Friday, May 30, 2008

Great Endings!

It seems like yesterday that all of the children came to school for the first day. This year has been a productive whirl wind and this week was no exception. We held our awards assembly and recognized those with 100% attendance, citizenship, Lion's Club Essay winners, and many other accomplishments. It was a great opportunity to show how much we respect and honor the the students' hard work. They are all winners in my book. I am honored to work at Ellis with such a terrific group of students.

The rain held off long enough for us to have our Field Day between showers on Tuesday while the Fifth Grade braved the elements and went on their bike ride. We were introduced to a great deal of talent during the grade level talent shows- it is amazing what you can do with a hula hoop!

Mayor England was the speaker at the Sixth Grade Graduation. He wisely told them this was a beginning, not an end, and they need to plan for their future. The Bringhursts created a wonderful show that was enjoyed by everyone. The students will be missed, but we know they are well prepared for Middle School. As the summer passes we hope that the students will all visit the library as they have wonderful programs that will ensure that future sixth grade students are also prepared for the future.

Have a relaxing and enjoyable summer! We will see you in the fall.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Celebrating Accomplishments

If you walked through the halls of Ellis this week, you found events taking place every where. We have been celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of the students. The Kindergarten classes held their graduation ceremonies. Their singing was wonderful, and smiles stretched from ear to ear. They are ready for first grade!

Students in the Sixth Grade held an International Fair. They learned a great deal about the country they chose, and then were able to share that information with students, parents and teachers. The Sixth Grade also tested their physical abilities as they went rock climbing.
Two plays entertained and informed parents and visitors to the Fifth Grade, and Mrs. Shore/ Naylor's Third Grade. The Fifth Grade presented Sh' We're Writing the Constitution. It was full of historical information and the students were dressed for the part. The Third Grade performed a play about the Rain Forest and parents heard about the issues surrounding the preservation of this important resource.

It was wonderful to see so many parents at our Breakfast Buddies. After enjoying breakfast with their student parents picked up information that will help children keep academically active over the summer and prepare to come to school in the fall.

I hope you will all have a fun and relaxing weekend as we have plenty ahead next week!

Friday, May 16, 2008

An Eventful Week

It has been very busy at Ellis this week. Students in the fifth and sixth grade had the pleasure of hearing the Hawthorne Middle School Choir, while our own sixth grade choir and band presented to some of the fourth and fifth grade classes. They did an outstanding job.

The fourth grade students experienced some of the activities during their Rendezvous that would have been essential to survive in the wild west. They made bread, candles and on the lighter side, dolls. The Kindergarten class visited the Fire Station while the first grade class went skating.

Next week is just as action packed so check your calendars so you don't miss a thing. I also had the honor of attending the Volunteer Reception at the District Office where I had the pleasure of seeing some of our volunteers. We certainly appreciate all the volunteers do. They are an integral part of our school.

The weather forecast indicates we are to have a beautiful weekend. Enjoy it!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Congratulations DARE Graduates!

This week we had our DARE Graduation for sixth graders. It is one of the first signs that we are truly near the end of the year. We are very proud of how hard they all worked to develop skills they will need for the rest of their lives. We want to thank Officer Hall and the Chubbuck Police Department for supporting the students in this effort!

It was also a week to recognize teachers. The PTA helped to recognize the work they have done all year to support and maximize learning for all students. Students even recognized teachers as Mrs. Graham's efforts were highlighted in the news by one of her students. I know how much I appreciate the teachers' and paraprofessionals' dedication and the time they devote to creating a school that engages students in learning in an inviting environment.

I am sure you all heard about our Jump Rope Assembly on Friday. This assembly helps to promote exercise and positive interactions among students. Have fun jumping this weekend!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Volunteer Appreciation

This past week was volunteer appreciation week and we had many people to thank. You may have seen many parents and grandparents with flowers. This was a way for us to recognize the many things that volunteers do to help make our school a better place. We sincerely appreciate all they do.
The snow took us by surprise, and resulted in postponing the sixth grade Olympic Games. They were however able to have traditional Greek bread, and Channel 6 came in to Mrs. Kress' room to talk about the weather and how weather predictions are developed. The class was also recorded as they gave the answers to the "Brainstorm" questions of the week. I hope you were able to catch them on the news!
We do have some changes taking place in the staff this year. We regretfully say goodbye to Mrs. Jorgensen and Mrs. Hansen as they retire after many years of service to Ellis. Mrs. Reece will move to third grade in Mrs. Hansen's place, and filling Mrs. Reece's position will be Mrs. Hensen, who has worked with us in the past as an ISU student. Mrs. Naylor is moving closer to her family on the east coast and her position will be filled by Mrs. Graham who wants more time to devote to teaching the piano. Mrs. Naylor will be missed! As Mrs. Graham's position opens, it is to be filled with a terrific teacher from Grace Lutheran, Mrs. Magnuson. In our second grade we will also welcome back Mrs. Holguin who has been on sabbatical for a year. We also have a new paraprofessional, Mrs. Christiansen who will be working with Mrs. Griggs to service the lower grades. Finally, as we sadly say goodbye to Mrs. Jorgensen, her position will be filled by Mr. Hall who has been working at the school this year and we are excited to have him on the team. We are fortunate to have such a capable and enthusiastic staff! It will be a great year next year!
Have a terrific weekend!