4th grade science had a building lab today. Students had to create at 12in high skyscraper that could survive an earthquake shake test- Fun was had by all!

Last weekend, 2/14, several students and staff participated in the Special Olympics South Dakota polar plunge held at OLC in Vermillion! Students from Educators Rising, Student Council and Special Olympics all raised money to support EPJ's Special Olympics & South Dakota Special Olympics!

Girls Basketball will travel to Sioux Falls Christian for the first round of the Region 4A Girls Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, February 24 with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 pm.

7th grade FACS made their first project! They did awesome!

EPJ will host a pep rally to celebrate all of our winter activities and sports on Tuesday, February 24 at 2:35 pm in the HS gym. The public is welcome!

Today in Biology, students took their learning to the next level by modeling meiosis! After yesterday’s lecture and video, we reinforced the concepts with a hands-on activity to better understand how genetic variation occurs. It’s always great to see students actively engaged and making connections between what we learn and how it applies to real-life biology.

Reminder on Friday, February 20 the varsity boys basketball team will travel to Salem to play McCook Central-Montrose starting at 5:00 pm with the sub varsity games. Here is the link to the livestream - there is a fee to access www.cougars.liveticket.tv

Reminder school dismisses at 1pm Thursday, February 19th, due to the district hosting girls Region Wrestling.

Mrs. Hartog's 4th grade reviewed with fraction BINGO today!

After a week of studying the Winter Olympic sports, second graders in Mrs. Marasco's class got to compete in a winter sport. Students were able to choose from curling, hockey, ski jump, alpine racing, seed skating, and the luge.

Educators Rising wants to thank everyone who came out to help make the Cake Walk fundraiser a success. The chapter so far raised $185. If you were not able to come out and participate we have created an AMAZON WISHLIST of items to help make the birthday kits. As part of a service project our students are creating Celebration in a Box kits for families within the EPJ district. These kits are designed to help ensure every child has the opportunity to feel celebrated on their birthday, regardless of life’s circumstances. Each kit includes a cake mix, a can of soda to prepare the cake, frosting, candles, balloons, a birthday card, and a $5 gift certificate to the school book fair. Kits will be available for pickup at both the Elementary and High School offices for families who may appreciate a little extra support in celebrating their child’s special day. We understand that birthdays, while joyful, can sometimes create added financial stress for families. Our hope is that these kits help ease that burden and allow families to focus on making meaningful memories. In addition, this project supports EPJ’s mission of increasing literacy by giving students the opportunity to choose a book of their own at the spring or fall book fair. If you are wanting to help our chapter purchase these items a QR code is provided with a an Amazon wish list of items we need to make the kits. Thank you for your support!

EPJ band and vocal will present a concert tonight at 7:00 pm in the MS gym. The Show Choir and Jazz Band will perform as they prepare for their competition seasons. Here is the link to the livestream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N8ehLLANVM

We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Karlene Stabe was awarded the South Dakota Biology Teacher of the Year this afternoon! We are extremely proud of Mrs. Stabe for her efforts and are thankful she is part of the EPJ School District! Congratulations, Mrs. Stabe!

School Board Petitions Available

School Board petitions are available now through March 24. Petitions may be picked up at the District Administrative Office or accessed online. (If it is printed from the Secretary of State's website, it must be double sided or it will not be accepted).

Board Information

There are two School Board positions available

Each position carries a 3-year term

We recommend picking up petitions early. Each petition requires valid signatures, and only signatures from registered voters within the district count. If an individual is not a registered voter in the district, their signature cannot be accepted.

Why run for School Board?

Gain a deeper understanding of the operations of the school district in which you reside

Work collaboratively as part of a team

Help adopt district budgets and policies that support students, staff, and the community

Serving on the School Board is a meaningful way to contribute to the future of our schools and our community.

For questions or additional information, please contact the District Business Manager Heather.Watterson@k12.sd.us

Yesterday, the 4th-8th grade students got the opportunity to watch the state qualifying one-act play performance. It was an absolute blast and we wish them the best of luck as they will be performing at the state competition today!

EPJ boys basketball has rescheduled a game with Lakota Tech on February 12 in Elk Point. This will be played as part of a doubleheader with the girls taking on West Central that night. First games will start at 4 pm for both squads.

Biology students have been studying cell reproduction and wrapped up today with a fun, competitive Rock-Paper-Scissors review game! Students quizzed each other using question cards, earning cards for correct answers—and settling ties with a round of Rock-Paper-Scissors. It was an engaging way to review the cell cycle and mitosis as they prepare for tomorrow’s quiz.

Due to extremely icy conditions this morning EPJ will be 2 hours late.