East China School District News

December 17 - PLC Early Release

December 22-January 2 - Christmas Recess - No School

January 5 - First day back

January 14 - Half day MS/HS Only (Hours 1 & 2)

January 15 - Half day MS/HS Only (Hours 3 & 4)

January 16 - Half day All Students (Hours 5 & 6) (Elem. PM)

January 21 - PLC Early Release

I want to extend warm wishes to our entire school community for a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas and a hopeful start to the New Year. This time of year invites reflection, gratitude, and generosity, and it reminds us that the greatest gifts are not always wrapped in paper and ribbon. Within our district, there are children, families, and even adults who are facing significant challenges, and a simple act of kindness—whether through time, compassion, or support—would make a meaningful difference in their lives. When we look out for one another and lend a helping hand to those in need, we model the very values we hope to instill in our students.

Thank you for being a district that cares deeply for each other. May your holidays be filled with peace and purpose, and may the coming year bring health, hope, and continued generosity to all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Suzanne Cybulla

Marine City High School students took center stage at the November Board of Education meeting as they shared an inside look at the many extracurricular clubs and organizations available to their peers. Representing groups such as Interact Club, Student Government, National Honor Society (NHS), and Peer to Peer, students spoke about the purpose of their clubs, the events they coordinate, and the leadership and service opportunities each organization provides.

From community service projects and school-wide initiatives to peer mentoring and student-led activities, the presentation showcased the positive impact these groups have on both the school and the broader community. The Board expressed appreciation for the students’ involvement and for the staff who support these programs, recognizing how vital extracurricular opportunities are to student growth, collaboration, and school culture.

Student presenters pictured from left to right. Front row: Lily Shink, Hailey Townsend, Gina Fowler, Lily Caruthers, Maddie Mackie, Brooke Rentzel, Lauren Muscat, Miley Negro. Second row: Jeremiah Michalski.

This year, ECSD introduced a new elementary writing model called ThinkSRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development). This program is designed to help students become more confident, independent, and strategic writers. One of the key strategies within this framework is TIDE, which stands for T– Topic Introduction, I– Important Evidence, D– Detailed Explanation, and E– Ending. The TIDE strategy is used to help students organize and develop their ideas when writing.

Pine River Third Grade Teacher Mackenzie Buslepp wrote and taught her students a song to remember the writing framework. Students sing the TIDE chant to help them remember each part and reinforce all the elements that should be included in their writing. It also is a fun way to get them engaged and excited for writing.

A video of Ms. Buslepp's students performing the song caught the attention of the ThinkSRSD founding director, Dr. Leslie Laud, who shared the video with other educators using the writing framework in their instruction.

The students and staff at Pine River honored 32 veterans on Veterans Day. All of the honorees were family members of students or East China School District employees. The ceremony was a way for the Pine River school community to say thank you and to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have worked to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy every day. It was also an opportunity for students to learn about the sacrifices that their classmates with active military parents make by spending time apart, moving, and supporting loved ones who are serving our nation.

On World Kindness Day in November, Pine River staff members helped spread kindness in the community by ringing the Salvation Army bell at Neiman's Grocery Store. Many Pine River families made a point to stop by to say hello and help support a cause that makes a difference for many families in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to Pine River's Harvesting Kindness Food Drive! Because of your generosity, the school collected 1,046 food items (827 pounds!) and $200 for the St. Clair Ecumenical Food Pantry. Your kindness will help families in our community enjoy a brighter, more nourishing season.

Several first graders and their amazing family members enjoyed a fun and engaging evening of math games designed to build mental math strategies, not just memorization. A huge thank you to Tiffany Bean, Beth Trudeau, and Kris Jensen, who planned the event after recently receiving specialized training from St. Clair County RESA math consultant Laura Chambless. They were honored to have Mrs. Chambless join them that evening to share the why behind developing strong mental math strategies in young learners. Her expertise helped families see how these skills build true number sense and long-term success.

Students in lower and upper elementary classes are teaming up for Book Buddies at Pine River. Each class has a counterpart on the other side of the building, and they meet at least once a month for reading and literacy activities. Older students model strong reading fluency, expression, and confidence, while younger students practice their decoding skills and growing fluency right alongside them. It is amazing to see older Pioneers mentoring younger readers and building a love of literacy together!

