Writing Contest

Write any story from the point of view of a dog or a different animal for the opportunity to win great prizes.

Stories must be 300 words or less.

The contest is open to students in grades 7 and 8 You could win a Best Buy gift card ranging from $50 to $2,000!

Please see Mrs. Carroll or Mrs. Williamson for details or visit www.weeklyreader.com/marley for contest rules and prizes.

Christmas Concert

Zora Ellis and Talladega High School will hold their annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, featuring performances by the 7th grade beginning band, the 8th grade band and the THS Symphonic Band. The Concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Harwell Auditorium. Admission is $3.00. Students 12 and under - $1.00

Prior to the Concert the band will host a Spaghetti supper fundraiser in the ZEJH lunchroom from 5:00-6:30. Tickets are $6.00. (see a band student to purchase a ticket) Plates include; Spaghetti, bread, salad, dessert and a drink.

We hope to see you there!

Have a Happy Holiday Season!

Project "I'm Already There"

Thanks to Ellis students for collecting $249 towards Regan's Project!

BC Members and Mrs. Carroll

Can Food Drive

Ellis collected 485 canned goods for The Red Door Kitchen's Thanksgiving Meal!!!

Thanks from BC Members and Mrs. Carroll!

Ellis Jr. High School Students to Compete in National Geographic Bee

The first round of the 2009 National Geographic Bee will be held at Ellis Jr. High School, Talladega, Alabama on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.

For the 21st year, the National Geographic Society is holding the National Geographic Bee for students in the fourth through eighth grades in thousands of schools across the United States and in the five U.S. territories, as well as in Department of Defense Dependents Schools around the world.

The winner of the Ellis Jr. High School Bee will advance to the next level of competition, a written examination to determine state competitors. All school winners are eligible to win the national championship and its first prize, a $25,000 college scholarship, at the national competition May 19 and 20, 2009 in Washington, D.C.

You may contact Mr. Scott Bailey, Principal, at 256-315-5700 for more information.

Patriot's Pen Local Post Winner Advances to District

Patriot's Pen is a VFW sponsored youth essay competition that gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. savings bonds. Ellis Jr. High student, Nicholas Pennington, wrote an original essay on Why Veterans Should be Honored, which was chosen to advance to the VFW Distriction level. Congratulations to Nicholas and thank you for representing Ellis Jr. High School and the city of Talladega.

Red Ribbon Week

Monday, October 27th
I've got better things to do than drugs!
Students should dress up professionally, NO BLUE JEANS!

Tuesday, October 28th
Drugs give you the blues!
Students may wear the color blue

Wednesday, October 29th
Catch the wave! Don't do drugs!
Floral shirts or Hawaiian shirts

Thursday, October 30th
Like, Totally Awesome! Drug Free!
Students may wear 80s clothing

Friday, October 31st
Stay in the Game! Be Drug Free!
Students may wear a team jersey

Door Decorating Contest:
Homeroom classes may decorate their doors with anti-drug and anti-alcohol themes.
The winners will have a movie, popcorn party!

New ZEJH Builders Club Blog

The Zora Ellis Jr. High Builders Club now has a blog that is ran and updated by the students.  They will be conducting several activities that involve donations throughout the year, and are always thankful when the community can get involved. Stop by and check out this site to stay updated on the club, and find out the many things they are involved in so you can help too. 

"Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something." Author Unknown

Ghost Writers in Disguise Contest

The moon is rising, the chilly fog is creeping along the ground and we're searching through the graveyard for original ghost stories. The best of the submissions will be published in the Your Life section of the Anniston Star on Oct. 26th.

Here are the rules:

• All stories must be original and cannot have appeared in any book or publication
• Stories should be about 600 words
• Stories should be typed double-spaced with Microsoft Word.

All entries must be accompanied by a cover sheet containing the following:

• Title of story
• Your name
• Address
• Home phone number
• E-mail address
• Division (Middle school)
• School grade, teacher's first and last name, and your age

All entries must be given to Mrs. Adams, in the library, no later than Oct. 16th!

A $25 gift certificate from the Quintard Mall will be awarded to each story that is selected to be published!

Report Cards

Report cards will be sent home on September 25th

Zora Ellis Top Volunteer Search!

The search is on to find Zora Ellis Jr. High School's top youth volunteers.  If you are selected, you could receive $1,000, an impressive silver medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C., next May.  If you feel you've made a positive difference through a volunteer activity during the past year, visit www.prudential.com/spirit to apply.

Hats On Day at Zora Ellis!!!

Wear a hat, make a difference. Tuesday, September 23, 2008.

Bring $5.00 on Friday 9/19 or Monday 9/22.
Wear your favorite or a crazy hat to school to show your support for children with cancer.

