Welcome to the 2010-2011 School Year!

I hope you have all had a fruitful, enjoyable and relaxing summer and that the students are ready for another learning packed school year. The staff has been hard at work getting ready for the new year and we are looking forward to welcoming all of our previous students as well as our new ones on the first day of school.


Last year was an outstanding year for Ellis students. We again met adequate yearly progress as determined by the state. In doing so we exceeded both the State and District averages in all areas of reading and math. I want to congratulate students, parents and teachers for this accomplishment as you all played a part in making it happen.

Our wonderful staff works tirelessly to provide the best possible education while students strive to adhere to our motto stating, “I am responsible and always learning.” We are excited about the new staff at Ellis this year. Margo Lamont has joined the second grade team as we add another class at that level. She is not a newcomer to the school as she did her student teaching here and served as a long-term substitute for third grade last year. She is familiar with students, procedures and curriculum and will be an outstanding addition to that group. As many of you know, Debbie Reid-Oleson retired last year and Bonnie Conteraras will be taking her position. She is not a newcomer to the area and has strong family ties to Pocatello. Last year she spent time getting to know our program and our school and will feel right at home as the new year starts. One temporary change is the addition of Celeste Lundt who has taught at Chubbuck before but took time off for family. She will be taking Ashley Thurman’s spot in Title I this year as Ms. Thurman takes a year off for her own family. We are fortunate to have such a highly qualified replacement for the year and look forward to working with her.

As you know from news releases, registration is fast approaching. It is scheduled for August 18th starting at 11:00. It is necessary for everyone to complete the paperwork. If you’re student is returning, then you should have received the paperwork in the mail. If you did not get it, don’t despair as you just need to come in and we can help on registration day. All new students must come to registration with the required paperwork. The District website (www.d25.k12.id.us) has information posted for the upcoming year and will update you on the requirements.

First day of school for students in grades 1-5 is Thursday, September 2. Kindergarten students attending Tuesday and Thursday will attend orientation on September 2, and those in the Wednesday and Friday class will receive orientation on Friday. On September 7, Tuesday/Thursday Kindergarteners (A-L) will attend their first day while Wednesday/Friday Kindergarteners (A-L) will come for their first day on September 8. Kindergarteners with the last name starting with M-Z and attending Tuesday/Thursday will come for the first day on September 9 and those with last names starting with M-Z on Wednesday and Friday will come for their first day on September 10. We will be happy to clarify any questions about these dates on registration day.
We know how important you are to the educational process and are looking forward to seeing you soon!