IOWA-GRANT'S PANTHER PRESS

Our Mission & School Safety

In partnership with the community, the Iowa-Grant School District will empower all students to reach their full potential as responsible individuals who strive for life-long learning to successfully compete in an ever-changing global society.

Dear Parents, Families, and members of the Iowa-Grant School Community:

Over the past several weeks I have issued two separate communications regarding threats to school security. In each case, the threat was averted and contained. I understand that hearing about threats to our schools can be a source of anxiety for families and the Iowa-Grant School community even if the threats are resolved. Part of the anxiety might come from the feeling that not enough details are provided.

I feel it is my responsibility to keep everyone apprised to the extent legally possible of any threats to the school, student body, or staff. There are limits to the information we may disclose due to federal privacy laws and the possibility that certain disclosures could compromise an on-going investigation. In the simplest terms, there are only two possible outcomes after completing a threat assessment. Either the threat is determined to be contained, resolved, averted or not. In the latter case, we will close school until we are assured that it is again safe to have school. We will not allow school to open or to be in session without satisfactorily addressing any threats we may receive and without ensuring that a reported threat has been ameliorated. I am committed to taking care of the students in our charge as if they were my own children. As superintendent, it is my duty to assure the safety of all staff as well.

The opening words of our mission statement, “In partnership with the community…” have special meaning as we address school security. All school safety expert guidance starts with the premise that school safety is a shared responsibility. When making decisions regarding school safety, we follow a school safety plan and the protocols provided by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety. Additionally, we rely upon guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security National Threat Assessment Center.

When threats come to our attention, we engage with outside public safety agencies, as well as the professionals here at school to assess the risks. Again, we will not allow school to open or be in session without satisfactorily addressing any threats we may receive and without ensuring that a known threat has been ameliorated. As partners, we are appreciative of your support in not only alerting us or authorities about perceived threats, but also in helping us to create a school environment and positive school culture.

We are always striving for improvement and to this end, I am engaging the staff in conducting a review of our school safety policies and school safety plan. This review should not only consider our response plan, but also what we are doing in terms of prevention. We already benefit from strong communication and cooperation with both the Iowa and Grant County Sheriffs Departments. By reviewing our plans thoroughly on an annual basis, we will do more than ensure compliance with statutes, we will be creating an opportunity for discussion on how we can foster a sense of belonging for our students so that all are empowered “to reach their full potential as responsible individuals…”

Michael Shimshak

5/1 3:30 PM Track & Field: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Fennimore HS

5/1 4:00 PM Golf: Varsity Match vs Multiple Schools @ Deer Valley Golf Course

5/1 5:00 PM Softball: JV vs Fennimore (Away)

5/1 5:00 PM Softball: Varsity vs Fennimore (Away)

5/1 6:00 PM Baseball: JV vs Dodgeville (Away)

5/2 4:00 PM Golf: JV/Varsity Match vs Multiple Schools @ Dodge-Point Country Club

5/2 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Boscobel (Home) (Livingston)

5/2 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Darlington (Home) (Cobb)

5/2 6:30 PM Softball: JV vs Darlington (Home) (Cobb)

5/4 3:00 - 6:30 PM FFA Greenhouse Sale

5/4 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Southwestern HS/S

5/4 5:00 PM Baseball: JV vs River Valley (Home) (Livingston)

5/4 5:00 PM Softball: Varsity vs Cuba City (Home) (Cobb)

5/5 3:00 - 6:30 PM FFA Greenhouse Sale

5/5 4:00 PM Golf: JV/Varsity Match vs Multiple Schools @ Darlington Country Club

5/5 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Cuba City (Away)

5/6 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM FFA Greenhouse Sale

5/6 8:00 PM Prom

5/6 8:30 PM Prom - Grand March

5/8 3:00 - 6:30 PM FFA Greenhouse Sale

5/8 4:00 PM Golf: JV/Varsity Match vs Multiple Schools @ Yellowstone Golf Course

5/8 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Riverdale (Away)

