ECS March 2022 News
Dear ECS Families,
March symbolizes change as the weather teeters on the brink of warm weather and another round of plummeting temperatures. It is also an extraordinarily busy time of the year for ECSers. Milder conditions get our students outside more for environmental exploration, and with it comes muddy clothes, lots of floor mopping, and tons of fun.
Marvelous March maintains our commitment to cultural celebrations as students learn about Women’s History Month while simultaneously commemorating the importance of National Reading Month. During the next few weeks, the entire school district will participate in the Million Minute March Madness Challenge where collectively, we will read for a million minutes. Several of the readings were created by women authors, and the district looks forward to reaching its goal.
Below, you will see additional updates and exciting news as this month has so much in store for our ECS family. However, before we completely leave February in the past, I would like to take a moment to give a massive shout out to the ECHS Basketball team who just wrapped up their season. Here to tell you more about the team is Devante Gowder.
Thank you to all of our families who cheered the team on at games and supported this growing program. Congratulations on a wonderful season!
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
Changes: Java with Jon and James
Java with Jon and James deeply values in-person conversation and collaboration.
This month’s Java will occur on Tuesday, March 15 due to the PCO meeting on March 9.
To provide equity regarding travel time and distance, Java will occur in the Cafes at a different ECS building each month. The March 15 Java will occur at the Intermediate School. View the schedule for the remainder of the year…
Java recognizes that individuals cannot always attend in-person meetings and is dedicated to providing a summarized video and meeting minutes to those who subscribe to receive the Monthly Java with Jon and James Newsletter.
Subscribe to the Monthly Java with Jon and James Newsletter
Sleep Resources from Student Services
As we prepare for Daylight Savings, the student services team has provided recommendations and resources regarding students’ sleeping habits. Read more…
Athletic Department Gear Fundraiser - Ends March 22, 2022
Get some new ECS Athletic gear before it's too late! ECS is selling a variety of athletic department clothing items including short-sleeved and long-sleeved t-shirts and sweatshirts to raise funds for the district’s growing athletic department. All proceeds will benefit students participating in athletics in grades 3-10.
YMCA Partnership for After-School Care
ECS is thrilled to announce it will partner with YMCA PGH for its after-school care at the Primary School starting in the Fall of 2022. The YMCA’s mission closely aligns with ECS’s mission to grow active, engaged, and thoughtful citizens. While the Primary School E-Day transitions to YMCA programming, Venture Outdoors will remain a vital partner for the Intermediate School's after-school activities. Learn more…
New! YMCA Summer Camps
ECS is excited to partner with the YMCA to provide its first summer camp for incoming first grade to incoming fifth-grade students. Learn more and register your student…
150th Arbor Day Celebration with Tree Pittsburgh
ECS will partner with Tree Pittsburgh for the 150th Arbor Day Celebration. Keep an eye out for more details in the April newsletter, but in the meantime, Oaklee, the Tree Pittsburgh mascot, will visit students to promote sustainability as Earth month celebrations begin at the end of March.
Spring Clubs Registration
Registration for Spring Clubs will open March 16-30, 2022. Check the website in the coming weeks to learn more about the after-school programs offered at each building and to sign up. Learn more…
Advocate for H.R. 6613, Keeping School Meals Flexible Act
This bipartisan legislation would allow the USDA to extend critical pandemic-related child nutrition waivers through the 2022-23 school year. Without USDA authority to extend the waivers, they will expire in June 2022. Contact your legislators to urge them to support this act…
PCO Steering Committee Volunteers Needed
A number of PCO Steering Committee positions are open for next school year. Openings include chairperson, treasurer, technology coordinator, communications coordinator, DEI chair, and primary school vice-chair. Please consider joining the PCO leadership team - or sharing the word with friends! Contact parents@ecspco.org for more information. Learn more…
Alma Tips
Did you know that you can adjust how you receive alerts from ECS to either a phone call or text message?
Click on your profile circle (Circle with your initials in the top, right-hand corner), and then choose "Notification Preferences." You can only receive text messages if your primary phone number in Alma (the first number listed) is a mobile phone number. You can check your phone numbers in Alma by clicking on your profile circle and clicking on "My Info."
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!
Virtual Career Fair
ECS is hosting its 3rd annual Virtual Career Fair on Saturday, March 19 for potential applicants to e-meet current staff and learn more about the ECS culture. Share the following information within your networks and sign up today if you are interested in joining the ECS team. Learn more…
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.
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.
