students practiced public speaking by presenting a little bit of information about their values to the class. We have also started to differentiate between a variety of post-secondary education options. Students are starting to develop plans for life after high school.

Child Development

Students in Child Development were introduced to the domains of child development and learned a bit about some key theorists and history. We differentiated between physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Students practiced finger painting to review key concepts of child development, especially fine motor skills. We also studied the stages of prenatal development and how an unborn baby can be impacted by outside factors.

Intro to Culinary Arts & Hospitality

Students in Intro to Culinary Arts started off the semester learning about Yeast Breads. We made 2 different types of yeast breads using both the conventional and quick mix method of making yeast doughs. Students make Soft Pretzels and Pizzas! In February students in Intro to Culinary will begin their next unit on Nutrition. Since we also have the Nutrition and Wellness course in the FACS dept, we keep the curriculum pretty basic when learning about Nutrition in Intro to Culinary. Students will learn about MyPlate, Portion sizes, Healthy Snacks, the Nutrition Facts Label, and Advertising in Food. These things are important to teach all students how to make healthy food choices. For the culinary labs in the nutrition unit students will be making Smoothie Bowls topped with healthy options, Energy Bites, and Personal Calzones that students will make their own food label for!! Such exciting things happening in the culinary world at EC!

ProStart 1: Culinary Arts & Hospitality

Students in ProStart 1 & 2 have been very busy.

ProStart 1 began the semester learning about Foodservice Equipment in the Restaurant. Students toured the EC Cafeteria and got to learn about the Foodservice Equipment and how it is used. Throughout semester 2 students in ProStart 1 will be learning about Basic Food Theory and Skills needed to be successful in the Foodservice Industry.

ProStart 2: Advanced Culinary Arts

Students in ProStart 2 started off the semester learning about more advanced Nutrition principles in culinary arts. They will continue the semester focusing on the Baking and Pastry skills needed to be successful in the Foodservice Industry.

Pictured below: General TSO Chicken, Street Tacos, Decorated Fociccia Bread, and the students catering!

The week of February 8-12 is FCCLA Week. FCCLA Officers will be highlighted throughout the week on social media telling how “FCCLA will make a difference in their future career”. FCCLA/FACS students who wear red this week will also be spotlighted on social media for the National FCCLA motto to “live life in the RED”. Other fun activities will be held in class to help FACS/FCCLA Students learn more about FCCLA this week.

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

Students had the opportunity to develop their skills on the potter’s wheel. Through various

demonstrations, self-critiques, and group critiques, students explored every aspect of the

potter’s wheel. This technique requires one to wedge the clay, center the clay, throw a bowl,

and trim a foot on their bowl. Once the bowl is trimmed and the bowl is fired in the kiln, the

students will be glazing their bowl and firing it a second time. Below is Ella Burns, Holli

Plowman, and Alexis Niesen.

In other art news, students completed the last semester being offered darkroom photography

here at East Central High School. Darkroom photography has been offered here at East Central High School since the 80’s. With the anticipation of the school improvements of construction, the darkroom will become a “green room” and a studio space for digital photography. Below are the students that participated in darkroom photography. Below is Anthony Schroeder, Hannah Lauck, and Hailey Mullins.

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

In Spanish III, we are learning about weddings, funerals, and other life passages. It has been interesting to learn from students’ experiences and compare them with traditions in various Latin countries. For one of the e-learning assignments, students created a video of themselves giving a wedding speech or eulogy for someone. They could choose a friend, someone fictional, or even themselves. It was amazing to see the creativity of these students and what they can do with technology. One student even gave a maid of honor speech to a large stuffed animal who was getting married.

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

Welcome Back to in-person learning! The math department is excited to have our kiddos back with us full time. We enjoy seeing their smiling faces in our classroom.

January was an exciting month - with getting to come back to class full time and having a “normal” routine. We also completed our NWEA Winter testing for Freshmen and Sophomores and we are in the process of analyzing that data to determine their growth from the Fall testing.

February will be a very busy month for the Juniors. The first week of February we had ISTEP Practice Testing which will be followed up the second week and third week with the actual ISTEP Test. The ISTEP Mathematics Test will be Tuesday, February 9th and 10th - so please make sure you get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast for optimal “brain power”.

Our very own Mr. Loveless is busy with his swim team. They went undefeated this season and are Conference Champions!! Yay - GO EC SWIM!! Good luck Mr. Loveless and EC Swimmers in Sectionals.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

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

Coming April 9, 10, and 11...Mamma Mia!

Mark Foster mfoster@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

As January rolls into February, some freshmen PE classes are rolling “bowling balls'' and knocking down pins. Students are learning to bowl while brushing up on their basic math skills as they manually score their own games. Other classes are competing in some fierce ultimate frisbee competitions.

The Health classes are currently learning about mental emotional health. During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever for students to be able to manage stress, relieve anxiety, and increase self esteem.

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

We got creative in Chemistry I by completing labs and activities virtually. Students looked at and analyzed data for several labs including conservation of mass and density. We also worked in breakout rooms with our group members during the hybrid schedule and online synchronous learning. Break out rooms were used to learn about different types of reactions. In January, we completed the types of chemical reactions lab in person.

In Mr. Maluvac’s Biology II course the students are learning about invertebrates. The students here are taking part in the Crayfish dissection. They will sketch-out and label the various structures of a Crayfish both external and internal. Previously they also dissected an Earthworm. The students will need to be able to identify and discuss the functions of structures in Flatworms ( Platyhelyminthes), Roundworms (Nematoda), Earthworms (Annelida), Artropods

In Mr. Medlock’s PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science course students are studying the structures of the brain and identifying the functions of each structure. In this assignment students were to select a famous character from literature or film and create a visual representation of how their specific character would take advantage of the functions of each part of the brain they would be using in that role.

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

Mr. Owen's American History classes have begun their semester projects: "An Evaluation of American Presidential Effectiveness". Students, working in teams, compare individual lists of ten presidential administrations in terms of effectiveness as defined by the students themselves. Teams will offer historical evidence, and interpret primary source documents to support their arguments. Completed projects will be due in May, with an anticipated total length of 30-50 pages each.

Econ students in Mr. Stonefield's class started the spring stock market competition hosted by the Indiana Council of Economic Education and Purdue University. Students compete against other schools across the state of Indiana for prize money. EC students are off to a fast start as seven teams are currently in the top 50 out of nearly 1,000 teams competing across the state.

In Mr. Lewis' ACP Intro to American Politics Class, students have started projects in which they can choose to write a position paper on a current political issue, design a campaign to win the electoral college, interpret a current Supreme Court case, or write an editorial on a school issue.

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