East China School District News

November 19 - PLC Early Release

November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Recess - No School

December 4-7 - A Charlie Brown Christmas at the PAC

December 9 - SCHS Band Concert at the PAC 7 pm

December 11- SCMS Band Concert at the PAC 7 pm

December 12 - SC Choir Concert at the PAC 7 pm

December 15 - MC Band Holiday Concert at the PAC 7 pm

December 15 - Board of Education Meeting

December 16 - MC Choir Concert at the PAC 7 pm

December 17 - PLC Early Release

December 22-January 2 - Christmas Recess - No School

Dear East China School District Families and Community,

The 2025 MI HEARTSafe Schools ceremony was held Friday, November 7, at the MHSSA headquarters in East Lansing, where nearly 400 schools from across Michigan were honored for earning the MI HEARTSafe designation. This statewide program recognizes schools that meet rigorous standards to ensure they are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to cardiac emergencies.

East China School District is proud to announce that all district buildings were recognized as MI HEARTSafe Schools. The designation was awarded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the American Heart Association, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

School Nurse Karrie Mackie led the districtwide effort from the initial application through full program implementation, with valuable support from Michelle and Dave Kennedy. Their leadership and dedication were instrumental in achieving this important safety milestone.

The MI HEARTSafe Award underscores ECSD’s continued commitment to student and staff well-being. To earn the designation, schools must have trained CPR responders, a well-practiced emergency response plan, and accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the building—key components that help ensure a safe environment for all.

This recognition highlights our district’s ongoing promise to be prepared, proactive, and ready to protect the hearts and lives of everyone in our care.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Cybulla

The MCC Peer-to-Peer Program is all about building positive relationships beyond the classroom! Once a month, mentors and mentees come together for a fun activity that helps them connect and get to know each other better.

In the classroom, mentors spend a class period with their mentees — being positive role models, offering support, helping with organization, and working one-on-one to encourage success.

Zach Andrews, Joe Beckley, Andrew Bieth, Lillian Biggs, Kellen Bradley, Paige Briley, Elliot Buckingham, Angelynn Clemons, Jayden Day, Carter Dietlin, Sophie Drinkwine, Haley Duetsch, Ella Ford, Peter Golicz, Brielle Goodman, Alex Goulette, Mallory Griffin, Lucienne Hendricks, Andrew Hincherick, Landyn Hines, Brandon Hutton, Brooklynn Ibrahim, Audrey Jaeger, Kaylee Ketelhut, Megan Lehr, Julia Letson, David Long, Ryleigh Martin, Violet Massaglia, Drew Michoff, Landen Miller, Marshal Miller, Michael Miron, Victoria Morris, Ella Nicklow, Jordan Osterland, Lyncoln Osterland, Wesley Pretzer, Owen Rinehart, Savanna Sabich, Faith Sanborn, Aiden Shovan, Addisen Somers, Trey Steinmetz, Elizabeth Tucker, Brayden Vernier, Brent Volkman, Eli Volkman, Lana Wood, and Adabella Zablocki

On October 21, MCHS and SCHS coordinated a Junior/Senior Career Fair at the Innovation Center. The event was a huge success. We hosted SVSU, U of D Mercy, Northwood University, SC4, Rochester Christian University, Lawrence Tech University, Northern Michigan University, Motor City Electric, St. Clair County Sheriff Dept., Ross Medical, Paul Mitchell Hair Design, Air National Guard, Marines, Navy and Army.

We will begin planning next year's event after the first of the year and will be adding several colleges, local unions, local businesses and military branches. Information on the date, time and list of attendees will be communicated in August of 2026, via skyward and the East China School District and Marine City High School Facebook pages.

The flags have been planted. Thanks to Marine City Honor Society students and our caring community, our Field of Flags campaign has over 100 flags flying in front of our MC campus. Each flag is a beautiful tribute to a veteran who served and sacrificed for our country. Each flag helps DAV (Disabled American Veterans) provide lifesaving assistance to ill and injured veterans.

DAV is a critical lifeline for veterans of all generations, helping them access the benefits they’ve earned, providing no-cost rides to Department of Veterans Affairs medical appointments, connecting them with employment, providing urgent assistance in times of need and so much more. Marine City Honor students raised nearly $1,000 to support the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Thank you for supporting DAV—and our nation’s heroes!

MCHS holds Fun Friday on the last Friday of every month. This is part of our Positive Behavior Incentive, Ms. Becker and Mr. Rinehart have fun activities planned for students during lunch.

MC students enjoy a visit with service dogs during lunch.

MCHS Seniors had the opportunity to enter a raffle for some amazing prizes once they completed their FAFSA. Our winners were: Mackenzie Guzowski, Maddie Mackie, Mattison Marlatt, and Alex Teed.

Congratulations to the newly elected 2025-26 St. Clair TEC National Technical Honor Society Officers. AM class President, Caleb VanSingel (SCHS) and Treasurer, David Long (MCHS) and PM class President, Lily Jean Hack (SCHS) and Treasurer, Sylvie Larch (SCHS).

Students were elected by their peers from every school district in the county. Looking forward to the amazing things they will be doing this year.

The Central Office Art Wall is glowing with creativity this month as it proudly features artwork from the talented students of Palms Elementary! Their vibrant collection of drawings, paintings, and mixed-media pieces brings a fresh burst of color and imagination to the halls.

Each piece reflects the curiosity, skill, and expressive spirit nurtured in Palms' art classrooms. Staff and visitors have shared how uplifting it is to see the students’ creativity on display each day. A special thank you goes to Dana Wilson, the art teacher at both Belle River and Palms Elementary Schools, for her dedication and collaboration with Central Office. Her commitment to nurturing these young talents, along with the time and effort invested in guiding them through their artistic journeys, has made this exhibition possible.

Congratulations to our Palms Elementary artists for showcasing their remarkable talents and for lighting up Central Office with their incredible work! Your art not only beautifies our space but also inspires all who see it.

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/