More Power to Her: Leadership in the Middle School
The Middle School years at Ellis are filled with opportunities for students to explore and develop leadership. Faculty and staff encourage and guide students to become leaders in the classroom, in athletics and the stage, and by participating in our Ellis Entrepreneurship program.
Middle School students have been empowered to start their own small business for the Ellis Holiday Shop. The Ellis Entrepreneurs, with guidance from their faculty mentors Mrs. Tomashewski and Mrs. LaRoche, have been working over the course of the first term to prepare to sell their products (or at least complete the prototyping phase if not selling at the Holiday Shop). All grade 5 and 6 students have Ellis Entrepreneurs time built into their schedule, and grade 7 and 8 students opting to participate have met at lunch. Students have conducted market research and learned how to calculate both production and labor costs to help them determine an accurate selling price for their products.
In addition to learning these aspects of entrepreneurship, they will be spending many hours creating their products. The girls will soon discuss logistical information specific to selling at the Holiday Shop, and the Middle School faculty will once again support their efforts by using blended learning and flexible scheduling to allow them to sell their products throughout the day at the Holiday Shop on December 2.
With over 75 percent of Middle School students involved in athletics, leadership is encouraged by the Ellis Athletic Association (EAA) and by selection of team captains and co-captains for each sport. Team captains and co-captains lead drills during practices, provide motivation and support during games, and create and execute a final “Captain’s Practice” at the end of the season. The EAA consists of two representatives (green and white team) from each grade level team. In addition to fundraising activities such as the yearly bagel sale, the EAA representatives work with their faculty advisor, Ms. Catone, to plan Green/White games.
At the first performance of Footloose tonight, we will be able to witness the culmination of months of work on the part of students who have taken a risk to audition, memorized lines, songs and dances, designed and created scenery, organized costumes and props, worked sound and lights, and overseen the entire production as stage managers. This experience has fostered risk-taking and encouraged confidence as it celebrates the collaboration of the eighth grade class.
Envision Her at Ellis
If you're interested in exploring Ellis for your daughter, let's connect! Request information about enrollment, attend one of our upcoming events, or hear about Ellis from those who know it best: our students.
