Dear Ellis Families

We are working hard this year to providing a quality education for all students as we transition to the Idaho Core Standards. We are incorporating strategies that cultivate curiosity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration. I hope you have noticed the significant improvement in writing all of our grades levels are demonstrating. Writing has been incorporated into all subjects and we are reaping the benefits of these efforts.

In reading we have a new resource available for the students. The school has purchased many eBooks. The use of ebooks can have a significant impact on teaching and learning as the school library and classrooms begin to incorporate their use into instruction. Struggling readers and those with visual impairments can benefit from enlarged and read aloud features. As students access the books on computers or iPads, they frequently link to video clips and additional information to explain a concept or deepen understanding in a visual way, sparking the natural curiosity of the reader and making information accessible to all learners. Our fourth grade is developing skills such as highlighting and note taking to support their writing and comprehension. Students are being instructed in how to access these books from home as well.

Students have participated in a variety of activities. Valentine’s Day is at the top of the list this month. As always, we appreciate the help many volunteers gave to make our parties even better. Our “Moms in the Morning” was enjoyed by all! We had a terrific turn out and we love having the opportunity to have all of the moms visiting the school and want you to know that you are welcome at any time! We also appreciate the many shoes that were sent in for the “Shoes for Love” drive. I am sure they will be well recycled to provide many people with needed shoes.

As we start into the last third of the school year, we know you will continue to support your child and if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call.