High School News

How Do Students Develop Engagement During School?

Student engagement is one of the most important parts of learning success. When students are engaged, they are active participants rather than passive listeners. Engagement means being curious, motivated, and involved in what is happening in the classroom. But how do students develop that level of interest and connection to their learning?

Students become more engaged when lessons are meaningful and connected to real life. When teachers relate topics to students’ interests or current events, students see the purpose behind what they are learning. For example, connecting a math lesson to budgeting for a school event or using literature to discuss social issues can make learning feel more relevant.

Classroom relationships play a big role. Students are more likely to participate when they feel supported and respected by teachers and classmates. A positive classroom environment encourages open discussion, teamwork, and confidence.

Giving students voice and choice helps them take ownership of their learning. Letting students choose topics for projects, set goals, or lead activities increases motivation and personal responsibility.

Engagement grows when students experience success and receive feedback. Recognizing effort and progress helps them stay confident and persistent, even when learning gets challenging.

Student engagement develops through meaningful lessons, strong relationships, student choice, and encouragement. When schools create an environment where students feel valued and involved, learning becomes more exciting and effective for everyone.

 

Article by: Kierington Wyatt

Jordyn Kieft is an author whose love for storytelling has been a guiding force throughout her life. Born in Bloomington, Indiana, and a proud graduate of Eastern Greene, she grew up immersed in books thanks to her mother, who taught her to read at an early age. From the moment she could understand the power of stories, Jordyn’s imagination took off, often finding herself pretending to be part of the characters’ adventures or dreaming up alternate endings for the tales she loved. By the 5th grade, she was co-writing short stories with a close friend, sneaking into the hallway during silent reading time to collaborate on new ideas and later reading them aloud to classmates. That joy of storytelling never left her, and although she briefly stepped away from writing during her teenage years as the pressures of adulthood set in, the desire to create stories never truly faded it lingered in the back of her mind like an itch she could never quite ignore. After earning her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing from Indiana University Bloomington, Jordyn made a bold choice in January 2019 to fully commit herself to her dream of becoming an author. Now living in Southern California, she has already published three short stories in anthologies that showcase her versatility across genres like realistic fiction, fantasy, and dystopian. Her most recent publication, #CrimeScene, is a chilling dystopian horror piece that tackles society’s obsession with violence and internet fame, daring readers to confront the question: What if murder became the next social media trend? This story, like much of Jordyn’s work, captures her talent for writing pieces that resonate deeply with readers and linger long after the last page is turned.

For Jordyn, writing is not just a career goal but a calling an inseparable part of who she is and how she connects with the world. She writes to tell stories that only she can tell, stories that blend difficult topics with themes of love, compassion, resilience, and hope. She writes to challenge herself, to inspire her readers, and to remind others that dreams are worth pursuing no matter how impossible they may seem. Even in moments of doubt, her passion for writing has remained steady, fueled by the authors who once inspired her and by her desire to now inspire others in turn. With three short stories already in print, Jordyn’s ambitions continue to grow. Her next major goal is to publish her first full-length novel through traditional publishing, securing a book deal that would allow her to share her work with an even wider audience. She dreams of seeing her novel on bookstore shelves, signing copies for readers who connect with her words, and ultimately building a career as a full-time author. Until then, she is dedicated to perfecting her current work in progress, pushing herself as both a writer and storyteller, and embracing each step of the journey. With her passion, perseverance, and unshakable belief in the power of stories, Jordyn Kieft continues to write with the hope of leaving a lasting impact on readers everywhere.

Written by: Kierington Wyatt

Katie Corbin, a proud Eastern Greene graduate, is the creative force behind Pin’t Up Energy. Her journey started with a dream and a love for all things hands-on and creative. After saving diligently, Katie purchased an old food trailer from a family friend and decided to bring something new and exciting to the community. A mobile drink experience full of flavor and personality.

How It All Began

Katie has always had a passion for creating and building. Inspired by her entrepreneurial parents and her amazing boss, Lindsey, she learned the value of following her passions. While traveling out west, Katie discovered dirty sodas and flavored energy drinks and thought, “Why don’t we have this here?” That spark turned into a business idea she knew people would love.

Dreams for the Future

Katie is learning more about business every day and is excited for what’s ahead. Her long-term goal? To keep growing and eventually open a storefront. Above all, she hopes Pin’t Up Energy becomes a brand that stands out not just for its great drinks, but for its fun and memorable vibe.

The Story Behind the Name

Katie grew up surrounded by antiques and loved the classic pin-up aesthetic. When it came time to name her business, she wanted something vintage-inspired, girly, and a little sassy. After some brainstorming, Pin’t Up Energy was born a name that perfectly matches the brand’s personality.

Katie is grateful for every customer who supports her dream. If you see Pin’t Up Energy around town, stop by and grab an energy drink, soda, iced tea, or lemonade customized just the way you like it!

