ECS October 2021 News
Dear ECS Families,
October is always a splendid month at ECS as the weather gets cooler and fall activities commence. This year, I’m excited to say that one of my favorite ECS traditions, the annual Pumpkin Parade, is back. While it seems like K-5 students just dress up and walk down Braddock Avenue, there is much more to the Pumpkin Parade than meets the eye.
As students spend the days and weeks leading up to the parade planning their perfect costume, students district-wide are also learning about the history of Halloween and how different cultures from around the world celebrate. These teachings tie into ECS’s mission to grow global citizens by providing knowledge and perspectives from a variety of civilizations. Students discover how the heritage from different cultures makes up the holiday that they celebrate here in the United States.
In that same vein, ECS continues to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month which concludes on Oct. 15. Be sure to ask your student how they are learning about heritage through storytelling, dance, food, and discussion.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
WQED was in the Neighborhood
Through an ongoing partnership with WQED, the Intermediate School was selected as a filming location on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, and will appear on the PBS television channel frequently over the next several weeks. Learn more...
Enrollment for the 22-23 School Year Opens Oct. 1
Siblings Preference: Please complete an application for any siblings of current students that would like to attend ECS for the 2022–23 school year. Current students do not need to apply, and ECS will send re-enrollment information to all current families in January. Learn more about sibling preference...
Reporting Transportation Updates
ECS is diligently working to improve communication methods regarding transportation. In the meantime, if ECS is alerted that a bus is running late, using a substitute driver, or experiencing an incident that would result in a change in service, an update will appear at the top of ecspgh.org. Delays in updates may occur based on when the information is received and if staff are available to post. ECS can only report information that is provided to the district.
Board Meeting Time Change
ECS Board of Trustees meetings will occur at 5:30 p.m. For more information, please review the Board information page.
COVID-19 Symptom Changes
An updated list of COVID-19 symptoms to screen your student is now available. You can locate this information on the COVID-19 Dashboard and Information Center by clicking on the COVID-19 Screening Tool icon.
COVID-19 Communication Alerts
To provide positive COVID-19 case alerts in a quick but non-repetitive manner, ECS developed a communication flow chart that details when and who will receive alerts. Please note that alerts will come from notifications@getalma.com. If you believe that you are not receiving communications, please contact media@ecspgh.org.
Niche’s 2022 Rankings Are Available!
Niche's 2022 rankings were released, and ECS ranked #1 in Best Charter Elementary Schools in the Pittsburgh Area! Check out the school's full rankings list.
Children’s Institute Partnership
ECS is excited to partner with the Children’s Institute (CI) for School-Based Outpatient Behavioral Health for the 2021–2022 school year. The team is here to support your family on the journey to wellness. The CI offers individual, group, and family therapy with the option of school-based medication management as part of your child's school day. Additionally, appointments at the Shady Avenue location, just 2 miles away, telehealth appointments, and Saturday medication checks are available if those options are more convenient for you.
Below are a few helpful links to get acquainted with the Children’s Institute:
Learn about The Children’s Institute and who we are.
Explore our Behavioral Health services.
Meet the team. Read their bios, and enjoy a short welcome video.
Check out our telehealth therapy tips or prepare for an in-person appointment.
Please reach out to your building's social worker for more information:
Jessica Segal (K-5)
Vanessa Veltre (6-8)
Sofia Massaro (9-10)
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!
Java with Jon and James
Grab a cup of joe, and join Mr. McCann and Dr. Doyle via Google Meet the second Wednesday of every month to chat about district-level information, share feedback, and ask questions. The next Java with Jon and James is on Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Missed a Communication?
Have you missed a monthly newsletter or message from ECS leadership? Access ECS communications at the bottom of each page on ecspgh.org. Please note that teacher communications and grade level/building communications regarding COVID-19 are not available on the website due to confidentiality concerns.
Review ECS’s Health and Safety Plans and Policies
ECS also encourages families to review the plans and policies below frequently with students. This information can also be found on the ECS COVID Dashboard and Information Center page under information and prevention.
