ECS August 2022 News
Dear ECS Families,
It is with tremendous excitement that I welcome each of you, new and returning, to the 22–23 School Year! It may be a new school year, but ECS remains rooted in its mission to provide high-quality education and invigorating student experiences that foster growth and development for each student. At ECS, we educate for sustainability through eco-literacy and systems thinking, and with the UN Sustainable Development Goals at the forefront of our organization, students analyze how their decisions ripple throughout the built, social, and natural environments. Through this innovative, eco-literacy-based curriculum, we grow active, engaged, empathetic citizens who are critical thinkers and purposeful agents of change.
I am overjoyed that you have chosen ECS for the 22–23 school year. ECS truly has a unique, passionate, and caring group of teachers and staff members who are eagerly waiting for the start of school year festivities.
In the meantime, please read this communication fully and carefully to learn more about back-to-school updates and information. Make sure to click on your building’s link below to review information from your student’s principal such as updated arrival and dismissal times.
I look forward to seeing families at Meet and Greet on Monday, Aug. 15 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and hearing our quiet halls fill with laughter and student chatter once again.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
Meet and Greet
ECS looks forward to seeing all families at our Meet & Greets on Monday, August 15 from 5:30–7:30 p.m., at each building. During this time, you can talk to the staff, meet other families, and catch up on summer adventures. This is self-guided and families are encouraged to attend anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Due to Allegheny Country’s HIGH community spread status, all families must wear a mask when indoors.
Meet Hero the Hawk, the ECS Mascot
ECS has a new Hawk Logo!
The votes are in, and ECS has a new Hawk Logo! Thank you to everyone who voted in last year’s survey. Be sure to purchase new Hawk swag from the ECS Store. Go Hawks!
Health Office Updates
Rising 3rd and 7th graders must submit a completed dental exam to the school by January 15, 2023.
Rising 6th and 11th graders must submit a completed physical exam to the school by January 15, 2023.
If your student needs to take medication during school hours, please submit a completed doctor's order.
If your student needs a rescue inhaler or EpiPen at school, please submit the required allergy or asthma plan.
Please submit updated Covid-19 vaccine records if your student received a vaccine or booster over the summer.
ECS is looking for a Health Office Nurse (LPN or RN) for the Primary building. If you or someone you know is interested, please email Judy Brand.
COVID-19 Procedure Changes
ECS recognizes the need to co-exist with COVID-19 while providing a safe and healthy learning environment. While Allegheny County has a HIGH community spread, masks are mandatory when indoors. The district has updated its procedures for the 22–23 School Year which are reflective of surrounding organizations’ and school districts’ procedures. Learn more…
Brady L. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund
In honor of Brady L. Hill Sr., Dr. Hill’s husband, ECS would like to raise funds to provide scholarships for ECS African American seniors who plan to attend a two-year or four-year institution to support additional financial needs for books and other school supplies. Learn more and donate today…
FREE Back to School Wellness Event with PAAR
PAAR’s Child and Family Counseling Center (CFCC) will host a FREE BACK TO SCHOOL WELLNESS EVENT on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 1–4 p.m. at the Circuit Center in Pittsburgh’s Southside neighborhood. Learn more…
Enrollment Office Updates
The Back to School Packet was due Monday, Aug. 8. Please complete the packet as soon as possible.
ADDRESS CHANGE? Please contact Christine Adams to complete an address change form as soon as possible. Processing address changes and updating bus routes may take up to two weeks.
Communication Updates
ECS is dedicated to providing timely, consistent, and informative communications. During the 22–23 school year, families can expect to receive monthly district and building updates on the first Sunday of each month and weekly teacher communications. Please review and update your contact information in Alma. View more ECS News….
Alma Tip–Log In to Learn Your Student’s Homebase
All families must log in to Alma to learn their student’s Homebase teacher. If you are a returning ECS family and have forgotten your Alma Parent Portal login information, or are a new ECS family that hasn't received your Alma account activation, please reach out to the ECS Help Desk.
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.
PCO News
PCO Fall Plant Sale
The PCO is offering its annual fall plant sale featuring mums and fall décor from a local, woman-owned business. The pre-order deadline is SEPTEMBER 9. Learn more…
In Case You Missed It!
First Day of School–Wednesday, Aug. 17.
