ECS January 2022 News
Dear ECS Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a marvelous, relaxing break and are excited to kick off 2022 with ECS. Our faculty and staff have been working diligently to ensure the continuity of learning while maintaining a safe environment for our community. While students were not in the building this week, I do want to alert you that several staff members who were in the buildings this week have tested positive for COVID-19. Please review this website update for more information.
With that being said, Grades K-2 and Grades 4-8 are still scheduled to continue in-person learning on Monday, Jan. 10. If your student was provided an ECS device, please make sure this device and the applicable charger are returned on Monday.
Due to staffing shortages, students in 3rd-grade will continue virtual learning on Monday, Jan. 10. Please keep an eye on your email for more information from the building administration.
Due to staffing shortages, the high school will continue virtual learning next week as well. High school families should keep an eye on their email for more information from building administrators.
Finally, today’s newsletter features several important updates and exciting upcoming events. Please read the following communication carefully and refer to the Key Dates graphic for this month’s deadlines and events.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
Interim Quarantine Procedures–Effective Immediately Until Further Notice
ECS is aware of the recent changes to CDC guidelines regarding quarantine. Out of an abundance of caution and due to the limited supply and accessibility of testing, ECS will require a strict 7-day quarantine after an individual has tested positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status. Please review our January 2022 Isolation and Quarantine Procedures flow chart and Dr. Cribb's video for more information.
ECS hopes to eventually transition to a 5-day quarantine and will reassess these procedures at the end of January pending increased accessibility to testing. In the meantime, please consider donating KN95 masks and rapid tests to help the district make this transition safely. Supplies can be dropped off at the ECS Home Office located in the back of the Middle School or sent to school with your student for them to deliver to the building nurse. Thank you for your support and collaboration to ensure the well-being and safety of our school community.
Update! Tuesday, Jan. 18 Feedback and Dialogue Session
The Tuesday, Jan. 18 parent feedback and dialogue session mentioned in the Dec. 14 Board Update communication will now occur virtually from 5–6:15 p.m. Individuals must sign up for this event by Friday, Jan. 14. A link to join the event virtually will be sent to the email address noted in the form on the day of the session.
Sign up for the Feedback and Dialogue Session
ESSERs Safety Update
As a part of the district’s health and safety strategy, the ESSER Safety Plan is updated and reapproved by the Board of Trustees every six months. The current Board Approved Health and Safety Plan will undergo updates and re-approval at the Jan. 19 public board meeting. If you would like to provide feedback on the current procedures to help ECS determine the updates needed for the health and safety plan, please fill out the feedback form below by Wednesday, Jan. 12.
Provide Feedback on the Health and Safety Plan
New Year, New Gear: The ECS Store
ECS is pleased to announce that the ECS Store is now accessible on the website under the “Support” tab for our community to browse and purchase available merchandise. While the ECS Store is new to the district, the business office hopes to expand the selection and provide additional swag choices in the future. Check out The ECS Store…
Re-Enrollment Change
ECS will begin the re-enrollment process on March 7, 2022, for all current students. The completion process will secure your child(ren)’s seat at ECS for next year (22–23 SY) and allows ECS to plan for available openings. You will receive an email on March 7 with instructions on how to re-enroll through SchoolMint. You cannot re-enroll until you receive that email
After School Programs and Clubs are Back!
Enrollment is now open for after-school programs and ½ Day Adventures. ECS offers a variety of activities for students in all grades. Learn more…
Support ECS Athletics at Choolaah: Jan. 25, 2022
Support ECS Athletics by visiting Choolaah at 6114 Centre Ave. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Provide this flyer, mention that you’re supporting ECS, or order online using the code CHARTER at checkout to donate 30% of the proceeds to ECS Athletics!
Community Ski
ECS is organizing two Community Ski trips at a discounted rate at Hidden Valley that coincides with our student Ski Club trips on Jan. 28 and Feb. 11. Individuals must sign up by Jan. 14. Learn more and sign up for one or both of the ski trips below.
Board of Trustees Recruitment
ECS is currently recruiting new Board of Trustees members. The ECS Board of Trustees meets monthly, supports ECS through various committees, plans strategic goals of the school, and ensures fiscal transparency and ethical management. Community members interested in serving on the Board of Trustees are encouraged to reach out to the board governance committee at governance@board.ecspgh.org for more information.
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!
Masking Reminders
All students and staff must wear their face masks over the nose and mouth at all times when they are inside the building and on the school bus regardless of vaccination status. If an individual refuses to wear their mask properly, a parent or guardian will be called to pick their student up from school. Please review proper mask-wearing procedures with your student to help ensure a safe environment.
Student Career Month–Last Call for Volunteers is TODAY
ECS is hosting a virtual Career Month during February and is looking for volunteers to present to students to support career awareness with a focus on diverse careers that have been underrepresented in the past including presenters of color, women, entrepreneurs, and trade jobs. Interested in participating? Please complete the form by Friday, Jan. 7.
Enrollment Deadline for the 22–23 School Year is Approaching
Siblings Preference: Please complete an application for any siblings of current students that would like to attend ECS for the 2022–23 school year. Current students do not need to apply, and ECS will send re-enrollment information to all current families in March. Learn more about sibling preference...
Java with Jon and James
Grab a cup of joe, and join Mr. McCann and Dr. Doyle via Google Meet the second Wednesday of every month to chat about district-level information, share feedback, and ask questions. The next Java with Jon and James is on Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
