Visitation for Mr. Harter will be this Friday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM with the prayer service to follow at 6:30 PM in the Colome School Gymnasium. His funeral will be held on Saturday morning at 10:30, also in the school gymnasium. If you would like to send flowers or a memorial, you can send those to the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Mr. Hawkins
Our 7-12 students are requesting that all staff and students wear blue tomorrow in honor and remembrance of Mr. Harter. Mr. Hawkins
One Act is looking for black graduation gowns. They will be returned, just need for performance. If you have something like this, please contact Hillary.orban@k12.sd.us.
We are excited to recognize the students who earned placement on the First Semester Honor Rolls. This recognition represents months of focus, responsibility, and perseverance in their academic work.
These students consistently demonstrated strong work habits and a commitment to doing their best each day. Their achievement would not be possible without the encouragement and support of families and staff who partner with them throughout the school year.
Congratulations to all students who earned this academic honor. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are proud of the effort you continue to show.
These students consistently demonstrated strong work habits and a commitment to doing their best each day. Their achievement would not be possible without the encouragement and support of families and staff who partner with them throughout the school year.
Congratulations to all students who earned this academic honor. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are proud of the effort you continue to show.



We are excited to welcome Mark Leinweaver to speak with our students on January 30 at 10:30 a.m. Parents are encouraged to attend the assembly. A live link will also be shared on our Hudl page that day.

Saturday you can watch the 43rd Annual Girls Hanson Classic on Live Ticket. The price is $25 and you will receive all 8 games of the classic.
Here is the link:
http://beavers.liveticket.tv/
Ethan Rustler Girls play at 7PM vs Parkston. Go Rustlers!
Here is the link:
http://beavers.liveticket.tv/
Ethan Rustler Girls play at 7PM vs Parkston. Go Rustlers!
Congratulations to our students who earned placement on the Second Quarter Honor Roll. This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment these students have shown in their academics throughout the quarter.
We are proud of the effort our students continue to put into their learning and appreciate the support of our families and staff who help make this success possible. Being named to the Honor Roll is something to celebrate, and we commend each student for striving for excellence.
Way to go and keep up the great work!
We are proud of the effort our students continue to put into their learning and appreciate the support of our families and staff who help make this success possible. Being named to the Honor Roll is something to celebrate, and we commend each student for striving for excellence.
Way to go and keep up the great work!



Parents, we will be adding a partial day of teacher in-service to our second semester schedule. Therefore, we will have an early release for students on Friday, February 20th. Students will be released from school at 1:00 on that day and buses will run as usual. Please make sure to add that to your calendars. Mr. Hawkins
Thank You!
A big thank you to Pam Pollreisz, Bev Mueller, and anyone else who helped take the time over holiday break to clean the gym bleachers. They look great, and we truly appreciate the effort and care that went into getting them looking so nice.
If you see Pam or Bev, please be sure to thank them!
A big thank you to Pam Pollreisz, Bev Mueller, and anyone else who helped take the time over holiday break to clean the gym bleachers. They look great, and we truly appreciate the effort and care that went into getting them looking so nice.
If you see Pam or Bev, please be sure to thank them!

Due this THURSDAY!! Please get your forms in and you can return to MaryB.
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
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

Basketball Pictures are ready for you to order. See image for details and code!

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
