GEP Dates

GEPs are just around the corner.

8th Grade GEP: Monday, 5/3/2010 2:30 p.m.
7th Grade GEP: Monday, 5/3/2010 12:00 p.m.
6th Grade GEP: Tuesday, 5/4/2010 12:00 p.m.

May Events

1st Period 8th Graders are working on their end of the year biography. Each student chose a person from the civilizations we have read about and studied. Most chose someone we did not have much time for. The assignment is to publish a picture biography book complete with hand-drawn pictures and a life story of the person chosen. The final due date is May 20, 2010. The assignment in the end will be worth 650 points.

2nd Period 8th Graders will soon be designing a public service poster promoting hand washing. They are studying the early Americans and how measles and small pox brought over during the age of Exploration destroyed a large percentage of their population.

All 8th graders will be working in groups designing a jeopardy game using powerpoint. The topics will cover world history. The game is due May 13, 2010.

5th Period 7th Graders are learning about early Europe and modern Europe. We are having fun bouncing around the continent from the Ancient Greece to modern times.

Friends, Romans, Countrymen!!

The 8th grade gifted students are studying Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare as part of their history of Rome unit. Each student recited with precision Mark Antony's Funeral Oration. They enjoyed this so much, they are now creating an interactive powerpoint to present for their class. Cate dressed in Roman attire and fluently recited Antony's very persuasive speech, and Nichalas could have been a true Roman orator. Kudos to all for the hard work!!

2010 Junior United Nations Assembly

Ellis Russians Take Away 2 Top Awards

On January 28 and 29, the delegates from the Russian Federation attended the annual JUNA assembly at Birmingham-Southern. After months of preparation, the 7 delegate panel win 2 top awards: Outstanding Nation and Outstanding Native Dress. The representatives were 8th graders: Ahmad, Cate, William, Alisha, Nicholas, Samira, and Carter. Congratulations!!!!

National Geography Bee

Recently, Ellis students participated in the National Geographic Geography Bee. The top 10 school finalists were: Philip, Austin, Nicholas, Tyler Gray, Robbyn, Regan, Peyton, Kristin, Barrett, and Nicholas. Thew winner was Robbyn. She went on to represent Ellis at the State level. Congratulations! Another fine example of Ellis students.

Patriot's Pen Essay Contest

The Local VFW, Ladies Auxiliary, Post 4261 sponsored the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest in 2008. This competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. Savings bonds. The essay was to be 300-400 words. It is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students enrolled in public, private, or parochial schools in the U.S. The 2008 theme was, "Why should veterans be honored?" I want to personally thank all the students who participated. Nicholas P., a 7th grader, won the school contest. Nicholas was awarded two $50.00 checks from the Local Post VFW and the Local Ladies Auxiliary. Congratulations to Nicholas. He is an exemplary student who will grow into a fine leader of our community.

JUNA

A few students in the gifted class traveled to Birmingham-Southern to participate in the 18th Annual Junior United Nations Assembly. The delegations of United Kingdom and Mexico both brought home awards. United Kingdom received the Most Spirited, which is one of the most prestigious awards given at JUNA. Mexico received an award for the outstanding work on their display board. Congratulations and keeping working hard, 2010 is just around the corner.