ENVIRONMENTAL CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS AND NEW CEO, PATRICK DOWD, GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOGETHER
Contact:
Deana Callipare, director of communications
(412) 247-7970 x9200
For Immediate Release
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS AND NEW CEO, PATRICK DOWD, GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOGETHER
PITTSBURGH (Aug. 21, 2024)—The Environmental Charter School (ECS) welcomed students back on Tuesday, Aug. 20, marking a new chapter in the district’s history as the new CEO, Patrick Dowd, kicked off the 24–25 school year.
Students arrived with smiles and enthusiasm, ready to embrace new out-the-door education opportunities that connect students to real world problems. Dowd, who joined ECS in July with a myriad of educational experiences in policy, advocacy and instruction, expressed his eagerness to return to classrooms and schools that focus on whole child learning and eco-literacy.
“It's great to be back in schools, especially with such enthusiastic students,” Dowd said. “ECS offers a high quality, environmental literacy focused experience for students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Couple that with a dedicated and outstanding team of professionals and you have a one-of-a-kind public education experience.”
Dowd was selected as ECS’s new CEO and assumed the role on July 15 as Jon McCann, ECS’s previous CEO and Founder, prepared to retire. This is one of many historical milestones for the district in the past 6 months. In June, ECS graduated its first 12th grade class, fulfilling the district's vision of graduating citizens for the very first time.
“ECS started out as a small school next to Frick Park and has blossomed into a fully fledged K–12 district that focuses on the built, natural, and social environments,” Dr. Amanda Cribbs, Superintendent said. “This year is special because we have alumni making an impact on our world, and we have a new leader to guide us into the next chapter of the organization’s story.”
That next chapter is off to a fantastic start with the district welcoming its highest enrollment yet and new out-the-door initiatives including Frick Park Field Studies, community partner focused field trips, and student interest based educational excursions. The district is also planning community events about digital harmony and volunteerism.
About ECS:
The Environmental Charter School is a tuition-free, K–12, public charter school in Pittsburgh, Pa. ECS combines the academic rigor of the best public schools with a multi-disciplinary, “out-the-door” learning approach rooted in real world problems that build active, engaged and empathetic citizens. ECS Grows Citizens.
Photo Caption:
Primary School students were greeted with bubbles and smiles as they arrived on the first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
Photo Caption:
Dr. Patrick Dowd, ECS CEO, meets families during the district’s annual Meet and Greet on Friday, Aug. 16.
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