What is Hats On Day?

Hats On Day was founded in 1995 by four sixth-graders in St. Louis, Missouri. They began the fundraiser when their friend and classmate Kevin Beffa was diagnosed with a type of childhood cancer called Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Kevin had been a bright, happy child with a passion for soccer. When he got sick, he began to miss school, had to give up his favorite sport, and lost all of his hair from treatment. Kevin also needed a bone marrow transplant, so Hats On Day was planned to show support for Kevin during his suffering and to raise money for his surgery. However, just days before the event, Kevin passed away.

The founders have continued in Kevin’s memory with the aim of creating awareness about children undergoing chemotherapy and related issues like hair loss, illness, and missing school. From 1995 to 2008, the fundraiser has grown from just a few participating schools to schools across the country. The funds raised are used to make young cancer patients’ daily lives more comfortable as they deal with this disease. When you participate in Hats On Day, you make life happier for children with cancer and show compassion for the many difficulties young cancer patients face.

Hats On Day has grown to be one of the most influential and profitable fund-raisers among school age children, raising over $700,000 in the past 10 years.

In the 2007-08 school year, Hats on Day has raised $257,629 with over 700 schools reporting from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Lets help raise more here at Zora Ellis!!!!!

Volleyball Schedule

Dates Team Time Place

9/4 Benjamin Russell 5:00 Away

9/9 Moody Middle 5:00 Away

9/11 Ashville Middle 5:00 Away

9/16 Benjamin Russell 5:00 Home (THS)

9/30 Ashville Middle/ 5:00 Home (THS)
Moody Middle

Back to School Jam!

When: Thursday, September 11th at 6:30 to 8:30


Where: ZEJH Gym

Looking Sharp!

Ellis students earned a free dress day by having perfect attendance during our first twenty days. Great Job!

Fall Picture Day!

Fall pictures will be taken during 1st and 2nd pd. on Friday, September 12th.

Apples for Students!

Thanks, Townsend Press!

Townsend Press donated 370 copies of The Bully to Ellis students!

Poetry Contest

Submit your poetry to Ms. Phillips. Rules 1. No vulgarity or profanity in poems 2. Any form and length will be accepted 3. Poems should be typed or written neatly 4. Must be your original work--no copy cats

Why Music?

Music has many rewards both inside and outside of the classroom. It has been proven that the study of music helps increase test scores of students in other areas. Music offers students the chance to learn something new with their friends and gives them a chance to grow together, as well as see various areas of music through the attendance of fieldtrips and competitions. Participating in band also helps develop skills that students will use throughout life such as; organization, teamwork, time management and responsibility.


Students at Zora Ellis have a few options when it comes to band.

• Any incoming 7th grade student may choose to join the band by contacting Ms. Todd at 315-5706 or by email at etodd@mail.talladega-cs.net. No experience is necessary. The time to sign up is NOW! Instrumentation is being set as we speak.
• Any 8th grade student who is not already a member of the ZEJH band has a very unique chance this year to join the 8th grade beginning band. Students who miss out in 7th grade miss a year of instruction and sometimes find it difficult to catch up. This year we are offering an 8th grade beginning band for those students that would like to join. THIS IS A ONE TIME OFFERING. (We will not have this particular class every year.) To join contact Ms. Todd.

In the meantime check out our blogspot at www.zejhband.blogspot.com to view some events and happenings in the ZEJH Band. Don't forget to visit the archives and old posts on this page. Also feel free to visit the high school band website at www.degaband.com, the official website of the award winning Talladega High School Band.

Awards Banquet 2008

This years banquet turned out wonderful, and the students seemed to really enjoy it. We would like to thank all the parents, faculty, and administration who attended for making this a memorable moment for our students.

Pod Four Field Trip to the McWane Center

Semester Exam Schedule

May 19th: 6th pd.

May 20th: 3rd and 5th pd.

May 21st: 2nd and 4th pd.

May 22nd: 1st pd. (Early Dismissal)

4th Annual Zora Ellis Jr. High Banquet

Thursday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m

Talladega High School

Buffet Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Tickets will be issued to students being honored on May 15th.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Field Trip - 7th Grade Band!

Green School Project

Did you know that the plastic in each printer cartridge takes more than 1,000 years to decompose, or that 1.5 million cartridges go to landfills each month?



Our school is now participating in the Green School Project, a program that reduces this incredible waste and earns money for our school. We now collect empty printer, fax, and copier cartridges as well as cell phones for recycling. Please feel free to send students to school with these items to be deposited in the Green School Project collection box.



Also, your work place can help our school by recycling their old cartridges and cell phones. Green School Project will pick up cartridges and cell phones from your business and the dollars will go to our school. If this is of interest, please call 1-800-882-5032 or visit http://www.greenschoolproject.com/



Thank you in advance for helping our school and our environment through this program.



