Recently in Volunteer Opportunities Category

The PCO is seeking applicants for a PCO representative to the ECS Board of Trustees. The PCO representative will act as the voice of the PCO at Board of Trustees meetings and will report to the PCO regarding the decisions and outcomes of those meetings.

The position requires:

•  attending two meetings each month (PCO and Board of Trustees meetings)
•  submitting a PCO report to the Board of Trustees monthly
•  providing the PCO with agenda, minutes and other public documents from the Board of Trustees meetings
•  one year commitment beginning in July 2010
•  fulfilling the Board of Trustees' membership requirements*

If you are interested in this position, please write a brief letter detailing how you would best serve the PCO as the board representative. Submit your letter to Farhana Basha at nominations@ecspco.org by June 25, 2010. The PCO Executive Committee will vote to fill this position from the pool of interested applicants.

*A Board of Trustees governs ECS and holds the charter that enables operation of the school.  The Board is the official governing body of the school.  While day-to-day operations and programs are managed by the Principal and other staff members, the Board of Trustees is responsible for overall policy and governance.  The Board utilizes the following standing committees: Executive, Education, Finance and Governance.  The Board also utilizes a Personnel Committee and a Diversity Working Group.

Board members are expected to attend at least 75% of meetings and to sit on at least one standing committee.  The Board meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.  Meetings are public and are held at the school.  Board members are also expected to participate in an annual retreat, and to attend school functions as their schedule reasonably allows.  

Board Trustees of ECS are considered to be public officials under the State Ethics Law, which requires that annual disclosure forms be completed by all board members and kept on file in the school.  The Board carries liability insurance coverage for its Board members and officers.

Volunteering your time with the PCO is an inexpensive way to meet the needs of our school, make an effective contribution to your child's school experience, and show your child that you value their interests. Download this list of volunteer opportunities.

What is the Environmental Focus Group?
The Environmental Charter School is committed to the purchase and use of environmentally and socially responsible materials and products. Given this responsibility, the ECS Environmental Focus Group is a collection of staff, parents, board members and interested community members dedicated to assuring that operations of the school, including energy use, minimizing waste, providing healthy meals, use of appropriate cleaning materials, making natural spaces available for learning and leisure, and all other aspects of the school are in line with the environmental mission of the school.

Meetings
The group meets at 6:30 pm in the school library on the second Wednesday of the month (except during spring break in April; see meeting dates at right). Meetings will start with a 15-30 minute presentation, followed by a business meeting. All interested individuals are invited. Whether you have specific environmental ideas or proposals to bring to the school or are just curious about the school's environmental initiatives, you are welcome to attend!

Seeking co-chairs
We are looking for two co-chairs for the group--one staff member and one parent/guardian. If you are interested in helping to lead this group, contact Jon McCann at 412-247-7970 or Jon.McCann@imagineschools.com.

Upcoming Meetings
The group meets at 6:30 pm in the school library on the second Wednesday of the month.
Wed., February 11 at 6:30 pm
Wed., March 11 at 6:30 pm
Wed., April 1 at 6:30 pm
Wed., May 13 at 6:30 pm
Wed., June 10 at 6:30 pm

Energy Week Co-Chairs
The staff at school is planning "Energy Week," with activities for the students to learn about energy conservation and alternative energy sources. It will probably happen in March. The staff is looking for someone to coordinate/oversee the week's activities. Would two parents be willing to step up as co-chairs for this week?

PR Volunteer
Is there a parent out there who has some experience dealing with the media? The school is planning and implementing several environmental initiatives which may be newsworthy. The staff needs help writing and sending press releases to attract the media.

Read more details about both of these tasks under Volunteer Opportunities on the message board and post a reply there or contact Marla Ferrency if you are interested in helping.

Curriculum Night
Thursday, Jan. 29th 6:30
You are strongly encouraged to attend the first Imagine ECS Curriculum Night.  The staff will share strategies and activities that you can use at home to help your child succeed as a reader.  We will also discuss some new reading initiatives that will be implemented for all students.  The whole family is welcome to attend but there will be no childcare provided.

Prospective Family Open House
Saturday, Jan. 31. 10 - 12
If you're able to be there to help the staff give tours and provide information, please contact parentinvolvement@ecspco.org.   We're also looking for bakers to donate for the event!

After-school Tutoring
The school is looking for after-school tutors. If you are interested or know of someone like a college student who may be interested in this part-time paid position, please contact Jon McCann at 412-247-7970.

Movie Night
Friday, Feb. 13th 7:00
Save the date for our first movie night of the school year, Feb 13th.  Movies will start around 7:00 and there will be three movie options. Kids (and adults too) are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a sleeping bag or blanket.  This will be the first of 3 movie nights that will take place on the second Friday of each month through April. To volunteer to help organize and run Movie Night, please contact Angel Lehrian.

A bake sale will take place at this event - please consider volunteering to help run the table and/or to bake something to donate.  To volunteer for the bake sale, please contact Kerry Fogarty.