East Central

In athletics, winter sports continue to find success. Both boys and girls swimming begin their state tournament runs with the ladies at Columbus North for sectional this week. The boys finished their regular season in dominating fashion at the Centerville Invite this past Saturday. Wrestling continues their historic quest knocking off Cincinnati powerhouse Elder in thrilling fashion in the rage on the stage two weeks ago following that with landslide sectional performances this past Saturday at Franklin County with all weight classes advancing to regional. Girls basketball finished their regular season 19-5, the second best record in school history and travel to Bloomington to take on Martinsville in the opening round of sectional this week.

This spring brings with it the ISSMA circuit with both choir and band students competing. Band did quite well in opening rounds of ISSMA and IMEA All-State Choir included nine of ECs finest. EC Dancers are in the midst of their competitive season hosting a competition hgere at EC this past weekend with nearly 500 young folks competing at all age levels. Winter Percussion/Guard begin competition this month as well and we received word last week that Marching Trojans will again be a part of the Findley Market Opening Day Parade.

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

Report Cards

First Semester Report Cards were sent home with students on January 15. Remember, tutoring is offered after school on Tuesdays and Thursday in the Library if you need help with your classes!

ISTEP+
The ISTEP+ Spring Retest results were mailed home on February 3 for Juniors and Seniors that took the Winter Retest. Parents are encouraged to speak to their child’s guidance counselor if they have questions.

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.

SPRING BREAK IVY TECH OPPORTUNITY

During Spring Break, March 23rd – March 27th, Ivy Tech will be offering an IVYT 111 – Student Success course for 9-12 grade students at the Lawrenceburg and Batesville Campuses. IVYT 111 is a one credit hour program requirement for students who are interested in the following:

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

• Interested in earning a technical certificate or associates degree (with the exception of STGEC and dual enrollment pathways)

• Interested in experiencing a college course and college culture

**Ivy Tech will provide a tuition scholarship, textbook and lunch each day to students who register. Essentially, this scholarship opportunity allows students to earn college credit at no cost for the student or families. Please click on this flyer and registration form for information.

**For additional information please contact:

Alyssa Lay, Director of K-14 Initiatives and Recruitment

Email: aleap@ivytech.edu

Phone: (812) 537-4010 x5326

SUMMER IVY TECH OPPORTUNITY

Ivy Tech will be offering Summer Exploration and Chancellor Completion Scholarships for students taking Ivy Tech courses in Summer 2020. I will send out detailed information once Ivy Tech confirms their summer schedule at the end of March.

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 by appointment by calling 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.

• 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.

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 be gathering information for plans after graduation and scholarships that they have been selected for so we can recognize them.

April 8th at 6:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center is the National Honor Society program for Senior recognition and Jr. induction. Senior Scholarship Awards program will be held on May 20th 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.

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 and for applications to be complete.

SAT

ACT

April 8th at 6:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center is the National Honor Society program for Senior recognition and Jr. induction. Juniors that have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher will be invited and inducted into National Honor Society.

Sophomores and Freshman:

Scheduling has been completed and each student has met individually with their counselor. Students can still change schedules until the last day of school.

PSAT scores results will be reviewed in English classes on Feb. 3rd and 4th. Students will be introduced to Khan Academy which gives them an individualized test prep for the SAT/ACT.

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.

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

The EC FFA Basketball Team won 3 games last night to capture the 2020 District 12 FFA Basketball Tournament title.

Results:

Quarterfinals: East Central 42 South Ripley 10

Semifinals: East Central 34 Switzerland County 18

Championship: East Central 33 North Decatur 20

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

Rubber Duck Debugging:

In Mrs. Hutzel's Computer Science courses, students were gifted rubber ducks and introduced to the concept of "Rubber Duck Debugging." Rubber duck debugging is a method of debugging code where each programmer, when faced with "bugs" or errors they need to find in their code, must force themselves to explain their code, line-by-line to the duck. This proves to be a great help in developing students confidence and problem solving skills.

