Marley and Me Writing Contest Participants:

Will, Drek, and Carter

National Winners will be announced in April. Good Luck!

Did You Have Miss Zora Ellis for English at THS?

Do you know someone that had Miss Zora Ellis as a high school English teacher? Maybe you were in her class in 1954. The NJHS is looking for former students of Miss Ellis. A committee of students will be conducting videotaped interviews on April 3 and April 6 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the school conference room. You may participate as an individual or bring a friend along that sat next to you in room 6. Please spread the word and help us share a history of a commendable teacher that impacted the community of Talladega for approximately 42 years. You may call the school 362-5700 or email dottyearmstrong@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

The Latest!!

National Geography Bee
Recently, Ellis students participated in the National Geographic Geography Bee. The top 10 school finalists were: Philip, Austin, Nicholas, Tyler Gray, Robbyn, Regan, Peyton, Kristin, Barrett, and Nicholas. Thew winner was Robbyn. She went on to represent Ellis at the State level. Congratulations! Another fine example of Ellis students.
Patriot's Pen Essay Contest
The Local VFW, Ladies Auxiliary, Post 4261 sponsored the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest in 2008. This competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. Savings bonds. The essay was to be 300-400 words. It is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students enrolled in public, private, or parochial schools in the U.S. The 2008 theme was, "Why should veterans be honored?" I want to personally thank all the students who participated. Nicholas P., a 7th grader, won the school contest. Nicholas was awarded two $50.00 checks from the Local Post VFW and the Local Ladies Auxillary. Congratulations to Nicholas. He is an exemplary student who will grow into a fine leader of our community.
JUNA
A few students in the gifted class traveled to Birmingham-Southern to participate in the 18th Annual Junior United Nations Assembly. The delegations of United Kingdom and Mexico both brought home awards. United Kingdom received the Most Spirited, which is one of the most prestigious awards given at JUNA. Mexico received an award for the outstanding work on their display board. Congratulations and keeping working hard, 2010 is just around the corner.

Keep It Bright!

The 2009 Spring Induction for the National Junior Honor Society, Zora Ellis Jr. High School Chapter was held on February 13, 2009. The new members are Che’Tasia, Kelvin, Gabby, Matthew, Hillari, Brittany, Sabrina, Will, Cate Joseph, Amber, Phlip, Kaycee, Jayla, and Joshua. Congratulations to all these outstanding students. They are all working hard to complete their 10 hours of ISP.

Volunteering is FUN!

BC members arrived at Ellis bright and early on Feb. 28th with spatulas in hand to assist the local Kiwanis and their annual Pancake Breakfast. Members that attended had a great time! The local Kiwanis and ZEJH BC served around a 1,000 people!

Dancing to the Top!

The Ellis Emeralds traveled to Pell City this past Saturday to compete in the first Winter Guard competition of the season, Field Day. They had a great day and in the end won 1st place in the cadet class. As proud as we are of them for the 1st place finish, we went on to discover that they did such a great job that the SCGC promoted them from the Cadet classification, that is made up of jr. high guards, to the Novice classification where they will compete against high school guards.

What a great Accomplishment. Congratulations ladies!

To see more pics and info click here to visit the Ellis Emeralds Blogspot.

Also, Congratulations to the Dega Darlins (click here to visit the Dega Darlin Blog)for finishing Second place and being promoted to Scholastic AAA classification and the Dega Darlins Addition (click here to visit the addition blog) for finishing 3rd and being promoted to the Scholastic B classification.


Great Accomplishments for such talented young ladies.

To learn more about Winter Guard, other schools involved, etc. Click here to go to the official SCGC website.

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!