September 17: Early Release Day
ECE dismissal is at 12:45 pm.
K - 5 dismissal is 1:00 pm
Discovery Link dismissal is at 4:30 pm
September 22: Staff Professional Learning and Planning Day
No school for students.
October 1: Early Release Day
ECE dismissal is at 12:45 pm.
K - 5 dismissal is 1:00 pm
Discovery Link dismissal is at 4:30 pm
October 9: Picture Day
October 13: Family Conferences
October 15: Early Release Day
ECE dismissal is at 12:45 pm.
K - 5 dismissal is 1:00 pm
Discovery Link dismissal is at 4:30 pm
October 31: Staff Professional Learning and Planning Day
No school for students.
Ellis Elementary
Important Dates
September is Attendance Awareness Month
September is Attendance Awareness Month! Did you know that student attendance in the first months of school can set a trend for the year? Let's start the year off strong and build a solid foundation for our Eagle students.
Breakfast begins at 7:15, and classroom instructions starts at 7:30 a.m.
Throughout the month of September, we'll find a variety of ways to celebrate our students with strong attendance. Stay tuned to see how we celebrate our Eagles!
Install Rooms to Connect with Ellis Teachers
1. Download the DPS App to Connect with Ellis Teachers and Staff
iPhone (iOS): Open the App Store, search for Denver Public Schools App, and tap Download (free).
Android: Open the Google Play Store, search for Denver Public Schools App, and tap Install.
2. Navigate to Rooms
Rooms allows you to send messages to Ellis teachers! It works on both mobile and desktop.
On the bottom menu, click on “Rooms.”
You will be prompted to choose your preferred language.
Log in using your email or phone number.
Once logged in, you should be automatically added to in your student’s Ellis classroom.
3. Enable Notifications
The app supports push notifications and SMS alerts so you don’t miss important updates.
When you first open the app, allow notifications. If prompted later, go to:
Settings → Notifications → Denver Public Schools, and toggle on Allow Notifications
4. Navigate the App
Live Feed / School News: Access Ellis and DPS news, Ellis school events, calendars and menus.
Announcements & Alerts: Important updates come via push alerts, SMS or in-app messages.
5. FAQs & Support
Logging In: Use your email address or phone number that you have listed in the Parent Portal. If neither works when signing in, contact the school office.
Access from Computer: You can also log in via browser at rooms.thrillshare.com
App Issues: If the app isn’t working properly, try:
Update the app
Follow Ellis on Instagram
Ellis Elementary is joining Instagram! Give us a follow to see what's happening at Ellis!
Staff Spotlight: Meet Joel Vasquez
Many Ellis families already know Joel. He’s the friendly face who supported new and returning Eagles during registration and the connector who introduced families to the LOVVE Project for fresh, nutritious groceries. Students might recognize him from the soccer field, where he manages local elementary soccer games.
If you haven’t met him yet, stop by the Main Office! Joel is Ellis’ Office Manager, and he cares deeply about our students and community. This year marks his fifth year at Ellis, and he says it didn’t take long to feel at home here. “It’s rare to find a community like Ellis. Everyone leans on each other and feels comfortable with one another.”
Joel is known for stepping in wherever he’s needed—whether it’s supporting families with registration, translating and interpreting for Spanish-speaking families, or connecting families with resources that make a real difference. As he puts it, “We may not have every resource to help every family, but we have the connections to get every family the resources they need.”
His commitment extends well beyond the school day. Joel is constantly building relationships, supporting families, and showing his pride for Ellis.
We are so grateful to have Joel on our team!
Register Your 4th and 5th Grader for Soccer
4th and 5th Graders are encouraged to sign-up for Ellis' fall soccer team! Students of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Soccer practice begins on Tuesday, September 16 at 2:40 p.m.
Please note: This opportunity is only available for 4th and 5th grade students. Registration ends on September 8.
Ellis Welcomes New PE Teacher
Please give a warm welcome to Ellis' new Physical Education teacher, Dan Smith! We're thrilled to grow our Eagle family and are looking forward to a great year with Mr. Smith leading PE classes.
Picture Day is October 9
Mark your calendar! Picture day will be October 9! Please make sure that your Eagle student attends school on October 9 to ensure they can get their picture taken for the 2025-26 school year.
Let's Celebrate the Ellis Staff
Are you interested in highlighting an Ellis staff member? Fill out this form to have your shoutout appear in the next edition of the family newsletter!
2025-26 School Year Calendar
You can view the 2025-26 Ellis Calendar here.
Quick Links
Follow us on Instagram.
Follow us on Facebook.
View our School Website.
Call the Main Office: (720) 424-7700