One Foot Expansion Update: School Leadership 2019-2020
We are in our last phase of the System Expansion Process.  Over the next several months, we are sharing information about the vision for our schools, acquainting you with our renovated facility, and providing you with the details that are coming together as we prepare an expansion of students and spaces.  

This week, we take a dive into the thoughtful, dedicated people that will lead our schools. This innovative group of leaders are working hard to refine schedules, support program enhancements, orchestrate move logistics, and build teams that will take our schools on the next steps of our journey.  Much of this work goes beyond the workday, and takes imagination, stamina, and collaboration to move the organization forward in the midst of change.

This week, we say hello to our school leadership in each building!
Ashley Bergman- Primary School Principal
Who are you? What do you do at ECS?

I am Ashley Bergman the Lower School Principal.  My job is to lead our faculty to build socially, emotionally, and cognitively well-rounded students.  Focusing on the growth of our youngest students, it is my mission to purposefully connect program with the important developmental milestones of early childhood.
What are you most excited about for next year?

Right-sizing our primary school for play, exploration, discovery, and imagination makes me so excited for next year!  We will launch our play-based, self-contained kindergarten, and take time to cherish and support the early childhood experience at ECS in first and second grades.  Being in a school that will cater to this special time in child development is perhaps the most the most inspiring part of leading the Primary School in the coming years.

What is your favorite ECS tradition?

My favorite ECS tradition is our monthly Community Meeting. I love having everyone in one space to build community, to sing, to celebrate, and to build relationships across grade levels and classrooms. This is also a special time to recognize student achievements, our character education focus, and revisit our mission of building thoughtful citizens of the world.

What is your favorite book?

Where the Wild Things Are  - Maurice Sendak
Demons Don't Dream - Piers Anthony

3 things you didn't know about me:
  • I was a cheerleading coach
  • I grew up on an 8+ acre mini-farm
  • I love to do cartwheels

Favorite place to be in the schools/where you will find me:

My favorite place to be is out and about in my school!  On any given day, you will see me bee-bopping throughout the building -- sitting with students in the cafe, listening to small group instruction in a classroom, hanging out with kids at recess, or talking one-on-one with a kiddo in the hall.  I have an open-door policy, and parents/guardians are welcome to stop in or contact me at any time. Partnerships with families are critical to me and to a successful educational journey.
Laura Williams- Intermediate School Principal
Who are you? What do you do at ECS?

I am Laura Williams and I am currently the Assistant Principal at the Lower School. I also led the Lower School as principal during Ms. Bergman’s maternity leave, earlier this school year.  Next year, I will be the Intermediate School Principal, supporting and growing our students in grades 3-5.
What are you most excited about for next year?

I am looking forward to working with faculty that are dedicated to the developmental needs of our students in grades 3 and 4, and to emphasize the unique and important experiences that mark the fifth grade year.  The fifth grade team will focus on designing experiences and supporting the transition of students to middle school. Our Milton Street location is the perfect size and space for this age group, and I can’t wait to continue strong connections to outdoor experiences in Frick Park.  Additionally, I am excited to extend our Edible School Yard program with a dedicated classroom space, and teacher. We will also welcome a new Spanish teacher and program to our school. There are a lot of exciting new offerings for students in grades 3-5 next year!

What is your favorite thing about ECS?

The Environmental Literacy curriculum connects our vision and mission with kids every single day.  If you are new to ECS, this class may seem different at first -- the questions that our students explore are deep and complex and cross-curricular. As you grow at ECS, the Environmental Literacy program dives into all kinds of topics that are relevant and connected to our world.  Ask your child what the “essential question” they are covering, and I bet it will force you to think deeply, too!

What is your favorite book?

Some of my favorite books are Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman and Fudge-a-mania by Judy Blume.

3 things you didn't know about me:
  • I have an International MBA
  • Prior to coming to ECS, I worked for the Pittsburgh Public Schools for 18 years with positions ranging from classroom teacher to curriculum coach to instructional teacher leader.  While at PPS, I obtained my National Board Certification in the area of Middle Childhood Generalist.
  • I enjoy eating Wendy's Baconators during any sports events.  I love BACON!!

Favorite place to be in the schools/where you will find me:

Whenever I get the opportunity, I enjoy being in the classroom working with students and hearing their ideas and reflections.  I love to observe and provide thoughtful feedback to my teaching team, and am constantly looking for new resources and approaches to bring to my faculty.
Nicholas Tutolo- K-5 Assistant Principal
Who are you? What do you do at ECS?

I am Nicholas Tutolo, and I have been a middle school teacher at ECS for the past 7 years.  I worked as middle school teacher math and science teacher. Next year, I will be stepping into the role of K-5 Assistant Principal.  I will work to support teachers and students in both the Primary and Intermediate Schools.
What are you most excited about for next year?

While I am going to miss my middle school students and my classroom, I look forward to being of service to our community in the assistant principal role. I am passionate about education, specifically in creating spaces for all of students' brilliance to shine. In this role, I will have the opportunity to bridge the cultures of our K-2 and 3-5 buildings while maintaining the things that we have all grown to love about ECS.  I am excited about digging in deep alongside teachers, staff, and other administrators to create and foster a school community that truly is: 'the place to be.'

What is your favorite thing about ECS?

