Campus News
Ellis Celebrates 20 Years of Culture Jam
In January, Ellis celebrated the 20th anniversary of Culture Jam, which has been organized by Ellis’ Student Diversity League (SDL) since 2004.
The 2024 theme was Creating Peace from Peril, and it focused on the ability to reimagine hardships as opportunities for growth. The day included a variety of workshops and small group discussions facilitated by students. Three Pittsburgh-based activists spoke on a panel during the event: Susan Baida, Executive Director of the Collaboratory Against Hate (CAH), an academic center with a mission to help understand and mitigate targeted violence stemming from group hate; Leon Ford, a celebrated author, social entrepreneur, and impact investor who co-founded The Hear Foundation; and Hanifa Nakiryowa, who founded a nonprofit in Uganda to raise voices against human rights violations and abuses and to mobilize resources to support the medical care and rehabilitation of acid attack survivors.
“I think it’s part of Ellis’ identity to instill advocacy into their students,” said then-senior and SDL President Nadia COMMODORE ’24. “We have our integrated studies classes which literally teach us the skills to be able to go out into the world and advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. I think it’s only natural that we evolve to be leaders in our own right because it’s taught to us from the minute we step through the doors.”
Violins of Hope
Violins of Hope, an organization that provides concerts and educational events teaching about the Holocaust, brought its programming to Ellis in October. Two Ellis students and violinists, then-senior Rebekah RAPP ’24 and junior Ruby Saliterman, were invited to play the historic instruments during an assembly for Middle and Upper School students.
"It’s kind of unreal to be able to play an instrument that is also a historic artifact,” said Rebekah. During the assembly, she played a violin that had been played in the Auschwitz camp orchestra. "I feel like it’s so important for us to continue to tell stories of what happened during the Holocaust. To be able to play an instrument that was played by another Jew in a time of uncertainty and fear is really incredible. It feels like I am continuing this legacy of hope and I get to keep the violin alive.”
Future City Competition
Black History Month
Ellis celebrated Black History Month in style, producing a fashion show called “Eras of Style: Celebrating August Wilson’s American Century Cycle.” The show highlighted Pulitzer Prize-winning Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson and his American Century Cycle—a series of ten plays that chronicle the African American experience throughout the 20th century—alongside era-specific clothing inspired by the unique and influential work of American fashion designer Ann Lowe.
The show was organized by Ellis parents Alexis Allen, CEO and Principal Planner of Alexis Allen. Consulting, and Demeatria Boccella, President of Demeatria Boccella Productions, LLC and Founder of FashionAFRICANA. Ellis students from kindergarten through grade 12 modeled the fashions of each era, with commentary about the corresponding play and styles.
Solar Eclipse
Ellis celebrated April’s rare total solar eclipse with a variety of programming. School assemblies and other events featured special guests, including Carnegie Mellon University Physics Professor Diane Turnshek; Ellis parent and University of Pittsburgh Physics & Astronomy Professor Michael Wood-Vasey; and Ellis alumna Rachael COOPER ’14, who work at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, where she is a staff scientist on one of the instruments of the Webb Space Telescope. A group of Upper School students, accompanied by Ellis math and science faculty, traveled to Penn State Behrend to witness the eclipse from the path of totality, while others in the Ellis community stayed on campus to observe the event through eclipse-viewing glasses.
Welcoming Reneé Brown-Antonelli, Director of Athletics
Dr. Reneé Brown-Antonelli has been named Athletics Director, effective July 1, 2024. Before joining the Ellis community, Dr. Brown-Antonelli served as the Director of Athletics at Penn State New Kensington, and previously held roles as the Assistant Athletic Director at Penn State Beaver and the Director of International Program Support and Services and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown.
Dr. Brown-Antonelli holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education: Sport Administration and a Master of Educational Leadership from Edinboro University as well as a Doctorate of Philosophy in Kinesiology from West Virginia University.
“Joining Ellis resonates deeply with me, reconnecting me to my hometown, family, friends, and the values that have shaped me into the person I am today. Having experienced the transformative power of an all-girls school myself at Mt. Alvernia Catholic High School, I understand firsthand the impact it can have,” she said. “Ellis presents an opportunity for me to pay forward the guidance, support, and encouragement I received during my own school days. Through positive youth development, mentorship, and athletics, I am enthusiastic about empowering and nurturing the growth of the next generation of young women.”
Ashley Dotson to Lead Ellis Upper School
Ashley Dotson accepted the position of Upper School Division Head at Ellis beginning July 1, 2024. Ms. Dotson is well known to the Ellis community through her role as Upper School Dean of Students and English faculty member, positions she held for many years. She brings a wealth of experience with, and knowledge of, Ellis’ Upper School program and has done exemplary work both in the classroom and in her role as Dean. Well known to, and respected by, students, faculty, staff and parents, Ms. Dotson has a deep love of The Ellis School and its mission, and is very excited about leading the Upper School Division to become an ever more engaging, vibrant, and welcoming community.
Ms. Dotson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from Penn State University, and a Master of Science in Secondary English Education from Duquesne University.
