Please come help move mulch at the new playground this morning! We need helpers! 😁
What a great time to be a Railer! The school year is officially underway… kids are filling up our halls and classrooms, teachers are building relationships and introducing new learning, buses are rolling and kitchens are cooking. And with the fall sports season now officially underway, there’s a lot of excitement ahead.
If you haven’t heard, Ellis has entered the T-Mobile’s Friday Night Lights contest. Special thanks to Brandon Comer for his leadership bringing this opportunity to town and helping students and staff in every school make the most of it — and have fun in the process.
If we come together and work hard, T-Mobile could award Ellis some major upgrades, including money towards a new track, for the school and community. Here’s how you can help:
• Follow and share content from @ellisrailers on Instagram and X and invite others to do the same. Our HS media class has been working hard at sharing “Our Story”.
• Post and share the videos or make your own video why Ellis matters to you on Instagram or X. Be sure to use #FN5GL #Sweepstakes @tmobile @ellisrailers each time you share. Encourage your friends and family to share, too.
• Show up for the home football game on Sept. 12. Cheer on the Railers and enjoy giveaways.
This chance to work together and show our spirit goes beyond sports. It’s about pride, unity and creating a space that shows the real spirit of Ellis on a national stage.
As the school year gets started, I can’t say enough good things about our teachers, staff and families. The elementary school has welcomed Mr. Flinn as the new principal, who is bringing his knowledge and experience back to Ellis where he grew up. It seems everyone is enjoying his calm, friendly energy and clear expectations that are sure to lead to a great year ahead.
Our elementary teachers have also been working hard to learn more about the science of reading and earn the Seal of Literacy. LETRS training, or Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, is a big commitment. and I’m very proud that all of our staff who have completed or are in the process of completing this training. Many have already earned the Seal of Literacy, and several are working towards it. Across the district, our focus is on literacy, and all staff are engaged in efforts to enhance literacy instruction in every content area. The impact of this work will be evident as our students continue to grow in their literacy skills-a growth that will only accelerate as more teachers implement effective literacy strategies.
I must also recognize our awesome custodial and maintenance staff. Over the summer they completed projects that will instill greater pride in our facilities, including giving the high school locker rooms a much-needed refresh.
As this new school year gets busy and student participation grows — especially at the junior high! — we need your help to give our young people a memorable high school and junior high experience. Please help us spread the word about these paid positions we need to fill as soon as possible:
• Activity bus and route drivers (district will pay for CDL training)
• Football score/clock operator
• Football spotter
• Football chains
• Volleyball score/clock operator
• Volleyball bookkeeper
• Volleyball line judge
Please reach out to dschoenthaler@usd388.com or call 785-726-9422 if you are able to support.
Last, but not least, our school board continues to do important work aligning the district’s budget, resources and decisions to the strategic plan that was finalized last spring. This wouldn’t be possible without the input that came from community members, teachers, staff and others about what matters most evidenced by our strategic plan. This plays a big role in the budget that the board is finalizing, as well as the Revenue Neutral Rate hearing on Sept 8th. We are happy to answer questions and share more about this work.
It would be impossible to share all the good things happening in Ellis School District in one newspaper column. Times like this, it’s wonderful to see people coming together to make good things happen. This is the Ellis I loved growing up here, and it’s a reminder that the best things about this community are still going strong.
Janice Wilson, Superintendent
If you haven’t heard, Ellis has entered the T-Mobile’s Friday Night Lights contest. Special thanks to Brandon Comer for his leadership bringing this opportunity to town and helping students and staff in every school make the most of it — and have fun in the process.
If we come together and work hard, T-Mobile could award Ellis some major upgrades, including money towards a new track, for the school and community. Here’s how you can help:
• Follow and share content from @ellisrailers on Instagram and X and invite others to do the same. Our HS media class has been working hard at sharing “Our Story”.
• Post and share the videos or make your own video why Ellis matters to you on Instagram or X. Be sure to use #FN5GL #Sweepstakes @tmobile @ellisrailers each time you share. Encourage your friends and family to share, too.
• Show up for the home football game on Sept. 12. Cheer on the Railers and enjoy giveaways.
This chance to work together and show our spirit goes beyond sports. It’s about pride, unity and creating a space that shows the real spirit of Ellis on a national stage.
As the school year gets started, I can’t say enough good things about our teachers, staff and families. The elementary school has welcomed Mr. Flinn as the new principal, who is bringing his knowledge and experience back to Ellis where he grew up. It seems everyone is enjoying his calm, friendly energy and clear expectations that are sure to lead to a great year ahead.
Our elementary teachers have also been working hard to learn more about the science of reading and earn the Seal of Literacy. LETRS training, or Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, is a big commitment. and I’m very proud that all of our staff who have completed or are in the process of completing this training. Many have already earned the Seal of Literacy, and several are working towards it. Across the district, our focus is on literacy, and all staff are engaged in efforts to enhance literacy instruction in every content area. The impact of this work will be evident as our students continue to grow in their literacy skills-a growth that will only accelerate as more teachers implement effective literacy strategies.
I must also recognize our awesome custodial and maintenance staff. Over the summer they completed projects that will instill greater pride in our facilities, including giving the high school locker rooms a much-needed refresh.
