High School September Newsletter (23–24)

Dr. Abriana Leeper
Acting High School Principal

Email: abriana.leeper@ecspgh.org

Phone: x4401

Important Dates this Month

9/4: No School - Labor Day

9/6: PCO Picnic at Turtle Park at 5 p.m.

9/6: PCO Meeting at Intermediate School at 6 p.m.

9/7: HS Girls’ Volleyball Season Begins

9/11: HS Girls’ Volleyball Home Game at 5 p.m. at Homewood-Brushton YMCA

9/12: OST Activities Fair from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Middle School

9/14: HS Girls’ Volleyball Home Game at 5 p.m. at Homewood-Brushton YMCA

9/15: No School–Rosh Hashanah

9/15: First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month

9/20: ECS Board of Trustees Meeting at 6 p.m. at Middle School

9/22: Climate Strike

9/22: PCO Fall Plant Pick Up at Intermediate School Starting at 12 p.m.

9/25: No School– Yom Kippur

9/25: HS Girls’ Volleyball Home Game at 5 p.m. at Homewood-Brushton YMCA

9/26: 9th Grade Health Screening

9/28: 10th Grade Health Screening

9/28: HS Girls’ Volleyball Home Game at 5 p.m. at Homewood-Brushton YMCA

9/29: PCO Frick Park Market Fundraiser

10/2: Enrollment for the 24–25 School Year Opens

10/3: 11th Grade Health Screening

10/4: PCO Meeting at 6 p.m. at the Middle School

10/5: 12th Grade Health Screening

10/6: ECS Spirit Day

10/12: HS Girls’ Volleyball Home Game at 5 p.m. at Homewood-Brushton YMCA

Dear ECHS Families,

It's September already, can you believe it?! We're thrilled to be well into the new school year here at ECHS. As we embark on this journey of learning and growth together, there is much to celebrate. This month, we continue our commitment to elevating the voices of those in marginalized communities and celebrating the rich cultural diversity that surrounds us in this country and exists within our walls. We’ll do this by celebrating the following throughout the month:

  • Hispanic Heritage Month: ECHS proudly joins the nationwide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to honor the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals to our community and the world.

  • Hunger Action Month: We are dedicated to addressing the issue of hunger in our community. Join us as we raise awareness and support initiatives to combat hunger and food insecurity.

  • Deaf Awareness Month: We recognize the importance of understanding and embracing Deaf culture. This month, we'll be fostering awareness and inclusion within our school community.

  • International Literacy Day: Literacy is the foundation of education and empowerment. We will mark this day by promoting the power and freedom that comes with literacy. 

As we embark on this journey together, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support. Together, we are creating a diverse, inclusive, and enriching learning environment for our students. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for being a part of the ECHS community, and here's to a successful and meaningful September!

All the best,

Dr. Abriana Leeper


What's new at the High School?

ECHS Campus Updates
This week we ran our first set of benchmark CDT tests, and it went really well! Our school is alive with enthusiasm, and our students are actively engaged in the learning process. I recognize that we started testing right out of the gate, but we’re taking learning seriously and as such, we must collect accurate data and then implement what we learn in the classroom. I couldn't be prouder of our students’ dedication, focus, and cooperation.

Upcoming HBCU Tour-For Juniors Only! 
We are excited to inform you that we are in the process of finalizing details for our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) tour. Families can expect more information about this incredible opportunity soon. In the meantime, please be on the lookout for the attendance letter.

Out-of-School Time Activities & Athletics Fair
ECS will host an Out of School Time Activities & Athletics Fair in the Middle School Cafe on Sept. 12 from 6–7:30 p.m. Drop in to explore K–12 Out of School Time offerings and participate in live activities. Learn More and RSVP…

Purchase Your Tie Dye ECS Spirit Wear: Clubs and Athletics Scholarship Fundraiser
While creating your own t-shirt will be available at the OST Activities Fair, get ahead of the rush. Pre-order your ECS gear and pick it up when you attend the OST Activities Fair on Sept. 12. All proceeds support the ECS Clubs and Athletics Scholarship Fund. Pre-order your gear by Sept. 7 at 5 p.m…

Cheer on the HS Girls’ Volleyball Team!
View the schedule here.

Important Bus Statement
The City of Pittsburgh has quite a bit of road construction taking place all over the city and it's roving from street to street. With it being the start of the school year it usually takes a couple of weeks just to generally iron out the route wrinkles without the construction. ECS and the bus companies understand how important it is for the students to make it to school on time so they are not missing important instruction that is taking place. We appreciate your patience with this matter and we ask that you continue to have patience as the drivers navigate and iron things out

Please remember that the times for bus arrivals and departures are best-guess estimates and your driver will make adjustments to the times as they figure out the route.

Students of the Month
Each month, ECHS celebrates one student from each grade level for their dedication to education and for exhibiting all four ECHS character traits. Follow along each month.


This Month’s Cultural Celebrations

ECHS is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month which starts on September 15th. Students will dive into Hispanic Culture and the diversity of experiences across the culture. 


In Case You Missed It

Here is a copy of the ECHS Student Handbook for the 23-24 school year.

Here are the Orientation slides from the ECHS Orientations this week!

  • NEW! Family Portal on the ECS Website
    Based on feedback from last year’s communication survey, ECS has identified areas of improvement on the website. ECS is pleased to launch its Family Portal, a designated space for current families to view and learn information. Browse the Family Portal.

    Volunteering & Clearances
    ECS values volunteers in our district. To learn how to volunteer and what clearances are needed visit the Family Portal Volunteer page.

    ALMA- ECS’s Parent Portal
    Alma account activation emails for new families were sent Friday, 8/11/23. If you have not received an activation email or are returning to ECS and have forgotten your Alma username or password, please send an email to the ECS Help Desk.

    Be sure to check your and your student(s)' information in Alma and let us know if anything needs updated. New students and 5th graders will receive their Alma login credentials once they have returned to school.

    Receive Board Meeting Reminders Did you know that ECS has monthly Board of Trustees meetings? Opt-In to receive Board Meeting Reminders that will include the date, time, and location of the meeting as well as links to the agenda draft, sign up to speak form, and YouTube Live feed.

    Receive Board of Trustees Meeting Reminders


ECHS Hawk Highlights from Last Month! 

Student begin Manderian classes, attend Chatham to tour the campus before dual enrollment begins, and Ms. Che visited China over the summer in search of a sister school for ECS.