September Overview

The School City of East Chicago educates and empowers every student through aligned instruction, meaningful partnerships, and differentiated practices to ensure success in life, college, career, and civic engagement.

SCEC will be a community where all stakeholders collaborate to empower student success, excellence, and innovation.

As we begin a new school year at East Chicago Central High School, we are excited to welcome back our students and families and extend a warm welcome to those joining our school community for the first time!

A new school year brings new opportunities, new goals, new friendships, and new possibilities. Together, we look forward to creating a school year filled with learning, growth, achievement, and meaningful experiences for every student.

We believe that when schools, families, students, and our community work together, our students thrive. We encourage families to stay connected, get involved, ask questions, and take advantage of the many opportunities available throughout the year.

Here's to a successful, exciting, and memorable 2026–2027 school year! 🎓✨

Welcome to Central — we’re glad you’re here! ❤️

Hello Central Family. I am joining the amazing social work team of Ms. Daniels, Mr. Williams and Mr. Clay. I have proudly served all the East Chicago schools for 27 years, most recently Carrie Gosch and Harrison. I am mother to my college-bound son as well as 2 dogs and 3 cats. I am a certified yoga teacher of 26 years and look forward to sharing yoga with students and staff. I am passionate about stewardship of our environment. I enjoy cooking, growing food, hiking and kayaking. I will be serving students of the Freshman Academy and English Language Learners, their families and Central staff. I am a proud member of the American Federation of Teachers Local 511 where I serve on the Executive Council as secretary.

Hello East Chicago Central High School families!

My name is Mrs. Campos, and I’m excited to begin this new chapter as your Community Engagement Liaison here at East Chicago Central High School. I look forward to getting to know our students, families, staff, and community and continuing to build strong connections throughout the school year.

My goal is to help support our families and connect them with the resources, programs, services, and opportunities available through our school and community. Whether you have a question, need assistance finding a resource, or simply aren’t sure where to start, I’m here to help!

You can find me in Room ZC04, and I’m available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. I’m also bilingual in English and Spanish, and I’m happy to assist our Spanish-speaking families.

This year at Central, we’re looking forward to a year filled with opportunities for our students and families! From academic and career opportunities to student activities, family events, community resources, and celebrations, there will be many ways to connect and get involved. Be sure to check each month’s newsletter for important dates, upcoming events, family resources, and ways to stay connected with our school community.

There’s more to high school than the classroom! Encourage your student to get involved, try something new, and find their people. Whether they’re interested in sports, the arts, academics, leadership, culture, or making new friends, there’s something for everyone at Central.

Students can explore opportunities such as band, cheer, drama, art, Spanish Club, Viva La Hispanidad Club, African American Club, Academic Bowl, student government, yearbook, newspaper, speech & debate, e-sports, and more! Sports fans can also join teams including football, soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, swimming, track & field, cross country, wrestling, baseball, golf, softball, and girls flag football.

Try something new. Meet new people. Make memories. Get involved! 💙

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM

Join us for CTE Parent Night to learn more about our Career and Technical Education programs and opportunities available to our students.

Join us Sunday, September 13th, 2026 to see our SCEC students participate in the Mexican Parade which will start at 12:00PM noon and finish off at Block Stadium for a festival at 3:00PM.

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026. EC Central High School students will join via Zoom in the morning for attendance and complete their assignments posted on Canvas.

Go see Mr. Dinkins to purchase your blue wristband to dress down on Friday, September 18th, 2026.

Thursday, September 17th, 2026 at 4:00PM till 6:00PM. There will also be a link to join via Zoom.

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026. First session will be at 8:30AM and the last session will be at 3:00PM.

Seniors have the opportunity to attend a Scholarship Fair at Indiana University Northwest. Field trip release and waivers were given to all seniors. Deadline to return permission slip is Friday, September 11th, 2026. Do not pass up this amazing opportunity to connect with Colleges and Universities nationwide along with exploring Career and College pathways.

(Minimum of a 1.9 GPA to attend)

Senior shave the opportunity to join students from throughout Northwest Indiana for a day of networking with over 50 participants on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 from 8:30AM- 12:00PM. Permission slips were given to seniors and are due Friday, September 25th, 2026. The fair will take place at Bishop Noll Institute at 1519 Hoffman Ave. Hammond, IN 46327. Entrance will be through Door I, off of Chicago Ave.

(Minimum of a 1.9 GPA to attend)

Monday, September 21st- Friday, September 25th, 2026 will be a Class Hall Decorating Competition. Homecoming Court Candidate Applications will be available on the week of Tuesday, September 8th, 2026.

Calling all 11th & 12th grade students and parents! Join us for an informative session covering graduation requirements, credits, academic progress, important timelines, and preparing for life after high school. Learn what you need to know to stay on track and successfully reach graduation! See you on Thursday, October 1st, 2026 at 12:00PM in the Mini-Theatre. (NOTICE: DATE CHANGED TO NOW Thursday, October 8th, 2026.

Calling all 9th & 10th grade students and parents! Join us for an informative session focused on building strong habits for high school success. We’ll cover the importance of attendance, staying on top of grades, study habits, organization, responsibility, and making positive choices to help students stay on track and reach their goals! Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 at 12:00PM in the Mini-Theatre.

My name is Dante Dinkins, and I proudly serve as the Dean of Students at Central High School, supporting our 11th- and 12th-grade students. As a proud Central High School alumnus from the Class of 2008, it is an honor to now serve the school community that played such an important role in my own educational journey.

I am passionate about supporting, advocating for, and uplifting the needs of all our students as they prepare for their next steps, whether that includes college, career, or military readiness.

My educational journey began at Manchester University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies. I then continued my studies at Ohio University, earning a Master of Science in Education, and most recently completed my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Chicago State University.

I look forward to continuing to serve our students, families, and school community while helping our students reach their full potential.

¡Bienvenidos a un nuevo año escolar!

Les recordamos que hay un gran equipo trabajando para las necesidades de nuestras familias que hablan español.

Mrs. Hernandez Especialista EL

Mrs. Quiroz-Nunez Especialista EL

Ambas pueden ser contactadas al número (219) 391 4000, extensión 73625.

Mrs. Perez Paraprofessional EL

Mr. Jimenez Paraprofessional EL

También contamos con el apoyo de la coordinadora bilingüe de enlace con las familias, Ms. Salazar, si necesitan contactarla, lo pueden hacer mandándole un correo electrónico a zsalazar@ecps.org o por el número de teléfono (219) 391 4000, extensión 74116.

Cualquier necesidad, aquí estamos para ayudarlos.

📚 Check Grades

• Families can use Skyward to check their student’s grades, assignments, and academic progress. Checking regularly can help you catch questions or concerns early.

• Students should be in class and ready to learn by 8:00 AM. Being on time every day helps students avoid missing important instruction and start their day on the right foot.

• Freshmen: Get comfortable with high school, stay organized, and build good study habits.
• Sophomores: Improve grades, explore interests, and start thinking about future career or college options.
• Juniors: Stay focused academically, explore college/career opportunities, and begin preparing for life after high school.
• Seniors: Finish strong, make a plan for after graduation, and take the next steps toward college, a career, training, or another post-graduation goal.