The Pine River PTO hosted a “Home for the Holidays” Family Fun Night. It was everything their school community is all about: joy, togetherness, and a whole lot of cozy pajama spirit! The hallways were filled with families laughing, playing, crafting, sipping hot cocoa, and making memories. There were also photos with Santa Claus and against a Winter Wonderland backdrop taken by Erica DeRue. It was a memorable night of Pioneer fun, connection, and community!

Our Pine River second graders had a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with fifth-grade buddies on a creative engineering-art project inspired by Balloons Over Broadway. Together, the students designed and decorated their own parade balloons, brainstorming ideas, sketching designs, and bringing their creations to life with teamwork and excitement. The older students helped guide the process while encouraging the younger students’ imagination and problem-solving skills. The project culminated in a joyful school parade where the students proudly carried their balloons, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of innovation.

Our third grade also became puppeteers for their own parade. The students created animals, minions, dinosaurs, and many other characters to fly high in our hallway. It was an amazing sight to see!

The East China Educational Foundation (ECEF) is proud to announce that the 15th annual CHILI-HEART event is now open for registration. We ask that you consider supporting the ECEF in this event on Saturday, February 7, 2026 by registering & participating in one, or more, of the following:

📌 5K RUN (t-shirt, medals, awards, & attend the chili cook-off)

📌 2-mile WALK (t-shirt, medal, & attend the chili cook-off)

📌 COMPETE with your chili in a Chili Cook-Off (awards, certificate, compete & attend)

📌 ATTEND the Chili Cook-Off (attend the cook-off & enjoy)

📌 Virtual Participant or Donor (support ECEF)

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the East China Educational Foundation Chairperson, Mike Domagalski, at 810-689-4447.

*** The East China Educational Foundation is a board of Marine City & St. Clair residents that work on fundraisers like this to provide ECSD teachers and students with supplemental materials and/or enrichment opportunities in the form of awarded grants multiple times throughout each school year. ***

The Central Office Art Wall is showcasing an impressive new collection this month, featuring artwork created by talented students from St. Clair High School under the guidance of art teacher Sara Black. This display highlights advanced techniques and creative range, including drawings, paintings, and mixed-media work that reflect the strong artistic foundation built in SCHS’s art program.

Staff have praised the exhibit for its professionalism, originality, and the mature artistic voice demonstrated by the students. The display adds both inspiration and sophistication to the CO halls.

Congratulations to our St. Clair High School artists and Sara Black for sharing their exceptional work and representing their school with such creativity and skill.

Jay Liebetreu has been with Chartwells for 2 years and is a valued member of our Marine City kitchen team. Jay is known for her motivation, willingness to help others, and her strong initiative—always stepping in to complete tasks without hesitation and often before being asked.

Thank you, Jay, for your hard work and dedication!

The SCCASB will award up to five (5) $1,000 scholarships to five seniors attending our local district high schools. The scholarship award is a competitive process. Each application received will be evaluated by a committee of school board members from across the county. Applicants will be evaluated together as a group. Points may be awarded for grade point average, leadership, financial need, evidence of self-help, community service, etc. All senior students are eligible to apply.

The SCCASB has eliminated the criteria that the student must choose teaching or some other education-related profession to be considered a candidate. Students who are planning to attend a community college or trade school for any profession are eligible. Students who are planning to attend a 4-year university or college are also eligible, regardless of their career track.

Two ways to apply (choose one):

Click to start the PDF application.

Click to start the online application.

The application, along with supporting documents, must be submitted by March 6, 2026, online or by mail, fax, or email. The documents should be addressed to Kris Murphy, PO Box 1500, Marysville, MI 48040, fax 810.455.4535, murphy.kris@sccresa.org.

Superintendent Suzanne Cybulla can be reached at scybulla@ecsd.us or by calling the East China School District at 810.676.1018.

Email: info@ecsd.us
Website: www.eastchinaschools.org
Phone: 810-676-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/EastChinaSchools

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