East China School District News
Every Child, Every Day!
Week of September 16, 2019
- Sept 23 Board of Education Meeting 6 p.m.
- Sept 30 Coffee with the Superintendent 9:30 a.m. Riviera Restaurant downtown Marine City
- Sept 30 TasteFest 2019 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Oct 3 Mariner Drama - Mockingbird 7 pm
- Oct 5 Mariner Drama - Mockingbird 7 pm
- Oct 9 PLC Early Release (2 hours)
- Oct 16 HS/MS Parent Teacher Conferences
- Oct 17 HS/MS Parent Teacher Conferences - Half Day HS/MS Only
- Oct 18 No School
- Oct 28 Board of Education Meeting 6 p.m.
- Oct 31 Half Day for Elementary Only
Board Member Spotlight
Karen Cedar is new to the ECSD Board of Education having been elected in November 2018, but is well acquainted with our District, as she taught Physics and Chemistry for 29 years at the St. Clair High School. She served as East China Education Association vice president and president.
Karen and her husband, Bill, have two children, Emily and Billy, both East China graduates. She grew up in East China and graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1980. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan and then earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University. She is a proud supporter of the staff and students of our District.
Pine River Safety Patrol
When the fifth grade classes moved to St. Clair Middle School, the Safety Patrol responsibilities at Pine River moved to the fourth grade. Pine River fourth graders rose to the challenge, and during the first week of school they quickly assumed responsibilities that included assisting and guiding younger students in and out of the building before and after school. Fourth grade teacher Andrea Ursitti and Physical Education teacher Michael Oberski are serving as advisors for the program, and they are developing leadership skills in fourth grade students who are modeling safety and responsibility to younger Pioneers.
Pine River is a Special Olympics Unified Champion School
Pine River is participating in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program for the second year. Occupational Therapist Megan Hargrave received a grant of $861.92 to continue the program, which is aimed at promoting social inclusion through sports activities that equip students with tools and training to create climates of acceptance. At Pine River, Dr. Hargrave works in Nikki LaParl’s Cognitive Impaired class on Mondays to facilitate gross motor and basic sports activities. During the rest of the week, general education students help run the activities by serving as LINKS for the C.I. students. These peer buddies work and play with their friends with special needs to support socialization and independence. The Unified Champion Schools program promotes a school climate where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in all school activities, and it promotes positive attitudes toward peers with disabilities among all students.
Pine River Staff Spotlight
Terri Williams ~ Pine River Second Grade Teacher
For 22 years, second grade students in Terri Williams class have experienced the joy of learning in a hands-on, nurturing environment. When peeking into Mrs. Williams’ classroom, you might see students reading in the dark with headband flashlights, curious scientists huddled around a flock of newly-hatched chicks, children sampling pancakes topped with syrup made from sap they harvested, young mathematicians creating their own 3D models, and elephant toothpaste oozing from water bottles as the result of a successful chemical reaction. Each year, Mrs. Williams decorates her classroom with a distinct theme that sets the tone for the year. Some of the themes have been construction workers, Americans, and busy bees.
Over the years, Mrs. Williams has been a leader in planning events at Pine River and she has served on the Pine River School Improvement Team, the Pine River Council, and the district elementary Social Studies committee. She is also the Pine River PTO teacher representative. Mrs. Williams is both a leader and cheerleader for students, staff, and parents and supports every activity during and after school through volunteering her time and creativity.
Mrs. Williams lives in China Township with her husband, Larry. She has two daughters, Kristin and Katie, and recently welcomed a granddaughter, Emma, who enjoys stories and snuggles from her grandmother. When she is not planning dynamic lessons, Mrs. Williams enjoys winning at the casino and spending time with her large extended family.
Attendance awareness month
Please Join Us!
ECEF Members
Colleen Stover
Mike Domagalski
Kathy Bruer
Tina Thrift
Paul Dingeman
Laura Karadimas
Ron Miller
Annette Sturdy
Suzi Koch
Dawn Cronce
Suzanne Cybulla
Jessica Becker
First Robotics Opportunity
St. Clair County S.P.E.A.K.
Did You Know?
- Waived fees for college applications
- Waived fees for SAT/ACT tests
- Reduced cost for Pay to Participate in ECSD sports programs
- Waived fee for NCAA Clearinghouse application
- Waived fees for sending SAT/ACT scores to colleges
- Reduced rate for credit recovery classes & summer school classes
- Reduced prices on some school events such as Prom & Homecoming dances
- Reduced internet rates
- Possible financial support for cap & gown
Think you may qualify? Please fill out the free & reduced food application using the link below or pick up an application in your child's school office.
Path to improved health
Eating better
- Start the day with a healthy breakfast. It refuels the body and provides energy for the day.
- Let kids help plan and prepare 1 meal each week.
- Eat together as a family as often as possible.
- Take time eating, and chew slowly. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to tell the body that you are full.
- Eat more vegetables and fresh fruits. Aim for a total of 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables each day.
- Eat more whole grains. Examples include oats, brown rice, rye, and whole-wheat pasta. Try to eat at least 3 ounces of whole grains each day.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Choose water, low-fat or nonfat milk, and low-calorie beverages.
- Serve a variety of foods.
- Serve food in small portions.
Please click on the link below for more great information about healthy living.
https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-healthy-children-and-families/
Contact Information
Email: info@ecsd.us
Website: www.ecsd.us
Location: 1585 Meisner Road, East China, MI, USA
Phone: 810-676-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/EastChinaSchools