ECA News: The Inside Scoop

Yesterday’s Unity in the Community was an awesome event! It was so exciting to see so many students turn out to celebrate the incredible diversity of our student body and to find ways to become more engaged in our community. Lots of clubs turned out to share their plans for the semester and to recruit new students. I spoke with a lot of students who found one or more clubs that they are planning to get involved with. Here is our Unity Banner, with handprints from so many of our community! See more pics, in the News.

Last weekend, ECA Pi organized a fantastic tailgating party–it was a gorgeous day, a great turnout, and EMU won the Homecoming Game! We had 10 chili entries in the cook-off! They were all delicious; I tasted all of them! Patricia Dace took home the first prize medal. Thanks to everyone who helped out and showed up to make this a fabulous event! I added some pics in the News, below.

Next week is going to be a big week in ECA classes, as it’s the last week before Soft Skills Review Day. You will probably notice that there will be tests, quizzes, and papers coming due next week because our teachers will be getting ready to provide updated feedback on Review Day. Conferences follow Review Day, and are a chance for students to report out on their semester to their parents/guardians and CORE Advisors facilitating. Conferences are mandatory for first year & Academy students, Returning Academy 10th graders, and returning students with ECA classes OR in their first full-time EMU semester. There is more info in the rest of this Newsletter about both days.

Please pay special attention to the calendar as October nears. The week of October 6 is very different, with no regular ECA high school classes; instead, there is a CLICK event on Monday, 10/6, Soft Skills Review Day on Tuesday 10/7, and Conferences the rest of the week. EMU CLASSES MEET AS NORMAL DURING THIS WEEK (10/6-10).

The week of October 13th is also very different, for those who are in college classes, because it’s EMU’s fall break. EMU classes will not meet during that entire week, but ECA CLASSES MEET AS NORMAL DURING THIS WEEK (10/13-17).

Finally, Friday, Oct. 24 will be a day with no ECA classes and limited Main Office staffing. EMU CLASSES MEET AS NORMAL ON THIS DAY.

~Dr. Fischer

ECA Pi's Homecoming Tailgate Party Pics!

Character Quote of the Week

Mx. Zein's classes in discussion groups all around Porter.

Click HERE to see the menu for next week.

Please note: October 24th is a teacher work day. ECA students DO NOT have classes. EMU is in session. There will not be any breakfasts or lunches this day, not even pantry items. If you have EMU classes on Oct. 24, please bring food from home for breakfast and lunch.

ECA Breakfast and Lunch Information:

• Students will not need to order meals ahead of time. They can just come to King 122 and pick them up.
• If a student forgets their lunch or needs a meal for whatever reason but doesn’t usually pick up, they can still come to King 122 and pick up a meal. I will have extras.
• Meals are free for all ECA students this year.
• Breakfasts can be picked up in King 122. Breakfast will be served between 8am and 9am unless the student makes other arrangements with Mrs. Dace.
• Lunch can be picked up in King 122. Academy Lunch (9th grade) is at 12:30. Everyone else’s lunch is at 11:50.
• All meals are pork-free. All meals are free of peanut products.
• Gluten-free and other special diet needs require a physician-signed form. Contact Mrs. Dace to get the form.
• Soy milk does not require a physician's signature, but a parent/guardian needs to request soy milk (contact Mrs. Dace to get the form).

Please email Mrs. Dace (dace@earlycollegealliance.info) for any breakfast or lunch questions!

Need community service hours for CLICK? Please consider donating NEW socks of all sizes to help members of our community in need via SOS Community Services! The sock donation drive runs from October 1st - 31st.

Be sure to bring socks to Mrs. Jackson BEFORE you put your socks in the decorated bin by the MC Lounge to get a raffle ticket (5 or more pairs). Every FIVE pairs donated earns an entry for a FREE Pizza Thursday Card. Take a picture of you/and your donated items and upload to Innerview for community service hours (contact Ms. Fountain or Ms. Squirewell with Innerview questions).

Did you know socks can reduce the risk of infection, prevent frostbite, and foster good hygiene? We appreciate your donations and Support! ~Student Leaders

Students and parents/guardians should watch for sign-up information from their CORE Advisor for Fall conferences for all First Year, Academy, Returning Academy & students who are in a hybrid or full college schedule for the first time. Conferences are scheduled for Oct. 8, 9, & 10. Our conferences are student-led; students prepare a short presentation detailing their grades and soft skills credentials in each class, with the parents as audience members and the CORE Advisor as the facilitator. Students will be preparing for these conferences in Soft Skills in the coming weeks. Conferences are mandatory! Please Note: There are no ECA Classes on 10/8-10 to accommodate Conferences.

HERE is more information about participant roles and how to prepare!

Red Cards are being sent via US Mail to students with EMU (college) courses today. Red Cards verify your enrollment in your EMU courses, and meeting this requirement is an extremely important responsibility. You must get your cards signed between October 1 and October 22. If you did not receive the mailing, there will be plenty of extra sheets that you can pick up anytime, right outside Mrs. Jackson’s office (221 King Hall). Red cards are DUE TO CORE ADVISORS NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22.