5/8 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Riverdale (Home) (Cobb)

5/8 6:30 PM Board Meeting

5/8 6:30 PM Softball: JV vs Riverdale (Home) (Cobb)

5/9 3:00- 6:30 PM FFA Greenhouse Sale

5/9 4:00 PM Track & Field Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Fennimore High School

5/9 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Darlington (Away)

5/10 3:00 - 6:30 PM FFA Greenhouse Sale

5/11 3:00 - 6:30 PM FFA Greenhouse Sale

5/11 3:30 PM Track & Field: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Boscobel HS

5/11 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Mineral Point (Home) (Livingston)

5/11 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Darlington (Away)

5/11 6:00 PM Softball: JV vs Darlington (Away)

5/12 3:00- 6:30 PM FFA Greenhouse Sale

5/12 4:30 Baseball: JV vs Mineral Point (Home) (Linden)

5/12 6:30 Baseball: JV vs East Dubuque (Home) (Linden)

5/13 9:00 AM Golf: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Dodge-Point Country Club

5/13 9:00 AM Softball: JV Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Bluff View Middle School

5/13 10:00 AM Softball: Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Viroqua HS

5/13 1:30 PM Baseball: Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Rio Community School District

5/13 4:00 PM Baseball: Varsity Triangular vs Rio Community School District (Away)

5/15 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity Conference Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Darlington HS

5/15 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Platteville (Home) (Linden)

5/15 5:00 PM Softball: Varsity vs Southwestern (Away)

5/15 7:00 PM Softball: JV vs Southwestern (Away)

5/16 9:00 AM Golf: Varsity Conference vs Multiple Schools @ Edelweiss Country Club

5/16 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Fennimore (Away)

5/16 4:30 PM Softball: JV Triangular vs Multiple Schools @ Dodgeville HS

5/17 6:00 PM Senior Awards Night

5/18 Softball: Varsity Regional vs TBA, TBA (Away)

5/18 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Ithaca (Home) (Livingston)

5/18 5:00 PM Baseball: JV vs Platteville (Away)

5/19 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Riverdale (Home)

5/22 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity Regional vs Multiple Schools @ Lancaster HS

5/22 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Fennimore (Home) (Linden)

5/22 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Kickapoo (Home) (Livingston)

5/23 Golf: Varsity Regional vs TBA, TBA (Away)

5/23 Softball: Varsity Regional vs TBA, TBA (Away)

5/24 5:00 PM Fine Arts Night - IGHS Cafeteria

5/24 7:00 PM Pops Concert

5/25 Baseball: Varsity Regional vs TBA, TBA (Away)

5/25 Softball: Varsity Regional vs TBA, TBA (Away)

5/26 Track & Field: Boys Varsity Sectionals vs TBD, TBD (Away)

5/26 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Graduation Practice

5/27 1:00 PM Graduation - Congratulations 2023 Graduates

5/29 No School

5/30 Baseball: Varsity Regional vs TBA, TBA (Away)

5/30 Golf: Varsity Sectionals vs TBA, TBA (Away)

5/30 Softball: Varsity Sectionals vs TBA, TBA (Away)

5/31 Baseball: Varsity Regional vs TBA, TBA (Away)

DISTINGUISHED HONORS:

SENIORS – Hope Connolly, Jalyssa Cordts, Madyson Hogan, Samuel Kempf, Kenadie Munson, Madelyn Rogstad, Bekka Shemak, Elizabeth Volenec, Caitlyn Wetter, Evie Whitaker

JUNIORS – Amiah Fisher, Elyse Linscheid, Makaya McCarthy, Rachel Rickard, Rylee Stecklein, Lilliana Vivian, Sophie Volenec, Lillian Warne

SOPHOMORES – Lucas Christiansen, Bret Connolly, Linnea Elg, Lakyn Holman, BreAnn Kohlenberg, Jana Lluch-Armengol, Katie Rickard, Addison Schafer, Addysen Spink

