Parent RESOURCE GUIDE SUPPORTING YOUR ECS STUDENT... FOR A LIFETIME.
Contents 3 A Word from the Headmaster 4 Spiritual Development 6 Achieving Academic Success 7 Student Life 8 Lower School 10 Middle School 12 Upper School 14 Professional Growth and Development 16 Sentinel Athletics 18 Support Staff 20 Final Thoughts from the Director of Advancement 22 Sentinel Basics 23 School Calendar
As we embark on a new school year, know that the ECS administration, faculty, and staff are committed to the success of your family. With that in mind, we have compiled a useful Parent Resource Guide that will help your children navigate a new school year.
a wORD
Whether this is your first year, or you are a returning student, you will find helpful information that will help your year get started in a positive way. If you need further help in any area, please let us know how we can assist your family.
The ECS family is excited for the start of school. We anticipate God doing a great work in our student body and are thrilled about the opportunity to partner with you in your child’s success.
Headmaster
John M. Hunte, Ed.D. Headmaster fROm thE
DE vElOpmEntSpiritual At ECS we strive to cultivate an environment where students stride towards spiritual growth. From our hiring practices, to our faith-based curriculum, weekly chapel services, or the pride we bring to any athletic event, we work hard to facilitate spiritual growth in our students. At ECS we want to see each Sentinel take ownership of the spiritual development that is cultivated here on campus. 4
Denominational Diversity: The ECS community is made up of families from a wide variety of Christian denominational backgrounds who seek to provide their children with excellent academics and a strong Christian worldview.
5
aCaDEmIC SUCCESSAchieving
6 Our academic instruction combines a biblical worldview with highly effective traditional methodology with the aim of creating an environment in which our students thrive academically, spiritually, socially, and mentally. Providing our Sentinels with an excellent education begins with hiring highly qualified educators. You will see teachers engaged in traditional, lecture-style instruction in one classroom, followed by interactive digital scientific labs in another. Students will move around the room doing hands-on or project-based learning activities, giving oral presentations, and engaging in the conversation!
7
lIfE Student
There is something for every student at ECS! Fine Arts includes Theatre, Band, Orchestra and Choir. Academic schedules keep students active, creative and engaged. As well as, after school clubs and community service opportunities. We encourage students to take advantage of everything ECS has to offer.
Along with the Christian curriculum, students will continue to have Music, Art and Spanish electives. In addition, as an Apple school, our K4-5th grade classes have class sets of iPads that students use to supplement assignments, projects, and reports.
In the Lower School, our completely renovated STEM lab will be rolling out for the 2022-2023 school year. With the addition of 3D printers, virtual reality programs, and robotics, our students will be equipped with the latest technology. Our new lab will enforce the practical uses of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
SChOOl Lower
8
“I am so happy you have chosen to be part of the ECS family.
9
Meet Our Lower School Principal: Mrs. Shuford Mrs. Shuford has been here at ECS for over twenty years. During this time, she has taught K5 and 1st grade, worked as the assistant principal, and then on to her current position as the lower school principal. Mrs. Shuford has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
ECS was founded in 1973. Since that time we have worked diligently to provide an academically accelerated program while incorporating a biblical worldview into our everyday teaching. It is our mission to partner with you to best help your child grow spiritually, socially, physically, and mentally. Our teachers are eager to meet with you and your child as they will help you navigate your way through understanding our policies, procedures, grade level expectations, and much more. It is going to be an awesome year and I am thankful we will be able to experience it together. Go Sentinels!”
SChOOl Middle
10 We are excited to include Middle School into the ECS school structure for the 20222023 school year! Middle school will be for students in 6th-8th grade. This transition will be led by our newly appointed Middle School Principal, Mrs. Rebecca Wallace. There are numerous educational benefits for having a middle school. First, with middle school administrators in place we can increase student achievement, close learning gaps, and give students two additional years of preparations before entering into the Upper School. We will be leading our students to greater achievements by having 3 years of flexible course offerings and electives to choose from including our brand new STEM lab. We are looking forward to creating a middle school culture that will be engaging for our families and cultivate a strong sense of community.
Meet our Middle School Principal: Mrs. Wallace Mrs. Wallace has been in education for over twenty years and has been blessed to spend the last eight years at ECS as a teacher and most recently the Lower School Assistant Principal. Her educational background and experience is in elementary education and Specific Learning Disabilities K through 12th grade. Mrs. Wallace has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. “I am thankful and excited about the opportunity to lead our new middle school program. My desire is to create an encouraging educational environment where middle school students pursue academic achievements, create strong connections with their teachers and peers, excel in athletics and the arts, and most importantly, deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Our teachers have a mission to reach the heart of every young person and demonstrate God’s love each day. I am looking forward to creating a middle school identity with chapels, assemblies, retreats, sporting events, and social activities geared toward your 6th - 8th grade child. It is an honor to partner with you as we help your children grow and succeed in all of their endeavors.”
