ECS 🦅 August 2023 News
Amanda Cribbs, EdD
Superintendent
Email: amanda.cribbs@ecspgh.org
Phone: x557
Dear ECS Families,
It is with tremendous excitement that we welcome each of you, new and returning, and we are overjoyed that you have chosen ECS for the 23–24 school year! While ECS remains rooted in its mission to provide high-quality education and invigorating student experiences that foster growth and development for each student, this year is special as the district celebrates its 15th year of operation and its first graduating class.
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.
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. This monthly communication will provide details at the district level as well as embed your principal’s monthly reminders.
We look forward to seeing families TONIGHT at Meet and Greet on Thursday, Aug. 17 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and hearing our quiet halls fill with laughter and student chatter once again.
Sincerely,
Jon McCann, CEO
Amanda Cribbs, EdD, Superintendent
Hear from your building’s principal and learn what’s happening in your student’s building through their online newsletter.
What’s New at ECS?
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.
Free Breakfast for All
Under the recently passed state budget, all students across the state of PA will receive free breakfast. Please note, if students would like any Ă la carte items, they will incur a charge.
Food Service: ECMS and ECHS are CEP (Community Eligible Provisions)
Under CEP, students at middle and high school will receive both breakfast and lunch for FREE! Please note, if students would like any à la carte items, they will incur a charge. Learn more…
IMPORTANT Note for Primary & Intermediate Families: Parents must remember to fill out a free and reduced meal benefit application on School Cafe for their entire household if they have children attending Primary or Intermediate.
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 to be updated. New students and 5th graders will receive their Alma login credentials once they have returned to school.
Back to School Packet Reminder
If you have yet to complete your back-to-school packet, please submit your information as soon as possible. Your child is unable to start school without the completed packet.
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
2023–2024 Calendar
Check out the 2023–2024 Family Calendar
Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE: 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…
Curriculum Night
ECS’s curriculum night will occur during early October. Keep an eye out for more information.
Hawks Out of School!
ECMS Cross Country Volunteers Needed
MS Cross Country registration for the fall season is now open. The cross-country program is for all students in grades 6-8. The program is looking for parent volunteers! If interested, please contact ECS Athletic Director, Rob van Rheenen, at robert.vanrheenen@ecspgh.org.
ECHS Girl’s Volleyball
ECS will field a Girls’ HS Volleyball team this upcoming fall. The team will play in the SWPAA league and play its home games at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA in Homewood. Girls Volleyball is the first girls’ sport to compete in varsity competitions and your support is greatly appreciated. View the schedule here…
BikeECS Volunteers Needed
BikeECS is looking for volunteers for fall programming across the district: Sign up here!
PCO News
PCO Picnic and Meeting
Attend the PCO Picnic in Turtle Park at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6 as the PCO celebrates its first meeting of the school year. Purchase used uniforms, and bring your own blanket, plates, utensils, drinks, and dish to share. Learn more…
Fall Plant Sale
The pre-order deadline for the PCO’s Annual Fall Plant Sale and Decor is Tuesday, Sept. 5. Plant pick-up will occur on Friday, Sept. 22 between 12 and 5:30 p.m. at the Intermediate School.
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!
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.