FRESHMEN - William Fulton, Quinn Hoeper, Rilya Hrubes, Addison Kramer, Noah Lange, Cora Litteral, Sam Lundell, Ellison Moen, Gabriella Munson, Pajessa Phillips, Trinity Phillips, Delaney Reid, Alexandria Sporle, Lucinda Spurley, Hunter Stevens, Everett Zimmer

HIGH HONORS:

SENIORS – Leslie Bartolo-Rivera, Matthew Grindey, Jonah Hoeper, MacKenzie Hynes, McKenna McPhail, Bailey Orth, Gary Pittman, Blake Reeves, Laighton Schafer, Alex Sedbrook, Alexis Vavricka, Ella Zimmer

JUNIORS – Meagan Cullen, Adriana Jelle, Emmerson Moen, Angelina Peat, Ashton Schmitz, Cyle Steffl, Morgan Washburn, Landon Wetzel

SOPHOMORES – Georgia Haase, Faith Kite, Baylee Leix, Gretta Schmitz

FRESHMEN – Nina Buroker, Jaxon Busse, Brooklyn Jennings. Quentin Koss, Lexie Kuhls, Laina McPhail, Reese Peterson, Myles Pettit, Laila Ritchie, Michael Schroeder, Addyson Winkers

HONORS:

SENIORS – Yessica Garcia, Alexander Lee, Karstyn McIntosh, Caden Pennekamp, Alex Popple, Audrey Rowe, Gracie Staskal

JUNIORS – Connor Dowell, Nikolei Freymiller, Grace Gochenaur, Lillian Pettit

SOPHOMORES – Riellyn Cartwright, Blake Droessler, Aiden Friesen, Gavin Hinderman, Myles Rowe, William Whitaker

FRESHMEN – Daniel Dosch, Maddox Fisher, Anayeli Garcia-Cuahizo, Abigail Hake, Treaton Loeffelholz, Trenton Pelton, Jonah Wetter, Bryar Yelinek, Taylor Zoha

The 19th Annual IGHS Student Council Food Drive garnered $262.52 in the collection jars for staff members getting their hair dyed with Mrs. Alisha Martin winning with $114.29. Her hair will be dyed teal blue the last day of school. The money was distributed to SW CAP, Highland Food Pantry, and Livingston Food Pantry.

Non-Perishable Food Items:

Seniors - 42

Juniors - 39

Sophomores - 344

Freshmen - 217

Sophomores (class of 2025) are the winners for the 2nd year in a row and will receive the traveling plaque and DQ Dilly bars.

Thanks to all students and staff who contributed to make our annual food drive successful.

On Friday, April 14th, Iowa-Grant sent high school students to the SWAL mathematics contest at Southwestern. The contest consists of five divisions: Algebra 1, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus. Five students are sent to represent each division. Medals are awarded for first, second, and third place in each division. Iowa-Grant brought home three individual medals from the competition. In the Geometry division, Will F. had the second highest score of all the students competing in that division and received a silver medal. In the Advanced Algebra division, Bret C. had the second highest score of all the students competing in that division and received a silver medal. In the Calculus division, Madelyn R. had the third highest score of all the students competing in that division and received a bronze medal. Way to go Iowa-Grant mathematics students for once again bringing home multiple medals! You represented Iowa-Grant well and have made us proud! Iowa-Grant’s math teachers are Chelsie Golackson, Makayla Loeffelholz, and Jen Pross.

Back row from left to right: Caitlyn W., Rachel R., Sophie V., Elizabeth V., Elyse L., Makaya M., and Madelyn R. Second row from left to right: Lucas C., Lilliana V., Bret C., BreAnn K., and Katie R. Third row from left to right: Will F., Trinity P., Pajessa P., Rilya H., and Noah L. Bottom row from left to right: Alexandria S., Reese P., Lexie K., Quinn H., and Addison K.

UW Platteville’s School of Education hosted 23 Iowa-Grant students on Tuesday, April 25th. Students spent the day meeting with the Aspiring Educators Organization, heard information on the School of Education from Jenny McLean (Recruitment and Retention Coordinator), mastered ESCAPE Boxes, toured campus and enjoyed a delicious complimentary lunch. Thank you to UW Platteville for hosting this informative event for our Future Iowa-Grant Educators.

