2020–2021 Educational Events for Ellis Parents

The Ellis School is pleased to offer a series of educational programs to parents for the 2020–2021 school year. These informative and helpful sessions will serve as opportunities for parents to learn from teachers, administrators, and experts around the strategies for raising confident girls who are ready and committed to impacting the world around them.
Ellis After Fifth Ave: Fall Baking Class
Open to All Ellis Families
Date: October 22, 2020 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Virtual Event | Register
Join Ellis alumna Ginger Fisher Baldwin, Class of 2002, for a free virtual baking class on October 22 to learn how to make bakery-worthy cinnamon rolls at home. The head baker and co-founder of Ciao, Gloria in Brooklyn, New York, Ginger is an accomplished pastry chef and is inviting you to join her in the kitchen for one night only. The recipe and ingredient list will be sent to attendees ahead of time so they can bake and learn alongside Ginger.

The Groundwork: The Parent Role in Building an Inclusive Community

For Ellis Parents
Dates: November 12, 2020; January 14, 2021; January 28, 2021; February 11, 2021 | Time: 12:00 p.m. | Virtual Events
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are woven within the fabric of an Ellis student’s daily learning experience. But what role do parents play in supporting their children as they make authentic connections with others and develop powerful minds ready to change the world? This four-part series co-sponsored by the Ellis Parent Association and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will highlight materials and experts within a range of DEI topics and fields, provide an avenue for parents to explore their own identities, and facilitate a safe space for thoughtful reflection and dialogue with other parents. More information about each session will be available closer to the date.

Planning for College: Junior College Family Night
For Grade 11 Students and Parents 
Date: November 18, 2020 | Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m. | Virtual Event
Juniors and their families are invited to an evening with Head of College Counseling Keith Bryner dedicated to beginning their college search and selection processes. All juniors and at least one parent/guardian are expected to attend.

Ellis After Fifth Ave: The Science (Fiction) of Storytelling
Open to All Ellis Families
Date: November 19, 2020 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.| Virtual Event | Register
Whether you’re working on your first novel, fighting writer’s block, or simply want to start a new hobby, you’re invited to join Andrea Hairston, novelist and playwright, for a free webinar all about the power of creative writing and diverse storytelling on November 19. A 1970 graduate of Ellis, Andrea has published four thrilling sci-fi novels and has received numerous awards and art grants for her creative, imaginative work. During her session, Andrea will give attendees insight into her own writing process, speak about her experiences publishing books and plays, and share how she finds creative inspiration.

Community Conversation: Math Learning in the Lower School
For Lower School Parents
Thursday, January 28 | Time: 8:30 a.m.
Lower School parents are invited to attend a presentation on math learning in the Lower School hosted by Ann Martino, Head of Lower School, Patrick Fagersten, Grade 4 Teacher, and Jen Lakin, Grade 3 Teacher. Learn how students build their conceptual knowledge of math by using a framework that supports students as they progress from using concrete models, to pictorial, to abstract. Teachers will explain how they promote a growth mindset in math and how parents can support their child as she grows into a competent and confident mathematician.

Looking Ahead: Learn About the Middle School
For Grades 3 and 4 Parents 
Save the Date: February 2, 2021 | Time: 8:15–11:15 a.m.
Parents of students in grades 3 and 4 are invited to look ahead and get a glimpse inside the Middle School. Parents can expect to gain an understanding of all the exciting things their daughter will experience in the future, see for themselves what the next step in the journey entails by visiting classes, and hear firsthand from students, teachers, and school leadership about how our intentional program supports and challenges girls as they gain increased independence and confidence in Middle School. 

Looking Ahead: Middle School Elective Offerings
For Grades 3–7 Parents
Save the Date: March 2, 2021 | Time: 8:15–9:30 a.m. 
Ellis families with students in grades 3–7 are invited to learn more about elective choices from faculty in the fine arts, performing arts, science, athletics, computer science, and world language departments. 

Planning for College: Sophomore College Family Night
For Grade 10 Students and their Parents 
Save the Date: March 3, 2021 | Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m. 
Sophomores and their families are invited to join Ashley Dotson, Interim Head of Upper School, Keith Bryner, Director of College Counseling, and Shayla Scott, Director of Athletics, for an evening dedicated to looking ahead at the college process. All sophomores and at least one parent/guardian are expected to attend.

Planning for College: All About Financial Aid
For Middle School Parents
Save the Date: March 17, 2021 | Time: 8:00–9:00 a.m.
Middle School parents/guardians are invited to chat with the College Counseling Office about the financial aid landscape in higher education.

Planning for College: Freshmen College Parent Forum
For Grade 9 Parents
Save the Date: April 7, 2021 | Time: 8:00–9:00 a.m.
Grade 9 families are invited to meet with Director of College Counseling Keith Bryner to learn about the college admissions landscape and what to expect throughout the college counseling process at Ellis. 

Girls Do Math! The Middle School Mathematics Curriculum
For Grades 3–7 Parents
Save the Date: May 11, 2021 | Time: 8:15–9:15 a.m. 
Ellis families with students in grades 3–7 are invited to learn more about Ellis’ mathematics curriculum and how math faculty are supporting girls in STEM.

Looking Ahead: Get Ready for Next Year
For Pre-kindergarten–Grade 3 Parents
Save the Date: May 21, 2021 | Time: TBA
Lower School parents are invited to meet next year's classroom teachers and learn how they can support their daughter over the summer to prepare them for the coming school year.

Planning for College: An Evening with the Experts
For Upper School Students and their Parents 
Save the Date: May 26, 2021 | Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m. 
Upper School students and families won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to hear from experts within the college admissions world and to ask questions about the admission process, financial aid, and college life.
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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.