ECS May 2022 News
Dear ECS Families,
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month AND Jewish American Heritage Month. While students in grades K–5 participate in read and sing-alongs to learn words like Shalom, students in grades 6–10 learn how to create tasty treats from both the AAPI and Jewish cultures. These cultural celebrations are imperative to our mission to grow an active, engaged, and thoughtful citizenry. Throughout the next few weeks, ask your students about what they have learned and try some traditional recipes from these cultures.
While students still have many outdoor experiences to discover and new cultural celebrations to learn about, ECS is reflecting on the past year and preparing for the 22–23 school year by investing in experience opportunities to enhance students’ academic encounters and well-being as we imagine a post-pandemic society. In the ECS K–5 program, additional staff will join the specialist team to allow for dedicated music and physical education instructors at both the Primary and Intermediate buildings. At the Middle School, we are breaking ground on the upper green space which will allow space for supplemental outdoor education and activities. Simultaneously, we are preparing to onboard a new 11th-grade staff at our High School as well as support additional student services needs district-wide.
ECS is pleased to announce these changes as several were student-led initiatives and will not only establish new areas for development but serve as a stepping stone into post-pandemic remediation.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
CHANGE: This Month’s Java with Jon & James – Athletic Director Discussion
This month's Java with Jon and James will occur virtually on Wednesday, May 11 at 5:30 p.m. and include a special open dialogue session regarding the district's search for an Athletic Director and the development of the Athletic Department to allow families an opportunity to provide their thoughts as the district continues to increase student engagement activities.
ECS Adopts WELL Performance Rating
ECS is proud to be an early adopter of the WELL Performance Rating which uses building data and building occupant experience to inform the organization's operations and culture. Learn more!
PAAR Community Champion Award
ECS received the 2022 Community Champion Award at the April 30 PAAR Teal Ball. This award honors an organization that identifies a community need, takes decisive and effective action to fulfill that need, and inspires others in the process. Our Intermediate School Counselor, Laura Brienza, accepted the award on behalf of ECS from PAAR's Executive Director Lisa Perry, a longtime supporter of ECS and the school counseling team.
Project Green Schools Top 6 finalists
ECS is honored to be a top 6 finalist for the “Outdoor Classroom Challenge” with Project Green Schools. The ECS Team will present on May 15 for the chance to win the top honor. Join us in wishing the team luck!
High School Student Column
This month, ECHS students participated in several Earth Month celebrations including tree plantings and a community litter pick up. Students also completed quest labs where they went into the community, visited, organizations, and learned about real-world issues in the workplace. To learn more, read Diezel Marvin’s student column.
Remake Learning Day
ECS is partnering with Remake Learning Days on Tuesday, May 17 to host World Wide Wonder: Open the Door to Outdoor Learning from 1–2:30 p.m. for students in grades K–5 at the Intermediate School. Learn more…
National Charter Schools Week
ECS will celebrate National Charter Schools week from May 9–13. Be sure to follow along on Facebook, get involved, and continue to advocate for high-quality education that is accessible for all. Learn more…
Monthly Alma Tip
Did you know that you can email your student's teachers directly through Alma? When you see an envelope icon next to a staff member's name in Alma, simply click on the envelope, and a "Compose New Message" window will appear. From your student's landing page in Alma, there is also a "Message Teachers" button in the top, righthand corner. You will receive replies to messages to the email address listed on your account.
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!
22–23 School Year Calendar
The Calendar for the 22–23 School Year is now available below and on the calendar and events web page.
View the 22–23 School Year Family Calendar
ECHS Program of Studies
ECHS is excited to announce its new program of studies and to share it with the entire district. Take a peek at some of the course offerings students can expect when they go to high school. Learn more about the program of studies…
Bussing for Middle School Students for the 22–23 School Year
At this time, ECS does not anticipate any change for Middle School bussing for the 22–23 School Year. Although it is still the intention of PPS to issue bus passes to ECS Middle School students, ECS will continue to transport via yellow bus. As a reminder, your student’s home school district coordinates their transportation to and from ECS. If you have any questions regarding your student’s transportation for the 22–23 school year, please contact your home school district’s transportation office.
K–5 After-School Care
Seats are still available for students at the Intermediate and Primary schools to join after-school care. ECS is excited to partner with the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh at the Primary School and Venture Outdoors at the Intermediate School. Learn more in your principal’s newsletter.
