New Year Brings Opportunities to Connect as a Community
As an educator, I have always felt that the “new” year begins in September when we go back to school and enjoy the excitement of seeing old friends and making new ones, meeting new teachers and, for some, experiencing a new school.
The month of January and the traditional start of the calendar year provide a different type of “new” year in schools—a time for us to look ahead to the many exciting events and traditions that come with winter and spring, and that the newest members of our community will experience for the first time.
Back
Our first weeks back have been filled with energy and learning in classrooms and athletics. During cross-divisional assemblies, we honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had a presentation from our Middle School Sisterhood Jr. affinity group about a service project, and enjoyed a Lab Day program about learning and using a second language, complete with live steel drum music! Our community also learned to cook and relaxed with a game night, two events organized by our Ellis Parent Association. And, our twenty-first annual Culture Jam brought engaging speakers and student-led workshops to campus around the theme “Becoming We.” As we look ahead to February, we’re also eagerly anticipating our annual Black History Month celebration on the evening of Feb. 6—you’ll find details in our Division Newsletters. Each of these opportunities is a chance for us to come together as a community of bold, authentic changemakers and live out our shared values.
This month’s GreenSheet recaps some of the fantastic events we’ve already enjoyed in 2025. You’ll read more about Culture Jam, and about a wonderful recognition Ellis received due to our students’ participation in the WPIAL & Pittsburgh City League Food & Fund Drive. You’ll also find a feature about a 2006 Ellis alumna who is making bold moves to support women and families in an industry that is typically slow to change.
Each of these events and stories affirms what I’ve known for many years: I am fortunate to be part of a community that cares about its members, that seeks to understand, that tackles tough topics and that supports each other.
Warmly,
Michelle
