Dear ECS Families,

As we all settle into the beginning of the school year routines, I’m thrilled to see enthusiasm regarding new middle school (ECMS) offerings, particularly electives such as Art-Tech Fusion, From Clay to Creation, Blossom and Bloom at Garfield Farms, STEMtastic Adventures, and many more. The addition of electives as well as the new Environmental Citizenship Program at ECMS were designed with high-quality education as a focal point and cross-pollinates with ECS’s mission and dedication to sustainability.

The work at ECMS contributes to a greater district wide initiative to bridge our K-12 programming in a harmonious, mission aligned pattern. This initiative took effect during the 22-23 school year as the district added support to its K-5 specials courses. Last school year, ECS added capacity to its specials programming by ensuring both the Primary and Intermediate Schools each had its own dedicated instructors that did not have to travel between buildings. This allowed students to have more time in mission aligned courses while focusing on their social emotional learning and the whole child as we forged a path forward post COVID.

These shifts were made through faculty, staff, student, and family feedback, and they also are a result of an evolving urban classroom landscape. As ECS experienced organization record setting test scores in our lower grades, the district remains committed to innovative learning tactics that support students’ academic success and their overall well-being.

Sincerely,

Amanda Cribbs, EdD, Superintendent

Hear from your building’s principal and learn what’s happening in your student’s building through their online newsletter.

What’s New at ECS?

PAAR Virtual Trauma-Informed Caregivers Group
PAAR is hosting its weekly Virtual Trauma-Informed Caregivers Group every Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more and register…

McKinney-Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (1987- amended 2015) defines the term “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

The federal mandate ensures that homeless children and youth have access to the same free and appropriate public education as other children. Children who are homeless may qualify for assistance with school lunch, school supplies, tutoring, and transportation so that they can remain in their school of origin.If you believe that your child may qualify for this service, please contact district Homelessness Liaison, Sofia Massaro, at socialwork@ecspgh.org.

CHIP Insurance for Students
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health insurance to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in medical assistance. Visit the CHIP website to learn more about the program, including eligibility, cost, and other program rules.

Welcome Keiterez Bynum, Intermediate Assistant Principal
ECS is thrilled to welcome Keiterez Bynum as the new Intermediate School Assistant Principal. Mr. Bynum joins the team with more than 10 years of experience working with youth. Read the Press Release…

Welcome Back Cynthia Gilmer, Executive Director of Academics (6-12)
ECS is excited to welcome back Cynthia Gilmer as the district's executive director of 6 to 12 academics. We are delighted to have her rejoin the team! Read the Press Release…

Purchase Your Tie Dye ECS Spirit Wear: Clubs and Athletics Scholarship Fundraiser
While creating your own t-shirt will be available at the OST Activities Fair, get ahead of the rush. Pre-order your ECS gear and pick it up when you attend the OST Activities Fair on Sept. 12. The pre-order deadline is Thursday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.

All proceeds support the ECS Clubs and Athletics Scholarship Fund. Pre-order your gear today…

Upcoming Events

Out-of-School Time Activities & Athletics Fair
ECS will host an Out of School Time Activities & Athletics Fair in the Middle School Cafe on Sept. 12 from 6–7:30 p.m. Drop in to explore K–12 Out of School Time offerings, participate in live activities, and create your own t-shirt (check out the details below!). Learn More and RSVP…

Curriculum Night
ECMS and ECHS will host their annual Curriculum Night on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Primary and Intermediate Schools will welcome families to their Curriculum Night on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Stay tuned for more information!

Application for the 23–24 School Year Open Soon!
Open enrollment for the 23–24 school year will open in October. Please make sure to log in to your SchoolMInt account at ecspgh.schoolmint.net to apply for a sibling after Oct. 2. Also, let your friends and neighbors know about our open enrollment! Current students do not need to apply. Re-enrollment will occur in March.v

Hawks Out of School!

BikeECS Volunteers Needed
BikeECS is looking for volunteers for fall programming across the district: Sign up here!

Girls’ Volleyball
The HS Girls’ Volleyball season starts Thursday, Sept 7. Special thanks to coach Hannah Berg and Amanda McCallen, and all of our volunteers. It is exciting to have the first ever official Girls Varsity Sports Program at ECS and the players are ready to compete! Go Hawks! View the schedule here…

Congratulations!

Primary & Intermediate Schools Recognized as Tier 1 Sustaining Sites
Both the Primary & Intermediate Schools met Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support (PAPBS) Network’s criteria for implementing School-Wide (SWPBIS) Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports with fidelity during the 2022-2023 school year! Both schools are recognized as Tier 1 Sustaining sites, and staff will receive the award in November.

PCO News

PCO Meeting
Attend the PCO Picnic in Turtle Park at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6 as the PCO celebrates its first meeting of the school year. Purchase used uniforms, and bring your own blanket, plates, utensils, drinks, and a dish to share. Learn more…

Fall Plant Sale
The pre-order deadline for the PCO’s Annual Fall Plant Sale and Decor is Tuesday, Sept. 5. Plant pick-up will occur on Friday, Sept. 22 between 12 and 5:30 p.m. at the Intermediate School.

Frick Park Market Fundraiser
Support the ECS PCO on Friday, Sept. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Frick Park Market located at 7103 Reynolds St. Just mention "ECS" when paying and the PCO will receive 20% of the proceeds

In Case You Missed It!

The First Friday of Each Month is Spirit Day!
The first Friday of each month is ECS’s district-wide Spirit Day! Wear school colors (Green!) or an ECS T-shirt to show school spirit and connection!

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.

Volunteering & Clearances
ECS values volunteers in our district. To learn how to volunteer and what clearances are needed visit the Family Portal Volunteer page.

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.

ECS 🦅 September 2023 News