East China School District News

May 13 - PLC Early Release Day

May 18 - Regular Board of Education Meeting

May 22 - Kinders & Caps SCHS, St. Clair River and Pine River Elementary 9:30 AM - 10 am

May 22 - Kinders & Caps MCHS, Palms and Belle River Elementary 11:15 am - 11:45 am

May 25 - Memorial Day - No School

May 31 - MCHS Graduation at Noon

May 31 - SCHS Graduation at 4:00 PM

Dear East China School Community,

As we approach the close of another school year in the East China School District, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the many moments—both challenging and celebratory—that have shaped this journey for our students, staff, and families. Through it all, what stands out most is the strength and unwavering support of our community.

Our small communities are truly something special. Time and again, we see how deeply connected we are—how we show up for one another, how we celebrate together, and how we lift each other up. Our schools are stronger because of you, and our students succeed because they are surrounded by a community that believes in them.

The end of the school year is one of my favorite times, as it gives us so many opportunities to honor the growth, achievements, and milestones of our students. I warmly invite all members of our community to join us in these celebrations.

One of our newest traditions, Kinders and Caps, will take place on May 22. On this special day, our kindergarten students will meet our graduating seniors on the 50-yard line of the stadium—a powerful and symbolic moment that highlights both the beginning and culmination of our students’ educational journeys.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 at our high school graduation ceremonies on May 31. Marine City High School will hold its ceremony at 12:00 p.m., followed by St. Clair High School at 4:00 p.m. These events are a testament to years of hard work, perseverance, and growth, and we hope you will join us in congratulating our graduates.

In the days leading up to graduation, our seniors will participate in meaningful traditions, including their final walk through the halls of their elementary schools—a heartfelt moment that reconnects them with where their journey began. We will also celebrate our students through prom, honors ceremonies, and other recognition of achievement.

Across the district, our middle and elementary schools will host field days, awards ceremonies, and classroom celebrations, all designed to recognize the progress and accomplishments of all of our learners. In addition, our talented students will take the stage at the Performing Arts Center for a variety of band and choir concerts. I encourage you to review the schedule included in this newsletter and attend these wonderful performances.

Each of these events represents more than a date on the calendar—they are reflections of the dedication of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the incredible support of our families and community. Together, we create an environment where students can grow, achieve, and feel valued.

Thank you for being such an important part of the East China School District. I hope to see many of you at these upcoming celebrations as we honor this school year and look forward to the future with pride and optimism.

With appreciation,

Suzanne Cybulla

At the March 23, 2026 Board of Education meeting, St. Clair River Elementary was featured as the Spotlight School celebrating the Dragon House System.

Ziva Papuga, Ainsley Lafferty, Bear Cook, Luca Burd, Laudie Sultemeier, Oliver McDonald, Reid Westrick, James Sutinen, Grayson Turner, Andi Colantuono, Daniel Bishop, Sophia Ventimiglia, Frank Somers, Riley Milbreath, Frank Antonelli, Amari Miller, and Jaxcen Aldrigde were on hand to help the Board learn about the Dragon Council, inclusion, Dragon Scales, house meetings, and assemblies.

Thanks to the ECEF grant, our MCMS STEM classroom has undergone a total transformation! We were able to purchase two Chompsaws, along with replacement and extra work kits, and the impact was immediate.

Elevating Design & Intricate Builds

Before we had these tools, students were using box cutters to prep their materials. It was a slow process that often led to wasted cardboard and messy edges. Now, the students are planning much more intricate designs because they know they can actually execute them.

Our first project we elevated with the Chompsaws was a detailed animatronic. Students used optical sensors and cam and follower mechanisms to make their creations come to life. They’ve even leveled up their coding, using conditional statements to program their robots to detect objects and move decorative elements automatically. Because they aren't spending all their time struggling just to cut the cardboard, they have way more time to focus on the "heavy lifting"—the code and the structural integrity of their builds. Students are currently working on a culminating project where they were able to choose to build a roller coaster, a robot pet toy, or a food dispenser.

