Principal Zeman's Notes

ISD 728 School District is committed to providing the safest possible environment for its students and staff. In order to maintain a safe learning environment, we consistently work with law enforcement to learn and implement best practices in school safety and security.

ISD 728 continues a partnership with Navigate 360’s ALICE program this school year. The acronym stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. ALICE prepares us with pro-active, options-based strategies for threats on campus while remaining age and ability appropriate.

All ISD 728 teachers, staff, and administrators have been trained in the ALiCE protocols. On 10/12/26, we will be reviewing this information with our students. Students will be receiving an overview of the program, and they will be practicing a drill with a classroom teacher. Students will be able to debrief the drill with their teachers and will be allowed access to any mental health services available on campus, including counselors, school psychologists, social workers, or other student support specialists as needed.

I would encourage you to speak with your student(s) after the ALICE training and ask about the information they learn. You can find more information on ALICE, talking points, and school emergency information (including how you should respond to a school emergency) by visiting the ISD 728 Prevention & Safety Department website.

Our school district provides parents with the option to remove their child from these classroom drills. If you choose to opt out your child, alternative safety education will be provided through less sensorial safety training methods.

Please contact me if you have any questions or wish to opt your child out of this drill.

The MCA/MTAS Individual Student Results (ISRs) have arrived! If your student took the MCA/MTAS test during the Spring of 2026, those results will be handed out to students during advisory on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Here is a link for a MDE Assessment Results from MDE to help interpret MCA results.

If your student has an online or out of building advisory, they can pick up their ISR in the counseling office.

If you have any questions regarding this test please contact:

MCA test coordinator:

Kim Davison

763-241-3424

erhs.counseling@isd728.org

Are you a Senior interested in one of the UMN Campuses (Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester, Morris, and Crookston)? Admission staff from all 5 campuses will be here to help you learn more about their schools and help with application questions. Sign up to attend this event through this link so we can plan accordingly.

The ASVAB will be offered on Friday, November 13 at ERHS. Juniors and Seniors can register for this test through this form. Registration deadline is October 30. The ASVAB measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. It can also be used as a military entrance exam. For more information on this exam, please visit this link.

October is Manufacturing Month and ISD 728 schools will be touring local manufacturing facilities to learn about the high tech careers in our communities. We are encouraging students to sign up with their parents and friends to tour several local manufacturing companies. The event is open to the public and registration is required.

Elk River will host their Cool Jobs Tour on October 22, 2026 4:00 - 7:30 PM.

You can choose your tours at 4:00 and 5:00 when you register. At 6:00, tour Metal Craft and stay for a panel presentation and a light meal.

Students can visit this form for a list of upcoming events and sign up to attend. Come learn more about what these programs have to offer as you plan for life after high school.

10/12: University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

10/12: University of MN, Morris

10/12: Northwest Technical College

10/21: College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University

10/26: UND

10/26: Hamline

10/29: Northern State University (MI)

10/13: Conferences 4-7pm in teacher classrooms

10/14: Day time Conferences 8am - 3pm (11:30-12:30pm Lunch break)

10/23: EPIC Grade 10 Field Trip

10/28: PSAT

Pictured from Left to Right: Phemelo Tshane, Tumo Tshane, Pabalelo Tshane, and Mike Zeman

Congratulations to Elk River High School senior Tumo Tshane, daughter of Pabalelo and Phemelo Tshane, for being selected as the Rotary Student of the Month!

Tumo was chosen for this honor for her well-rounded achievements, academic dedication, and active leadership within our school community.

• School Activities & Pride: Tumo has been involved in Track and Field, Speech and Debate, Football Managing, Flag Football, and was recently crowned Homecoming Queen! Her proudest moment was scoring a touchdown during her very first flag football game.

• Academic Highlights: Her favorite class is News, where she enjoys writing scripts and producing broadcasts, and her favorite subject is English, particularly her AP English coursework. Her approach to academic success is simple and effective: tackle challenges head-on and avoid procrastination.

• Leadership & Impact: Tumo defines leadership as having the courage to speak up and step forward. She demonstrated this by organizing a peaceful walkout last year to raise awareness around a community issue.

• Personal Hero: Tumo names her mother as her ultimate hero, citing her mother's sacrifices and unconditional love as her greatest inspiration to succeed.

• Hobbies & Interests: Beyond her school activities, Tumo enjoys singing, cooking, baking, and playing flag football.

• Future Plans: Following graduation, Tumo plans to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)—such as Howard University, Tuskegee University, or Xavier University—to continue her educational journey.

When asked what this award means to her, Tumo shared that she is proud to see her hard work recognized by the community. Please join us in celebrating Tumo and wishing her all the best in her senior year!

Jackson Carlson, with a time of 16:06.2, broke the school record of 16:06.4 last night at the cross country meet. Congratulate Jackson when you see him on this incredible accomplishment!

The girls tennis team competes in the section championship on Tuesday! Go Elks!