Principal’s Message

 Welcome to the Ellis Mendell School Community! I am honored to serve as the principal and to work alongside families, educators, and community partners in creating a joyful and inclusive school where every child can thrive.

 Our work is guided by three schoolwide values: Aspire to Excellence, Be Inclusive, and Take Agency. These values hold us accountable and empower students to take ownership of their learning and growth. As a full-inclusion school, we are dedicated to creating classrooms where all students, including multilingual learners and students with disabilities, learn, participate, and succeed together. We believe diversity in language, abilities, and backgrounds as an asset that enriches our school community and helps every learner grow.

 Students at the Mendell are challenged with rigorous academics, supported through strong relationships, and inspired to explore the arts, STEM, and beyond. Through interactive, hands-on learning experiences and field trips to places like the Franklin Park Zoo and the Museum of Fine Arts, we bring learning to life and connect knowledge to the real world. 

Collaboration is at the heart of our work. When we all work together, our students flourish. We are proud of our partnerships that strengthen our community and expand opportunities for our students. 

• YMCA operates our before and after-school, as well as summer programs. 
• Frugal Bookstore in Nubian Square partners with us for our Literacy Night, where students and families can purchase books and participate in giveaways that promote a love of reading. 
• Girls on the Run empowers our students to build confidence, develop healthy habits, and strengthen social-emotional skills through running and team-based activities.
• The Soul Train Running promotes fitness, perseverance and community spirit by encouraging students to set goals and build healthy habits through running, with a culminating 5K run at Franklin Park.
• The Boston Music Project provides before-school music programming Monday through Friday at the Mendell, where students learn to work together in an ensemble, develop social-emotional skills, and grow through collaboration and practice. 
• UMass Boston provides our classrooms with fresh ideas and support from interns.

I am excited to continue building on our strengths and creating even more opportunities for students to shine. I hope to see you at some of our school community events and family engagement opportunities:

 School Community Events

• Playdates & Popsicles at the Playground with the Principal
• Back-to-School Picnic
• Curriculum Night / Open House
• Student Star Ceremonies
• Movie & Game Nights
• December / Holiday Drive
• Literacy Night
• Mendell Winter and Spring Concerts
• Mendell Mile Run & Walk
• Field Day

Ongoing Opportunities to Connect

• Monthly Coffee and Tea Hours w/ the principal
• Family and Community Office Hours
• School Site Council Meetings
• Family Council Meetings 
  

Together, we will make the 2025–2026 school year a joyful and successful school year.