Ellis Recognizes Long-Serving Departing, Retiring Employees
“I will definitely miss the community. I’ll miss my colleagues, and I’ll miss teaching art,” she said. “The best part of teaching art is seeing that ‘ah ha’ moment on a student’s face. Sometimes I feel like I’m pulling rabbits out of a hat because they’re so excited to see what they are capable of doing. And over the years, I’ve especially loved watching how our students grow and go out into the world. We have an exceptional community of strong young women that I know I will remain connected to in one way or another, and I will greatly miss working with Ellis students in the studio.”
She taught third grade at Ellis for 11 years, and retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year to spend time in Minneapolis with family, including a new grandchild. She said that without a doubt, the thing she’ll miss most about Ellis is the students.
“I love third grade because the kids really love learning things,” she said. “They get so excited about it, and it’s exciting for the teachers, too—we get caught up in it every year! They are just thrilled about knowing things.”
“Every day is different. You never know what’s going to happen,” she said. “You are always having to see things from a third grader’s viewpoint, which can be very different. There’s always a phrase or an idea that comes up that’s totally unexpected and often amusing. At this age, they can engage with a lot of ideas that are far above the third grade level and it makes all of it even more fun.”
Back
In January, Ellis celebrated the 20th anniversary of Culture Jam, which has been organized by Ellis’ Student Diversity League (SDL) since 2004.
The 2024 theme was Creating Peace from Peril, and it focused on the ability to reimagine hardships as opportunities for growth. The day included a variety of workshops and small group discussions facilitated by students. Three Pittsburgh-based activists spoke on a panel during the event: Susan Baida, Executive Director of the Collaboratory Against Hate (CAH), an academic center with a mission to help understand and mitigate targeted violence stemming from group hate; Leon Ford, a celebrated author, social entrepreneur, and impact investor who co-founded The Hear Foundation; and Hanifa Nakiryowa, who founded a nonprofit in Uganda to raise voices against human rights violations and abuses and to mobilize resources to support the medical care and rehabilitation of acid attack survivors.
“I think it’s part of Ellis’ identity to instill advocacy into their students,” said then-senior and SDL President Nadia COMMODORE ’24. “We have our integrated studies classes which literally teach us the skills to be able to go out into the world and advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. I think it’s only natural that we evolve to be leaders in our own right because it’s taught to us from the minute we step through the doors.”
Violins of Hope
Violins of Hope, an organization that provides concerts and educational events teaching about the Holocaust, brought its programming to Ellis in October. Two Ellis students and violinists, then-senior Rebekah RAPP ’24 and junior Ruby Saliterman, were invited to play the historic instruments during an assembly for Middle and Upper School students.
"It’s kind of unreal to be able to play an instrument that is also a historic artifact,” said Rebekah. During the assembly, she played a violin that had been played in the Auschwitz camp orchestra. "I feel like it’s so important for us to continue to tell stories of what happened during the Holocaust. To be able to play an instrument that was played by another Jew in a time of uncertainty and fear is really incredible. It feels like I am continuing this legacy of hope and I get to keep the violin alive.”
Future City Competition
After five months of hard work, the Ellis team did an outstanding job at the Pittsburgh Regional Future City Competition in January. Their city, Ma-Ao, located in New Zealand, runs on 100% clean electricity. They finished in second place, winning three special awards for Best Visualization of a Smart Sustainable City, Best Integrated City, and Student Choice.
Black History Month
Ellis celebrated Black History Month in style, producing a fashion show called “Eras of Style: Celebrating August Wilson’s American Century Cycle.” The show highlighted Pulitzer Prize-winning Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson and his American Century Cycle—a series of ten plays that chronicle the African American experience throughout the 20th century—alongside era-specific clothing inspired by the unique and influential work of American fashion designer Ann Lowe.
The show was organized by Ellis parents Alexis Allen, CEO and Principal Planner of Alexis Allen. Consulting, and Demeatria Boccella, President of Demeatria Boccella Productions, LLC and Founder of FashionAFRICANA. Ellis students from kindergarten through grade 12 modeled the fashions of each era, with commentary about the corresponding play and styles.
It also included a Zoom conversation with Piper Huguley, author of “By Her Own
Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register,” and a
monologue by one of the 2023 winners of the August Wilson New Voices Competition. The event earned Ellis coverage by Pittsburgh Today Live, The New Pittsburgh Courier, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and Kidsburgh.
Solar Eclipse
Ellis celebrated April’s rare total solar eclipse with a variety of programming. School assemblies and other events featured special guests, including Carnegie Mellon University Physics Professor Diane Turnshek; Ellis parent and University of Pittsburgh Physics & Astronomy Professor Michael Wood-Vasey; and Ellis alumna Rachael COOPER ’14, who work at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, where she is a staff scientist on one of the instruments of the Webb Space Telescope. A group of Upper School students, accompanied by Ellis math and science faculty, traveled to Penn State Behrend to witness the eclipse from the path of totality, while others in the Ellis community stayed on campus to observe the event through eclipse-viewing glasses.
