Intermediate School March Newsletter (23–24)

Laura Williams
Intermediate School Principal

Email: laura.williams@ecspgh.org

Phone: x205

Important Dates

3/6: ECS PCO Meeting 6-8PM

3/14: ECS PCO Choolaah Fundraiser

3/15K-5 yearbook candid photo submission deadline

3/20: Digital and online safety event at Middle at 6 p.m. with expert Ryan Klingensmith. RSVP!

3/20: ECS Board of Trustees Meeting at Intermediate at 6 p.m.

3/22: Student Half Day

3/22: End of Q3

3/25–29: Spring Break

4/1: Students and Staff Return

4/3: PCO Meeting at Middle at 6 p.m.

4/5: ECS Spirit Day

4/5: Q3 Report cards are Published

Dear ECS Intermediate School Families,

Inspiring.  Courageous. Life changing.  These are some of the words that I used to describe the wonderful women who have contributed to our collective history, as we will soon celebrate Women’s History Month in March.  We have been fortunate to have been the beneficiaries of the hard work of many women at various ages and stages of their lives, who have had a positive impact on our society and quality of life.  Whether it was Rachel Carson who was the founder of the modern-day environmental movement to Henrietta Lacks whose cells have led to various medical advancements, our lives have been made better.  Please take the time during March to share with your children the role that women have played in not only our own shared history but your individual family history as well.  For myself, I have come from a long line of educators, who have been filled with strong women that have impacted my life and have shaped my ultimate career path.

Sincerely,

Laura Williams
Intermediate School Principal


What’s new at the Intermediate School?

Spring Break Mini Camp with Venture Outdoors

Venture Outdoors is piloting a minicamp during Spring Break on March 25, 26, and 27th in North Park. Camp will be held in and around the boat house at North Park. Each day has a different theme with corresponding outdoor activities:

Monday – Treasure Hunt (geocaching, nature scavenger hunt, etc.)

Tuesday – Hooked on Fishing (fishing, aquatic life and ecosystems, fish art)

Wednesday – Outdoor Survivor (hiking, shelter building, fire and s’mores)

Learn more and register today…

Register for Summer Sports Camps
ECS is hosting 3 weeks of summer sports camps at its Intermediate School location for rising 1st–6th graders. Sports include soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, kickball, and more. Learn more and Register today!

Intermediate Aftercare with Venture Outdoors for the 24–25 School Year
This aftercare program is daily until 6 p.m. and includes environmental and recreational outdoor activities like: geocaching, hiking, snowshoeing, fishing skills, crafts, creek exploration, trail games, free play and more. During daily "wind down time" students play board games, cards, artwork, work on homework, and relax. Students will also enjoy special half-day off-site adventures including kayaking, biking, and rock climbing! Learn more about pricing and part-time options…


This Month’s Cultural Celebrations

Intermediate School students will explore Women’s History Month!


  • 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 Opens Oct. 2!
    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…

    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.

    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.

    Receive Board of Trustees Meeting Reminders

  • Arrival:

    Students being brought to school by car, bike, or on foot will be accepted at the Henrietta Street entrance between 8 and 8:20 a.m.

    • The front door will close at 8:20.

    • If your child plans to get breakfast, please plan to have them arrive prior to 8:10 to allow time for receiving breakfast, eating, and then arriving at home base.

    • Please use the visitor parking spaces on Milton Street, adjacent to Turtle Park, if you must park your car during student arrival. Please do not park in front of the school or on Milton Street.

    • Please avoid obstructing neighbors’ driveways.

    • Please be aware of cyclists and pedestrians in and around Regent Square.

    • Please do not make a U-turn on Henrietta Street (street in front of the building) or turn left on Milton. Instead, please continue straight down Henrietta and turn left on LaClair.

    • If you arrive after 8:20, please bring your student to the front door and ring the bell. The office manager will confirm the receipt of your child and they will sign in at the front desk and receive a pass to class

    Dismissal:

    Student dismissal begins at 3:20 and concludes at 3:50 p.m. Please be timely in picking your child up as close to 3:20 as possible. If you are running late, please contact the school.

    • Do not stop or park in front of the school or on Milton Street. Please park on the east side of South Braddock Avenue.

    • All pick-up students will be dismissed from the side exit of the school building, next to Turtle Park.

    • Dismissals from the office are for pre-arranged early dismissals only. Please pick your child up from the designated dismissal location outside of the school.

    • Please avoid obstructing neighbors’ driveways.

    • Be aware of cyclists and pedestrians in and around Regent Square.

    • During severe weather incidents (such as thunderstorms) parents may pick up students from the school gym.

    • Do not make a U-turn on Henrietta Street or turn left on Milton. Instead, please continue straight down Henrietta and turn left on LaClair.

    • Make sure that your child has checked in with the staff member assigned to their dismissal.

    All early dismissals MUST be pre-arranged with the office prior to dismissal.

    • Please arrange dismissal by 11:30 a.m. via email (transport.int@ecspgh.org). Any dismissal notifications after 11:30 a.m., please call the office at (412) 247-7970 x 2400.

    • Students will only be released to pre-authorized adults/person(s). All unauthorized people will need the consent of the parent/guardian via email and/or phone call listed on the student’s profile. These individuals must be 18 years of age or older with valid identification.

    • Once at the school, please ring the front doorbell and ask the office manager for your child. Your child will check in with the office and meet you at the front door.

    • Early dismissals will NOT take place after 2:50 p.m. If you arrive after 2:50 p.m. for an early dismissal, you will need to wait until your child is dismissed at their normal time.

  • Intermediate School students are dismissed at 11:20 a.m. on half days.


Intermediate School Hawk Highlights From Last Month!

During February, students participated in Career Day! 4th-grade students also attended the science bowl and focused on an EL unit that was centered around the effects of climate change. High School Spanish 3 students also visited the Intermediate School to talk to the Cultural Club. Finally, Mayor Gainey met some of our students as he took over for our crossing guard for a day.