 

Feature by: Kierington Wyatt

How to be a successful student:

Success in school isn’t just about grades it’s about building healthy habits, staying involved, and making the most of your time. Here are some tips to being a successful student:

 

1. Stay Organized

Keep your notes, assignments, and schedule in order so you always know what’s due and when. Use a planner or calendar to write down deadlines and important dates. Being able to quickly check what’s coming up will help you stay on track.

 

2. Make Good Grades

Always give your best effort on every test and assignment. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask a teacher, classmate, or even a tutor seeking help shows strength, not weakness.

Try to finish assignments early so you have extra time to study, relax, or participate in other activities without feeling stressed.

 

3. Be Involved

Join clubs, after-school activities, or sports teams. You’ll learn new skills, meet new people, and build lasting friendships along the way. Although regular exercise boosts your energy, sharpens your focus, and reduces stress plus, it’s fun. Fuel your brain and body with healthy meals and snacks. 

 

4. Go to Games and Have Fun

Show your school spirit! Attending games and school events is a great way to cheer on your team, connect with new friends, and be part of the community.

 

5. Study for Upcoming Tests

Review your material a little bit each night instead of cramming everything in at the last minute. It will help you remember more and reduces stress.

 

6. Manage Your Time Wisely

Balance schoolwork, activities, and personal time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Prioritizing your responsibilities is key. 

Take a few minutes each evening to review what’s done and what’s still on your list. This way, you’re always ready to start fresh the next day.

 

7. Set a Nightly Routine

A consistent routine helps you stay caught up and ensures you’re getting enough rest to stay focused during the day.

 

8. Keep a Positive Attitude

Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. When challenges come up, a positive mindset can make all the difference.

 

By using these tips, you can be a successful student, build great memories, and make the most of every moment in school. Success isn’t just about grades it’s about growth, connections, and enjoying the journey. Every choice you make, from studying for a test to joining a club, helps shape not only your school year but also the person you’re becoming. Remember success is built day by day, and you have the power to make it happen. Show up, stay positive, and give your best thunderbirds you’ve got this!

 

Feature by: Kierington Wyatt

 

The Riley car wash was a success! We raised $307.50 to go toward planning the Riley Dance Marathon. We had about 10-15 cars come to get their cars squeaky clean. A big thank you to Eastern Greene Fire Station for letting us host the car wash there as well as use some of their supplies. All the students who came to help and had a fun time raising money for Riley. 

 

Riley Children's hospital is based in  Indianapolis Indiana. They treat over 300,000 children every year. On average 5-10 of those kids are from Eastern Greene schools each year. This is why we have the Riley Dance Marathon Committee here at Eastern Greene. We want to help out our fellow students by having them share their stories and giving back to the place that helped them be here today. Last year we raised a little over $4,000 to send to Riley Children's hospital. We do a bunch of fundraisers throughout the year such as a carnival, selling t-shirts, the apple festival and much more. I will be keeping the community updated on everything so everyone has a chance to get involved! We really appreciate everyone's support so far this year. I can’t wait to share all the amazing things the Riley Committee plans on doing. 

 

Written By: Erica Payne, Social Media Intern

Eastern Greene FFA member, Collin Zuckschwerdt, achieved a significant milestone by receiving the prestigious Hoosier State Degree at the 95th Indiana FFA Convention. This award is a testament to Collin’s dedication and hard work in his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. Collin has invested countless hours in his cattle operation, from early morning chores to long drives to livestock shows. His commitment to improving and caring for his herd of Angus cattle has not gone unnoticed. As he enters his senior year in the 2024-2025 academic year, this remarkable achievement opens new doors for his future endeavors. Earning the Hoosier State Degree is an extraordinary accomplishment, and Collin’s excitement is palpable. His hard work and perseverance have undoubtedly paid off. When talking with Colin he said “ Receiving this degree has opened up many opportunities for my future and I was excited when I found out that I received this.” EG joins in congratulating Collin on this well-deserved honor and commend him for representing Eastern Greene FFA with such distinction. Written By: Erica Payne, Social Media Intern

Meet our new assistant principal, Mr. Howard! He was raised all over the place, but primarily in west Michigan, where he also graduated high school. Mr. Howard has been shaping young minds since 2012, working in Bloomington and Michigan City before joining our Eastern Greene family. He was drawn to our school because of its great reputation and the warm welcome he received during the interview process. Mr. Howard loves the close-knit community here and finds our smaller school setting to be a perfect fit. What truly drives Mr. Howard is witnessing students grow and develop. Even if he's not directly involved in a student's journey, he's proud to be part of a community that fosters growth. It's a job he's incredibly passionate about. Mr. Howard has some great advice for us: develop good habits from the start. It's a key to a successful high school experience. And just for fun, did you know he used to get grounded from books? Yep, he loved reading that much! We're excited to have Mr. Howard on board! Written By: Erica Payne, Social Media Intern