Welcoming Reneé Brown-Antonelli, Director of Athletics
Dr. Reneé Brown-Antonelli has been named Athletics Director, effective July 1, 2024. Before joining the Ellis community, Dr. Brown-Antonelli served as the Director of Athletics at Penn State New Kensington, and previously held roles as the Assistant Athletic Director at Penn State Beaver and the Director of International Program Support and Services and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown.
Dr. Brown-Antonelli holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education: Sport Administration and a Master of Educational Leadership from Edinboro University as well as a Doctorate of Philosophy in Kinesiology from West Virginia University.
“Joining Ellis resonates deeply with me, reconnecting me to my hometown, family, friends, and the values that have shaped me into the person I am today. Having experienced the transformative power of an all-girls school myself at Mt. Alvernia Catholic High School, I understand firsthand the impact it can have,” she said. “Ellis presents an opportunity for me to pay forward the guidance, support, and encouragement I received during my own school days. Through positive youth development, mentorship, and athletics, I am enthusiastic about empowering and nurturing the growth of the next generation of young women.”
Ashley Dotson to Lead Ellis Upper School
Ashley Dotson accepted the position of Upper School Division Head at Ellis beginning July 1, 2024. Ms. Dotson is well known to the Ellis community through her role as Upper School Dean of Students and English faculty member, positions she held for many years. She brings a wealth of experience with, and knowledge of, Ellis’ Upper School program and has done exemplary work both in the classroom and in her role as Dean. Well known to, and respected by, students, faculty, staff and parents, Ms. Dotson has a deep love of The Ellis School and its mission, and is very excited about leading the Upper School Division to become an ever more engaging, vibrant, and welcoming community.
Ms. Dotson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from Penn State University, and a Master of Science in Secondary English Education from Duquesne University.
"The years I've spent at Ellis as a teacher, advisor, and dean have been incredibly rewarding to me, both personally and professionally. I am eager to step into a new role that will allow me to work even more closely with students and colleagues to shape Upper School culture and create a warm, positive, and joyful community."
Ellis Recognizes Long-Serving Departing, Retiring Employees
- Linda Tonetti Dugan, Visual Arts Department Chair and Middle School Visual Arts Teacher
Throughout her time at Ellis, she developed many community partnerships including working with the PA Council on the Arts, Carnegie Museum of Art, the Pittsburgh Glass Center, regional and international artists and curators, and more. She and her colleagues regularly take students to the Carnegie International, meet with artists on campus and in their studios, and go on many art-related field trips including visits to Fallingwater and other sites—all activities that bring the arts to life for students, and which she will miss, she said.
Before coming to Ellis, Ms. Tonetti Dugan taught with Pittsburgh Public Schools, worked as assistant curator of education at Carnegie Museum of Art, and previously worked with freshmen and sophomore students at Parsons School of Design in New York City.“I will definitely miss the community. I’ll miss my colleagues, and I’ll miss teaching art,” she said. “The best part of teaching art is seeing that ‘ah ha’ moment on a student’s face. Sometimes I feel like I’m pulling rabbits out of a hat because they’re so excited to see what they are capable of doing. And over the years, I’ve especially loved watching how our students grow and go out into the world. We have an exceptional community of strong young women that I know I will remain connected to in one way or another, and I will greatly miss working with Ellis students in the studio.”
- Jen Lakin, Third Grade Teacher
She taught third grade at Ellis for 11 years, and retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year to spend time in Minneapolis with family, including a new grandchild. She said that without a doubt, the thing she’ll miss most about Ellis is the students.
“I love third grade because the kids really love learning things,” she said. “They get so excited about it, and it’s exciting for the teachers, too—we get caught up in it every year! They are just thrilled about knowing things.”
Some of her favorite moments at Ellis have been the ones that celebrate the community, which she described as “a place where people think about others and think about how we can work best together.” Heritage Day has been special for that reason, but she also enjoyed field trips to Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, and to the Fort Pitt Museum, that help students understand the history of this area and relate it to how we live, learn, and work today. She said it’s a joy to watch her students discover something that excites them, whether it’s a piece of history or a new concept in math.
“Every day is different. You never know what’s going to happen,” she said. “You are always having to see things from a third grader’s viewpoint, which can be very different. There’s always a phrase or an idea that comes up that’s totally unexpected and often amusing. At this age, they can engage with a lot of ideas that are far above the third grade level and it makes all of it even more fun.”
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Ellis students and violinists, then-senior Rebekah RAPP ’24 and junior Ruby Saliterman performing during Violins of Hope
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Ellis celebrated Black History Month in style, producing a fashion show called “Eras of Style: Celebrating August Wilson’s American Century Cycle.”
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Ellis celebrated April’s rare total solar eclipse with a variety of programming
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Ellis students on campus to observe the Solar Eclipse through eclipse-viewing glasses
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Director of Athletics, Reneé Brown-Antonelli
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Upper School Division Head, Ashley Dotson
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Visual Arts Department Chair and Middle School Visual Arts Teacher, Linda Tonetti Dugan
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Third Grade Teacher, Jen Lakin
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