-ZEJH Builders Club

Band Concert!

The Annual Spring Band Concert will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 7:00p.m. in the Talladega High School Gym. Admission is $3.00 (6 and under free). Prior to the concert the band will sponsor a Spaghetti Dinner in the THS cafeteria from 5:00-6:30p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $6.00 from any band student or winter guard member beginning Thursday, May 1, 2008. All proceeds will benefit the Talladega City Bands.

The concert will feature performances by:

The ZEJH 7th grade band

The ZEJH 8th grade band

The "Ellis Emeralds"

The Talladega High School Concert Band

The "Dega Darlins"

The THS Jazz Band

Please come and support our young people as they showcase their talents. We are very proud of each and every one of them. The hard work and dedication that they put forth daily should not go unnoticed. See you there!

Band Field Trip!

The 7th Grade Band students will travel to the BJCC on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, to attend a presentation by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. This is a great opportunity for our students to see professionals at work.

Students will meet in the bandroom at 7:45a.m. and return in the afternoon before school dismisses. All forms should be turned in with money, if not, do so ASAP! Don't forget lunch money!

Field Trip

Pod Four Field Trip to the McWane Center will be on May 6th. The cost is $25.00, this price includes the McWane Center, IMAX, and lunch. All money must be turned in to Mr. Ward by April 30th.

Thanks!

School to Home Assignment - Mrs. Foy's Science Class

There are times when I like to see how much my students are actually learning in the classroom. One way to assess this is through daily conversation with their guardians/parents. Occasionally, I will post an assignment that requires collaboration of the student and a parent. This assignment deals with a simple machine, inclined plane. I would like the student and parent to research and report on guidelines for making buildings and facilities accessible to people with physical disabilities. Students could describe the required recommendations and determine the accessibility of their school or another building. The assignment must be written on a sheet of loose-leaf paper and contain no less than 5 sentences. This assignment is due
Thursday, May 1st.

Alabama State Champs & SCGC Silver Medalists!

CONGRATULATIONS! to the "Ellis Emeralds" for their recent success at SCGC championships held in Nashville, TN, at Vanderbilt University on April 4, 2008, where they competed against groups from Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia. Anticipation, excitement and a considerable amount of nervousness filled the air as the "Ellis Emeralds" took the floor for competition for the last time for the 2008 Winter Guard season. The level of performance given by the young ladies did not go unnoticed among the parents, the crowd, other competing groups and the judges. Hard work, dedication and hours of practice presented a big payoff as awards were called on Saturday night in a gym full of young people eagerly representing their schools and band programs. The "Ellis Emeralds" were named as 2008 Alabama State Champions and also were awarded the Silver Medal in the Cadet Class.

What a great way to start a new adventure. The "Ellis Emeralds" have had a great first year and show a large amount of potential for future success. We look forward to seeing this group of young ladies excel and do even more in the years to come.

The "Ellis Emeralds" traveled with their sister group the "Dega Darlins". The "Dega Darlins" received 4th place after an outstanding performance as members of the Scholastic B Class. They came in 2nd among the groups representing Alabama; clearly, another great representation of the Talladega City Schools.

A special thank you to the Faculty and Staff of the Talladega City School System and Zora Ellis Jr. High for the support and encouragement that they have so eagerly offered. Also, a special Thank you to Brian McLemore and Rebekah Corn for all of their creative efforts and time and to Mr. McDaniel for all of his guidance and support.

The "Ellis Emeralds" will perform for the 6th graders at an in-school performance on Thursday, April 10, 2008 and at the Talladega City Schools Bands Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, both to be held in the THS gym.

Report Card # 5

Report cards will be sent home with students on Thursday April 10, 2008. This wil be the last report card that the students will bring home themselves. The final report card will be mailed home after school has ended. Make sure your student is doing their best to maintain that passing grade for the remainder of the year.

Poetry Contest

Students who write poetry and wish to enter the poetry contest should submit their poems to Mrs. Phillips.

1)Poems can be any style, and up to 20 lines long.
2)Must be your original work.
3)No profanity or vulgar material will be accepted.

Topics include:
Pride in America, friendship, feelings, nature, dreams, aspirations, or anything that inspires creativity.

Deadline: April 11, 2008 (Late poems will not be accepted)

Spring Break

Students and Teachers will be out for Spring Break March 17 through March 21, 2008. We hope everyone enjoys the week off, and gets well rested to prepare for the upcoming testing in April.

Students and faculty will report to school on Monday February 18 to make up for a weather day that was taken Wednesday Feburary 6.

Teacher Workday

Friday February 15 will be a workday for teachers, and no students will be at school on this day.