Jane Ellis at 100
By Kenneth Perkins Jane Robin Ellis couldn ’ t help it .
As the First United Methodist Church choir serenaded her with “ You ’ ll Never Walk Alone ,” Ellis , celebrating her 100th birthday , began to move her arms as if directing the chorus , stressing the exact musical pulses to make sure all the performers were following the same metrical rhythm .
It ’ s something Ellis could do without a second thought since she spent 25 years teaching music in Arlington schools , mostly at Arlington High School . Ellis spent another 16 years as dean of girls and as an assistant principal at Bowie High School .
Ellis was just as thrilled to hear the fourth-grade choir from Ellis Elementary , the school that bears her name . They performed the school fight song , “ The Spirit of Ellis ,” which Ellis herself composed . She was also responsible for punching up the Arlington High School fight song , which many in attendance sang while raising up the Colts sign with their fingers .
Apparently , not much goes on without Ellis ’ input .
Ellis Elementary Principal Keith Boyd was on hand for the festivities , which all occurred in the foyer of the church and one of the adjoining rooms . Dozens of people lined up in two shifts to give Ellis their well wishes .
A large banner read “ 100 Years of Something Wonderful .”
Boyd said Ellis ’ health has slowed her a bit , but she continues to be a familiar face at the school by attending functions when she can . At the Ellis 10-year anniversary celebration , the namesake said , “ This school is not the fine school it is because of a name across the open door . Rather , it is a fine school because from the time the first footsteps entered that open door , excellence in everything that relates to children was the keyword and the attainment of excellence became the reason for being and doing .”
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams read a proclamation for Jane Robin Ellis Day in Arlington , but first he said jokingly , “ boy , you look mighty good for your age .”
The event was also attended by a number of AISD School Board members . Mack Martin , a 1961 Arlington High graduate who was taught by Ellis and whose father was James Martin , former AISD superintendent and namesake of Martin High School , emceed the event .
“ She ’ s made a difference in all of our lives and continues to do so ,” Martin said . “ One great thing about education is that the teaching doesn ’ t stop because what you learned is in you . So the learning doesn ’ t stop either .”
Jane Ellis retired from the AISD in 1982 and Ellis Elementary opened seven years later . Additional classroom space was added in 1992 and the school was expanded again in 2000 with the transition to full-day kindergarten .
It ’ s clear that Ellis Elementary is her pride and joy . She talked about the continued school growth . Ellis is considered a Boys Town school , which means they focus on social skills according to Boys Town Curriculum that provides “ encouragement for all of our students to set and reach their immediate and future goals ,” Boyd said .
Ellis seemed to express surprise at the number of people who showed up , which , Boyd said , “ only shows her humility . That ’ s sincere .”
She said she was most proud of the many people she taught who have gone on to do well in life , and at one point , Ellis joked how some of them , “ are as old as me . How can that be ?”
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