Middle School Counselor   Room 404
Mrs. Paula Ellis   

Email:  pellis@ndisd.org  Office Phone:  903-663-8002  Ext. 252 

Hello!  I'm delighted to be working with the awesome students, parents, and staff of New Diana Middle School.  If you need help with academic decisions, personal concerns, or future planning, just call or come by my office to see me!

Please check this webpage from time to time to read about some of the activities we're doing in the classroom as well as some enrichment opportunities for students, such as...(scroll down!)

Sixth Graders:  Welcome to Middle School!

            On the first day of school, the sixth graders participated in an orientation program in the auditorium.  Mrs. McGuire, principal, and Mrs. Ellis, counselor presented a program to help them learn about day-to-day life as a middle school student.  After the presentation, the students enjoyed a tour of the campus, offices, library, and other important sites to make the transition to a 7 period day easier.  The sixth grade teachers---Paula Adkison, Cindy Zuniga, Karen Skinner, Tammy Jean Willeford, and Paula Hjorth, with the help of Mr. Teddy Ott, Cindy Hudgins, and Tammy Rogers---did a great job in being the tour guides!

            The sixth graders have done a GREAT job of settling into their roles as busy students who change classes, keep a locker, and take more responsibility for their own learning.  We're very proud of our Sixth Grade students!

News of our Super Seventh Graders!

    A group of our 7th graders have qualified (through their outstanding TAKS scores) to participate in the Duke University 7th Grade Talent Identification Program or "TIP".  As a result of qualifying, these students have the opportunity to take a real SAT or ACT college entrance test.  Their scores on the SAT or ACT could result in their being recognized at a state or national ceremony!  Plus, they may be invited to participate in college-based summer enrichment programs over the next few years. 

The 7th graders who qualified to participate in Duke TIP this year are: Allen Dannhauser, Christian Gouldie, Justin Grizzle, Kimberly Hendricks, Dylan Hudson, Brittany Jones, Brianna Lambright, Alicia Lampkin, Brad Lennon, Kaylee Loeza, Garrett Mayeaux, Chase Mobbs, Andrew Mulanax, Kirsten Park, Colby Phillips, Britney Simons, Tyler Sobey, Haley Turman, Heather Villarreal, and Colton Wager. 

Congratulations and good luck with your ACT or SAT!

Before becoming an educator, I worked in banking for 10 years. I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and a Master's degree in Counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University.  I have enjoyed a long relationship with New Diana ISD, working first as a high school English, speech, and debate teacher during the late 1980's and during the 1990's before serving as the high school counselor until 2002.  After three years as a counselor at Pine Tree High School, I am back home at New Diana working with the wonderful students, faculty, and staff of New Diana Middle School.

My husband John and I have been married for almost 30 years!  We have three grown children.  Scott Morrison, our oldest son, served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman for five years, then returned to Texas and graduated from UT Tyler.  He now lives and works in Tyler for Enviro-Design.  Our only daughter, Katie Wilson, lives in Austin with her husband, Derrick.  Katie and Derrick both graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. Katie works at an advertising agency, Idea City (GSD&M), and Derrick is a K-5th grade art teacher in Round Rock ISD.  Our youngest son, Andrew, is a student at UT Tyler.  My "babies" still at home are my two miniature schnauzers, Max and Mia.  You can see pictures of my family and my pets in my office!