ECS 🦅 May 2023 News
Dear ECS Families,
May is Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and Jewish American Heritage Month, and every year students celebrate music, books, food, and many other aspects of each culture. As the school year inches closer to the end, I want to thank you, our ECS families, for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. Between this month's cultural celebrations and students getting outdoors more, we see uncanny growth and development. Just as tulips and daisies seem to sprout overnight, so do our students as they prepare to bridge up to the next grade level.
With six more weeks to go, I highly recommend taking advantage of conferences on May 12 and May 16, and I hope you enjoy end-of-the-year showcases, events, and warmer weather. I look forward to students completing their school year strong, enthused, and ready for their next adventure.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
Finalized 23–24 School Year Calendar
ECS has finalized its calendar for the 23–24 school year. The following changes have been made:
There is no school on Oct. 9 and Oct. 13 for staff planning days.
The Dec. 8 half-day was moved to Dec. 15.
The Jan. 19 half-day was moved to Jan. 26.
Students will return from Spring Break on Monday, April 1.
There is no school on Wednesday, April 10 in observance of Eid al-Fitr.
The May 14 Conferences/Asynchronous Day was moved to Tuesday, April 23 (this date may change due to legislative changes).
Sustainability Fair–Friday, May 19
All ECS families are invited to attend ECS’s Sustainability Fair on Friday, May 19 from 5–7 p.m. at the Intermediate School. Explore the district’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, view student work, participate in games and activities, and meet community partners! Learn More, RSVP, and Donate Today…
School Screenings
The nurses have completed their screening for the school year. If you are interested in your child's BMI status, or vision screening, please email the nurse in your child's building.
Primary - beth.goetz@ecspgh.org
Intermediate - allyson.rys@ecspgh.org
Middle - judy.brand@ecspgh.org
High School - joyce.williams@ecspgh.org.
Last Chance: Take the Communication Survey by Friday, May 12
ECS believes that when parents are well informed about district, school, and grade-level academics and events, students will reach their highest potential. ECS continually works to refine its communications, and your feedback is a valuable contribution to the district’s communication strategy. Please take a few minutes to complete the 22–23 Communication Survey…
High School Construction Update from April–Delay
In case you missed it, check out ECS’s April high school construction project update that includes information regarding construction delays and how the project connects to Goal 6. Read more…
Hawks Out of School!
Join the Cycle-bration with BikeECS
BikeECS has two more events during the Month of May in recognition of its Cycle-bration including the Intermediate School Walk, Bike, and Roll to School and the BikePGH Open Street events! Learn more…
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!
Robotics Team–World Competition
ECS's Robotics Team competed in the VEX Robotics World Competition in Dallas, Texas from April 30–May 2. Thank you to the following organizations for sponsoring the team!
IUP Band Summit
On April 4, five fifth graders represented ECS at the IUP Elementary Band Summit rehearsing with about 100 other elementary band students from Western PA. The event concluded with all 4 with an evening concert. Congratulations!
Children’s Choice Awards
Intermediate School students participated in the Children's Choice Awards on April 19, and ECS’s two teams placed first and second during the Battle of the Books challenge!
Dr. Leeper, 40 Under 40 Recipient
Congratulations to Dr. Abriana Leeper, acting ECHS Principal, for being named to the New Pittsburgh Courier 40 under 40 list. Dr. Leeper received her award with peers and colleagues in attendance on Friday, April 14.
PCO News
Discounted Kennywood Tickets
ECS’s Kennywood Day is Friday, June 16. Purchase discounted tickets in person after school on Tuesday, May 23 (Middle), Wednesday, May 24 (Primary), Thursday, May 25 (Intermediate), and Wednesday, June 7 (Intermediate). Tickets are also available online. Learn more…
Used Uniform Collection
The PCO will collect used uniforms at the Primary and Intermediate Schools from May 1–May 5. Parents are welcome to send uniforms with their student or drop them off in the marked bins at the front doors.
Election Day Bake Sale
Stop by the Intermediate School’s back parking lot on Tuesday, May 16 to purchase baked goods starting at 9 a.m. All proceeds will benefit ECS’s Athletic Department. If you are donating baked goods to the sale, please drop them off in the morning.
PCO Book Fair & Used Uniform Sale
The PCO will host a Book Fair and Used Uniform Sale on Friday, May 12 at the Intermediate School from 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
PCO Annual Spring Flower & Plant Sale
Order pick-up will occur on May 19 at the Intermediate School. Lots of hands are needed to make this sale a success! Even one hour of your time can help. View the volunteer signup, and lend a hand if you can!
Questions? Email plantsale@ecspco.org
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!
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.