Even when this time of year can feel like a race to the finish line, spring is much more than endings. As leaves and flowers unfold and baby cows, pigs and chickens find their way into the world, this season is also a time for beginnings.
As you may have heard, a brand-new child care center is on track to open at the end of summer break! Construction will begin soon to install a beautiful, prefabricated building on the east side of Washington Grade School. And we are in the final stages of preparation to welcome young children and their families in August.
It’s incredible to reflect on the three years of hard work that has gotten us to this point, especially when we consider all the people who have played a role in addressing this long-recognized Ellis need. One center cannot fix the problem, but I am very proud of the dedication shown by so many to make a positive difference.
In fact, the Ellis Child Care Coalition was recognized in February as a Child Care Community Champion by Child Care Aware of Kansas. This statewide organization is committed to solutions for Kansas families to have access to quality, affordable child care through partnerships, education and advocacy. This center truly will improve how Ellis supports local families, and we have so many reasons to be proud.
In the coming weeks and months, we will be hiring a director, finalizing policies and procedures and opening registration for a limited number of families. Thanks to everyone who has helped, donated, volunteered and coordinated to get us to this point. Stay tuned as we continue to share updates. Families interested in registering for child care can expect communication via email, social media etc., in the next month.
Here are some other great things happening in our school community...
• Third quarter honor roll included an impressive number of students at both Ellis High School and WGS. Great work!
• Ellis students have some of the best state assessment scores in our MCL League. Shout out to our students and teachers for their hard work and focus.
• EHS chess club sent ten students to compete in the state tournament in Topeka. It’s been rewarding to see how this new club has grown to include many students. Special thanks to Matt Davenport for his leadership and support.
• Congratulations to students earning Division I ratings at the KSHSAA regional Solos and Small Ensembles in Larned: Tayler Schmidt (bass clarinet solo), Skylynn Begler (clarinet solo), and Tayler Schmidt, Kinzie Sunley, and Skylynn Begler (clarinet trio). They all advance to state on April 25th at Bethel College in Newton.
• Read Across America Week was a hit at WGS with Dr. Seuss-themed spirit days. Special thanks to the EHS students who volunteered as guest readers to show that literacy matters to students of every age.
• Be on the lookout for glamorous students going to prom on Saturday, April 25! Photos will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the Promenade at 6:30. The community is invited to attend the Promenade and enjoy seeing our students all dressed up.
With the recent end of basketball season, I also want to recognize the generous work of the United Methodist Church for providing a “fifth quarter” gathering spot for our students after every home game. We appreciate every volunteer, business and family who came together to provide a safe, fun and supportive environment for our students. Your time, dollars and prizes are what make this tradition a success for our whole community!
YOU can also help us make a positive difference for our students and community. We are hiring great people to work as bus drivers for next year. Our drivers like the hours, the extra income and a chance to get to know our amazing students. The district will even pay for you to earn your CDL! Visit the Job Opportunities link at usd388.com or call the district office at 785-726-4281 to learn more.
In closing, I want to invite all Ellis alumni to join us for the 125th all-school reunion this Memorial Day weekend! Mark your calendar now for special events and activities beginning Friday, May 22. Banquet tickets are on sale now, and evening entertainment will feature the Wes Cossman Band. Be sure to follow Ellis High School Alumni (KS) on Facebook for all the details, including special Chrysler entries in the big parade!
As fourth quarter is underway, it’s impossible to miss all the good things happening in Ellis and our schools. From a new child care center to a memorable alumni reunion — not to mention amazing students and staff — we have every reason to be Railer Proud. Thank you for all you do to support our schools!
Janice Wilson
Superintendent