East Central
eNewsletter October 2018
Notes from the Principal
With the start of the second nine weeks, we continue to share positive things at EC. We completed our first round of Common Assessments and teachers had the opportunity to dive into the data on classes and individual students with the ultimate goal off adjusting curriculum going forward based on students' needs and levels of mastery regarding standards and concepts. A positive worth sharing...after the first nine weeks, over 60% of all EC students achieved Honor Roll and/or Exemplary Honor Roll which means their current GPA is 3.33 or higher...outstanding! Additionally, 70% of our building participated in PSAT and ASVAB testing last week while the other 30% took part in job-shadowing, community service, and college visits.
In the arts, our students prepare for this years first theatrical presentation, Murderous Night at the Museum. Opening night is Friday, November 9th and shows will run through Sunday November 11th. Please make plans to come enjoy the show. Additionally, East Central Marching Trojans continue to shine in state contests and Bands of America over the past few weeks. November 6th they will be performing on Fox 59 morning news in Indianapolis. We'll be sure to share the broadcast once it airs.
In athletics, both tennis and football won their respective sectionals; volleyball ended their season just shy of a sectional title but finished with 31 wins a school record for winning-percentage. Both girls and boys cross-country teams advanced to regional, and Emma Fey and Emilee Wedding advanced again representing EC in the cross country semi-state.
EC FFA competed successfully in multiple areas in this fall. Specifically, Kayla Miles advanced to the National competition in late October and competed in Creed Speaking winning Bronze.
Our SEL/Character program continues to grow incrementally with monthly lessons. In October we discussed our digital footprints (email, social media, internet searches, online purchasing, etc.), the impact it can have on our future, and our responsibility to safeguard it.
Lastly, EC Student Council will be recognized as a GOLD COUNCIL organization again this year at the state conference, and they continue to shine here as well with programs throughout this school year to benefit Riley Children's Hospital. The most recent one was an amazing dodge-ball tournament which brought in 14 teams and some 700 spectators over 2 days. We so appreciate all StuCo does to support others both here and around the state.
It's been a great fall so far, and we're looking forward to continuing successes on all fronts this winter.
Tom Black
Notes from Guidance
College and Scholarship Information:
November and December are important months for college applications. Email reminders are continually sent to students to encourage them to review deadlines and submit applications, request transcripts from Parchment.com and send test scores. Guidance is available to assist and review applications for students that would like this done with them.
FAFSA:
October 1st was the date that the 2019-2020 FAFSA applications were made available at fafsa.gov. Students and parents have until April 15, 2019 to complete this for the Indiana state deadline. There was a Financial Aid program presented by InvestED in October which reviewed the steps to completing the FAFSA. The power point from this presentation is available on the school website under the Guidance- Resource and Documents.
Scheduling:
Believe it or not we are already in the process of preparing for scheduling for 2019-2020 school year. Class meetings for scheduling will take place on January 15th during the school day and on January 16th at 6:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center we will hold the Parent Meeting for scheduling. We will also meet with each of the students individually after they complete their registrations to make sure that they are on track with the diploma that they are pursuing.
As always the East Central Guidance Department is available to meet with students and parents as needed. Do not hesitate to contact your student’s guidance counselor.
Rhonda Murdock, MSW, L.S.W
812-576-4811 ext. 11912
NEED HOMEWORK HELP?
**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).
Notes from Mrs. Rosfeld; Curriculum and Testing
ECHS Parents and Students,
Although we do not have fall parent-teacher conferences at the high school level, we would like to ensure you know how to get help for your child. As the end of the 1st Quarter draws near, we want to make sure you know the academic success resources available to ECHS students:
1. Student-Teacher Communication:
If your child has questions or is not understanding class material, please encourage discussions with the classroom teacher. A follow-up email from you to the teacher is always appreciated! This ensures that a conversation between the child and teacher is happening.
2. Parent-Teacher Communication:
We want your child to be successful in school! If you have any questions about a class, please do not hesitate to reach out to the teacher. If you are emailing a teacher, it is also helpful to cc your child's school counselor. Teachers can give you specific insights related to your child (i.e. organization, helpful study techniques, web resources, etc.). Teacher and Counselor email addresses are available on the school website and also on pages 17-19 of the student handbook: http://echs.sunmandearborn.k12.in.us/.
Power School: Updated grades are viewable via the the parent portal of Power School. Checking specific grades will help you understand how the final grade is being calculated. If you need your Power School information, please contact the office at 812-576-4811 x11915.
