Dear Ellis Families,
This has been a very difficult letter to write as I feel
that the Ellis Elementary School community is a part of my extended family.
However, I have come to a point in my life when I need a little more
flexibility to spend time with my family. As a result, I have decided to retire
at the end of this school year.
It has been an honor to work with the parents, students and
staff at Ellis, and I have always considered myself so fortunate to be allowed
to serve as the principal. We will keep you informed about the selection of a
new principal as the hiring process moves forward. I feel confident that a
competent, effective replacement will be found.
As I move to a more relaxing time, there are other changes
that will also be taking place. Stacy Woodbury (Kindergarten Teacher) is
relocating to Utah and will be missed. Due to the low numbers in Kindergarten
this year, it is anticipated that she will be replaced with a half-time
teacher. Mrs. Henson has wanted to reduce her time commitment so she can spend
more time with her children, and she will take the half- time position as it is
currently allocated.
Mrs. Henson’s move is timely as we will have one less first
grade next year due to the low numbers in kindergarten and her position will
not be replaced. However, the fourth grade will present a different scenario.
We are sad to say good bye to Mrs. Hymas as she retires after an outstanding
career in teaching, but we wish her the best and know that she will enjoy more
walking and time with family. She will be replaced by Mr. Hall who wants to
make a change to the fourth grade level. His fifth grade replacement will be
selected as we move forward.
We will also be losing one of our very valuable
paraprofessionals, Mrs. Orr, who is retiring to spend time with her grandchildren.
We know how much she is looking forward to the future and we wish her well.
Again, it is a bitter sweet moment and I want to say that I
will cherish my time at Ellis which has been my second home for many years now.
I appreciate all the support parents provide as well as the many hours of
involvement in the school and your child’s education. Thank you for the
memories!!
Sincerely,
Dr. Betsy Goeltz
