ECS 🦅 February 2024 News
Dr. Adam Tobias, ECS Board of Trustees President
Email: adam.tobias@board.ecspgh.org
Dear ECS Families,
Over the past few months, the ECS Board of Trustees is pleased to have gained a few more members. Unlike a traditional public school where board members are elected, the ECS Board of Trustees is made up of diverse individuals who volunteer to provide general guidance as well as determine academic, financial, personnel, and related policies deemed necessary for the administration and development of ECS in accordance with its stated purposes and goals. Learn more about our board members on the new board website!
In addition to inducting new members, the board is working with district administration to digitize its policies and is taking the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review and renewal of ECS policies. The policy review and update process can be located in my August welcome communication and is also linked here for your convenience.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
ECS. We Grow Citizens.
On Behalf of the Board,
Dr. Adam Tobias
President
Board of Trustees
What’s New at ECS?
Re-Enrollment-February 12-19th
Re-enrollment will occur Feb. 12–19th, and every student currently enrolled at ECS must complete an intent to return form. Completing this process secures your child(ren)’s seat at ECS next year, allowing ECS to plan for available openings for incoming students at the annual lottery. Check your email for re-enrollment instructions from SchoolMint on Feb 12. If you have any questions, please email enrollment@ecspgh.org.
CEO Succession Planning Update
In January, the ECS Board of Trustees voted to select OnRamps as the executive search firm tasked with securing a new CEO. The CS Team and OnRamps finalized the job description, core competencies, and regional compensation analysis, and received ECS Board approval to post the position on February 1, 2024. Read more…
Construction Management Group Selection
ECS has selected Turner Construction Company for its high school construction project manager. Turner Construction will direct, organize, and guide the project from the planning and development stage to the construction phase. Learn more about Turner Construction Company…
Upcoming Events
Learn about the Dynamic Landscape of A Digital World: Youth, Social Media, Sexualized Content, & Mental Health with expert, Ryan Klingensmith
Responding to the strong interest in internet safety from the 22–23 end-of-school-year Title 1 survey, ECS is thrilled to host an engaging session with expert Ryan Klingensmith. Save the date for this adult-only, community event on Wednesday, March 20, where you'll learn valuable insights into the latest social media trends, discover effective strategies for ensuring online safety for your children, and explore the critical intersection of mental health in the digital age. RSVP now and share the invitation with friends and family eager to navigate the complexities of the online world. Let's collectively empower our community for a safer digital future! Learn more and RSVP….
Save the Date: Student Career Days
During Career Month, students will hear from diverse presenters and learn about a variety of occupations and opportunities that lie ahead. Save the date!
K–5 Career Day: Friday, Feb. 23
6–8 Career Day: Friday, Feb. 16
9–12 Career Day: Friday, March 22
Hawks Out of School!
Feb. 16 Half Day Adventure Registration
Registration is now open for students in grades K–5 for the Feb. 16 Half Day Adventures. Explore the science behind music with Assemble or harness heat and discover kitchen chemistry with Mad Science. Register today…
Intermediate Aftercare with Venture Outdoors for the 24–25 School Year
This aftercare program is daily until 6 p.m. and includes environmental and recreational outdoor activities like geocaching, hiking, snowshoeing, fishing skills, crafts, creek exploration, trail games, free play, and more. During daily "wind down time" students play board games, cards, artwork, work on homework, and relax. Students will also enjoy special half-day off-site adventures including kayaking, biking, and rock climbing! Learn more about pricing and part-time options…
Check next month’s newsletter for information regarding after-school care at Primary School through the YMCA.
Register for Summer Sports Camps
ECS is hosting 3 weeks of summer sports camps at its Intermediate School location for rising 1st–6th graders. Sports include soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, kickball, and more. Learn more and Register today!
Register for YMCA Summer Camp
While the YMCA will not offer a summer camp at ECS this year, they would like to invite your child(ren) ages K–14 to summer camp at the Homewood YMCA, which is less than 5 minutes from ECS! Camp at the Homewood YMCA includes STEAM activities in the newly renovated Maker Space, physical activities in the gym, and outdoor play spaces as well as time in the garden with support from Phipps Conservatory. Space for the summer camp is limited. Register today…
Congratulations!
ECHS Boys’ Basketball Game
The ECHS Hawk Basketball Team won their game against Calvary Chapel, 55–24, on Thursday, Feb. 1. It was also senior night, and 2 players and the team manager were recognized. Congratulations!
Saturday Light Brigade Attendees
Students from 4th grade were on yesterday’s, Feb. 3, Saturday Light Brigade to talk about their Shakespeare competition. Learn more…
ECS Foundation
The ECS Foundation is here to help find funds to support strategic and mission-aligned projects happening at ECS, from year-long implemented activities to smaller resource needs at the individual school level. Recent wins to support ECS’s work include:
$236,000 from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to revive student engagement and achievement in our middle school and reinvent “adult time” in schools through an integrated solution.
$17,500 from the United Way STEM Education Grant to support how creativity and STEM activities are connected to cultural practices, equity, and access.
The ECS Foundation works with philanthropic organizations, individual donors, and businesses to support ECS endeavors. Interested in learning more, or scheduling a time to see how you can contribute time, connections, or resources? Connect with nikole.sheaffer@ecspgh.org.
PCO News
PCO Meeting
Attend the PCO’s Feb. 7th Meeting at the Middle School from 6–8 p.m. Learn how to combine foods to create a balanced, kid-friendly snack. Learn more…
Student Services News
Career Day 2024
ECS will host its annual Career Day on Friday, Feb. 16 (grades 6–8) and Friday, Feb. 23 (grades K–5). More information about high school career day will be sent soon. This year, we are focusing on the UN SDG goal #12 to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. We look forward to sharing Career Day highlights with you next month!
PAAR Virtual Trauma-Informed Caregiver Group
PAAR will resume its Virtual Trauma-Informed Caregiver Group which will run Mondays at 6 p.m. starting Monday, February 5, 2024. The group will alternate weeks between psycho-educational presentation of the impact of trauma and an open discussion/support group. This group is open to any caregiver who has a child (even an adult child) that has been impacted by any trauma. Attendance is not mandatory, and this is an open group, which means individuals can join at any time and come to as many or as few sessions as they would like. For more information and to register for the group, visit this link.
In Case You Missed It
Official Social Media Pages
As a reminder, ECS encourages families to follow its official, district-run social media pages to stay up to date on school happenings. Please review the links to ensure you are following accurate, ECS-owned social media pages: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Subscribe!
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.