The Iowa-Grant FFA Banquet was held on Sunday, April 23 at 6:30 PM in the high school cafeteria. FFA members and community members came together to celebrate all of the wonderful achievements our chapter and students have earned this year. Congratulations on another successful year, Iowa-Grant FFA.

Congratulations to our two FFA teams who competed on the state level in the areas of Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Veterinary Science. Both teams faced some tough competition and we are very proud of their dedication and hard work!

The Dairy Cattle Evaluation Team placed 13th out of 25 teams. Team members included Julia, Alexis, Brach and Bryar. Julia placed 6th individually and Alexis placed 10th individually out of 100 students. Well done!

The Veterinary Science Team placed 8th out of 20 team. Team members included Evie, Bekka, Jalyssa, and Bode. Evie placed 15th individually out of 80 students. Congratulations!

On Wednesday, April 26th, Valedictorian, Hope C. and Salutatorian, Elizabeth V. traveled to Boscobel High School for the Annual SWAL Academic Banquet. They brought with them their families and their mentors. Congratulations Hope and Elizabeth!!

The Iowa-Grant LEO Club had its annual Car Wash, sponsored by Collision Specialists in Livingston. They washed and detailed 21 vehicles and also held a food stand. The rain held off and it was a good day, with everything being done by 2:00 pm. Thanks to all of the community members who brought their cars and trucks in to clean, Collision Specialists for always supporting us, and all of the LEO's for their hard work and dedication to make this event a success!

While reading F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the junior English classes researched many topics from the 1920s. The culture backdrop group discussed the fashions of the times and the 19th Amendment. The music and dance group researched popular artists in the Twenties and provided music for the party. One group presented on New York City in the 1920s and the influence of Art Deco. Another group discussed the difference between new money and old money and what led to the rise of wealth. The food and beverage group not only researched the most popular food and drink of the time but also brought in samples for the party. Students were encouraged to dress up for the occasion and many did, making this a party to remember!

Iowa-Grant High School students were given the opportunity this spring to participate in the Penny-Smart & Earth Wise Story contest. This contest is an opportunity for students to create a compelling story about energy use in their school district. Juniors Meagan C. and Davin M. presented their project to Mr. Chuck Tenneson, Mrs. Rosemeyer, and a small group of I-G students. The installation of solar panels was the focus of their presentation. They discussed the many benefits of solar panels not only to the district but to the environment. Meagan and Davin received a cash award for their participation in the contest and are now eligible for further awards if they put their plan into action.

Many congratulations go out to Kenadie M., Audrey R., and Madyson H. for representing IG well at State Solo and Ensemble on Saturday, April 29th at UW-Platteville! Kenadie's bari sax solo received a gold and Madyson's vocal solo and Kenadie & Audrey's vocal duet received silver.

Thur. 5/4/23 - 3:00 - 6:30 PM - OPENING DAY!!

Fri. 5/5/23 - 3:00 - 6:30 PM

Sat. 5/6/23 - 8:00 AM - Noon

Sun. 5/7/23 - CLOSED

Mon. 5/8/23 thru Fri. 5/12/23 - 3:00 - 6:30 PM

Sat. 5/13/23 - 8:00 AM - Noon

High Honors

8th Grade: Cash Anderson, Griffen Cartwright, Abigail Droessler, Addeline Elg, Landon Friesen, Jacob Grindey, Brock Hinderman, Mason Hove, Connor Johnson, Madelyn Klein, Presley Lehman, Lillian Linscheid, Calvin McHone, Riley McLaughlin, Kyleigh Miles, Valeria Ramos Ramirez, Harlei Rochon, Brayden Shemak, Carly Shores, June Spurley, Charlie Volenec, Deacon Wetzel, Jack Whitaker, and Owen Wyatt.

