ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

A monthly internal newsletter for EPS employees

December 2017 | eriesd.org/newsnotes

NEWS/NOTES —

Superintendent Brian Polito writes editorial piece – Click here to read EPS Superintendent Brian Polito's editorial piece that was published in the Erie Times-News. 

District develops new strategic plan in lieu of recurring funding from state – With recurring funding from the state in hand, the district will now focus on creating a long-term strategic plan to increase student success. Read the full Erie Times-News stories here and here. 

Two Erie School Board members say farewell – On Wednesday, November 15, longtime Erie School Board members Ed Brzezinski, school director for 12 years, and Mary Frances Schenley, school director for more than 15 years, said goodbye to their time as directors, after deciding not to seek re-election this year. Read more (Erie Times-News)>>>  

EPS awaits word on chosen financial administrator – Now that annual additional funding has been secured for EPS, the district is awaiting word from Harrisburg on a chosen financial advisor who will work with district's administration. The financial advisor, appointed by the governor, will monitor the district’s finances and develop a financial improvement plan for the years ahead. Read more (Erie Times-News)>>>

EPS focuses on primary literacy in schools – A focus on primary literacy ensures that the district's youngest students will be proficient in reading and writing by third grade. Read more (Erie Times-News)>>>

Erie High unveils application process for future students – All students who plan to attend Erie High School must now complete an application for admission, which will enable district and school administration the ability to determine what programs are in demand. Read more (Erie Times-News)>>>

EPS will expand cyber academy in 2018-19 school year –Erie’s Public Schools seeks to expand its in-house cyber school program to include students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Currently, district cyber classes are available only to students in grades 6 – 12. Read more (Erie Times-News)>>>

EPS Holiday Page –Check out the wonderful artwork by our hard-working students on this year’s holiday card! Click here to see the winning artwork and holiday concerts from our schools.

Golden Apple Recipients – Erie’s Public Schools had several recipients of the Golden Apple Award from WJET-TV and Edinboro University this month. Congratulations to Mr. Rick Heasley of Strong Vincent Middle School, Ms. Lindsey Lynch of McKinley Elementary, and Ms. Jen Herman of Grover Cleveland Elementary!

Diehl fifth grade students complete STEM project with Behrend – On Tuesday, December 12, Diehl Elementary fifth grade students participated in a STEM project in partnership with Penn State Behrend this month. Engineering majors from the college visited Diehl to work with teams of students on designing and building a car or boat. The teams then competed against other local schools at Penn State Behrend.

Grover Cleveland fourth grade student recognized as WJET-TV’s  ‘Good Kid’– On Monday, December 11, Grover Cleveland Elementary fourth grade student Joey Moore was recognized by WJET-TV for serving as a positive role model for younger students in the building. Click here to watch the TV segment.

Erie Community Foundation Scholarship Portal  – The Erie Community Foundation has created a portal of available scholarships for high school students who are looking to pursue higher education. Click here to view the full list, and please share the applicable scholarships with any students who may be eligible. These will also be available under the “Students” section of our website.

“Community Schools Connections” Newsletter – Keep up to date with everything happening in our district’s five community schools by viewing  the United Way of Erie County’s Community School Winter newsletter here.

Athletics Calendar – Check out the master calendar for all Royals sports by visiting the Athletics section of our website. Middle school sports calendars are also available to view here.

SAVE THE DATE —

Holiday Break (December 22 – January 1) – Erie’s Public Schools will observe a district holiday/shutdown beginning Friday, December 22 through Monday, January 1. All schools and offices will be closed during this time, and will resume on Tuesday, January 2. We hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing break. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Winter Keystone Testing – (January 8 – January 22)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day  (January 15) – Erie’s Public Schools will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 15. All schools and offices will be closed on this day.

We Love Erie’s Public Schools Week (February 5-9) – Save the date for the fifth annual celebration of We Love EPS Week, sponsored by the Partnership for Erie’s Public Schools.

SUBMIT NEWS ITEMS —
The Communications Office is always seeking information about new programs, outstanding students, faculty/staff achievements and more. Each year, the district pitches more than 150 positive news stories about our schools, students and accomplishments to local media. Please share your news! To submit information for News & Notes, Channel 8 or news media consideration, contact Janae Butler (jbutler@eriesd.org).

Note: While every effort is made to ensure this publication's accuracy, it is in no way intended to replace official publications, manuals, verbal or written directives, or contracts that set forth the particulars of Erie School District policy or Human Resources matters.