Welcome to a new school year at Ellis Elementary! There are many
changes and challenges as we start this year, but the staff is ready and
looking forward to a great year. The District boundary changes have brought our
numbers down slightly as intended giving us an overall enrollment of
approximately 500 students.
Results from last year’s ISAT testing were outstanding.
Students went up in all academic areas monitored, scoring 93.6% proficient or
advanced in reading, 91.9% in math and 88.8% in language. This represents an
increase in numbers proficient or advanced in all areas! We also ranked third
in reading and math and second in language within the District and well above
the State benchmark in all areas. Despite the strong results, we are aware that
there is always a need to improve! The State is moving to the Idaho Core
Standards and we are moving right along with them. Students will be working on
skills that will help them to be successful in a constantly changing
environment. Students need to know how to think critically, problem solve and
read informational text at a higher level. These areas represent just a few of
the changes teachers, students and parents will be experiencing this year. Yes,
parents too. We will be providing information to all families regarding the
Idaho Core Standards and hope that you will become involved in the transition
to these new standards. Our website will provide resources and teachers will be
keeping you informed about our students work and progress and deliver
resources through a variety of means to help you join in the process.We are thrilled to welcome some new staff members to Ellis. As Mrs. Holt transitions to first grade, Stacy Woodbury will be taking her place in Kindergarten. In second grade, Mrs. McNabb will be joining their ranks as one third grade was eliminated. In addition, we want are happy to have Mrs. Holverson taking one of our second grades as Mrs. VanEvery moves up to fifth grade. Mrs. Morris will be replacing Mrs. Paulson due to retirement and coming onboard to help her is Ms. Merinda Watson. In our Title I program, Mrs. Shaleen Watson will be helping out and we are happy that Mrs. Naumu did not move and will be returning in Kindergarten. I would be remiss if I did not mention our terrific new custodian, Ron Currier, who has worked hard this summer getting the building ready.
Please remember that our doors are always open and we are looking forward to seeing you frequently this year. Our fabulous PTA has many volunteer opportunities and teachers love help in the classrooms!
We are off to a great year!
Betsy Goeltz, Ed.D.
Principal
