ECS 🦅 March 2023 News
Dear ECS Families,
The English proverb “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” may have truth behind it when considering the weather, but at ECS, March meanderings bring a swiftness to our schedules that accelerates the need to emerge from the winter months. This immensely busy time of the year overflows with cultural celebrations including our month-long observance of Women’s History and students’ exploration of Ramadan. We become reacquainted with the sun, enjoy circular treats on pi day, proceed with caution on the Ides of March, and feel lucky on St. Patrick’s Day.
March delivers an extraordinary transition to Spring and is the time of the school year when we see the educational seeds that we planted in the fall sprout and bloom into global citizens. Students begin to truly exhibit mastery skills, grasp complicated concepts, and reflect on the environments around them. By the conclusion of the month, Quarter 3 will end, rising 9th–12 graders will have scheduled their courses for next year, and we will welcome our final chapter of the 22–23 school year.
Despite the feeling of finality nearing, we must remain dedicated to the work that still needs completion, the challenges we strive to overcome, and the goals we are committed to achieving. This month may have the confliction of hot and cold, calm and madness, darkness and light, and celebration and reflection, but as a community, we will March forward together.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
High School Construction Update from February
In case you missed it, ECS’s new high school construction project connects to Goal 4. Learn more…
Youth Symposium
ECS will host the Sigma Gamma Rho Annual Youth Symposium at the Middle School on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. This free event is open to 6–12 grade families, includes breakfast and lunch, features special guest, Senator Lindsey Williams, and will engage students in workshops relating to communication skills and career readiness. Please reach out to socialwork@ecspgh.org with any questions, and register for the free event here.
Class Registration
Students currently in grades 8–11 are registering for 2023–2024 classes in March. As the high school continues to grow, ECS is excited to increase the number of AP classes offered and further its dual enrollment partnership with Chatham University and CCAC.
College/Career Planning
As 11th-grade students prepare for post-graduation, student services is pleased to offer several resources to help them decide their path. In March, students will have a field trip to Pittsburgh Technical College and the Pittsburgh Promise Career Fair. ECHS will welcome visitors from St. Vincent College and military branches to speak with interested students.
Hawks Out of School!
Athletic Spirit Wear, 2023
Purchase your ECS Athletic Spirit Wear by Sunday, April 2! All proceeds will benefit the ECS Athletic Department. ECS will distribute merchandise in April. Purchase yours today!
Let's Swim Day in partnership with The Kingsley Association
ECS is partnering with the Kingsley Association to bring free family swim nights to our ECS community on three different evenings.
K–5 Family Swim Night: Friday, March 31, 5–7 p.m.
6–8 Family Swim Night: Friday, May 19, 5–7 p.m.
High School Family Swim Night: Friday, June 9, 5–7 p.m.
Bike ECS Updates
Keep an eye out for several BikeECS events coming up this spring including ECS’s Bike, Walk, & Roll Days, a family biking class opportunity, and ECS’s participation at BikePGH’s Open Streets. More details to come. ICYMI: Volunteer here.
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.
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!
Dr. Abriana Leeper, Acting ECHS Principal
Dr. Leeper was named to the New Pittsburgh Couriers’ 2023 40 under 40 list. Learn more…
ECHS Hawk Basketball Team
The ECHS Hawk Basketball Team won their final game of the regular season against Northside Urban Pathways on Feb. 6, 2023. Congratulations on an excellent season!
Robotics Team
ECS's 3 Robotics Teams competed on Saturday, Feb. 11 against 24 other teams. One team won the Skills Division, and all three teams finished in the top three places in the finals which earned them a spot at the Western PA State Championship on March 11.
Thank you!
Career Day 2023 was a great success!
Thank you to the 100+ volunteers who joined ECS Career Days! Your thoughtful planning and honest reflections on how your profession makes cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable has sparked inspiration for our students’ future career endeavors. We value your partnership and thank you for your time and commitment in the service of our students!
PCO News
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!
Daylight Savings Reminder
Our clocks will “spring forward” in March and you may find yourself in a home with tired and irritable family members. In order to help with this transition, consider adjusting your sleep schedule incrementally before Daylight Savings, following a predictable bedtime routine that includes wind-down activities, and limiting/eliminating screen time before bed. If you feel like your child is not getting adequate restful sleep to help them recharge and feel their best, check in with your pediatrician for more tips and guidance.
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.