As this new school year gets busy and student participation grows — especially at the junior high! — we need your help to give our young people a memorable high school and junior high experience. Please help us spread the word about these paid positions we need to fill as soon as possible:
• Activity bus and route drivers (district will pay for CDL training)
• Football score/clock operator
• Football spotter
• Football chains
• Volleyball score/clock operator
• Volleyball bookkeeper
• Volleyball line judge
Please reach out to dschoenthaler@usd388.com or call 785-726-9422 if you are able to support.
Last, but not least, our school board continues to do important work aligning the district’s budget, resources and decisions to the strategic plan that was finalized last spring. This wouldn’t be possible without the input that came from community members, teachers, staff and others about what matters most evidenced by our strategic plan. This plays a big role in the budget that the board is finalizing, as well as the Revenue Neutral Rate hearing on Sept 8th. We are happy to answer questions and share more about this work.
It would be impossible to share all the good things happening in Ellis School District in one newspaper column. Times like this, it’s wonderful to see people coming together to make good things happen. This is the Ellis I loved growing up here, and it’s a reminder that the best things about this community are still going strong.
Janice Wilson, Superintendent
The media crew met up with HS Principal, Jesse Vincent, and Athletic Director, Derek Schoenthaler, to discuss what it would mean to get a new football field and track facility located near the high school. Our school is participating in the @tmobile Friday Night Lights contest as we aim to be selected as one of the 25 finalists. Support us by liking and sharing our posts and looking out for more information on ways to become involved!
#FN5GL #Sweepstakes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnwlEn65alY
#FN5GL #Sweepstakes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnwlEn65alY
The hallways were full of smiles for "Back to School Night" at WGS! Thank you to the Ellis Alumni Association for the sweet treats!
Washington Grade School is thrilled to welcome new fourth grade teacher, Brooklyn Pfeifer! Brooklyn is a native of Cimarron, KS, and a 2021 graduate from FHSU. She has lived in Ellis since 2023, but spent the past four years teaching at Victoria Elementary. Brooklyn is excited to live and teach in the same community, and can't wait to see some familiar faces around town!
Thanks to PTO and their fundraising efforts, the grade school playground will be ready for the start of the year. A huge thank you to John Befort and volunteers for making a dream become a reality!
Welcome back, Railroaders! We are thrilled for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year! Important information and resources for everything related to BACK TO SCHOOL can be found online at https://www.usd388.com/o/usd388/page/back-to-school. Online enrollment (the link is located on the BACK TO SCHOOL page) should be completed by August 15, 2025. Enrollment fees should be paid in person on the following dates at each building--Monday, August 11 (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), Tuesday, August 12 (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM), or Wednesday, August 13 (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). All payments must be made by check or cash only. We are looking forward to a fantastic year and can't wait to see everyone. Maria Mick (785-726-3151 EHS/EJH, mmick@usd388.com) and Theresa Thomas (785-726-3136 WGS, tthomas@usd388.com).
USD388 online enrollment opens Monday, July 28th, at 8am. Visit https://www.usd388.com/o/usd388/page/back-to-school for information on school supply lists, breakfast/lunch prices, and student fees, as well as links to the online enrollment forms, handbooks, and other documents.
We entered the @TMobile Friday Night 5G Lights contest! They're celebrating small-town high school football, giving upgrades to schools + awarding a $1Million game-changing grand prize. It could be us! #FN5GL #Sweepstakes
Video premiere! The July 14th BOE Meeting video premieres today at 5pm on the USD388 YouTube Channel
https://youtube.com/c/USD388
https://youtube.com/c/USD388
Ellis USD 388 is accepting applications for the following coaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year.
High School Head Wrestling Coach
Jr High Head Wrestling Coach
Interested applicants can contact USD 388 Athletic Director, Derek Schoenthaler, at dschoenthaler@usd388.com or apply at https://www.usd388.com/page/job-opportunities.
Ellis is also looking for a bus driver/Activities Driver for the 2025-26 school year. USD 388 will pay to get your CDL.
Please share this post so it reaches more individuals. Thank you.
The June 9th BOE Meeting video premieres tonight at 5pm on the USD388 YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/c/USD388
Become a Railroader
Video premiere! The May 19th USD388 BOE meeting premieres today at 1pm on the USD388 YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/c/USD388
Visit sunflowersummer.org for more information on available free admission to over 200 attractions in Kansas from July12th to August 3rd.
Video premiere! The 2025 EHS Awards assembly will premiere tonight at 5pm on the USD388 YouTube Channel
https://youtube.com/c/USD388
Former principal Bill Fritchen and his family stopped by the school today. Between the two of us 34 of the past 48 years as being the principal. He served from 1977-1995, and I have been principal since 2009.
Thank a staff member this week! 💜
Reminder from WGS PTO
Tomorrow is the last day of the penny war. Remember, dollars and pennies are positive, and silver coins are negative to sabotage other classes. Be sure to bring your spare change with you to school tomorrow!
Ellis USD 388 is accepting applications for the following coaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year.
High School Head Wrestling Coach
High School Head Boys Basketball Coach
High School Assistant Football Coach
Jr High Head Wrestling Coach
Interested applicants can contact USD 388 Athletic Director, Derek Schoenthaler, at dschoenthaler@usd388.com or apply at https://www.usd388.com/page/job-opportunities
