The (Ethan / Mt Vernon) School District is implementing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to strengthen safety and improve how our school responds during an emergency.
The SRP uses clear, consistent language so students, staff, and first responders know what actions are being taken during certain situations. The SRP focuses on five simple responses:
1. HOLD – Used when students remain in their classrooms and teaching continues as usual. No cause for alarm here.
2. SECURE – Used when a situation is OUTSIDE the school and we keep students and staff inside behind locked doors. This is not a threat to the school directly, but there is a public safety issue in the community that we are preventing from spilling into the school.
3. LOCKDOWN – Used when there is a threat directly inside the school building.
4. EVACUATE – Used to move students and staff to another location for safety. This could be any number of reasons.
5. SHELTER – Used for weather situations.
Over Christmas break, our staff received training on how and when to use each response.
Officer Vanhorn talked with elementary students today about this protocol.
Students will be taught the protocol in an age-appropriate and supportive way, and practice drills will be announced ahead of time when possible. Our goal is to prepare students without causing any fear or anxiety.
The safety of our staff and students is a shared responsibility. By using the Standard Response Protocol, we are creating a common understanding across our school, community, and local first responders about how to respond to an emergency.
Please see the attached SRP Parent Handout for further information, or contact Deputy Austin Van Horn, our School Resource Officer. You can view the Standard Response Protocol at anytime on our website under Menu-SRP.
The SRP uses clear, consistent language so students, staff, and first responders know what actions are being taken during certain situations. The SRP focuses on five simple responses:
1. HOLD – Used when students remain in their classrooms and teaching continues as usual. No cause for alarm here.
2. SECURE – Used when a situation is OUTSIDE the school and we keep students and staff inside behind locked doors. This is not a threat to the school directly, but there is a public safety issue in the community that we are preventing from spilling into the school.
3. LOCKDOWN – Used when there is a threat directly inside the school building.
4. EVACUATE – Used to move students and staff to another location for safety. This could be any number of reasons.
5. SHELTER – Used for weather situations.
Over Christmas break, our staff received training on how and when to use each response.
Officer Vanhorn talked with elementary students today about this protocol.
Students will be taught the protocol in an age-appropriate and supportive way, and practice drills will be announced ahead of time when possible. Our goal is to prepare students without causing any fear or anxiety.
The safety of our staff and students is a shared responsibility. By using the Standard Response Protocol, we are creating a common understanding across our school, community, and local first responders about how to respond to an emergency.
Please see the attached SRP Parent Handout for further information, or contact Deputy Austin Van Horn, our School Resource Officer. You can view the Standard Response Protocol at anytime on our website under Menu-SRP.
Pre-game Meal January 13th - CSO - see image for details!
The 8th grade class has been selected to participated in the NAEP testing survey, please read letter for more details. They will be doing this January 28th, if parents have any questions or concerns please email or call Mrs. Erickson. Thanks!
January 9th - Pregame Meal - Chili- see image for details
The Ethan cheerleaders will be hosting pep squad for Kindergarten through 6th grade. If you wish to sign your child(ren) up for Pep Squad, please fill out following form with the ink below. A form needs to be completed for EACH child. The cost is $20 per child, and $18 for each additional child. Please make checks out to EHS Cheer. The cost will cover a t-shirt, hair accessory, and snacks.
Forms need to be submitted by January 15, 2026. If forms are submitted after this date, students are able to attend pep squad, but they may not receive a shirt in time for the performance.
https://forms.gle/bkCaYiB1TGKDYsJM7
Forms need to be submitted by January 15, 2026. If forms are submitted after this date, students are able to attend pep squad, but they may not receive a shirt in time for the performance.
https://forms.gle/bkCaYiB1TGKDYsJM7
January Cold Weather Reminder ❄️
We understand that some January days may feel nice and warmer than expected, but winter weather can change quickly. Please be sure your child comes to school each day with a coat, gloves, and a hat.