Confidence and Creativity

One of the coolest things to watch has been the shift in student confidence. Before, even with proper training, a lot of students were hesitant or nervous to use box cutters. That hesitation really limited their desire to build and decorate.

Now, that fear is gone. All of the students are excited to create and eager to use the Chompsaws. Because they feel safe and confident, they are putting much more effort into the "extra" details and decorations that make their builds unique.

A Safer, More Independent Classroom

The biggest shift has been the classroom environment. With box cutters, safety was a constant concern, and every cut was strictly monitored. The Chompsaws use completely safe technology that can’t cut skin, which has been a game-changer.

Students now have the autonomy to grab their tools and work at their own convenience without needing constant permission. This freedom has allowed me to step back from "safety monitor" mode and spend my time where it matters most: diving into the curriculum and working one-on-one with groups to supplement their learning.

We are so grateful for the support of the ECEF—these tools have truly allowed our students to show up with a great attitude and put incredible effort into their builds!

Wednesday, March 11th, Marine City Choirs teacher, Ms. Erin Kurtz brought her 6th grade choir and 7th/8th grade combined choir to the 2026 Michigan School Vocal Music Association’s (MSVMA) District-level Festival. Events at Festival include Solo & Ensemble, with performances of two contrasting songs. We are proud to announce both the 6th grade and 7th/8th grade combined choir received Division 1 Excellent ratings! On Monday, April 27th, the 7th/8th grade combined choir will continue their journey at the State Festival, held in Marysville, Michigan. Not only will they be evaluated by expert judges from around the country, they will have the opportunity to hear some of the best choirs in the state of Michigan! We are so impressed with their talent and extremely proud to have them represent Marine City Middle School at the State Festival!

Please enjoy the following selection, which is one of two, they will be performing on Monday.

“When I Am Silent” is a choral piece composed by Joan Varner - she composed this piece after visiting Auchwitz and seeing the conditions that young people would endure in those places. She was moved by the fact that so many young people would never get the chance to experience simple joys - like singing and dancing - because their lives were cruelly taken. In singing this piece, the choir becomes the answer to the question that the music asks: “Who will sing my song when I am silent?” We remember the stories of those lost through this music.

Imagine your child guiding a spacecraft to the moon, analyzing geological data, or keeping a crew alive in deep space. That's exactly what 7th graders did last week. Students were assigned actual NASA roles such as: Navigation, Geology, Robotics, Weather, Medical, Life Support, Communications and Biology. The students completed their roles at Mission Control and on the Spacecraft. While at the learning center, they used STEM strategies to complete their part of the mission and we are pleased to report they were able to explore and find a suitable lava tube in which NASA could create a long-term habitat in the future.

Students were also able to: explore the hands-on science exploration area, where they were challenged with constructing a boat that could hold the most mass, program a robot to light up, make sounds and move in a certain path. During their visit to the Natural Science Museum at the college, they were able to create different landforms, like a volcano at the interactive sand table.

The Art Wall at CO is showcasing a vibrant new exhibit this month, featuring artwork created by students from Marine City Middle School under the guidance of art teacher Marney Williams. The display highlights a creative mix of watercolor maps, detailed drawings, and expressive abstract pieces, each reflecting the unique perspectives and growing artistic skills of the students.

This collection offers a glimpse into the variety of techniques and ideas explored in the classroom, as students experiment with color, design, and personal expression. The exhibit adds a fresh and engaging energy to the Central Office space, inviting viewers to pause and take in the creativity on display.

A special thank you to Marney Williams for her collaboration in making this exhibit possible, and to the Marine City Middle School artists for sharing their work and talents with our district.

