East China School District News
Every Child, Every Day!
Week of May 11, 2020
Update from the Superintendent
It was inspiring to see all of the positive messages and support for our teachers during teacher appreciation week.
Even though it does not look like or feel like it outside this weekend, it is springtime. The flowers and trees are beginning to bloom and hopefully the warmer temperatures will follow. During these weeks, teachers will continue to provide resources for learning for our students. Please reach out if support or help is needed. We are here to help.
East China School District will remain on our original 2019-2020 school calendar which means that the last day of school for our high school seniors is May 22, 2020 and the last day of school for the year will be June 12, 2020.
Patience will be needed as we wait for guidance on the best and safest pathway forward for the 2020-2021 school year. Information will be shared as plans are developed.
Stay safe,
Suzanne
Riverview East High School News
Riverview East High School has always taken an alternative approach to education. When Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered the mandatory closing of school buildings for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, the staff at Riverview East embraced the challenge and seized the opportunity to create new educational experiences. Riverview East teachers and support staff worked diligently to create cross-curricular, project-based challenges that provided our families with flexibility while engaging students in making connections between traditional curriculum and events happening in the real world around them.
The creative responses from our students addressed driving questions that prompted them to think like historians, artists, scientists, mathematicians, journalists, and more. Finished projects were then collected and added to a digital time capsule so that future students can better understand what things were like for students and educators during this worldwide pandemic.
While technology has certainly allowed us the opportunity to communicate and connect with our school family, the staff and students at Riverview East are certainly missing the face-to-face relationships that truly make our program what it is. While google-hangouts, virtual proms, text messages, social media, phone calls, and hand-written letters have helped fill the void; Riverview East will always depend upon personal relationships, collaboration, and a true spirit of community. The following student "check-in" is a testament of the sacrifice we are all making while physically apart:
“Hey Jason, I saw this photo on Facebook today and it reminded me of a story I wanted to share with you. The summer before the 2018-2019 school year I had a very negative perspective on life, I mean I had to move houses and school in the same summer. But I did move and I did switch schools and it did completely change my perspective on life and on myself in such a positive way. Before I switched schools I had a very awful and extremely negative opinion on myself and my future but once I switched to REHS I became happier and happier and I acted more myself. I felt more myself and I was more myself, the fresh start was just what I needed. I have so much support at school inside and outside because I feel comfortable reaching out to the staff for help and to make someone's day. Jason thank you for working so hard and for caring for not only our school, but our education, our personal lives, and our general well being.”
Riverview East High School Staff Spotlight
May 4-8, 2020 is Teacher Appreciation Week.
Each teacher at Riverview East High School brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to our classrooms. What they all bring to our program collectively is an overwhelming sense of kindness, empathy, caring, and love. Riverview East is more than a school, it is a family. It is with great love and appreciation that we honor our teachers and thank them for their dedication and determination to shape minds and touch hearts.
Calling all Kindergarten/Young Five Age Eligible Children!
It's not too late to sign up for Kindergarten/Young Fives for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. If you have already filled the Interest Form out but know someone who may be interested please share this information with them. To express your interest in enrolling, please complete the Interest Form below.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to the East China School District! With the recent passage of Bond 2020, we have many new and exciting opportunities awaiting all current and incoming students.
Pandemic EBT Program
Dear Parents,
We are aware that many families may be experiencing a reduction or loss of income due to the closures affecting all of us. Please know that we can continue to accept applications for free and reduced price meals during the school closure. If your student(s) is already approved for free meals, there is no need to reapply. You can apply online on Skyward Family Access or you may fill out the attached paper application and return it at next Wednesday’s meal pick-up sites.
We realize that breakfast and lunch at school aren’t available, but there are many more benefits that are available for families based on free and/or reduced meal benefit eligibility status. I strongly encourage you to apply if your family situation has changed, or you didn’t apply in the past. Please remember that your children’s benefit eligibility status will remain in effect for the first 30 operating days of the 2020-2021 school year.
If you turn in your application and your benefit eligibility status changes to free or reduced, you will be eligible for Pandemic EBT benefits. The benefit will be $5.70 per day per child, for each of your family members 18 years of age or younger, or enrolled in a special education program 26 years of age or younger.
Sincerely,
Julie Humphrey
Director of Dining Services
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
Need to change your contact information in skyward?
Skylert Notifications
- Skylert enables parents to receive notifications concerning your child(ren) such as school emergencies, attendance, low food service account balances, school delays and closings
- Parents have control over which notifications to receive and how you would like to receive them
- Skylert can be found by logging into your Skyward account. Once logged in, go to the menu on the left and click on the Skylert tab. Update contact information and add preferences to receive notifications.
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