What’s recently happened?
East Chicago Central High School ninth and 10th graders took a NWEA Reading and Math test. Testing was from January 19 to January 20. Thursday was the NWEA Reading test, and Friday was the NWEA Math test.
East Chicago Central challenged students to do their best and show growth on the “Middle of the Year” test. Prizes were distributed to students in both grade levels.
Doug Kingsley from Herff Jones was at East Chicago Central on January 10 to discuss caps, gowns, and class gear during lunch hours. To order cap and gown, students need to scan the QR code given to them to browse the online site. Enter in the school name, East Chicago Central, to access the school's custom page.
Students can shop for graduation products from now until February 28 to avoid late fees. Caps and gowns will be delivered to East Chicago Central in spring.
What's coming up?
Because it's Black History month, this month's spirit week will be themed around African-American culture.
The senior class’ second semester plans have dropped, so be sure to stay up to date with the events.
The basketball homecoming game will be February 24.
The Spring Dance will be March 11.
Senior pictures will be taken on March 21.
Cap and gown and graduation item rollout at the East Chicago Central High School football field parking lot will be on May 5 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. If there is a balance with Herff Jones, contact Doug Kingsley at 1-574-583-3420 or visit www.herffjones.com. All balances can be paid on April 14 prior to distribution.
May 12 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will be Senior Honors and Awards. All teachers will honor their senior scholars with awards. Also, the Top 20 Distinguished Graduates, Foundations of East Chicago Scholarships, and Special Awards will be announced.
The Senior Academy Awards will be given on May 12 in the auditorium at 6 p.m.
The Top 20 Distinguished Graduate Dinner will be held in the commons area at 6 p.m. on May 16.
The Senior Class of 2023 panoramic photo will be taken on May 19 at 8:00 a.m. in the gymnasium.
The Senior Walk will be May 19. The seniors will walk outside at each elementary and junior high school.
Prom will be held at 63 Social Center on May 27. The Grand March begins at 4 p.m., while the event begins at 6:30 p.m.
All seniors must complete all academic requirements in order to qualify for any commencement activities. All seniors will be notified by the guidance counselors or a school official by Thursday, June 8 at 2 p.m. if they are eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies. Commencement practice will be held on June 9 and Graduation will be held on June 10 at 2 p.m. Seniors need to be present in cap and gown at 1 p.m.
Staff spotlight:
Cheryl McGee, computer science teacher at East Chicago Central, motivates her students to reach for the stars. She attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS.
Since McGee has been at East Chicago Central, she has taught a suite of computer science courses, including Intro to Computer Science, Principles of Computing, and Computer Science II. McGee also taught Preparing For College and Career.
Although McGee majored in business education in college, she did not teach in a school immediately after graduating. Before joining East Chicago Central, she worked in the information technology field for Hewlett Packard as a consultant.
“I’ve always wanted to teach,” said McGee. “Growing up, I was active in various clubs and organizations in school, so school was fun to me. I thought that it would be a great way to stay involved in the community and give back. Perhaps I could make a difference in someone’s life.”
McGee has taught at East Chicago Central for four years. She has worked with many students throughout those years. She is excited to see what the future holds for them.
”Our East Chicago Central staff is like a family working together to meet the needs of our students,” said McGee.
Student spotlight:
Diego Galvez is quiet and always gets his work done. Galvez is a part of the Spanish Club and is always volunteering and helping out.
Galvez’s favorite school subject is physics, and his hobbies are playing guitar and watching movies.
In his free time, he works, does his homework, and plays the guitar.
After high school, Galvez plans on becoming an engineer and entrepreneur, eventually opening his own business.
He might choose to go to Purdue University Northwest.
“Actually I am currently a student there already by means of dual credit courses,” said Galvez.
“East Chicago Central is quite an interesting place with unique people,” said Galvez. “Many things evolve over time – cars, technology, and society – and the education system is no different. It should focus on encouraging individuals to learn from their mistakes, to take risks, to troubleshoot, to be creative, and to improve the world in which we live by any means,” said Galvez.