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!