3. Extra Assistance Before or After School:
Students should check with their teachers if they feel extra assistance is needed. Teachers arrive daily at 7:30 and could possibly help before or after school.
National Honor Society Tutoring is set up in the ECHS Library every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 p.m. No reservation is required.
If students have a study hall, students can ask their counselor to set up peer tutoring 2-3 days a week during that time. In addition, our study hall monitor, Mrs. Krummen is willing to do "Grade Checks" with students.
4. Online Resources:
Each subject has specific tools and resources available to students. Each course has a Google Classroom set up by the teacher. If you would like access, you may reach out to the classroom teacher. In addition, students report high success with the use of KhanAcademy.org (completely free online educational videos in all core classes) and AskRose.org (offers free homework help in math and science).
Education is a team effort! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Educationally,
Mrs. Rosfeld
jrosfeld@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
UPCOMING TESTING DATES
ISTEP+ Remediation - Every Tuesday and Thursday, 3-4pm.
ISTEP+ Re-Tester Dates (Juniors & Seniors Only that have not yet passed)
Math - Tuesday, November 27
ELA - Wednesday & Thursday, November 28 and 29
Makeup Date - Friday, November 30
UPCOMING SAT REGISTRATION DATES
**Pay attention to the registration deadlines**
Ag
East Central FFA Competes at Nationals
The state winning EC FFA Environmental Natural Resources CDE (Career Development Event) team competed in the 2018 National FFA Environmental Natural Resources CDE at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 24-25. The event was help at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown, Indiana. The team consisted of Amelia Hartman, Maria Hartman, Bailey Grunkemeyer, and Gage Crone. The Environmental Natural Resources CDE is a competitive event in which FFA members test their knowledge and skills in problem solving and decision making skills in environmental and natural resources. These areas concentrate on soil profiles, water quality, waste management, and use of global positioning units. Forty-one states were represented in this event and East Central placed in the bronze emblem category. This is East Central’s second time competing in this national event. East Central’s member, Kayla Miles, also competed in the 2018 National FFA Creed Speaking LDE. This consists of delivering the FFA Creed from memory and responding to three questions. Forty-seven states were represented in this event and Kayla placed in the bronze emblem category. This is East Central’s first time competing in the National Creed Speaking LDE.
The team photo below/right: L to R: Maria Hartman, Amelia Hartman, Bailey Grunkemeyer, Gage Crone.
Kayla Miles
EC FFA
Environ/Nat Resources Team Photo
Business
This month in the Business Education Department, we have been very busy. The Trojan Exchange students hosted a business meeting with Mr. John Foyles of Artisans Apparel. Mr. Foyles presented Artisan's new line of sports apparel. The students are currently putting together several of these items to use in their fall fundraiser. The fundraising flyer will be distributed and orders will be taken sometime in early November. What a great Christmas present idea; Trojan Spiritwear! All of this apparel is pre-order merchandise. Order forms can be found at The Trojan Exchange, or ask one of the 27 members in our Trojan Exchange class.
Mrs. Hutzel and her Drop Zone students are still taking care of business. The Drop Zone system seems to be working. Students drop of their Chromebooks so that the student technicians can tweak the problem. Once fixed, the Chromebooks are delivered directly to the student in their classroom. Fast and efficient!
Engineering/PLTW
PLTW Civil Engineering and Architecture students are learning practical skills with Revit, the professional grade architectural software program from Autodesk. Students will be designing a single family home following the guidelines for Habitat for Humanity. Students will gain experience with:
- residential framing systems
- roof designs
- cost and efficiency analysis
- calculate construction cost of a utility shed
- determine R-value
- calculate heat loss/gain
- estimate water pressure at site
- wastewater management systems
- LEED certification
- calculate and compare pre/post construction stormwater runoff values
English
The East Central Book Club met for its first discussion meeting on October 3rd. The members discussed How Starbucks Saved My Life, a memoir by Michael Gates Gill. The memoir tells the story of a high-flying advertising executive who loses his job, family, and self-respect, only to find fulfillment and happiness in a new job at Starbucks. The discussion was lively and fun, and everyone left with a craving for a Venti Caramel Macchiato. The Book Club boasts 25 members and meets nine times a year to discuss novels and share snacks. Its next meeting is November 7th to discuss Jenny Han’s novel To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. The English Academic Team has started the year off right with two first-place finishes in conference competition. The team members are Captain Molly Graham, senior Hannah Weiler, juniors Aly Bailey and Jackson Ketcham, sophomore Grace Lyness, and freshmen Lara Moster and Paige Lyness. The team practices and eats donuts every Friday before school. Soon, the team will begin preparation for the IASP Academic Super Bowl. Every year students study a new theme, and this year it is “The Fertile Crescent.” The English Team will read The Epic of Gilgamesh, two Egyptian short stories, and five biblical Psalms. The competition is intense, but the English Team is determined and intelligent. The team has traveled to Academic Super Bowl State Competition for the past three years, earning two state titles and one 3rd place finish.
