East China School District News
Every Child.Every Day
Week of October 18, 2021
Upcoming Important Dates
October 20 Early Release Day
October 25 Board of Education meeting 6 p.m.
October 29 Half Day of School for Elementary Students
November 4 End of 1st marking period
November 5 Half Day of School for Elementary Students
November 10 Early Release Day
November 22 & 23 Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences
November 24-26 Thanksgiving Recess
Thank you ECSD principals
October is National Principals Month and the East China School District is lucky to have outstanding and caring professionals to lead our schools! They are the school leaders who play such an important role in the success of teachers, staff and students. Our principals face challenges with a positive attitude and always go the extra mile. You will see them at our students' drama productions, concerts, athletic events, proms, awards ceremonies and graduations.
They are the quiet leaders that in collaboration with their staff make it all happen. When the pandemic closed our schools they worked tirelessly to create the best school experiences possible for our students. There were many challenges big and small. For example when we needed a new way to hold graduation ceremonies during COVID-19, no problem, our principals came through with an amazing solution. There are so many examples of their positive leadership especially as we faced the challenges presented by COVID-19. I want to thank them for their leadership, their compassion and their willingness to take on new challenges. Being a principal is a rewarding but very difficult job, please take a moment to thank our ECSD principals, they don’t hear that often enough.
Thank you; Sherri Becker, Rachel Card, Mike Domagalski, Nicole Kirby, Dave Mroue, Ron Miller, Brad Robbins, Sandy Rutledge, Jessica Simons, Robyn Smith-Herr and Scott Westerhof
Suzanne Cybulla
Katelyne Click is the new school social worker at Gearing. She attended Saginaw Valley State University where she received her Bachelors in Social Work and Wayne State University where she received her Masters in Clinical Social Work. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her dog and coaching travel softball. She looks forward to meeting each and everyone of our students and families and is so excited to be a Gearing Gator!
Deborah Belanger is the new 3rd grade teacher at Gearing. This is her 12th year of teaching. She has been teaching middle school and finally decided to begin a new chapter in her life and begin teaching “the littles.” She is very excited to do so! She has two wonderful daughters, Jacquelyn, 26, who is going for her accounting degree and Kayla, 24, was just accepted to U of D Law. Mrs. Belanger adopted a dog from a rescue almost a year ago and she has been a blessing every day!
Patti Shaw is new to Gearing this year teaching STEAM. She has been teaching for 5 years. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, but the main focus is Science! And she LOVES science and enjoys sharing her passion with her students! Mrs. Shaw says, “Remember to encourage your child to do their best each and every day! Together we can make a positive influence on the world around us one child at a time!”
This is Jessica Jones’ 10th year in East China! She has taught kindergarten at Belle & Pine River, physical education at Pine River, and this year she is teaching technology, STEAM, & physical education at Pine River & Gearing! She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood from SVSU. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her three children (who were Gearing Gators!) & husband. She is excited to finally be a Gator too!
Calm Classroom
What is Calm Classroom and why are we doing it? Calm Classroom provides us with research-based mindfulness techniques we use to help students and staff to care for their mental and emotional health. The techniques help us manage stress and anxiety, and improves working memory, emotion regulation and self-monitoring.
Breathing, stretching, focusing, and relaxation techniques are just some of the activities our students are participating in and are designed to meet the needs of all learning and physical abilities.
What do our students and staff say?
“My class asks to do calm classroom breathing techniques. We usually do it after recess or when transitioning to a new activity. It helps them to regulate their emotions, so that they can focus on the next activity.” - Mrs. Osowski
“Calm Classroom makes me feel good” - Lillian B., 2nd grade
“Calm Classroom makes me happy!” - Payton Z., 2nd grade
“Calm Classroom helps me think better!” - Benny B., 2nd grade
“Calm Classroom makes me feel relaxed, Ms. Struyk.” - Ava B, 1st grade
“Calm Classroom makes me calm down.” - Dillyn, 1st grade"
“I could do this all day!" - Student in Mrs. Sulecki’s music class
"It makes me feel calm and relaxed." - Briella, 3rd grader
MC & SC Host MSBOA Competition
Elementary Grab & Go Meals on October 29th
Elementary Grab & Go Meals on Half Days
This year we will be offering grab & go meals on half days for all elementary students. Students will order lunch as they normally do every morning in their classroom. Lunches will be delivered to each classroom right before dismissal.
Thank you Chartwells Food Service!
Congratulations Marine City HS!
East China School District is Hiring!
East China School District is hiring for several positions: Please visit www.eastchinaschools.org click on the "Employment Tab" and select "ECSD Positions" for more information.
Community Coat Drive - 9 Drop Off Locations
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