East China School District News
Every Child.Every Day
October 19, 2020
Important Dates to Remember
October 16-18 Fall Wellness Weekend
October 26 Board of Education Meeting 6:00 p.m.
October 30 Half Day for Elementary Students
Enjoy Your Fall Wellness Weekend
Message from the Superintendent
This weekend is ECSD’s district-wide Fall wellness weekend. It is important that we all make time to take care of ourselves so that we can then take care of those around us. Life is busy right now and just taking steps to slow down is sometimes the best thing we can do for our own health and wellness. I find that taking a walk, even a short one helps me to focus on the beauty around us; the color in the trees, the halloween decorations and the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind. The focus on positive things helps to make worries easier to tackle.
Enjoy the weekend and I hope that everyone takes time this weekend to rest and relax.
Spotlight on Gearing Elementary
On October 2, 2020 Gearing had a Pajama Day! Students were able to wear their favorite PJ’s to school while also showing support. Our Gators donated $1 to wear their jams to help purchase new recess/lunch balls and jump ropes. Many families went above and beyond the recommended donation and we raised a total of $374! Thank you to Ms. Cornish for organizing and her helpers for helping with all of the inflating! These items will be cared for and will be enjoyed for many days to come! Thank you!!!
Walk to School Day, Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Gearing participated in another National Walk to School day last week. Students from both in person and virtual class, Gearing staff, and a few dedicated parents, walked around the block. This day encourages students to maintain healthy habits, heightens awareness of traffic safety and draws attention to environmental concerns around schools. This was a great outdoor activity for our Gators to participate in!
Gearing Staff Spotlight
Jennifer Stoltz, Johanna Larch, Mary Thornton, Meagan Robbins
We have the most amazing and dedicated noon aides at Gearing and they deserve a shout out! Jennifer Stoltz, Johanna Larch, Mary Thornton and Meagan Robbins are amongst the hardest working around. These ladies spend their afternoons every day on the playground and in the lunchroom supervising all of our Gators all while wearing a smile. Here is a little bit about each of our heroes:
My name is Johanna Larch and this is my 2nd year as a noon aide at Gearing. I am married with 3 kids. Two of my kids attend SCMS and one is here at Gearing. I also have a crazy Boston Terrier named Louie. What I like most about being a noon aide is spending time with all of the kiddos!
My name is Meagan Robbins and this is my first year at Gearing. I live in St. Clair with my husband and 3 kids. We have a dog and a cat. I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family. I like working at Gearing because it allows me to see my kids throughout the day and I can still spend quality time at home.
Hi my name is Jennifer Stoltz. This is my third year at Gearing. I love working here because I get to see my kids. I live in St. Clair with my husband and 3 kids. We love to go camping and visit our family in Traverse City.
My name is Mary Thornton. I've worked at Gearing for 5 years. I live in St. Clair with my husband and 3 kids. I have two cats and a dog. I enjoy camping and walking my dog. I enjoy working at Gearing because it allows me to spend more time at home with my family.
If you are interested in spending a few hours at Gearing each day, please click on the link below to fill out an application to join our team!
https://www.applitrack.com/eastchina/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1
Front Line Worker Scholarships
Do you know of a high school graduate that was a front-line worker for at least 11 of 14 weeks between April 1-June 30? If so, they are eligible for scholarship money through the community college.
NEW STATEWIDE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Futures for Frontliners Scholarship Program.
What Is It?
Provides scholarships for Michiganders without college degrees who worked in frontline jobs in essential industries during the state COVID-19 shutdown in spring 2020.
Provides tuition-free access to public community colleges to earn an associate degree or industry-recognized certificate.
Uses federal funds to launch the program.
Two Pathways
Path 1: For frontline workers who have a high school degree (or equivalent).
Path 2: For frontline workers who need to complete a high school degree (or equivalent).
Eligibility Requirements
Be a Michigan resident. Worked in an essential industry (at least half time) for 11 of 14 weeks from April 1 to June 30, 2020. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Have not have previously earned a degree.
Not be in default on a Federal student loan. Complete the Futures for Frontliners scholarship application by Dec. 31, 2020.
How to Apply
Application period: Sept.10-Dec. 31, 2020
Apply here → Scholarship Requirements
Apply to and be admitted to a Michigan public community college.
Enroll at least half time in a Pell-eligible program that leads to an associate degree or industry-recognized certificate.
Complete the current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Enroll and begin classes in the winter, spring, summer, or fall semester of 2021.
Give Your Child A Great Start!
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a state funded preschool program for eligible children who will be four years old on or before September 1st. This program covers the key areas a child needs to be ready for Kindergarten. Applications for the 2020-2021 school year are now being accepted! The application and more information can be found by clicking on the links below:
Click the link below for additional information
http://sccresa.org/cms/one.aspx…
Click the link below for an online application
https://docs.google.com/…/1GYmnqXQlzntv1d3kadfXeE…/viewform…
For additional questions, comments, or concerns, please contact:
Chris Klecha, GSRP Enrollment Specialist
cklecha@ecsd.us
(810) 676-1010
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