FACS - Culinary
Ashley McConnell amcconnell@sunmandearnborn.k12.in.us
Nutrition & Wellness:
In October the Nutrition students were learning about proper kitchen measuring and factors that affect our food choices such as culture, social aspects, emotions, economic influences, agriculture, technology, politics, & global/local events. Next in November the students will begin learning about Nutrients and how our bodies use them. During October they made Banana Bread, Mexican Corn Bread, French Toast Rolls Ups, & Sausage Breakfast Casserole.
Intro to Culinary Arts & Hospitality:
The Intro to Culinary students began October learning about proper measuring skills as well as some specific culinary techniques making quick breads. We then moved in to learning about Kitchen Equipment and what tools to use for specific jobs/foods. The end of October brought us up to learning about cooking methods, how heat is transferred to food, and the effects heat has on food. In October the culinary students made Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Smoothies, Waffles, and they are working on Old Fashioned Spaghetti Sauce this week.
ProStart 1&2:
At the beginning of October the ProStart students entered baked goods into the Aurora Farmers Fair Baking Contest. The groups entered a Reese's Peanut Butter Pie, a Pumpkin Roll, Apple Turnovers, a Coffee Cake, Chocolate Fudge, Mini Loaves of Banana Bread, & Canned Spaghetti Sauce. All students earned 1st Place in the Baking Contest!!
These students also started the ServSafe Certification Training. Servsafe is a National Food Safety Program written by the National Restaurant Association. At the end of the training students will take the exam from the National Restaurant Association and if they pass they will earn the ServSafe Certification! This certification is nationally recognized and a requirement in most restaurants today.
FACS
Brenda Osman bosman@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
Intro to Fashion and Textiles:
Several students in the Intro to Fashions Class also went on a field trip on Oct. 24th to the Standard Textiles Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Standard Textiles designs products for the hospitality and health businesses. Students saw how fabrics were woven, designed, tested and laundered in their labs. They also met with designers to see the latest products in these areas of business.
The Introduction to Fashion and Textiles are finishing up their Pajama Pants this week. They have learned some important aspects of sewing including pattern layout, sewing a ⅝” seam, pressing, making a casing and hemming. With the completion of this projects, FCCLA will be sponsoring a Drowsy Driving Fashion Show on Sunday, Nov. 4th at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at East Central. These students will be showcasing their new pair of pants.
Child Development:
The Child Development students have been practicing their infant care skills by caring for our Real Care Babies through the night or on a weekend. Students learn to take care of an infant’s demands such as feeding, burping, rocking or changing their diaper.
Fashion and Textile Careers:
Hannah McFarland and Hannah Dragan are working hard designing a prom dress and then creating it from newspaper. This project has allowed them to put their design skills into action. These dresses will be on display at the Drowsy Driving Fashion Show also.
FCCLA
FCCLA:
FCCLA has had a very busy month. At the beginning of the month, members went rollerskating at the Skatin’ Place in Cincinnati. Members were served Donuts before school as reward for meeting membership goals.
On Oct. 17th the Annual FCCLA/FFA Hayride was held at the home of Bailey Grunkemeyer. Members of both groups enjoyed a grill out of hamburgers and hot dogs and then a chilly evening of riding around Morris on hay wagons. It was a crisp evening for a fun hayride!
The Annual Middle School Girls’ Mentoring Night was held on Oct. 19th with around 45 middle school girls attending a workshop organized by Molly Graham and Eva Grimm. The program was quite a success! On Oct. 23rd, the East Central FCCLA attended the District 12 FCCLA meeting led by District President Hayley Lewis (East Central HS Sophomore). The meeting was held at South Dearborn High School, where students met with members from 7 other schools. Leadership training was held and members also participate in youth sessions taught by other district and state officers. Participants worked on a community service project where they made lap quilts for a local nursing home.
