East China School District News

March 27 - 1/2 Day Elementary Only (End of 3rd Marking Period)

March 30-April 6 - Spring Break (No School)

April 15 - PLC Early Release

April 27 - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Want to see more of the great things happening in our schools? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for student highlights, celebrations, reminders, and behind-the-scenes moments from across the district. For important updates, resources, and the latest news, be sure to visit our district website.

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Sincerely,

Suzanne Cybulla

At the February 23, 2026 Board of Education meeting, St. Clair High School was featured as the Spotlight School, highlighting several innovative pilot courses designed to spark student interest and expand learning opportunities.

Teachers Bob York, Jake Durham, and Stefanie Gill shared insights into their unique classes, Meterology, History of Rock and Roll, and History of Conspiracy, giving the Board a glimpse into the engaging topics students are exploring. Each teacher discussed what their course covers, how the content connects to real-world learning, and the positive feedback they’ve received from students who appreciate the opportunity to study subjects that feel fresh, relevant, and thought-provoking.

Inclusion has always been a guiding principle in the East China School District. However, housing all 3 of the elementary cognitively impaired classrooms at St. Clair River Elementary has provided a unique opportunity for the school to focus heavily on building a culture of inclusion from the opening day of the school. This has been implemented through being designated a Unified Champion Special Olympics School, building an inclusive playground, signing a school-wide pledge to include, incorporating a Special Olympics My K as part of the Fun Run, and implementing the house system where students with cognitive impairments are integrated into all houses. This mindset is further built through a strong Peer Links program, which incorporates neurotypical peers participating with our cognitively impaired students during a daily Special Olympics group and specials.

Most recently, a Special Olympics Bowling Club was run once a week after school at the Voyageur Bowling Alley in St. Clair. Students in the cognitively impaired program and neurotypical Peer Links had an amazing time bowling together and building genuine friendships each week. The principal, Mr. Zimmer, and gym teacher, Mrs. Jones, were special guest bowlers in different lanes each week. Adult support was provided by staff volunteers, but by the end of the program, the students knew the routine, and the adults were able to step back and watch extraordinary kids have fun interacting with each other. It has been remarkable to watch all students at St. Clair River Elementary School benefit from developing and growing in an inclusive mindset.

Waddle on over to the library, because our school has officially transformed into a chilly wonderland to celebrate March is Reading Month! This year, we are diving beak-first into the classic tale of Mr. Popper’s Penguins. From the moment students step into the hallways, they are greeted by life-sized penguin cutouts and "snow-covered" classroom doors that bring the Poppers' Stillwater home to life. To keep the excitement sliding along, every morning announcement features a "Question of the Day,"

The fun doesn't stop at the pages, though; we have a flurry of activities planned to make the story unforgettable. We had an amazing Kickoff Assembly hosted by the St. Clair Police Foundation, spirit days, contests, guest readers, and we will finish with a popcorn and movie day where all classes will show Mr. Popper’s Penguins.

St. Clair River Elementary is proud to have implemented a school-wide house system. This system enhances school culture, encourages student leadership, develops a sense of belonging, builds friendships, acceptance, and promotes unity and pride within our school. It allows our students to become something bigger than themselves and to see that their actions affect their house and their school in a positive way. The House System concept was originally developed by the works of Ron Clark, a teacher from Atlanta, Georgia, who wanted a school that ran on the premise of family, belonging, academic and personal growth, and the teaching of what it means to be a contributing member of society. This ideology and a lot of hard work and dedication from some amazing staff, St. Clair River Elementary-Home of the Dragons, bring you a glimpse of our DRAGON HOUSE SYSTEM.

St. Clair River Elementary is proudly showcasing student creativity on the Art Wall at the CO, featuring a vibrant collection of unique and imaginative pieces. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of artistic styles and techniques, including Exquisite Corpse collaborations, Mondrian-inspired designs, Jasper Johns crosshatching explorations, and colorful Radial Name creations. The display also includes Joan Blond–inspired works, Polar Bears and Snowflakes, Monster Collages, Fractured Pumpkin Spice pieces, and whimsical Tooth Fairy art.

A special thank you to art teacher Twila Wayt for inspiring our students and guiding them through these creative experiences. Her dedication to fostering artistic expression is evident in every piece on display. Everyone is amazed at the incredible talent of the St. Clair River Elementary students!

Mariner Drama recently took its production of Go, Dog. Go! on the road, performing for students at Pine River Elementary and Belle River Elementary. The lively stage adaptation had elementary students laughing, cheering, and eagerly responding to the high-energy performance. For MC’s student actors, the opportunity to bring theater directly to younger ECSD students made the experience especially meaningful. Director Jay McCulloch shared that it had been a longtime dream to take a show to the elementary schools, so more students could encounter live theater. Seeing the big smiles and hearing the laughter from the audience made the day unforgettable.

Pine River Elementary Principal Rachel Card shared her appreciation after the performance, calling it “one of the most entertaining assemblies we have had all year,” and praising the Mariner students for how well they engaged the younger audience. With a story about dogs performed on Snoopy Day, in memory of Michelle Drumb, it made it that much more special.

Robyn Smith-Herr Belle River Elementary Principal said "It really meant a lot to our students and staff to have the MCHS production of Go Dog Go! come to us and shine such a bright light on a difficult day. It was the perfect way to celebrate and honor Michelle with a Dr. Seuss book, music, drama, dancing, and laughter. The smiles on the faces of our staff and students said it all."

Visit our website to learn more about enrolling your student and to find important dates, requirements, and resources. You will find step-by-step guidance to help make the enrollment process simple and straightforward. We encourage families to explore the site and contact Lisa Volkman at lvolkman@ecsd.us with any questions. https://www.eastchinaschools.org/o/ecsd/page/enrollment

Visit our website to learn more about enrollment opportunities at our Early Learning Center for our youngest learners. You will find details on programs, eligibility, and important timelines designed to support a strong start to learning. We encourage families to contact Chris Klecha cklecha@ecsd.us with any questions. https://www.eastchinaschools.org/page/early-childhood-center

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastchinaschooldistrict/