By Jessica Cabeen

Ellis Middle School Principal

When the calendar turns to spring and the snow starts to melt, it’s time to start thinking about next year.

While it is bittersweet to say goodbye to our current eighth graders, we are absolutely looking forward to welcoming a new seventh grade class to Ellis Middle School in the fall.  Here’s a little bit of information about Ellis to help ease the transition.

Start of the day

At Ellis, students are able to eat breakfast and then visit with friends, meet with teachers, or work in the FTLA, or common spaces. At 7:55 a.m. the bell rings, letting students know it’s time to report to their first hour class.

Classes

This winter, IJ Holton students had a chance to register for classes for next year. If you are not an IJ Holton student and plan to attend Ellis next year, please stop at the District Enrollment Office to complete the enrollment and registration process as soon as possible. Your schedule will be finalized over the summer, and you will have an opportunity to get familiar with the school during our pre-school orientation day that occurs the week before school begins.

Activities

We have lots of opportunities for students to engage in their interests and passions at Ellis. If you are interested in sports, please go ahead and get your sports physical this spring so you are eligible to play next fall. Throughout the school year, you will also hear about all the great activities you can participate in by way of The Ellis Show, our monthly newsletter, and our Ellis Middle School Facebook page.

Orientation

This spring, Mrs. Oelfke and I will be hosting tours for incoming seventh graders during the day for students currently at IJ Holton. If you are not currently at IJ Holton, please feel free to call our school office and Mrs. Cabeen can give you a tour this summer. In addition, we will be hosting an orientation day for all incoming seventh grade students the week before school starts.

As a former Woodson principal for many of you, I am so excited to welcome you to Ellis in this exciting time of your life.  We hope this helps to answer at least some of the questions you have about next year.  If not, or if you simply need more information, feel free to email me at jessica.cabeen@austin.k12.mn.us, and I will do my best to find your answer.  Have a great rest of this school year and know that we’re looking forward to having you join us in the fall.