Happy fall! I always enjoy this season- the changing leaves, the smell of firewood in the air, pumpkin patches opening up, and that chill that sets in when the sun goes down, whether you’re in the bleachers or at home.
I also love sharing the good things that have been happening in our schools. Here are some highlights from the last few weeks:
· Preschool had some family fun, and there were so many smiles as students invited their families to school for a special activity and snack.
· The elementary playground was completed last month! Thanks to PTO for raising over $100,000, to John Befort for installing and to countless volunteers who helped turn a dream into reality for our Washington Grade School students.
· EHS had its first pep rally that included the grade school students. It’s always fun to see students of all ages come together to support our teams!
· Senior high student council members met with our WGS sixth grade student ambassadors to reflect on leadership. Together they brainstormed creative ways students can show school spirit.
· Kudos to Kyle Fox’s media class for the hard work producing interviews and posts as part of the T-Mobile Friday 5G Lights contest. We owe a big thanks to everyone who led and participated. It was fun to see the community come together around something so positive.
· Ellis’ 1A state girls 2025 champion track team was honored at the football game on Sept. 12. Way to go, girls and coaches!
· Thank you to the Ellis Community Foundation and the Wiesner Foundation for supporting teachers with generous grants for their classrooms.
October is also parent-teacher conference season! Families should keep an eye open for the chance to sign up for conferences, Oct. 28-29. Ellis always impresses me with the commitment of families and educators alike to make the most of this annual event.
It’s interesting to know just how valuable parent-teacher conferences can be as the foundation for student learning and growth. Decades of research point to the importance of a strong partnership between school and home and its many benefits to student success, including better attendance, fewer missed assignments, stronger test scores and higher grade point averages.
Families, be sure to check out our webpage for tips to make the most of your conferences. And if you ever have questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher or call the office. We are here to help. Thank you for making your student’s conference a priority!
Veterans Day will also be here before we know it — and the way we recognize it is another example of something that makes me proud of Ellis. Once again, our KAY Club will bring together the entire district and community to honor and hear stories from local veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Our students do an outstanding job of celebrating military service and the sacrifices our community veterans have made. Everyone is invited for a special program and refreshments, so please mark your calendar for 9 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the Ellis High School Gym.
As Election Day approaches, we are putting together a simple voter guide to introduce the candidates running for school board. If you are planning to run as a write-in candidate, please contact me at the district office by October 20th so we can include your information.
And last — but not least — homecoming is almost here! Help us fill the bleachers with Railer Pride when our varsity football team takes on Quinter at 7 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 10!
Janice Wilson
USD 388 Superintendent