Students who need ECA ID cards: All ECA students need to have an ECA ID card. You can have a new ECA ID each year–but you don’t have to get a new one if your old one is working (the picture is clear & the magnetic stripe is functional). If you did NOT get an ECA ID card, or if you need a new one for this year, there are two ways to get this handled:

1. Email your E-ID number and headshots to EagleOneCard@emich.edu. The photo requirements are as follows:

• Background Solid White

• Similar to a passport book photo

• Color Only

• Minimal facial expressions or a natural smile with both eyes open

• Centered with full face in frame

• Cropped just above the head to the collarbone

• Taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance

• Saved as a .JPG file type

Photo should not

• Include hats, sunglasses, headphones or clothing obscuring the face

• Noticeable background shadows or glare

• Be too close/selfies

PARENTS & GUARDIANS: Our Student Leaders are requesting some items to be donated to make the event a success for all of the students. Please sign up for an item or two! You may drop items off in the Main Office (221 King Hall) with Mrs. Jackson or send them with your student. The sign-up for Harvest Hangout donations can be found HERE, and donations can go toward your parent commitment. Please email Mrs. Jackson with any questions. Thanks in advance for your help!

Academy, Returning Academy, and First-Year Students

Greetings, students. I hope the semester is going well for you!

Just a few reminders:

• The first assignment on Canvas, Academic and Personal goals, is due today, Friday, Sep 26, 2025, by 11:59.
• Please make sure you are reading the weekly Monday morning announcement that I send through Canvas. It details important and relevant information for all my students.
• Our first CLICK day is Monday, Oct 6, 2025, from 9:00-12noon. Please report to the Student Center Ballroom.
• Student-led conferences will start on Wednesday, Oct 8 - Friday, Oct 10th. Please make sure to sign up with your Core Advisor.
• Semester meetings with me have begun. Look for my availability in the weekly Monday morning email that I send out.

Local Mental Health Resources

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to stop by my office, 327 King, or email me at fountain@earlycollegealliance.info.

Juniors, Seniors, and Scholars

I hope your semester is going well…remember your “Why”!

• Your Personal and Academic Goals CLICK assignment is due today, September 26th!!

• If you are enrolled in EMU classes, you should be receiving your RED cards in the mail soon! RED Cards start on October 1st. If you are enrolled in any online courses, you will follow the instructions on CANVAS. RED cards must be submitted for late start classes as well. Red cards are due by 10/22.

• You need access to PS!!! If you are unable to access PS, please contact Mr. Patel.

• Click below to schedule a meeting with ME!! We can meet virtually or in person in 322 King Hall. https://calendly.com/squirewell/30min

• VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR (Option for a CLICK Educational Planning Activity)

• Completing Seniors and Scholars: Please sign up for a Post Secondary Planning Meeting

• Completing Seniors and Scholars: College Application Month starts October 1st…yay!!

• Class of 2026 ONLY: If you are participating in the 2026 Graduation Ceremony and would like to purchase a Senior Package, please CLICK HERE to place your order. Prices shown are good through December 19th ONLY. Each package price will INCREASE by $25 starting December 20th. The last day to submit this ORDER FORM and PAY for a package is February 27, 2026. Late orders will result in additional fees and/or limited availability of items.

• SENIOR CLASS T-SHIRT & HOODIE DESIGN CONTEST - Details coming soon!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at squirewell@earlycollegealliance.info

CONGRATULATIONS to this month's winner of a FREE Pizza Thursday Card - Devon Walker! Please see Mrs. Jackson in the main office.

Make your way to Pizza Thursday on Thursdays during both ECA lunch periods from 11:50-1:00 in King Hall's MC Lounge (across from the main office, room 221).

Enjoy HOT Little Caesars Pizza with other ECA students! To participate in Pizza Thursday, you must first buy a Punch Card:

• Punch Cards are $5 (cash only, please!) and are always available in Mrs. Jackson’s office (221 King).
• Each Punch Card is good for any 5 items (a slice of pizza, canned pop, water, or candy). We will have cheese and cheese/pepperoni pizza from Little Caesars.
• Punch Cards with remaining punches can be saved for use at a later date.
• Payment for Punch Cards must be made in full at the time of purchase.
• You must have a Punch Card to participate in Pizza Thursday.

Please note that pizza is on a first-come, first-served basis. If a student does not get pizza, they can see Mrs. Dace in King 122 for options from the food pantry.

Turn in your fully punched pizza cards for a chance to win a FREE pizza punch card, drawn monthly!

Email Mrs. Jackson (jackson@earlycollegealliance.info) with any questions.

Pics from classrooms and around campus this week!

Unity in the Community!