Middle School Girls’ Night
District FCCLA Meeting
On Oct. 30th, over 30 FCCLA members went to the North Dearborn Village and served them a home cooked dinner of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and dessert of Warm Apple Crisp with Ice Cream or Brownies alamode. We also made them door decorations and took them to all of the residents. They assisted the residents with carving of pumpkins. A fun time was had by everyone!
Maria Deddens carving pumpkins with Jim and Dorothy at the North Dearborn Village
Fine Arts
Matt Focke - mfocke@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
The Art Department has been working hard to complete Visual Arts Standards along with extra curricular activities that enrich our Student’s lives and make our school a better place to live and work in. Mrs. Gulasy's darkroom photography students participated in an Anti-Vape School Photo Contest sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They created photo images that help illustrate the harmful affects of smoking and the use of e-cigarettes. The photographs included images of company produced posters, explaining the dangers of vape-pens. If East Central wins, Mrs. Gulasy will be awarded a $1000 towards art equipment or supplies for the department.
Mr. Kurumado’s Digital Art Students just completed their designs for a new East Central Student Agenda Cover. The winning cover will be used for next years agenda. The students enjoyed the opportunity to research, design and create an authentic piece of art for the high school.
Mr. Focke’s 2-D Art students have been actively engaged in Color Theory assignments. They are learning about the element of color and its relationship with the Principles of Design. This has all been in preparation for a Realistic Tempera Painting project the students are now starting. In addition, The Ceramics class is creating a decorative clay plate after researching examples of Majolica on-line and designing their own creative examples: They are currently modeling clay into realistic forms that will be applied to their projects. Their work reflects the designs and traditions of Majolica producers from around the world. The students are proud of their work and families may enjoy these art forms at a future holiday celebration.
Foreign Language
The students that are taking Spanish at EC will be celebrating the Day of the Dead. This holiday is a Mexican holiday where they honor and remember their family and friends whom have passed away. There are some great movies out their that depict this holiday, like Coco and The Book of Life. The main symbol during this holiday is skulls, skeletons and beautiful altars. They make these altars in honor of their deceased friends and family. These are some of the projects that students have been doing to learn about this important holiday in the Mexican culture.
Math
Mrs. Bovard teaches AP Calculus AB & BC, Pre-Cal/Trig, and Algebra II. Mrs. Bovard is a graduate of East Central and several years ago she came from Northwest High School to come home and teach at East Central. She is always ready to help students with their homework, review, re-test, etc. Her door is always open for students to come in for the extra help. She always encourages her students to strive to do their best. Mrs. Bovard keeps our department on their toes about best practices for our AP students!
Mr. Bentley teaches Algebra I and Algebra II. He also does an excellent job as a Driving Instructor for S&B! Mr. Bentley works hard to get his students prepared for the Common Assessments, the ISTEP, and to move on to their next mathematical endeavor! We’re glad to have Mr. Bentley on our Mathematics Department Team!
Stay tuned for next month: Mrs. Noeth and Mr. McDaniel!
Music
The drama department will be presenting their production of Murderous Night at the Museum on Friday, Nov. 9th, 7:30p, Saturday, Nov 10th, 3:00p and 7:30p and Sunday, Nov. 11th, 3:00p. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for students and senior citizens.
Chelsey Thompson - crthonpson@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
ECMarching Trojans would like to invite one and all to see a synopsis of this year's performances Monday, November 5th at 6PM on the turf. Pre-game, pep-band, and The Phoenix...
PE/Health
Fred Boger fboger@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
After finishing up physical fitness testing PE classes are back to participating in some team sports. We offer a wide variety of team sports throughout the year. We are currently playing some flag football and volleyball!
Science
Tim Maluvac - tmaluvac@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
Botany and Zoology Field Trip: Wolf Creek Habitat
At one time wolves ranged primarily throughout North America, now because of over-hunting and habitat degradation the wolves only exist in remote habitats. Wolf Creek Habitat is a wolf rescue and educational center that allows our students to interact directly with wolves. These interactions allow students to better understand wolf behavior and its role in the environment.
Science
Social Studies
Athletics
Tom Black
Email: tblack@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us
Website: https://echs.sunmandearborn.k12.in.us/
Location: 1 Trojan Place, Suite A St. Leon, IN 47012
Phone: 8125764811
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunmandearborn.k12.in.us/
Twitter: @EastCentralHS