East China School District News

October 31 - 1/2 Day Elementary Only

November 13-16 - SC Theater presents "The Play that Goes Wrong" at the PAC

November 17 - Board of Education Meeting

November 19 - PLC Early Release

November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Recess - No School

Dear East China School District Families and Community,

Students from Marine City Middle School and St. Clair Middle School along with Innovation Center students, took learning to a whole new level during the Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip on October 23 at the East China Innovation Center.

Hosted by the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, this hands-on experience invited students from the Project Lead the Way Design & Modeling and Innovation Center classes to step into the exciting world of the skilled trades. From hammering and drilling to framing walls and exploring a virtual construction site, students didn’t just learn about building — they became builders.

Through interactive challenges and cutting-edge virtual reality simulations, students discovered how creativity, teamwork, and skill come together to shape the world around us. The day sparked curiosity, confidence, and a new appreciation for the many paths that lead to success.

We hope this experience inspired our students to dream boldly and see themselves as the innovators, creators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

A big thank-you to Mrs. Volpe and Mr. Walling for making this incredible opportunity possible, and to all the volunteers who helped bring “Schools to Tools” to life. Programs like this remind us that when students are given the chance to explore, experiment, and create, there’s no limit to what they can build.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Cybulla

At the October 27 Board of Education Meeting the ECEF gave out their fall grants. Over $14,000 was awarded to 24 Grant recipients. Congratulations to Chris Blackstock, Cristina Malburg, Kenzie McCloskey, Jodie Guzowski, Nikki LaParl, Jennifer Fregetto, Sherri Becker, Patti Shaw, Tracy Beindit, Kelly Robbins, Sara Black, Andrew Spencer, Jessica Jones, Tiffany Jarskey, Lori Hannon, Jessica Brohl, Kika Milligan, Sara Ranger, Dale McNabb, Marney Williams, Megan Hargrave, Angella Justa, Amy Lawson, and Kristy Nickles.

Palms Elementary was featured at this month’s Board of Education meeting, highlighting the school’s programs and community partnerships. Principal Mike Domagalski and PTO President Kelly Morrison shared a presentation showcasing the extra activities and partnerships that enrich student learning.

Students also joined the presentation to share what they love most about these programs. Among them were Katie Morrison, Eli Salisbury, and Noel Volkman, who gave personal insights on how these opportunities make learning fun.

Thank you for sharing what makes Palms Elementary special.

Mrs. Schneider's 2nd-grade class & Mrs. Woodhouse’s classes were practicing their Student of the Month character trait of Teamwork each and every day! All of the students at Palms focus on a new character trait each week, and these tie into the Student of the Month awards for students. In addition, one staff member is recognized each month as well. So far, all the students and staff at Palms have reviewed strengths like Teamwork, Curiosity, Open Mindedness, Integrity and Creativity.

In mid-October, all of the 4th-grade Palms Elementary School students attended the Pine River Nature Center for a full day of learning, inside and outside. They learned about animal adaptations and were even able to create their own animal with a special adaptation. It was a great fall day for the field trip and the students loved the experience. The Pine River Nature Center is an annual field trip for students at Palms.

On October 20, every student and staff member at Palms Elementary School was given an apple to bite into and eat as part of Apple Crunch Day. These apples, grown by Michigan farmers, were delicious and students loved the activity. This partnership with our local farmers not only highlights the aspect of farming but also the importance of healthy eating. All students and staff bit into their apples at the same time, as it was a whole school event.

This month’s spotlight shines on Erica Bennefield.

Erica has been part of our Chartwells team since 2022 and serves as our ECSD Food Service Van Driver. She works hard every day to keep things running smoothly, helps train new team members, and always goes above and beyond with a smile.

We’re so thankful for Erica’s dedication and positive attitude—she truly keeps our team rolling!

Students, staff, and families came together to celebrate the 2025 Homecoming season across both district high schools. From friendly competitions and creative outfits during Spirit Week to the big football game and dance, Homecoming once again brought our school communities closer together.

The week began with the Homecoming Parade, where bands, student groups, athletic teams, and clubs marched proudly through the streets as families cheered them on. Next came the annual Junior vs. Senior PowderPuff football game, full of excitement, teamwork, and plenty of laughs.

Throughout Spirit Week, students showed off their pride with themed outfits and decorated hallways, filling the schools with energy and creativity. The celebrations continued under the Friday night lights at the Homecoming football game, where fans packed the stands to cheer on their teams and celebrate the crowning of the Homecoming Court.

The week wrapped up with the Homecoming Dance, where students enjoyed music, friends, and memories that will last long after the decorations come down. Homecoming 2025 was more than just a week of events. It was a celebration of friendship, teamwork, and the strong sense of community shared across both high schools.

Theater students at the Innovation Center recently created and performed an original pantomime in front of a live audience. A pantomime is a dramatic form of entertainment, originating from Roman mime, in which performers express meaning through movement and gesture, often accompanied by music, with no speaking parts.

“Performing for an audience truly creates that theatrical experience for them,” shared Theater teacher Mr. McCulloch.

The performance showcased the students’ creativity, collaboration, and expressive storytelling. Future performances are already being planned, including some in the district’s Performing Arts Center. Congratulations to the students and their director on their first production!

The halls of Central Office are a little brighter this season thanks to the creativity of Belle River Elementary students! The Art Wall at CO, which showcases student artwork from across the district, is currently featuring a colorful display of drawings and mixed media pieces created by 68 talented young artists from Belle River.

Each piece reflects the imagination and skill nurtured in our art classrooms, highlighting the unique perspectives of our students. Visitors and staff alike have commented on how the display brings joy and inspiration to the space.

Congratulations to our Belle River artists for representing their school so beautifully and reminding us all of the power of creativity in learning!

Marine City Varsity Football will play Clawson on Friday, October 31 at 7pm at East China Stadium. This is a play-off game, no passes will be accepted, this includes MAC passes, senior free passes, parent sport passes, and student ID passes. Everyone attending the game MUST have a ticket per MHSAA rules. Please see the link below to purchase your ticket.

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/