As a long as I have been at ECS, my favorite part has always been the people who make up our community.  From students to staff members to parents, there is nothing like the people who learn and grow inside of our community.  From the moment that you walk in the door of our buildings, you can feel the support and love that everyone puts into the work that they do.  In moments of struggle, we continually step up in big ways to love and support one another.

What is your favorite book?

I absolutely love to read!  Most of the time, you will find me reading non-fiction related to racial justice and education.  Occasionally, I put a pause on the non-fiction, and read young adult literature. At this moment in time, my favorite young adult book is The Hate U Give .  Another one of my all-time favorite YA fiction books is the House on Mango Street .     

3 things you didn't know about me:
  • I am getting married at the end of August.  
  • I am an avid outdoorsman who loves to spend his weekends outside in nature.  
  • I love to go to the gym and am currently training for my second half-marathon.  

Favorite place to be in the schools/where you will find me:

My favorite place to be in schools is with students. One of my favorite parts about being an educator is building strong relationships with students.
Jaleah Robinson - Middle School Principal
Who are you? What do you do at ECS?

Hello there! I’m Jaleah Robinson. I’m currently the principal of the Upper School (grades 4-8). In the 2019-2020 school year, I will be the principal of the ECS Middle School at the former Rogers school in Garfield.
What are you most excited about for next year?

I'm most excited about our students being able to learn in a space intentionally designed for them. From the classrooms to the furniture to the specialty classrooms -- the building is designed to enhance our program and provide scale and developmentally appropriate space for students 12-14 years old. The spaces will encourage community, connection, and small and large group instructional experiences. Looping teams will grow together in a space they cultivate over time, and specialized suites for our counseling and special education teams will support students over their tenure in our program. I’m also looking forward to connecting with the Garfield community, both the natural space surrounding the building and the neighbors and partners that call this neighborhood home.

What is your favorite thing about ECS?

My favorite thing about ECS is its family feel. Relationships are at the heart of what we do each day, and I think we're better for it. I work to develop relationships with students and connect with them in ways that celebrate their unique personalities and traits. As an entire organization, I feel we value the gifts that every child and young adult brings -- and we actively work to celebrate the beauty of every individual that comes into our schools.

What is your favorite book?

Favorite YA book?! There's no way I can pick one. More recently, I've enjoyed, like many others, Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give , but in my "oldie but goodie" section is Lord of the Flies , Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry , The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian , and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time .

3 things you didn't know about me:
  • I'm the proud daughter of an immigrant.
  • Ice cream is a major part of my self-care regimen.
  • I love playing and watching sports.

Favorite place to be in the schools/where you will find me:

It is not a secret that I love food! I love to be in the cafe with students, chatting about food choices, asking about recipes, seeing if I can encourage a student to try something new. There is a lot to observe during lunch in the cafe, and you can often learn about the pulse of the school on a given day or month after spending some time in the lunchroom. We’ve worked hard to make it a pleasant, safe, and welcoming place to eat and socialize, and as a principal, I think it is important to be a presence in this community space.
Laura Micco: Middle School Assistant Principal
Who are you? What do you do at ECS?

I am Laura Micco. I am currently the Upper School Assistant Principal at ECS.  Next school year, I will be the Middle School Assistant Principal.
What are you most excited about for next year?

Next year I am most excited about being in a beautiful new space that was specifically designed and built for Middle School! Space has been a struggle for a long time at ECS and I feel as though we will be able to execute experiences and systems for our students in spaces that will elevate our program. I am also very excited about Activity Time for our middle school students. Students will be able to pick and choose from a number of activity and club options such as Assemble, Hip Hop on Lock, Robotics, Band and many more!

What is your favorite ECS tradition?

Earth Nite is my favorite annual tradition at ECS. I may be a little bias because I've been on the planning committee for the past eleven years, but this event embodies everything that is awesome about ECS. Our partners come display and talk with families, alumni come back and catch up, there are crafts and games....and of course the dunk tank is always a hit. Oh and did I mention the food trucks?!? This event is one not to be missed! (This year, Earth Nite is May 3rd, 5:30-7:30, at ECS Upper School)

What is your favorite book?

The Giver

3 things you didn't know about me:
  • I've worked in about every role ECS. I've been a sub, an ed assistant, a special education teacher, a specialist, an instructional coach and now an assistant principal!
  • I used to work as a puppeteer.
  • I am an avid gardener.

Favorite place to be in the schools/where you will find me:

In the hall. I love having a pulse on what is going on throughout the day!  I can see students that may need a personal check in, I can spot an issue that might be bubbling up, or I can see the excitement of kids heading outside for neighborhood hike.  Hallways can be exciting places to see and hear the culture of the school!
Yes, details around start times, schedules, and other important information about the day-to-day functioning of each of our schools are important!  And we promise we are working on them! We plan to communicate these critical details in April , and will continue to remind you of any changes throughout the summer.  

Stay tuned! Next week, we will share some insights and photos of Middle School Thinking Lab.
Support Us As We Grow!
ECS grows citizens. And we are expanding our campuses to support additional students at every grade level and to continue our mission-based program through the high school years. Growth in space allows us to developmentally right-size our schools, support the demand for our program, and expand opportunities for students. 
Will you help us as we grow?
About Us
Our Contact Information
 
ECS Lower School
309 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
 
ECS Upper School
829 Milton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
 
ECS Administrative Office at Shady Lane
100 North Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

412.247.7970 connects to all three locations!
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