Firearm Safety Information - Michigan’s Secure Storage Law

As Michigan state law requires, WEOC programs provide families with important information about safe firearm storage practices to help protect children in our community. Please CLICK HERE for more information.

EMU Mental Health Task Force and Washtenaw County Mental Health Department Collab

The EMU Mental Health Task Force has been working with the Washtenaw County Mental Health Department to build partnerships with their support services and service providers within the county. This fall, they will also begin "Wish You Knew-EMU, a marketing campaign to accompany our "We Care" campaign, which include monetary research opportunities for participants.

Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students

Pleas CLICK HERE for more information.

Career Technical Education Proposal: Vote on or by November 4, 2025

On November 4, 2025, voters residing within the Washtenaw Intermediate School District’s service area will be asked to consider a 1 mill tax that would support the expansion of Career Technical Education (CTE) learning experiences from preschool through high school graduation.

CTE helps students understand why they learn what they learn from PreK-12, and it opens doors to college, careers and beyond.

If a CTE millage is approved by voters in November, students in preschool, elementary, middle and high school would benefit from new programs and expansion of existing programs. Washtenaw County’s CTE framework would span from PreK-12, with age-appropriate experiences that build on each other as students grow and learn. Learn more by CLICKING HERE.

WMBK 3rd Annual Gala Dinner

Come join us for a night of unity and celebration at the WMBK 3rd Annual Gala Dinner!

Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper (WMBK) is dedicated to empowering multiple generations to build community by using innovative means to change narratives, practices and policies; resulting in improved outcomes for young men and boys of color in Washtenaw County.

We're excited for year 3! It's that time of year again to get fly and share some good vibes, food and celebrate the accomplishments of WMBK! Individual tickets are less than $60 or purchase an entire table at a discounted rate. Get your tickets today!

BUY MY WMBK GALA TICKETS

Sunday, October 26th
5:00pm-8:00pm
Eastern Michigan University
Student Center, Grand Ballroom A
900 Oakwood Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Dexter:

Dexter Home District Families - please CLICK HERE for updates! Dexter District does not provide "shareable" e-blasts. So, your ECA District Liaison will be copying and pasting snippets with links and more details for you -- and sharing them to a Dexter-ECA google doc (accessible and updated throughout the year).

This week's info/updates include:

• info on how to subscribe to the Dexter e-news
• how to get your student a DHS ID card
• fall sports (and how to sign up)
• Community flyers (exchange program, travel opportunities, vaccine clinic, etc).
• Dexter extracurricular info (2025-2026 DCS Clubs & Activities Slideshow!).
• Upcoming events such as the Marching Band exhibition on 9/24, Dexter Homecoming (weekend of 10/10), and Shakespeare's MacBeth (weekend of 10/23).

Manchester:

Homecoming week September 29th- October 4th.

Powderpuff tournament, grades 9-12- two night event (Oct 1 at 6pm, Oct 2 at 7pm)

Parade Oct 2, 5:30pm,

Pep Rally

Homecoming Game - This years homecoming theme is “Once Upon A Time.” Ticket sales for the homecoming dance will be sold during both lunches in front of the office for $10 a ticket next Monday. Guest Homecoming forms are due the Friday before homecoming and an be found in the office.

Saline:

Meet the Superintendent: Fall Edition -- Our new Superintendent, Dr. Rachel Kowalski is hosting events to meet families and community members this fall. These upcoming events are designed to create space for open conversation, thoughtful questions, and celebrating the pride we share in Saline Area Schools. Please consider attending and upcoming event:

Pizza & Priorities — October 6 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Liberty School

Trunk or Treat — October 22 | 6:30 PM | Downtown Saline

Tailgate with the Team — October 24 | 5:30–7:00 PM | Hornet Stadium

AAPS - Skyline:

HERE is a link to Skyline's weekly newsletter, where you will find a lot of info about building-level things that ECA students don't need to worry about--but also information about:

• Ordering Skyline yearbooks
• Athletics
• Senior Parent Meeting
• Homecoming - which is this coming week!

AAPS-Pioneer:

ECA-Pioneer students who need a Pioneer Student ID: click on the link for the High5 ID. If you are in the Pioneer database, put in your student ID and take a selfie. This will get you a Pioneer virtual ID and allow you to attend the athletic events for free. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Anglin at 734-994-2120

If students will be absent, tardy, or need to leave campus early, the following procedure must be followed:

• Parents/Guardians should notify the Attendance Office (attendance@earlycollegealliance.info, 734-487-7882) that the student will be absent, tardy, or picked up early, along with the reason.
• If the student is absent/late/leaving early, they should contact their teachers.
• If the student is waiting to be picked up, they must wear a mask (if sick), and they must be in King Hall where an ECA adult can see them.
• If the student leaves early, they MUST come to the main office FIRST and sign out each time they leave campus early!

Again, if your student will be absent for all or part of the day, parents/guardians must notify the ECA Attendance Office (734-487-7882) or attendance@earlycollegealliance.info so that the absence may be documented.