Marketing:

Pictured below, students in Sports and Entertainment Marketing class show their projects created to examine packaging and branding in the marketing of products. These projects were their adaptations of actual products with their suggested changes or improvements for the packaging or branding of the product.

tboyd@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

This week Mr. Kennedy's Technology Education shop classes went through a week long "Stop the Bleed" training as part of the student's Safety Unit. Officer Maynard, the schools Resource Officer was kind enough to sacrifice time in his busy schedule to lead a Demonstration on how to "Stop the Bleed." Things covered in the demonstration was how to apply a tourniquet, how to make an improvised tourniquet, how to correctly pack a wound and answered many questions from students. The students in Mr. Kennedy's classes also got to practice using tourniquets and packing wounds.

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

The East Central Book Club met on January 21 to discuss Marissa Meyer's sci-fi novel Renegades and to share snacks. The meetings are organized and led by the Book Club officers Aly Bailey, Emma Green, Katie McGuire, and Angie Schoenung. Future novels selected for discussion are Emma (2/11), The Art of Blending In (3/3), Sky in the Deep (3/21), Lady Killers (4/21), and Where'd You Go, Bernadette (5/12). If there are any high school students interested in joining Book Club, they can find Mrs. Trossman in Room 113.

Brenda Osman bosman@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Introduction to Fashion and Textiles-The students in Intro to Fashions and Textiles are currently learning about how natural and manufactured fibers are woven or knitted into fabrics. Students will begin researching the different types of fabrics and their performance in order to select the appropriate fabric for their next project.

Advanced Child Development- Students in Advanced Child Development are learning basic infant skills including, swaddling, diaper changing, bathing, feeding and sleeping. The class is currently researching childhood diseases and how they can prevent those diseases. The students will soon be working on recruiting children, ages 3-5 years old, for our playschool program that we will conduct in April.

FCCLA-Members have been busy planning and carrying out their STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) for state competition in March. They have been completing several community service projects including Kids in the Kitchen night for SDMS students.

The annual Snowflake Dance for the Special Needs was held on The members are also busy planning the annual Snowflake Dance for Special Needs on January 17th. We had a great turnout and fun was had by everyone that attended. A huge thank you to St. Leon Skyline and Mr. and Mrs. Deddens and also St. Leon Blimpie and Karen Herth for supporting our event!

FCCLA Officers are currently planning FCCLA Week where students will be sharing their “FCCLA Story” and promoting the organization throughout the week.

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

Students have been really excited about creating a contemporary teapot that

breaks away from the traditional ways a teapot is formed. Construction of the

teapot had taken close to 4 weeks. The students allowed their projects to dry out

and will be fired in the kiln. The second part of the process is to glaze their

teapots. This glaze, when fired in the kiln turns to a glasslike finish. In addition to

the construction of their teapots, students had the opportunity to study the

history of the teapot in China and the cultural customs of the Japanese Wabi-Sabi

Tea Ceremony. Below is the students proudly displaying their teapots and other

ceramic projects they have completed this year.

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

¡Feliz Navidad! (part 2)

The celebration of Christmas continues throughout the Hispanic world. Students learned that Christmas doesn’t end on Christmas day for many countries. While researching Hispanic Christmas traditions and comparing them to their own family traditions, they discovered that some celebrate through January and even into February. One of the favorite traditions of the students was the rosca de reyes. This is a sweet bread that is eaten on January 6th. It is baked with a plastic figurine inside that represents the baby Jesus. Whoever receives the slice with the baby Jesus is required to host a party on February 2nd. It was great to see students share their own personal traditions while learning about traditions of classmates and foreign cultures.

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

Well, we are moving right along in this 3rd quarter. The Math Department is gearing up the sophomores for the first round of ISTEP with a practice run Monday, Feb. 10th. Rest up and try your best!

This month I would like to introduce our next instructional aide - Kristi Erwin. Mrs. Erwin is a one-on-one assistant in Mr. Loveless’s 1st period.

“Hi my name is Kristi Erwin. I am a new instructional assistant here at EC. I wanted to take this time to introduce myself and tell you a little about my background. I am from Aurora where I live with my husband and our "baby" dog Biscuit. I am a graduate of South Dearborn High School and then attended Manchester College before transferring to Northern Kentucky University. I graduated from NKU with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

In my spare time I love spending time with my husband, as well as having sister weekends with my 3 younger sisters. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, reading books, watching movies and TV shows.

