ECS 🦅 March 2024 News
Dear ECS Families,
As we stride into March, we are stepping into the embrace of warmer days, renewal, and growth. This time of year is always marvelous for ECS as outdoor classes and exploration become more and more prevalent. March is also Women’s History Month, and I draw inspiration from environmentalist and Pittsburgh native, Rachel Carson.
At ECS, eco-literacy is the organizing principle, and it teaches students that our natural, built, and social environments are interconnected. The decisions that we make as people ripple through all of these systems which is a primary highlight of Carson’s work that was documented in her book “Silent Spring.” Through her research on environmental harm caused by the use of pesticides, Carson wrote “Silent Spring” which became a brilliant rally to advocate for the Earth and call attention to the negative effects and connections to all living beings.
While we don’t necessarily need to make world-changing discoveries, our collective small commitments to the environment will foster sustainability and preservation. With our world waking up from its winter slumber, I implore each of you to leave a positive mark on our environment.
“In nature, nothing exists alone.”
― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
Be Well,
Jon McCann
CEO
What’s New at ECS?
March Board Meeting Moved to Intermediate
The ECS Board of Trustees March Board Meeting will occur at the Intermediate School on Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. Review the board website…
CEO Succession Planning Update
The CS Team and OnRamps engaged in collaborative listening sessions to gather insights and talk with stakeholders across our ECS system. Learn more…
Vice President Kamala Harris Speaks at ECS Partner Organization, the Kingsley Center
On Feb. 20, Vice President Kamala Harris gave a speech regarding clean waterways at the Kingsley Center. The Kingsley Center is home to ECS’s basketball home court as well as hosts administrative offices for the district. Read Vice President Harris’s exclusive interview with the Courier…
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….
Green Roots: A Sustainable Affair
ECS’s fun-packed, sustainability events are back in honor of our Earth! Save the date for your student’s Green Roots: A Sustainable Affair event, and check back next month to learn more and RSVP:
6–12 Sustainability Fest: Friday, May 10, 2024
K–5 Sustainability Fair: Friday, May 17, 2024
#ECSCares Day–June 13, 2024
ECS is pleased to host its second annual #ECSCares Day on June 13, 2024. As global citizens, students and families are encouraged to volunteer at various community sites from 9–11 a.m. or participate in a service project on their own to receive attendance credit for June 13th. Keep an eye out for more information including site sign-ups, ideas for individual service projects, and logistics.
Hawks Out of School!
Spring Break Mini Camp with Venture Outdoors
Venture Outdoors is piloting a minicamp during Spring Break on March 25, 26, and 27th in North Park. Camp will be held in and around the boat house at North Park. Each day has a different theme with corresponding outdoor activities:
Monday – Treasure Hunt (geocaching, nature scavenger hunt, etc.)
Tuesday – Hooked on Fishing (fishing, aquatic life and ecosystems, fish art)
Wednesday – Outdoor Survivor (hiking, shelter building, fire and s’mores)
Learn more and register today…
Primary Aftercare with YMCA for the 24–25 School Year
ECS partners with the YMCA to provide after-school care for students in grades K–2 that explores the outdoors. Learn more about aftercare options and pricing, and 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…
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!
Congratulations!
Rachel Lendyak-Peters, Enrichment and Gifted Coordinator
Ms. Lendyak-Peters is the recipient of the 2024 Rob Zellers Award for Excellence in Arts Education. Learn more…
Lila Husley
Lila Husley, an ECS 4th grader competed in the 30th Annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest at Pittsburgh Public Theater and was a lower division monologue finalist for her role as Rosalind from the play “As You Like It.” Learn more…
Tobias Howard!
ECHS Hawk Basketball player, Tobias Howard, was named to the SWPAA Western Division, All-League team. He is the first player in the team's history to make this accomplishment.
ECHS Girls’ Volleyball Team
In recognition of their participation in ECS’s first-ever girls’ varsity sport, the 23–24 Girls’ Volleyball was recognized at the Feb. 21 ECS Board of Trustees meeting. Learn more…
Acceptance Letters!
ECS is proud to announce that its seniors have been accepted to the following schools, colleges, and universities: West Virginia University, Virginia State, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Rutgers University, Chatham University, Point Park University, Quinnipiac University, Penn State University, Waynesburg University, Clark-Atlanta University, Johnson C. Smith University, Youngstown State University, Norfolk State University, Robert Morris University, University of Valley Forge, South Carolina State University, Cleveland Institute of Art and Design, Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Bowling Green State University, Thiel College, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Savannah College of Art and Design
ECMS Basketball Team
On Friday, Feb. 23, the ECMS basketball team competed in their league's championship game. Congratulations on a fantastic season!
PCO News
PCO Meeting
Attend the PCO’s March 6 Meeting at the Intermediate School from 6–8 p.m. with Ms. Bergman and Ms. Williams. Learn more…
PCO Choolaah Fundraiser–March 14
Use promo code "PCO" online or say you are supporting the Environmental Charter School PCO for in-person orders. Additional details are available HERE.
Student Services News
Career Day 2024 K-8 was a great success!
Thank you to the volunteers who joined ECS Career Days! We look forward to our high school career day on March 22nd. We value your partnership and thank you for your time and commitment in service of our students.
School Counseling Program Spotlight: Peer Mentoring
16 student mentors from the Middle and High Schools were trained and will travel to the Primary and Intermediate to mentor. We had two wonderful in-person events in February, thanks to our Middle and High School mentors. We look forward to continuing to build school connections and adding another layer of support for our students.
Class Registration
Students currently in grades 8–11 will register for 2024–2025 classes in March. As the high school continues to grow, we are excited to expand our offering of classes. We are increasing the number of AP classes offered and furthering dual enrollment partnerships with Chatham and CCAC.
Daylight Savings Reminder
Our clocks will “spring forward” in March and you may find yourself in a home with tired and irritable family members. To help with this transition, consider adjusting your sleep schedule incrementally before Daylight Savings, follow a predictable bedtime routine that includes wind-down activities, and limit/eliminate 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.
In Case You Missed It
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…
Parent Volunteering
A friendly reminder to our dedicated volunteers: If you're considering volunteering, please ensure you submit your clearances through the Raptor system. Kindly note that ECS does not accept hard copies or emailed clearances. Even if you've previously provided hard copies to the school office, it's essential to upload them via Raptor. Learn more…
ECS Board of Trustees Policy Review
The policy review and update process can be located in Dr. Tobias’, ECS Board of Trustee President, August welcome communication and is also linked here for your convenience.
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.
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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.