Students will go outside for recess when weather allows, and teachers will make the executive decision if conditions are nice enough for students to be outdoors without a coat. If a student does not have appropriate cold-weather gear, they may need to remain indoors when it is cold.
If your family is in need of a coat, we have options available at the school. Please let Mary B know if your child needs a coat or other winter items—we are happy to help.
Thank you for helping keep our students warm and safe!
We understand that some January days may feel nice and warmer than expected, but winter weather can change quickly. Please be sure your child comes to school each day with a coat, gloves, and a hat.
Students will go outside for recess when weather allows, and teachers will make the executive decision if conditions are nice enough for students to be outdoors without a coat. If a student does not have appropriate cold-weather gear, they may need to remain indoors when it is cold.
If your family is in need of a coat, we have options available at the school. Please let Mary B know if your child needs a coat or other winter items—we are happy to help.
Thank you for helping keep our students warm and safe!
Basketball Dress up Themes for the rest of the year.
Theme for Mondays game at Corn Palace is Hawaiian!
This is a reminder that the Winter Moratorium runs from December 23rd through December 26th. The school gymnasiums will be closed during these four days. Thank you and I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!! Mr. Hawkins
With the unexpected closure of school today, this is how we will handle the scheduled semester exams.
Teachers and Staff will be here Monday, Dec 22. High School students have the option to come in at 9:00am Monday and take the semester exams that were scheduled for today. This is OPTIONAL. If they are satisfied with their current grade in those classes, then they will be considered exempt from taking the exams.
Teachers and Staff will be here Monday, Dec 22. High School students have the option to come in at 9:00am Monday and take the semester exams that were scheduled for today. This is OPTIONAL. If they are satisfied with their current grade in those classes, then they will be considered exempt from taking the exams.
The movie for the elementary students is also cancelled for today. We will look at possibly rescheduling it at a later date. Mr. Hawkins
Due to a waterline break, there will be no classes today, December 19. Mr. Hawkins.
The HOBY Leadership Seminar is coming to Dakota State University in Madison! This opportunity is open to students who have just completed their sophomore year and are ready to become more confident, connected, and purpose-driven leaders. The seminar will take place June 4–7, 2026. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mrs. Erickson.
Thank you to all who contributed to the Harvest for Hunger Food Drive! As a school we collected 740lbs! Last year was 400 lbs! Prek-6th Grade (The 4th grade had the most weight) 7th-12th Grade (Seniors has the most weight) Thanks Again - Ethan NHS.
Themes for basketball this week!!
Jersey Night – Tonight at Dakota Christian
Christmas Spirit – Thursday at home 🎄
Jersey Night – Tonight at Dakota Christian
Christmas Spirit – Thursday at home 🎄
Walking Tacos Thursday! Please see the flyer for details on the pre-game meal for Thursday’s first home game.
❄️ Christmas on Main Event Update ❄️
Due to the expected weather conditions, our Christmas on Main event scheduled for Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM has been canceled.
However, we are excited to share that some activities have been rescheduled:
🎄 Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa & Christmas Crafts
New Date: Monday, December 15
Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: Ethan School
Cost: $5 per participant
🎉 Bingo
Bingo will be rescheduled for a later date. We will share updated information as soon as it is available.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to celebrating with you soon. Stay safe and warm!
Due to the expected weather conditions, our Christmas on Main event scheduled for Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM has been canceled.
However, we are excited to share that some activities have been rescheduled:
🎄 Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa & Christmas Crafts
New Date: Monday, December 15
Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: Ethan School
Cost: $5 per participant
🎉 Bingo
Bingo will be rescheduled for a later date. We will share updated information as soon as it is available.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to celebrating with you soon. Stay safe and warm!
The Gymnastics competition scheduled for Saturday @ Wagner has been cancelled.
Theme for tonight's basketball game is "Black Out "
Breakfast for Monday (12/15/25) will be changed to Ham & Egg Croissants instead of Dutch Waffles.