Get Involved, Be a Hawk!
Life at ECS is more than just going to class; there are so many ways to get involved by joining an out-of-school time (OST) program. Designed to enrich students’ education beyond the regular school day and school year, ECS and its community partners team up to provide diverse after-school care activities, clubs, intermural sports, and summer camps. From hands-on STEM activities and creative arts to sports, music, and community service, we ignite their curiosity, foster new friendships, and cultivate essential life skills. Our dedicated team of mentors and educators creates a safe, nurturing environment where your child can explore their passions, unleash their potential, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
ECS’s OST activities support the development of the whole child and focus on UN Sustainable Development goals 3, 15, and 17. Offerings include a variety of opportunities for students of all ages to get involved and explore their interests. Students have the opportunity to participate in half-day adventures (Primary and Intermediate only), Clubs, Athletics, and several other out-of-school-time activities.
After School Care with YMCA and Venture Outdoors
ECS is dedicated to providing students at the Primary (grades K-2) and Intermediate School (Grades 3-5) fun and educational after-school care experiences by partnering with local, like-minded, and child centered organizations.
After School Care at Primary School
ECS is thrilled to partner with YMCA PGH as the sole Primary School care provider to bring a unique and sustainable experience through its After School Enrichment BASE Camp. This program will not only expand students’ opportunities for after-school care activities, but it will also remain on-site at the Primary School for easy accessibility and consistency. Contact YMCA PGH at BASE@ymcapgh.org.
After School Care at Intermediate School
At the Intermediate School, After School Care is provided by our friends at Venture Outdoors. VO provides students with outdoor experiences while cultivating excitement for and love and knowledge of Frick Park, physical education, and more! Activities include but are not limited to hiking, kayaking, fishing, crafts, creek exploration, and snowshoeing. Contact Venture Outdoors at Afterschool@ventureoutdoors.org.
Half Day Adventures
ECS recognizes the need for an extended day on scheduled half days, and the district is committed to providing an educational experience that is paired with curiosity and delight. On select half-days, families are invited to register for half-day adventures through our partner organizations.
Clubs
At ECS, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom, and our clubs offer a unique opportunity for your child to explore their interests, cultivate new talents, and develop essential skills in a fun and supportive environment. We have carefully designed an array of clubs to cater to a wide range of interests and passions, ensuring there's something for every student. Clubs do not compete and are developmental activities dedicated to fostering relationships with other like-minded students. Previous clubs have included chess, kickball, ecostewards, GSSU, BSU, Robotics, Environmentors, and more!
Summer Camps
ECS focuses on the whole child all year long, and when school is not in session, ECS is proud to provide summer camps for all students.
ECS partners with YMCA PGH to provide summer camp for incoming first-grade to incoming fifth-grade students. Camp Dragon Fly hosts full-day camps throughout the summer for ECS students to participate in and socialize with their peers during the out-of-school time months.
In addition to its partnership with YMCA PGH, ECS also runs its own summer camp programming for students in grades 6 to 12. Programming could include sports camps, chess camp, and more!