7th Grade: Taylor Aide, Camryn Andrew, Hayden Aultman, Jason Biddick, Kylie Breuer, Ty Cutts, Breanna Dowell, Alayna Enloe, Joslyn Iverson, Ava Klaas, Evelena Linscheid, Henry Litteral, Trinity Loeffelholz, Chelsey Mueller, Carmen Parish, Stevie Pelton, Brynne Pettit, Rena Pettit, Makenna Riemenapp, Braelyn Rothamer, Ezmae Sandberg, Maria Schafer, Cole Schauff, Georgia Trecek, and Hadleigh Vivian

Honors

8th Grade: Wyatt Aide, Ubaldo Bartolo Marin, Holdyn Degenhardt, Ella Dosch, Noah Gochenaur, Max Kelley, Abby Lee, Aiden Lenz, Terrey Palmer, Grant Rickard, Freddy Rodriguez-Acatzihua, Serenity Rose, Beckem Stecklein, and Madeline Warne

7th Grade: Reese DiVall, Luis Escalante Rodriguez, Karla Gaytan, Liam Hildreth, Cadence Kelley, Olivia Koss, Ali Milestone, Isabella Neevel, Lilly Peterson, Brock Potter, Michelle Quiahua, Hope Sporle, Maxton Stevens, Ryan Thomas, Braden Vacha, and Owen Wienkes

The end of the school year is quickly approaching! We are hoping to be bringing back Ice Cream! Please let the IGEMS office know if you want to donate to our Ice Cream Event for Students on May 31st.

A recap of last month's highlights: the 3rd grade hosted a fantastic wax museum event, and the 2nd grade a wonderful Grandparent's afternoon. The 5th grade DARE students graduated on April 25th with an excellent turnout to the mid-morning ceremony. Thanks to Iowa County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Mike Peterson for providing the district with the DARE program and Deputy Mike Havlik for teaching. Title I coordinator Carolyn Laufenberg with Jodi Bast held a wonderful Under the Stars night with a dinner fundraiser provided by the PTC. We had great presenters, including Iowa-Grant's ventriloquist Holly Allen and Superstar Mr. Shimshak. Thank you to everyone who helped make all of these events happen! It has been a busy few weeks.

Now for May:

May holds teacher appreciation week May 8th - 12th. We want to thank our teachers for everything they do for our students!

Middle School Track Upcoming Meets:

May 2 @ Fennimore

May 5 @ SW

May 9 @ Lancaster

May 11 @Darlington

On May 11th, we will celebrate our music department with our middle school band and choir concerts.

The Middle School Student Council will host a dance in the cafeteria from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on May 12th.

The eighth-grade promotion date will be Wednesday, May 31st, at 7:00 p.m. in the gym.

There are also many field trips and activities that the students will be participating in. Our 6th-grade students have already begun the outdoor education activities and will have some surprise cooks at an upcoming cook-out on May 15th.

Looking ahead to summer, we are working on setting pool bus dates. Summer recreation is off and rolling, and summer school, along with T-Ball/Coach pitch, will be held on the dates below:

• 1st session: June 12-15 (2 sections 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)

• 2nd session: July 10-13 (2 sections 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)

• 3rd session: August 7-10 (2 sections 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)

Missoula Children’s Theater will also run July 17th - 21st.

There will be a snack/recess in between sections.

We also offer T-ball and Coach pitch softball and baseball. T-ball and Coach pitch will be held in the evenings on Mondays and Thursdays from July 10 - August 3 with:

T-Ball 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Coach Pitch 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

It will be a fast finish to the school year and busy summer at IGEMS!

Library Telescope Information:

Recently Iowa-Grant School District purchased two Dobsonian telescopes and joined The Library Telescope Program. We also acquired 4 Vortex binoculars, which are great for night sky viewing, bird watching and other outdoor activities. At the IGEMS family event, Reading Under the Stars, Mr. Shimshak, our superintendent, gave an informative presentation on the topic of telescopes and astronomy, something which has been an interest of his since he was a kid. He had a vision for starting an Astronomy Club at Iowa-Grant when he was hired last summer, and he has been instrumental in bringing the Library Telescope Program to our schools.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Who can check out the telescope and binoculars?

