ECS 🦅 April 2023 News
Dear ECS Families,
Being an ECSer during the month of April is extraordinary as we exhibit our school’s continued sustainability efforts. While Spring Break is upon us, we quickly return to see that the April showers have transformed the scenery into vivid shades of green that signal “go.” During April, students take an even deeper dive into their role and duty of maintaining a sustainable environment. Just as Arbor Day focuses on the future, students remain rooted in systems thinking to critically think of ways to preserve our surroundings for generations to come. Every day is earth day, and students will begin to participate in community clean-ups, tree plantings, and so much more!
This time of the school year is immensely busy as celebrations and activities are in full bloom. From biking events, family swim nights, and student showcases to spring clubs, K–11 summer camp registrations, and 23–24 school year after-school care sign-ups, there’s something for everyone. ECS is dedicated to educating the whole child, and we are proud to offer district-wide activities year-round. Take a moment to read more about April and summer activities below, and learn how you can get involved.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
23–24 School Year Draft Calendar
View the draft calendar for the 23–24 school year. While start and end dates and holidays are set, please note that the district is working to finalize half-day information. Stay tuned!
23–24 School Year Draft Calendar
Communication Survey: We want to hear from you!
ECS believes that when parents are well informed about district, school, and grade-level academics and events, students will reach their highest potential. ECS continually works to refine its communications, and your feedback is a valuable contribution to the district’s communication strategy. Please take a few minutes to complete the 22–23 Communication Survey…
High School Construction Update from March
In case you missed it, ECS’s new high school construction project connects to Goal 5. Learn more…
Hawks Out of School!
Athletic Spirit Wear: Deadline Today!
Purchase your ECS Athletic Spirit Wear today, Sunday, April 2! All proceeds will benefit the ECS Athletic Department. ECS will distribute merchandise in April. Purchase yours today!
Join the Cycle-bration with BikeECS
You’re invited to BikeECS’s Cycle-bration of its expanding program, dedication to getting more kids on bikes, and commitment to building a safe biking community. In recognition of all things BikeECS, the district is hosting several BikeECS events this Spring. Learn more…
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.
Congratulations!
Robotics Team–World Competition
Congratulations to the ECS's Robotics Team for qualifying for the VEX Robotics World Competition in Dallas, Texas from April 30–May 2. Learn more, and support the team and their travel expenses. Donate today!
Check out ECS’s VEX World Championship announcement video!
PEMA
Congratulations to 5th-grade students, Ellie and Leia, who were selected to perform in the PMEA District 1 Elementary String Fest on March 17 in a group of about 100 students from other schools all over Western PA. The event concluded with an evening concert.
2023 American League of Bicyclist Educator of the Year
Congratulations to ECS's Laura Brienza, BikeECS Coordinator, for receiving the 2023 American League of Bicyclists Educator of the Year Award! Read more...
PCO News
PCO Annual Spring Flower & Plant Sale
The PCO teamed up with a local, woman-owned business and Grow Pittsburgh to sell bedding flowers, hanging baskets, individual potted flowers, and organic vegetable, herb, and native pollinator seedlings. Browse plants and place orders by Friday, April 28…
Order pick-up will occur on May 19 at the Intermediate School. Lots of hands are needed to make this sale a success! Even one hour of your time can help. View the volunteer signup, and lend a hand if you can!
Questions? Email plantsale@ecspco.org
PCO Book Fair & Used Uniform Sale
The PCO will host a Book Fair and Used Uniform Sale on Friday, May 12 at the Intermediate School. Stay tuned for more information.
Subscribe to the PCO Pulse Newsletter
Stay up to date with PCO (Parent Community Organization) events, meetings, activities, and more. Updates are provided every Wednesday. Subscribe to the newsletter…
In Case You Missed It!
#ECSCares Interest Form
On June 16, the last day of school, ECS looks forward to celebrating a fantastic year through service to our community. Let us know if you are interested in participating in ECS’s first district-wide volunteer day, #ECSCares Day. Learn more and complete the interest form by Wednesday, April 12…
Let's Swim Day in partnership with The Kingsley Association
Thank you to our K–5 families who attended the March 31 family swim night! ECS is partnering with the Kingsley Association to bring two more free family swim nights to our ECS community.
6–8 Family Swim Night: Friday, May 19, 5–7 p.m.
High School Family Swim Night: Friday, June 9, 5–7 p.m.
Basketball Summer Camp
Rising 6th to 12th graders are invited to register for ECS’s 2023 Summer Basketball Camp from June 26–29 at the High School Gym to learn the fundamentals of basketball. Learn more and sign up by June 15, 2023.
All Sports Summer Camp
Rising 1st to 6th graders are invited to register for ECS’s 2023 Summer All Sports Camp from July 10–13 and July 24–27 at the Intermediate School Gym. All Sports Summer Camp will allow students to connect with their peers over break while exploring multiple sports including kickball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball. Learn more and sign up by June 15, 2023.
YMCA Summer Camp
Registration is now open for YMCA Camp Dragonfly for Rising 1st Grade–Rising 4th Grade students. Learn more and register today!
K–5 After School Care Options for 23–24 School Year
After School Care options through YMCA (Primary) and Venture Outdoors (Intermediate) for the 23–24 school year are now available. Check out your principal newsletter to learn more and register.
Attendance Reminder - Excused Absences
With many student illnesses and absences, please note that a student can have up to 10 absences excused by a parent without a doctor's note in a school year. You can complete the online parent excuse form here. After a parent excuses 10 absences, all additional absences must include a doctor's note to be excused. Any absence after 10 that does not include a note from a physician will be marked as unexcused and district truancy procedures will be followed. If you need a doctor's note for an absence, call your PCP or visit one of these options.
Half-Day Dismissal Times
Know your building’s dismissal time on Half Days:
Primary: 11:30 a.m.
Intermediate: 11:20 a.m.
ECMS: 11:50 a.m.
ECHS: 11:38 a.m.
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.