Principal Zeman's Notes

No matter what postsecondary path high school graduates choose, students must develop certain essential skills to design their own futures: critical thinking, collaboration, reading, writing, and relationship building.

By placing students in a learning setting that engages them in rigor with support, opportunities to explore their future pathways, and deliberate instruction in self-management and leadership, students develop the agency and skills that will serve them for life. With AVID, students excel regardless of their circumstances, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or English proficiency.

As we wrap up our first week of school, I want to share my deep gratitude for our community and give you a window into the incredible start we’ve had. I can honestly say I have never experienced the beginning of a school year with as much energy, positivity, and active student engagement as this one.

Our staff and student leaders have worked tirelessly to make every student feel welcomed and valued. A special Elk Bugle shout-out goes to our Welcome Week Committee—Sarah Coles, Erin Shermak, Karl Sagan, Shannon Vasseur, and Juliet Herrity-Weidenborner—for six months of dedicated planning. Their hard work set the stage for what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime school year for our students.

From the overwhelming spirit at our pep fest to seeing our student body fully engaged from day one, I am deeply humbled by the culture we are building together. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine seeing this level of enthusiasm and connection so early on.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for your continued partnership. We are honored to serve your family and look forward to an extraordinary year ahead!

It's almost time..... for the 2026 Homecoming Parade! Please consider signing up your group, club, organization, team or youth organization to participate! We're looking forward to a great event.

9/7: No School, Labor Day

9/14: Senior Panoramic Picture, Main Gym during Advisory

9/22: College Fair (during the school day)

The PSAT will be offered on October 28, 2026 at ERHS during the school day for any interested juniors (Class of 2028). Interested sophomores (Class of 2029) may also register for the PSAT for practice.

• Give you feedback on academic strengths/weaknesses and preparedness for college

• Compare self to other four-year college bound students

• Enter the National Merit Scholarship competition for qualifying students (when taken as an 11th grader)

• Help prepare for the SAT

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Time: 7:45-11:00 AM

Location: ERHS Zabee Theater

Cost: $18 (Non Refundable)

• Register online HERE. Deadline to register is September 18th.

• A non-refundable fee ($18) will be assigned to Campus (early October). Must be paid by 12pm Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 to be eligible to take the exam.

• Juniors: If you receive free/reduced lunches, please contact your school counselor if you are interested in a fee waiver.

• Take practice tests offered on the CollegeBoard website - Click HERE

• MCIS also offers free practice tests under the Practice Test tab

Kim Davison

School Counselor

kimberly.davison@isd728.org

All seniors will attend a meeting led by counselors to cover post-secondary planning, credits, Direct Admission, setting up Parchment, and graduation information on 9/10. Students will attend the hour they have Economics or Government in their 1st semester schedule. Online and PSEO students can attend the hour they have their social studies class in their schedule. We will meet in the Little Theater.

ERHS is excited to host a College Fair on 9/22. Students will receive more details about the event during Advisory on 9/10. Please note the adjusted class times below.