Happy New Year — and welcome back to school! I was very grateful for some downtime over the break with my loved ones, and I hope all of our students, staff and families were able to enjoy the same.
Although December can feel like a distant memory at this point, let’s not miss this chance to spotlight a few of the wonderful things that happened in our schools before the break…
WGS and EHS put on wonderful holiday music concerts. It was a joy to hear our students sharing good cheer, and their performances made clear just how fortunate we are to have such talented music educators in our schools.
Private funding continues to come in for our Little Railers Childcare Center, scheduled to open this fall. Thanks to the Heartland Community Foundation for a $5,000 grant to this project. And thank you to the USD 388 Education Foundation for a $25,000 matching grant. Local donations are still being accepted to help us get those matching dollars.
Congratulations to 3rd grader, Addyson McMillan, who was honored in the Patriot’s Pen Writing Contest, sponsored by the VFW. She was awarded $50 for finishing third in District 6.
The community turned out in a big way for the annual Food Box Auction to raise money for the EHS KAY Club. Our students made delicious treats with beautiful packaging — a total of 53 boxes! The auction brought in $2,700 that will help support student activity costs. KAY members also honored first responders at the Dec. 16 basketball game, recognizing the brave contributions of medical first responders, law enforcement and firefighters.
WGS students welcomed the Ellis Police Department for the third year of Cocoa with Cops, right before winter break. It was heartwarming to see all the smiles from the students and the police department.
Thanks to FCCLA and everyone who made Parent’s Night Out a success during the busy holiday season. Ellis children were treated to a night of pizza, cookie decorating, games and the Grinch movie. (And their parents were treated to a few precious hours to use however they wanted!)
Kudos to our fourth, fifth and sixth grade students, who have been hard at getting their Accelerated Reader points and surpassing their fall goal. Lorax appeared all the way from the Truffula Forest to help them celebrate this achievement!
As 2026 begins, we are embarking on a transition phase for district leadership. Congratulations to current EGS Principal Todd Flinn, who will assume the role of superintendent on July 1 following my retirement. These months ahead will be valuable time for the school board, Mr. Flinn and I to focus on enabling the good work already happening across our school district to continue uninterrupted. As an Ellis native and a proud Railer graduate, I am truly honored for the opportunity to play even a small role in creating an ever-brighter future for our students, staff and community. Ellis is a very special place for any family to call home.
Janice Wilson, Superintendent