Mariner Drama proudly presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical—a story full of imagination, courage, and a little bit of mischief! Join us for two magical evenings on Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for Students & Seniors

Family Four Pack – $40 (2 adults + 2 students/seniors) — Presale only, available through April 30th

Click here to purchase tickets

Gather your family, bring your imagination, and get ready for a night of pure theatrical magic—you won’t want to miss it! Tickets can also be purchased at the Marine City High School Box Office (1085 Ward Street) from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

East China Schools is proud to be hosting Camp Invention at St. Clair River Elementary this summer! This is an exciting opportunity offered through the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Participating students will explore exciting hands-on challenges that spark curiosity and build confidence as they dive into limitless STEM fun full of opportunities to imagine, experiment and create.

For more information about camp and to register, click the "register here for Camp Invention" button! The $40 discount code expires at the end of the month, and we do have limited scholarship opportunities available - contact your child's principal for scholarship information.

Courtney joined our team at the start of this school year and has already made an incredible impact. She consistently exceeds expectations through her hard work, flexibility, and willingness to jump in wherever needed.

Courtney brings a positive attitude each day, building great relationships with both students and staff. Her dedication and team-first mindset do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have her as part of our team.

Thank you, Courtney, for all that you do!

Empowered Nutrition would like to give a HUGE thank you to all the schools that participated in March Is Reading Month!

We had over 120 kids stop in throughout the month to enjoy their FREE refresher or shake, grab a bookmark or pencil and grabbed a book from a local author. Seeing all the smiling faces and excitement about reading made this month so special for us! Congratulations to Brady Everitt from Pine River Elementary, the winner of our super fun reading basket filled with books, pens, bookmarks, a Squishmallow water bottle, and more!

Thank you again to everyone who participated and supported reading in our community. We loved celebrating with you!

Join Friends of the St. Clair River and the rest of the Stream Team. During this event, volunteers enter local rivers and streams, on a hunt for the tiny aquatic insects that hold clues to water quality.

This event is held on Satuday, May 2, 2026 from 10 am to Noon at both locations:

• Columbus County Park, 1670 Bauman Rd, Columbus, MI-Meet at the lodge
• Pine River Nauter Center, 2585 Castor Rd, Goodells, MI-Meet at the parking lot

This event is free of charge and open to all ages and abilities. Bring your own water, snacks, waders or rain boots. Email Melissa at melissa@scriver.org to register.

Huron Lady Sturgeon Cruises - June 6 at 11am & 1pm Buy Tickets

Get the hottest ticket on the water! Our 1.5-hour Sturgeon Cruise takes guests on the St. Clair River and Lake Huron featuring a live sturgeon aquarium experience and sturgeon activities from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s research vessel. During this narrated cruise, interact with wildlife biologists conducting research that is helping to reintroduce sturgeon around the Great Lakes. Ticket sales support our year-round education and conservation programs.

Live Sturgeon Touch Tank - All day, Lighthouse Beach
It’s a LIVE sturgeon encounter! Get up close and touch a lake sturgeon! Meet the Michigan DNR biologists leading the research on lake sturgeon.

Art Contest Voting
Vote for your favorite artwork using pocket change! The finalist's sturgeon art from 5th grade students were selected from hundreds of posters from across the Blue Water Area. It's up to the community to select the winners with pocket change. Help us catch a keeper and for your favorite art piece by casting your vote now.

Sturgeon Homecoming - 2:30pm, Lighthouse Beach
Meet at the touch tank on the beach to see both baby and adult Lake Sturgeon hand-released back to the wild.

Adopt A Sturgeon - All Day
Adopt a Lake Sturgeon that includes a 10” plush sturgeon, adoption certificate with naming opportunity, and species spotlight card full of data about your sturgeon. Click here to Adopt Your Sturgeon.

Kids Activities - All day, Pavilion
Meet us under the picnic pavilion for fish print painting, crafts, Seymour Sturgeon selfies, and more!

Food Trucks, Live Music, Giveaways, and More!

Great Lakes & Nature Vendors!

SCCCMH is gearing up for its 18th Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Run for Recovery!

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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Stay connected with everything happening at ECSD!

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/