I have enjoyed working with all of you and getting to know you. Thank you for welcoming me into this wonderful work family. As I continue to work here, I hope to get to know more of you. This is a wonderful place to work and I am glad to be here.”

Thank you Mrs. Erwin for introducing yourself and working with our students. If you see Mrs. Erwin in the hallway, be sure to say “Hi!” and “Thank you!” for all that she does to support students here at E.C.!

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

Choral:

Congratulations to Kayden Linneman, Grace Morrsion, Erin McKinney, Noah Blankman, Jacob Eberhart, Sarah Dezarn, Luke Montazemi, and Oliver Moster (not pictured Alyssa Thomas) for their outstanding performance with the IMEA All-State Choir on Saturday, Jan. 18th. They were selected through a rigorous audition process to perform with this students throughout the state of Indiana.

Theater:

The drama club will present the musical NEWSIES the weekend of March 13th-15th. Show times are 7:00p Friday and Saturday, 3:00p on Sunday. Come out and see this amazing cast perform this beloved show.

Mark Foster mfoster@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

East Central high school would like to welcome Mr. Matt Linkel from Northern Kentucky University. He will be student-teaching in Mr. Walter’s health classes for the first 8 weeks of the second semester. The students have been very welcoming to Mr. Linkel, and he is doing a tremendous job lesson planning, building rapport with students, and passing knowledge and skills onto his students.

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

Botany & Zoology students were able to discover and understand the structure and functions of the internal and external anatomy of a shark during this dissection lab. Students are able to compare the different organs of this cartilaginous fish with mammals.

Earth Science students are building seismic-safe structures that can withstand a simulated earthquake. Students design, build, and predict the success of their structures before placed on an earthquake simulator to determine if their buildings would survive.

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

The Social Studies Department has had a great start to the semester as Mr. Stonefield's Economics Class started the Stock Market Game to compete against other schools around the state. Mr. Owen's AP European History class was given their final projects which has the students analyze change over time and make predictions about the future with primary source documents.

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 Juniors and Seniors,

It may still be winter, but spring is just around the corner. What does spring bring with it?

Prom! And what happens after Prom? That’s right…After-Prom!

The EC After-Prom is a fun-filled, parent-chaperoned event offered to extend an already exciting evening for our students, held in EC’s fieldhouse, main gym, and auxiliary gym. All students wishing to attend must check in to the After-Prom by midnight, and the event ends by 2:30 am. All EC junior and senior high school students and their guests are welcome to attend the After-Prom whether they attend the Prom or not.

The event offers food, drinks, games of all types, various competitions, video games, a photo booth, a DJ, and prizes! To win prizes, students will earn tickets throughout the evening by participating in the various activities. The more they do, the more they earn. Students then place their earned tickets into a container associated with the prize they would like to win. The drawing will be held at the end of the evening.

Here’s where we need your help. The After-Prom event is funded entirely through donations from parents and businesses in the East Central High School community. Instead of a traditional fundraiser asking students/parents to sell items or attend functions, we are asking you to support this worthy event by donating cash or prizes.

Past prizes have included gift cards for shopping or restaurants, a gift basket geared towards juniors with EC essentials, a basket for seniors with college essentials, dorm refrigerators, microwaves, luggage, and everything in-between. Each year, the hope is to raffle off some really nice prizes like a television, laptop and even a cash prize of $999.99.

If you can assist with a monetary donation, please drop cash or a check made payable to East Central After-Prom to Denise Eckstein in the EC Attendance Office. Checks may also be mailed to:

East Central High School, Attn: After-Prom - Karen Herth

1 Trojan Place, Suite A

Brookville, IN 47012

For prize donations, please e-mail afterprom@etczone.com to arrange for a pick up.

Volunteers are also welcome and needed for After-Prom. Watch for the link to a Sign-Up Genius during the month of March.

Thanks in advance for your help! We look forward to another successful event.

Sincerely,

Karen Herth

Chair - East Central After-Prom Committee

513-260-0665

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