ECS 🦅 June 2023 News
Dear ECS Families,
First and foremost, thank you all for yet another magnificent year filled with out-the-door adventures, unique learning, and fun. As we say farewell to the 22–23 school year and hello to summer, I cannot express enough my sincere gratitude to each of you, our families, for choosing ECS to educate your child. It is a privilege to work with your student, learn who they are as an individual, witness them grow and develop, and exist as a small chapter in their ever-flourishing lives.
ECS remains rooted in its commitment to grow citizens, and even when school is not in session, our work does not come to a halt. Over the course of the summer, the district will complete some facilities updates at each of its buildings and continue its dedicated work to build, align, and perfect its K–12 programming. While district updates will be minimal throughout the summer months, keep an eye on your email for updates in preparation for the 23–24 school year. In the meantime, have a fabulous, safe, and fun summer.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
Staff Event Wednesday, June 14
ECS will close immediately after Middle School’s half-day dismissal on Wednesday, June 14 due to an all-staff event. The district will resume normal operations on Thursday, June 15.
End of the Year Food Service Note
ECS will serve bagged lunches during the last two weeks of school to assist with closing down the kitchens and to allow for flexibility during end-of-the-year fun days, field trips, and celebrations.
Re-Enrollment Notice for the 23–24 School Year
Moving? Changing addresses? Going to another school? Please let the enrollment office know at enrollment@ecspgh.org!
23–24 School Year Draft Budget
The 23–24 School Year Draft Budget is now available. View it here…
ChatGPT App Warning–This message was created using ChatGPT
Parents/guardians should be cautious when their children use AI chat apps like ChatGPT. Risks include exposure to inappropriate content, interacting with strangers, and sharing personal information. Filters may not catch everything. AI chat apps lack empathy and should not replace human interaction. Monitor usage, establish screen time limits, and prioritize offline activities. Use parental controls and maintain open communication with your child.
PAAR’s Virtual Trauma-Informed Caregivers Group
PAAR’s Virtual Trauma-Informed Caregivers Group will resume on June 12th. Learn more and register…
22–23 Communication Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 22–23 School Year Communication survey. The survey results account for more than 25% of ECS’s population from each grade level K–11 and will influence ongoing communication strategies.
High School Construction Update from May–New Timeline Coming Soon
In case you missed it, check out ECS’s May high school construction project update that includes information regarding construction delays and how the project connects to Goal 7. Read more…
Hawks Out of School!
Track & Field–Thank You and Congratulations!
The track and field season concluded with some of ECMS’s top athletes participating in the NCSAA invitational at Geneva College. A total of 55 students participated in the track and field program at ECMS with an additional 4 ECHS student participants. Thank you to Brittney Traynor, John Parker, Alysson Huneycutt, Maddy Berry, Lenny Brown (ECMS Coaches), and Nikole Sheaffer (parent volunteer) as well as April Hill (ECHS Coach) for a fantastic season.
This season wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and commitment of several ECS parents who set up carpools and provided drinks, fruit, and snacks. The track and field program at ECS has provided opportunities for ECS students to participate in a sports program and be a part of an athletic team! Congratulations to everyone who made this program possible and successful!
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!
Sarah Hall, Acting Assistant Principal at the Middle School
Sarah Hall, previously an MTSS Specialist at Middle School, has transitioned to Acting Assistant Principal at the Middle School. As ECMS adds additional support, this position will serve as a second assistant principal alongside the current assistant principal, Laura Micco, and incoming principal, Nick Tutolo.
PCO News
Discounted Kennywood Tickets
ECS’s Kennywood Day is Friday, June 16. Purchase discounted tickets on Wednesday, June 7 at the Intermediate School. Tickets are also available online. Learn more…
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!
Finalized 23–24 School Year Calendar
ECS has finalized its calendar for the 23–24 school year.
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.