Middle School September Newsletter (23–24)
Important Dates
9/4: No School - Labor Day
9/6: PCO Picnic at Turtle Park at 5 p.m.
9/6: PCO Meeting at Intermediate School at 6 p.m.
9/7: 7th Grade BBQ at ECMS from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
9/12: OST Activities Fair from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Middle School
9/14: 6th Grade Health Screening
9/14: 8th Grade BBQ at ECMS from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
9/15: No School–Rosh Hashanah
9/15: First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month
9/19: 7th Grade Health Screening
9/20: ECS Board of Trustees Meeting at 6 p.m. at Middle School
9/21: 8th Grade Health Screening
9/22: Climate Strike
9/22: PCO Fall Plant Pick Up at Intermediate School Starting at 12 p.m.
9/25: No School– Yom Kippur
9/29: PCO Frick Park Market Fundraiser
10/2: Middle School Picture Day
10/2: Enrollment for the 24–25 School Year Opens
10/4: PCO Meeting at 6 p.m. at the Middle School
10/6: ECS Spirit Day
Dear ECMS Families,
We are so excited to see all of our students back in the building again. Those who know me know that there is nothing I value more in a school than a positive culture. I know that establishing this culture takes time and is certainly not an easy process. It is something that takes the whole community to chip in and do their part.
Over the last 2 weeks, our students have learned about our 3Bs and our 4Cs which are ECMS’s foundations as we build a positive school culture. Our 3Bs (Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful) function as our rules, and our 4Cs (Catalyst, Character, Commitment, and Collaboration) are our values and district-wide guiding principles. I had an opportunity to speak to each grade level this week and stress the importance of living out both our 4Cs and 3Bs in our spaces. We asked the question: “What is your past career goal and what is your present career goal?” When I spoke to the students, I reminded them that we want them to have many options and opportunities so that all of their dreams and goals can come true. We never want to close the door on an opportunity.
Providing students with diverse options and opportunities is what we all aim for to ensure student success. Participation in the 3Bs and 4Cs will help open many doors and opportunities by creating a culture that is worthy of our own children.
Best,
Nick Tutolo
ECMS Principal
What's new at Middle School?
Critter Coin
Some of you may be familiar with Class Dojo. We have moved to Critter Coin to celebrate student successes in following our 3Bs and 4Cs. In our first month, students will earn their way to 2 hour time at Heth’s field. We look forward to celebrating student successes!
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 and participate in live activities. Learn More and RSVP…
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 a head of the rush. Pre-order your ECS gear and pick it up when you attend the OST Activities Fair on Sept. 12. All proceeds support the ECS Clubs and Athletics Scholarship Fund. Pre-order your gear by Sept. 7 at 5 p.m…
Important Bus Statement
The City of Pittsburgh has quite a bit of road construction taking place all over the city and it's roving from street to street. With it being the start of the school year it usually takes a couple of weeks just to generally iron out the route wrinkles without the construction. ECS and the bus companies understand how important it is for the students to make it to school on time so they are not missing important instruction that is taking place. We appreciate your patience with this matter and we ask that you continue to have patience as the drivers navigate and iron things out
Please remember that the times for bus arrivals and departures are best-guess estimates and your driver will make adjustments to the times as they figure out the route.
This Month’s Cultural Celebrations
Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15th. Students will dive into Hispanic Culture and the diversity of experiences across the culture.
In Case You Missed It
Environmental Citizenship Classes
Students will explore questions and topics of personal and local interests. These designated spaces will support enrichment and life-wide learning for students where they will “walk the talk” of our environmental mission and “learn by doing.” Students will create artifacts for authentic audiences and leverage external partnerships to connect school to the “real world” through field visits, guest speakers, mentoring, and feedback.
Diversified Studies Addition
Diversified studies adds Drama to the array of options and experiences that students will have as they make their way through their Middle School years.
Homebase Moves to CREW
Homebase has shifted titles and times. It will now take place during the second block of the day. This is a space where students focus on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Cultural Celebrations, and managing academic life. Your student’s CREW teacher (their second-period teacher) is your first point of contact. They will reach out to introduce themselves in the first weeks of school.
Orientation Recording and Packets
Here is the packet that was passed out at orientation.
Here is the recording of the virtual orientation.
Cell Phone/ Electronic Device Notification
If you weren’t at orientation or maybe missed the sign-in while you were there, please take a moment to fill out the Cell Phone/ Electronic Device Notification form along with your preferred mode of communication.
Lateness/ Tardiness Policy
There is a new policy for late to class. Read about it here.
Half-Day Dismissal Time
Middle School students are dismissed at 11:50 a.m. on Half Days.
View the Middle Food Allergy Flier_2022.2023
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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.ALMA- ECS’s Parent Portal
Alma account activation emails for new families were sent Friday, 8/11/23. If you have not received an activation email or are returning to ECS and have forgotten your Alma username or password, please send an email to the ECS Help Desk.Be sure to check your and your student(s)' information in Alma and let us know if anything needs updated. New students and 5th graders will receive their Alma login credentials once they have returned to school.
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.
Last Month’s Hawk Highlights
Students write cards to new peers, enjoy cooking in the new cultural cooking elective, and meet their new Spanish Teacher!
