High School Welcome Letter 24–25

Dr. Ken Lockette
Acting High School Principal

Email:

ken.lockette@ecspgh.org

Phone: x4401

Dear ECHS Families and Students,

First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Dr. Ken Lockette, and I am the acting principal at the high school this fall while Dr. Leeper is on maternity leave. I have 30 years of experience as an educator and instructional leader while spending time in Chicago, Kazakhstan (Central Asia), Baltimore, and the last 18 years in Pittsburgh. I am excited to kick off the school year at ECHS, whose mission and vision align with my own. 

While Dr. Leeper is missed, she will return later this calendar year to continue and build upon the great work and accomplishments from the previous year.

After graduating our first senior class last school year, we are truly excited to welcome, celebrate, challenge, and support the Class of 2025, whom we will nurture and prepare for their next steps in life after graduation. 

We will accomplish this by providing an equitable education for all, one that transcends racial, gender, and socio-economic barriers. We will continue to make it our mission to break down barriers that have historically marginalized and hindered access to education, particularly for our Black, Brown, and economically disadvantaged students.

I, along with the new Assistant Principal, Dr. Rodney Neccai, are partners to the academic and social emotional success of all of our students. Throughout the school year, we are committed to providing timely updates, important information, and event details. Our doors are always open for your ideas, challenges, and/or concerns.

We look forward to this school year and are here to support you, our students and families, as we continue to embark on your educational journey!

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Ken Lockette

Acting High School Principal

What's new at the High School?

We have new teachers at ECHS! Please be sure to give a warm welcome to our new staff.

  • Sydney Bako joined our 9th Grade team. She is responsible for teaching Algebra I and Precalculus.  

  • Alexander Neiman-Zych joined our 10th Grade team. Alex is responsible for teaching English 2. 

Meet & Greet

The High School Meet & Greet is on Friday, August 16, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. This event will provide an opportunity to meet and mingle with our high school staff and teacher, connect with community partners, tour the building, enjoy food trucks and activities, and listen and dance to music with a live DJ. 10th and 11th grade students will receive their Chromebooks during this time.

Freshmen Orientation

Freshmen Orientation will occur on Tuesday, August 20, for a half day of school (8–11 a.m.). Parents/guardians are expected to stay until 9:30 a.m. for an information session. Following the information session, students will navigate a shortened schedule to get familiar with their teachers and classes, get their photos taken, and receive their Chromebook.

Mandatory Senior Orientation

Senior Orientation is mandatory and will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 1–3 p.m. at the high school. Parents are not required to attend as there will be an informational session at the virtual Back-to-School Night for parents of seniors on September 10. The high school staff will address and run activities for the seniors as they prepare for their final year of high school. Seniors will receive their Chromebooks on this day.

ECHS Student Handbook

Here is a copy of the ECHS Student Handbook for the 24–25 school year.

Building Arrival and Dismissal Time

  • Arrival: 7:45–8 a.m.

  • Dismissal: 3:22–3:35 p.m.

In Case You Missed It

  • Get Your Clearances, Get Involved!

    ECS values volunteers in our district. Individuals must have clearances uploaded into Raptor, ECS’s School Safety Software, in order to volunteer in any of our schools. Learn how to volunteer and what clearances are needed.

    2024–2025 Calendar

    View this school year’s calendar and subscribe to the online public calendar.

    Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students

    ECS is a CEP district, and this year, all students K–12 are entitled to one free breakfast and one free lunch daily. ECS recommends that families add money to their student’s School Cafe account as there is a charge for a la carte items and second meals. ECS will not collect applications for Free or Reduced lunch. Learn more…

    Coffee and Donuts with Dr. Dowd

    Meet ECS's new CEO, Patrick Dowd, and enjoy coffee and donuts during school arrivals. Sign up for one of the events below!

    Virtual Back to School Night

    Save the date for the Virtual Back to School night on September 10th. High School's Virtual Back to School Night will feature important building based information, orientation for 10th and 11th graders, information session for senior parents hosted by College and Career Counselor, Jen Bruni, and more!

    Activities Fair Save the Date– Thursday, Sept. 12

    ECS will host its 3rd Annual Activities Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Middle School. Join our clubs, sports, and activities advisors and ECS partner organizations for a fun-filled night of demonstrations, hands-on activities, and learning about out-of-school time offerings. Attendees will have the opportunity to pre-register for Fall out of school programming! Register today!

    ECS Switch & Signal Family Skate Night– Friday, Sept. 13

    Learn to skate in a controlled environment with ECS on Friday, Sept. 13 from 5:15–7:45 p.m.! Sign up for a group lesson or just come to skate at the park. Learn more…

High School NewsDeana CallipareComment