ECS 🦅 November 2023 News
Dr. Adam Tobias
President
ECS Board of Trustees
Dear ECS Families,
On Saturday, Oct. 28, the ECS Board of Trustees convened at a local meeting space for its annual Board Retreat to discuss the district’s strategic plan and look to the future as we prepare for the CEO succession process. While we use the word “retreat,” the board of trustees merely pull themselves away from the everyday hustle and bustle to sit in the same space, review documents, and gain a better understanding of the district’s current state.
Over the course of four hours, the board learned about the district’s history and future which included its K–12 alignment initiatives and connected themes at each building level:
Play (K–2)
Curiosity (3–5)
Agency (6–8)
Activism/Advocacy (9–12)
As students progress through their K–12 academic journeys at ECS, they are welcomed by an age appropriate curriculum that is rooted in sustainability efforts at each building level. These themes are identified in students’ day to day work but are not limited to: Primary’s play based learning; Intermediate’s use of wonder and adventure in and around Frick Park; Middle School’s student based interest groups and electives; and High School’s volunteer work and community integration.
The board also took a deep dive into measurements and accountability as we analyze data, seek additional data points, and determine actions and next steps. Through this detailed conversation, the ECS Board of Trustees considered the qualitative and quantitative measures of success, important questions to ask of ECS stakeholders, and what our intended outcomes should impact.
Finally, the retreat wrapped up with discussions regarding the CEO succession planning. Myself, along with the CEO Succession Planning Team Co-Chairs, Lisa Elliot and Nikole Sheaffer, gave a brief review of the board’s role for the coming weeks and months as the planning team takes shape and the district prepares to execute a successful and forward thinking transition of leadership.
We look forward to expanding on the Board Retreat discussion topics through our community outreach efforts throughout the school year.
We Grow Citizens.
On Behalf of the Board,
Dr. Adam Tobias
President
ECS Board of Trustees
What’s New at ECS?
Primary School Building Update
You may have seen that the current building owner of the Primary School plans to sell the building and transfer ECS’s lease to a new owner. While the owner of the building may change, this will not interrupt ECS Primary or the continuity of learning.
8th Grade’s Explorations Through Quest Labs
ECS is excited to provide Quest Labs for 8th-grade students throughout the 23–24 school year. Quests are a series of mini-adventures that provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences. At the end of their quests, students will share their experiences through student created documentaries. Learn more…
Upcoming Events
Middle School Showcase
Know someone interested in Middle School? Bring a friend to the ECMS Showcase on Monday, Nov. 13 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. to learn more about the new Environmental Citizenship program, the more than 20 elective offerings, and its academic rigor. Sign up today!
Children’s Grief Awareness Day
On Thursday, November 16th, ECS will be participating in Children's Grief Awareness Day. All ECS students are invited to wear all BLUE (while following dress code guidelines) to raise awareness for the needs of grieving children. Throughout the week, students will be participating in developmentally appropriate discussions about how to support those who are grieving or sad. For information about support services for grieving children, check out The Caring Place and/or reach out to a school counselor. #CGADHOPE #CGAD2023 Families can participate virtually by adding a Hope Butterfly to The Caring Place’s Illuminating Hope virtual display here.
Hawks Out of School!
Girls’ Volleyball Home Court Change
The HS Girls’ Volleyball team will play their home games at the All-American Fieldhouse, Court at 6 p.m. Learn more…
PCO News
Election Day Bake Sale–Tuesday, Nov. 7
Purchase baked goods at the Intermediate School during Election Day. All proceeds benefit the ECS Athletics Department.
Deadline Approaching - Donate to the PCO Friendsgiving Fundraiser Today
The ECS PCO Friendsgiving Fundraiser is BACK! Please help us reach our goal of $5,000 by Donating HERE, now through November, 10th, 2023.
Staff Appreciation
The ECS PCO Staff Appreciation Ambassadors delivered Halloween chocolate treats to all of the schools in October. Learn how you can get involved…
PCO Meeting
Save the Date! The December PCO Meeting will occur on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Middle School.
Student Services News
Attendance Reminder
As the Holiday and Winter Season approaches, we recognize that trips may be planned in the coming months, as well as some unplanned sickness. As a reminder, each student gets 10 excused absences from a parent per year. You can complete the online excuse form here. Any additional absences must be excused by a doctor. If your student will be absent for a pre-scheduled trip, please email your building principal for approval.
Go Guardian Break Changes
ECS uses a Beacon software tool to monitor online activity from your child’s school account. During the year when school is in session, if any content related to suicide or self-harm is flagged, a member of our Student Services team follows up with students and families to ensure that students are properly supported. During the break, the ability to monitor these alerts is significantly reduced. If an alert is detected, the notification will be sent directly to the parent from Go Guardian. As always, we encourage you to have open conversations with your child and/or contact re:solve Crisis Services (1-888-796-8226) if you are concerned about your student’s mental health and safety. Because this software tool is only based on your child’s online activity, it should not be used as a medical or psychological assessment of your child’s condition, but more so an indicator that you should speak with your child about what is troubling them.
We are grateful!
The ECS Student Services Team is here to help, but we couldn’t do it without you! It takes a village, and we are so very grateful for our partnership with ECS staff and families. Together, we are stronger. Thank you for standing with us and for trusting us as we work together in service of our students.
In Case You Missed It!
Sibling Preference for the 24–25 School Year
Have a sibling who would like to attend ECS for the 2024–25 school year? Please complete an application in your SchoolMint account by pressing the add new student application after Oct. 2. The application deadline for sibling preference is January 31. Current students do not need to apply. Re-enrollment will occur in March.
“A sibling is defined as one of two or more individuals having at least one common legal parent/guardian. Sibling preference does not guarantee enrollment.”
Enrollment for the 24–25 School Year Is Open!
Let your friends and neighbors know about our open enrollment! The application deadline to be considered for the lottery is Jan. 31, 2024. Learn more…
NEW! Family Portal on the ECS Website
Based on feedback from last year’s communication survey, ECS has identified areas of improvement on the website. ECS is pleased to launch its Family Portal, a designated space for current families to view and learn information. Browse the Family Portal.
Subscribe!
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.