Welcome SFT HS Principal Kyle Ellis
Charger Families,
Please help us welcome Mr. Kyle Ellis as Santa Fe Trail High School's new Principal. We are thrilled to have Mr. Ellis join our Charger Family and look forward to a new school year. Please see the attached letter from Mr. Ellis as he details his experience, vision, and goals. He has officially started his new position as of July 1, 2024. Welcome Aboard!
July 2, 2024
Dear Santa Fe Trail High School Community,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying a restful summer break. My name is Kyle Ellis, and it is with great excitement and honor that I introduce myself as the new Principal of Santa Fe Trail High School. I had the privilege of joining the community as a parent at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, and am thrilled to become more integrated into the community as the new Principal. I look forward to working with all of you to continue fostering an environment of academic excellence, inclusivity, and innovation to support our vision of inspiring and empowering every Charger, every day.
A little background on me, I hail from the small southcentral Kansas town of St. John. After high school, I attended and played football at Bethany College (ROCKAR! STOCKAR!) in Lindsborg, Kansas where I received my degree, and then began working as a pharmaceutical chemist. I did not find my calling as a chemist and eventually turned to the field of education as a way to serve the communities I have been a part of. Along my journey I found my better half, Dana, and we have been blessed with three amazing children (Olivia, Ethan, and Kellen)!
Now with 17 years of experience in education, I have served as a Teacher and Coach at Lawrence Free State High School, and most recently, as Assistant Principal at Washburn Rural High School. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to supporting student success, promoting a positive school culture, and encouraging collaborative partnerships with families and the wider community. My educational philosophy centers around the belief that every student has the capacity to learn, that every student has unique strengths and potential, and it is our collective responsibility as a school community to create opportunities and support for every student so they can thrive.
As I step into this new role, I am eager to build on the strong foundation already in place at Santa Fe Trail High School. I am particularly excited about:
- Academic Excellence: Ensuring that our curriculum and instruction is rigorous, engaging, and relevant, preparing our students for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
- Student Well-being: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, safe, and empowered to reach their full potential.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening our partnerships with parents, local businesses, and community organizations to enrich the educational experience and provide diverse opportunities for our students.
- Innovation and Technology: Embracing new technologies and innovative teaching practices to enhance learning and keep our students at the forefront of the ever-evolving global landscape.
To the students of Santa Fe Trail High School, I am here for you. Your voice matters, and I am committed to listening to your ideas, concerns, and aspirations. Together, we will create an environment where you can excel academically, grow personally, and prepare for a bright future.
To the parents and guardians, I look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s education and well-being. Your involvement is crucial to our collective success, and I am eager to work with you to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed.
To the faculty and staff, I am excited to collaborate with such a dedicated and talented team. Your passion for education and commitment to our students is inspiring, and I am confident that together, we can achieve great things.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Santa Fe Trail family. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of our students and families. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 1-800-836-9525 or kellis@usd434.us if you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to introduce yourself.
I am truly honored to serve as your Principal and look forward to an exciting and successful school year ahead.
Sincerely, Kyle Ellis Principal Santa Fe Trail High School
