Middle School March Newsletter (23–24)

Nick Tutolo
Middle School Principal

Email: nick.tutolo@ecspgh.org

Phone: x559


Important Dates

3/6: ECS PCO Meeting 6-8PM

3/6–3/7: School Physicals for Spring Sports

3/14: ECS PCO Choolaah Fundraiser

3/19: ECMS Instrumental Showcase at 7 p.m.

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 ECMS Families,

While I was touring the building and learning about the middle school last spring, one of our long-time students pulled me aside and asked me if we were going to have a basketball team.  I told him that I would talk to the right people and see what we could do to make it happen.  A week after the basketball season concluded with the ECMS Hawks making it to the finals and coming in second place, I am reflecting on how great things can happen when the right people come together for our students.   

Making this student’s request a reality would not have been possible without the commitment of many staff and students.  I want to thank all of these people who were critical in making it a successful season for our ECMS basketball team including Coach V (Rob VanRheenen), Mr. Michael Brown, Mr. Parker, Mr. Lenny Brown, Mr. White, and several others.  

This is just one example of many that we’ve seen this school year in which our staff have stepped up to make amazing things happen. I am humbled by the commitment that our staff shows to the work of educating and providing opportunities to our students.  I am confident that there will continue to be many more examples of our staff coming together to allow students to shine.

Nick Tutolo
ECMS Principal


What's new at Middle School?

Track and Field
Registration is now open for the Middle School track and Field team. Learn more and register today!

ECMS Basketball Team
On Friday, Feb. 23, the ECMS basketball team competed in their league's championship game. Congratulations on a fantastic season!

Learn about the Dynamic Landscape of A Digital World: Youth, Social Media, Sexualized Content, & Mental Health with expert, Ryan Klingensmith
Responding to the strong interest in internet safety from the 22–23 end-of-school-year Title 1 survey, ECS is thrilled to host an engaging session with expert Ryan Klingensmith. Save the date for this adult-only, community event on Wednesday, March 20, where you'll learn valuable insights into the latest social media trends, discover effective strategies for ensuring online safety for your children, and explore the critical intersection of mental health in the digital age. RSVP now and share the invitation with friends and family eager to navigate the complexities of the online world. Let's collectively empower our community for a safer digital future! Learn more and RSVP….


This Month’s Cultural Celebrations

Women’s History Month
Students will celebrate Women's History Month and learn about the intersections at play between race, gender, and other factors.  It is important that our students think about the complexities of all of these things.


In Case You Missed It

Attendance Reminders

  • General Absences. If your student is absent from school, you have 3 days to complete the excused absence form.  Please be prompt in completing the form.

  • Parent Trip Excused Absences. With spring break approaching, I want to remind you that families can get trips excused by emailing me and our office manager.  

  •  If you are having trouble, please reach out to me or Brandy White, our office manager. 

View the Middle Food Allergy Flier_2022.2023

  • 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


Last Month’s Hawk Highlights