11
12 In the Upper School, students benefit from a variety of course offerings. Though all of our courses are rigorous, we also offer honors, AP, and dual enrollment courses to provide students with greater enrichment and challenging opportunities. Dual enrollment courses are offered through Southeastern University (SACS accredited) and provide students with simultaneous high school and college credit. Robotics 1 (Coding & Circuits) and Robotics 2 (Mobile Robotics) have been added to our academic schedule. Students will build circuits, write code, debug and troubleshoot hardware systems and learn the robotics process. As well as students having access to our brand new Aquaponics Lab. Sentinels will have hands -on experience with the tilapia tanks and plants that are currently growing right here on the ECS campus. This is in addition to the great Aviation program that is already very successful. ECS is partnered with Florida’s premier flight training facility, Paragon Flight. Paragon is an FAA approved school and all courses are taught by FAA certified flight instructors. Students can earn up to 12 college credits upon completion of the program. With this, the 2022-2023 school year is sure to bring a great range of choices for our upper school students!
SChOOl Upper
Meet our Upper School Principal: Mrs. Slater Mrs. Slater has been in education for almost 25 years, with this being her third year at ECS. She has worked as a classroom teacher, school counselor, dean, and in her current role as upper school principal. Mrs. Slater holds a Masters Degree in Counseling from Morehead State University and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education.
“I have the privilege of leading an amazing staff that works to provide a learning environment structured for academic and spiritual growth. Our goal is for every student to reach his/her God given potential. During the school year, you can expect many educational, spiritual, athletic and social opportunities to be available to you. Please take advantage of as many offerings as possible so that your time at ECS is challenging, fulfilling and long remembered. Thank you for the opportunity to minister to you and your family. It is a calling that we do not take lightly. Please join us in praying for God’s blessings and work to be accomplished in our entire ECS family as we train and prepare to be used by God for His good purposes!”
13
GROwth & DE vElOpmEntProfessional 14 Commitment to Professional Growth and Development We believe that learning is not just for the students. Every year, our entire faculty attends the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools Annual Conference where they collaborate with other Christian educators and learn new and innovative ways to teach our students. Teachers also engage in professional development monthly where they work to continuously grow in their craft.
Upper School Guidance Counselor: Ms. Collum Ms. Collum has been in education for 13 years and has been here at ECS for 6 years. Initially the Director of Admissions and now in her current role as the Upper School Guidance Counselor, holding a Masters Degree in School Psychology from Alfred University. “As the Upper School Guidance & College Counselor, I will help you with academic planning, create your schedule, plan for your postsecondary options and help you manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills. When you enter my office, my goal is for you to feel comfortable enough to voice your concerns without fear of punishment or judgment. I love working with each of our students and am looking forward to guiding your journey as an ECS Sentinel! I am very excited to get to know you, connect with you and serve you. I will be praying for you and your family as you make this transition to ECS!”
15
16 athlEtICS Sentinel
-SCOTT GUTTERY, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
“Sports have greatly shaped my life. I have learned lessons as a player and coach that have taught me more about myself as a father, husband, and child of God. I believe youth sports are so important to our children because they teach the value of putting the good of the team above their own. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this athletic department. We have some of the best coaches I have ever worked with, and I am thankful for the selfless hours they pour into the students of ECS. As a coaching staff, our goal is to teach these young men and women to play for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to play for their teammates. We strive to play #4HIM4THEM!”
17
SERvICES
Mr. Greg Earnest, Head of Security Mrs. Ellen Duke & Mrs. Jennifer Wolff Registered Nurse
ECS is fully equipped to handle all of our students’ medical needs. Both of our nurses have a background in Pediatrics and are passionate about caring for your children. We have an RN on campus 5 days a week during school hours. information: 936-3319 x 1264, ecsclinic@goecs.org
Contact
18
anD SECURItySafety Clinic Did you know that ECS has over 250 cameras on campus continuously monitoring the property? Along with this, security is posted at the front and back entrances as well as the interior building. This is in addition to the 8 ft. perimeter fence that surrounds the entire campus. Parents should feel confident that students are in a safe and secure learning environment.