A: Iowa-Grant staff members and guardians of Iowa-Grant students, both IGEMS and IGHS.

Q: Can students use the telescope and binoculars?

A: Yes, with adult supervision.

Q: What is involved in checking out a telescope or binoculars?

A: I recommend calling me (Mrs. Bast) in the IMC to check on availability and to make arrangements for check out. An adult needs to complete a Borrower’s Agreement at the time of check out and should transport the instrument in its proper container in their personal vehicle. A portable folding table with adjustable legs is also sent home with the telescope.

Q: How long can you keep the telescope or binoculars?

A: The borrower can keep it at home for one week and should transport it back to school in its proper container in their personal vehicle at that time, unless other arrangements are made.

Q: Will there be opportunities to use the telescopes and binoculars at school?

A: Yes, an Astronomy Club is in the works and nighttime sky viewing events are something we are all looking forward to at Iowa-Grant!

End of the Year Information:

The last day for students to check out library books at IGEMS is May 12th (loan period is two weeks). It’s not too early to start checking desks, lockers, at home, and in vehicles for school library books. Families are expected to pay for any lost or damaged books before summer vacation. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please call if you have any questions!

Jodi Bast

(608) 943-6311 x 1040

Our 2nd graders enjoyed having their grandparents come to school to visit on Friday, April 28th. Students sang songs, performed skits, and made a video for their grandparents. Our favorite part was spending time with our grandparents when we colored pictures, ate snacks, and read books together. Grandparents sure have a special place in our hearts! Thank you to all of the sweet grandparents who were able to attend our program, and thank you to our grandparents who sent their love and well wishes from afar. We appreciate you.

The students had been introduced to the biography genre and then got to choose a person to read about. They each wrote a speech as if they were that person and then dressed the part. When visitors dropped a quarter in their jars, they began their presentation. We would like to thank everyone who came to support our 3rd Graders learning! Enjoy a few pictures of some of the famous "wax" statues we had lining our halls.

Did you know that the current capitol building is the third one in our state?

The first capitol was located in Belmont.

Do you know that the state motto is Forward?

How about that our nickname is "The Badger State" because of how miners lived in the side of a hill like the badger?

These are all facts that were reinforced on our fun trip to our state's capitol in Madison on April 25th. Then we visited the first capitol in Belmont on April 28th.

Thank you to Michael Shimshak, Holly Allen, and Nikki Cooper for their wonderful presentations at Reading Under the Stars! Students also found some great books at the book fair, saw constellations in the planetarium, and saw the moon through one of our library telescopes. The staff skit was a hit too! Our PTC made it extra special by providing a pasta supper. Thanks to all volunteers and families who attended

A group of eight 6th grade students attended the STEM Expo at University of Wisconsin-Platteville on April 27th. The students had the opportunity to participate in many different STEM exhibits throughout campus. Some favorites included dissecting owl pellets, extracting DNA from a strawberry or banana, flying a drone, using VR glasses, firing an air pressure cannon, racing an aluminum foil boat and playing video games that UWP students created. It was a great day full of learning and fun!

Here a cheep, there a cheep, everywhere a cheep, cheep! Kindergarten has been waiting patiently for 21 days and they are finally here!

The Iowa-Grant Elementary/Middle School Student Council recently held a canned food drive. Their theme of "Hit a Homerun for Hunger" was a success! Over 750 items were collected, and will be donated to a local food pantry. Way to go Panthers!!!!

Please attend our last meeting on May 15th. We will be talking about end-of-the-year activities for IGEMS. We will need a few volunteers for the inflatables on May 30th. Please contact Christi if you are interested.

HOME OF THE PANTHERS

Email: mshimshak@igs.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.igs.k12.wi.us/
Location: 498 County Road IG, Livingston, WI, USA
Phone: 608-943-6311
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IowaGrantPanthers/