Principal Zeman's Notes

We’re excited to kick off another great school year at Elk River High School! The first day of school is Tuesday, September 1st, and we’re equally looking forward to the start of practices and the flurry of activities beginning on Monday, August 17th.

Each Friday, you’ll receive a newsletter in your inbox with updates on what’s happening around campus. These include student successes, important information from our health office, upcoming events in the counseling office, and the latest on athletics and activities.

My goal each year is to keep families well-informed while avoiding overwhelming your inbox. All newsletters are also archived here. It’s good to be an Elk!

I would like to introduce myself and the administrative team at Elk River High School. My name is Mike Zeman and I am excited to be entering year three at ERHS. Prior to this I was principal at VandenBerge Middle School for two years and at Rogers High School for 15 years as a teacher and assistant principal. I am a proud alumnus of Minnesota State University- Mankato with a bachelor’s degree in English and Speech Secondary Teaching, a master’s degree from Hamline University in Education, and a K-12 administration certificate from St. Cloud State University. I am married with two boys in 9th and 10th grade at ERHS. I am a proud resident of Elk River and am excited to support our students, celebrate their successes, and ensure they have a great experience at ERHS. Go Elks!

Mrs. Odegard has been an assistant principal at Elk River High since 2010. Mrs. Odegard graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Psychology, and later pursued her teaching license and Masters from the University of St. Thomas. Prior to coming to Elk River she had been in the classroom for 11 years, one year as a PLC Coordinator and two years as an administrative intern in the Anoka-Hennepin District.

This position will be filled soon.

Ms. Bengston has been Assistant Principal at Elk River High School since 2022. Previously, she taught Biology and Chemistry courses at secondary levels and was a curriculum integration coordinator working with CTE programming in the Osseo Area School District. Ms Bengston received her bachelor's degree in Biology and Education from Hamline University, a Masters degree from St. Mary's University MN, and an Education Specialist Degree from Concordia University.

Mr. Mike Cunningham was appointed as Elk River High School Activities Director beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. He has served as a teacher and a coach in Omaha (NE) and in the Fridley school districts. He also served as an administrator in North Branch and Spring Lake Park school districts. Mr. Cunningham received his B.S. in Industrial Studies (Education) from St. Cloud State University, his M.Ed. from Saint Mary's University, and his Ed.S. from the University of St. Thomas. Mr. Cunningham is passionate about involvement and excellence in the areas of athletics and activities and is committed to providing students with a rigorous education. Remember, “It’s Good to be an Elk!”

Ashley Cloutier

Last Names: A - Da

email: ashley.cloutier@isd728.org

Julia Proctor

Last Names: Db - H

email: julia.proctor@isd728.org

Erin Shermak

Last Names: I - Mo

email: erin.shermak@isd728.org

Doyle Johnson

Last Names: Mp - Sch

email: doyle.johnson@isd728.org

Michelle Reimer

Last Names: Sci - Z

email: michelle.reimer@isd728.org

Kim Davison

College & Career, AVID Coordinator and Counseling Projects

email: kimberly.davison@isd728.org

August 17th

• Fall Sports Practices Begin

• Housekeeping (Pictures, Schedules) 1-4 pm (Grades 10-12)

• Elk Mentors’ 9th Grade Orientation Night 5-7 pm

August 26th

• Open House 4-7 pm (Meet teachers, Learn about ERHS, get Elk Gear, parking permits, athletic passes, drop off medications)

• If you are new to the district, please be sure to login to campus parent portal to receive our Campus Messenger emails that alert you to upcoming events and other happenings at Elk River High School. Parent portal is also vital when checking grades and attendance from home.

• Lockers: All Students will be assigned a locker. You will find your locker assignment and combination in campus student and campus parent portal closer to the beginning of school.

• ISD 728 Student Device Plan Sign-Up & User Agreement (Including the optional ISD 728 Chromebook Protection Plan: Prior to starting each school year parent/guardian must sign-up for a device plan for each child attending grade 6 through 12.

• Optional Student Accident Insurance: Families have the ability to apply online for student insurance coverage for the 23-24 school year.

• Application for Educational Benefits: Our school provides healthy meals each day. All students are eligible for one breakfast and one lunch per day free of charge. ISD 728 will continue to collect the Application for Educational Benefits to determine if students qualify for additional educational benefits. Students qualifying for benefits increases federal and state funding to support learning experiences for students. You can apply ANYTIME throughout the school year, EVERY year. Qualifying for benefits also helps your family reduce fees in other areas of your child’s school experience.

• Elk River High School Website: The school website is a great resource for Calendar information, student handbook, lunch menus, attendance, transportation resources, and parking permits.

We hope you are having a great summer. We are looking forward to an outstanding school year as well as seeing all of you at Elk River High School! It is good to be an Elk!

Mike Zeman

Elk River High School Principal