19 SERvICES Student OffICE Business The Business Office is located in the front lobby and can be reached by phone, email, or office visit. This office handles all of the finances associated with your FACTS Family account. Tuition payments are made on the 5th of every month and incidental payments are made on the 20th. Contact information: 936-3319 x 1306, skoebel@goecs.org Student Services is located in the front lobby and will assist parents with late drop offs, early pickups, absent days and book/homework pickups etc. Contact information: 936-3319 x 1320, attendance@goecs.org Mrs. Courtney Allen, Mrs.AttendanceStacyKoebel & Mrs. Jonnean Reh Business Office
fROm thE DIREC tOR Of aDvanCEmEntFinalThoughts
20
My name is Jeff Blair and I have been the Director of Advancement at ECS since 2016. After relocating to Fort Myers from Atlanta, GA in 2011, my children began attending ECS and it instantly became a very special place for our family. MacKenzie is part of the Class of 2018 and Logan, the Class of 2022. My wife and I value Christian education and love the structure that ECS has provided. I deem it a privilege to support the advancement of our campus so that families and students can thrive in an energetic and ambitious environment.
One of my first projects at ECS was creating The Sentinel Fund to support the school’s continued growth and future expansion. Beginning in the summer of 2022, we have three very important projects that The Sentinel Fund will support.
1. New STEM Lab. This lab will feature five 3-D printers, robotics and virtual reality equipment. The space will also be equipped with functional workstations and unique seating that will support group learning and interaction. The curriculum for the STEM lab will range from K5-8th grade.
3. Our Upper School staff and students are very important to us. In order to create a favorable environment that will stimulate learning and a sense of community, we will be upgrading several areas that include: Tile flooring throughout the walkways and common areas, new carpet for each classroom, improved LED lighting, additional office space and bathroom enhancements. Thank you for your continued support. We would encourage you to prayerfully con sider giving to the Sentinel Fund and making 2022-2023 the best year yet. You can do this on our website at goecs.org and click GIVE. “Each of you should give what you decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 For The Sentinels, Jeff Blair, Director of Advancement 21
2. To support our tremendous growth, we have built 4 new classrooms in the preschool building that will now house our K4 program. The classrooms have brand new desks, seating, and curricular tools that will make this a premium location for growth and learning. Please note that the K4 program remains part of the traditional school and under the leadership of our Lower School principal.
SCHOOL HOURS: First Day of School, Wednesday, August 10 Monday: 8:05 - 3:15 Tuesday: 8:05- 3:15 Wednesday: 8:45 - 3:15 (late start) Thursday: 8:05 - 3:15 Friday: 8:05 - 3:15 Before & After care are available from 7:00 am- 6:00 pm everyday
22
BOOKS: K4-1st grade books: Will be ordered and delivered to the students classroom before school starts. You will see an incidental charge for the books on your FACTS account in July. 2nd - 12th grade books are ordered online. There is a Lower School Textbook Order form, Middle School & Upper School Textbook Order form all located on our website under the Academics page. Ebooks: are available beginning in 6th grade. The ebooks will be delivered electronically and are compatible with student issued iPads. Workbooks (traditional format) are required alongside ebooks. Ebooks can be ordered from the school website. Your printed textbooks will be handled by: Christ Centered Life Store 7191 Cypress Lake Drive Fort Myers, FL 33907 239.936.2433
STUDENT iPADS (MIDDLE SCHOOL AND UPPER SCHOOL ONLY): All parents with students in grades 6-12 must complete the iPad orientation prior to your child receiving the school issued iPad https://goecs.org/parents/ipad-orientation/ This course is designed to help you become familiar with the iPad and the expectations of iPad-use at Evangelical Christian School. All devices used on the ECS campus must adhere to the policies herein.
BaSICS Sentinel
iPad Pick up dates and times: Grades 11 & 12 | Monday, August 1, 3:00pm-6:00pm Grades 9 & 10 | Tuesday, August 2, 3:00pm-6:00pm Grades 7 & 8 | Wednesday, August 3, 3:00pm-6:00pm Grade 6 | Friday, August 5, 3:00pm-6:00pm Schedule all Students: Thursday, August 4, 3:00pm-5:30pm LIST: Lower School Supply located on the goecs.org website under the Academics page. Middle School and Upper School teachers prior to school and on the 1st day syllabus.
lists are
UNIFORMS: Zavada’s Renegades 17051 Jean St. #10 Fort Myers, FL 33967 239.275.6720
OPEN HOUSES: K4, K5, 1st, 4th | Thursday, August 4, 2:00pm - 5:00pm 2nd, 3rd, 5th | Friday, August 5, 2:00pm-5:00pm 9th - 12th New Students | Thursday, August 4, 6:00pm 6th, 7th, 8th | Friday, August 5, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Missed
SUPPLY
supplies will be communicated from
DOWNLOAD THE ECS PARENT APP: Available on the Google and Apple App Store. Use the same login as your FACTS Family Account.
for
EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 8237 Beacon Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907 P: (239) 936-3319 goecs.org 2022Sentinel Class of
