ECS April 2022 News
Dear ECS Families,
With Spring Break right around the corner, April is a marvelous month filled with celebrations regarding sustainability, Arbor Day, tree planting, litter pick up, and so much more. At ECS, we take a great deal of pride in graduating active, engaged, and empathic citizens who will act as change agents in our community. This month, students will fully immerse themselves in learning more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, partake in environmental outings, and discover what Earth Month is all about. Below, you will see a few of the many events taking place that celebrate the great month of April. As ECS families, I encourage each of us to get involved in Earth Month, register to adopt a tree, talk to students about what they are learning, and make our own goals to become better global citizens.
Before I sign off for this month, I’d like to wish everyone a happy April Fools’ Day! While I’m not a big fan of pranks, I do have a few good jokes to tell and some facilities updates to provide.
Finally, we’ll hear from jokester and future comedian, Francis Sparrowen (10th-grade student), as he provides an April Fools’ Day update in his student column.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
Testing for COVID-19 Prior to Spring Break Return
All students and staff will receive FREE Covid-19 rapid tests the week prior to Spring Break. Please test your student before returning to school after break.
Change: In-Person Board of Trustees Meetings
Effective for the April meeting, the ECS Board of Trustees Meetings will occur in-person on the third Wednesday of every month at the Kingsley Association located at 6435 Frankstown Avenue at 6 p.m. Board meetings will be streamed live for individuals to tune in, but viewers will not be able to interact with the meeting. Individuals who sign up to speak must attend the in-person meeting. Learn more, view the live stream, or sign up to speak…
This Month’s Java with Jon and James
Due to Spring Break, this month’s Java with Jon and James will occur on Monday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Middle School Cafe. Please view the schedule for the remainder of the year, and subscribe to the Monthly Java with Jon and James Newsletter… Please note that April’s summary newsletter will be delayed due to Spring Break.
150th Arbor Day Celebration: Adopt a Tree with Tree Pittsburgh
ECS is excited to partner with Tree Pittsburgh to provide families with free trees in celebration of the 150th Arbor Day. Be a Tree Hero and help Allegheny County rebuild its tree canopy. Register to adopt a tree by Tuesday, April 26.
Learn more about picking up and planting your tree…
Volunteer to Distribute Trees on Arbor Day
Help ECS be Tree Heroes! Volunteer on April 29 between 2 and 6 p.m. to distribute trees to families who registered to adopt one with Tree Pittsburgh. Please sign up to volunteer by Tuesday, April 26.
Volunteer for Arbor Day Tree Distribution
Bussing for Middle School Students for the 22–23 School Year
At this time, ECS does not anticipate any change for Middle School bussing for the 22–23 School Year. The district plans to continue its current, traditional bussing and will not issue Port Authority bus passes. As a reminder, your student’s home school district coordinates their transportation to and from ECS. If you have any questions regarding your student’s transportation for the 22–23 school year, please contact your home school district’s transportation office.
22–23 School Year Calendar
The Calendar for the 22–23 School Year is now available below and on the calendar and events web page.
View the 22–23 School Year Family Calendar
Accepting Bids for the Middle School Upper Lot Open Project
The Environmental Charter School is requesting quotes for a qualified contractor to develop a current parking lot into a hybrid parking/greenspace at the ECS Middle School. Learn more…
ECHS Program of Studies
ECHS is excited to announce its new program of studies and to share it with the entire district. Take a peek at some of the course offerings students can expect when they go to high school. Learn more about the program of studies…
Thinking Lab Fundraiser for Children in Ukraine
In the Thinking Lab, students are creating artwork featuring sunflowers to show support for the people of Ukraine. Check out the Sunflowers for Peace gallery on Artsonia. 20% of all Sunflowers for Peace purchases between now and May 6th will be donated to UNICEF to help support the children of Ukraine.
PCO Spring Plant Sale
The ECS PCO’s annual Spring Flower & Plant Sale is back in time for Spring planting! Annual bedding flowers, hanging baskets, and individual potted flowers are available from a local, woman-owned business. Organic vegetable, herb, and native pollinator seedlings from Grow Pittsburgh are also available. Place your order by April 22 at https://ecspco.square.site/shop/plant-sale/29 and pick up is on May 13 at the Intermediate School.
Alma Tips
Alma has a progressive web app (PWA) that you can install on your mobile device. Install the Alma Now app directly from the website, and since it isn’t downloaded from an app store, you will never need to update it.
Android - Using your mobile web browser (we recommend using Chrome), log into your school’s Alma site. Tap the 3 dots in the top-right corner of your mobile browser and select "Install app".
Apple iOS - Using your web browser, log into your school’s Alma site. At the bottom of the screen, tap on the “share” icon and then select “add to home screen”.
What’s Happening in Your Building?
Hear from your building’s principal and learn what’s happening in your student’s building through their online newsletter.
In Case You Missed It!
YMCA Partnership for After-School Care
ECS is thrilled to announce it will partner with YMCA PGH for its after-school care at the Primary School starting in the Fall of 2022. The YMCA’s mission closely aligns with ECS’s to grow active, engaged, and thoughtful citizens. While the Primary School E-Day transitions to YMCA programming, Venture Outdoors will remain a vital partner for the Intermediate School's after-school activities. Learn more…
New! YMCA Summer Camps
ECS is excited to partner with the YMCA to provide its first summer camp for incoming first grade to incoming fifth-grade students. Learn more and register your student…
PCO Steering Committee Volunteers Needed
A number of PCO Steering Committee positions are open for the next school year. Openings include chairperson, treasurer, technology coordinator, communications coordinator, DEI chair, and primary school vice-chair. Please consider joining the PCO leadership team - or sharing the word with friends! Contact parents@ecspco.org for more information. Learn more…
