**Educators Rising – Our First College Expo of the Year!**

What an amazing day for 25 of our Educators Rising students who traveled to the University of South Dakota for our first college expo of the year! Our students began the day with an inspiring keynote speaker who shared her own educational journey and how her experiences ultimately led her to a career as a school psychologist. It was a great reminder that there are so many different paths and careers within education.

Students then participated in two hands-on breakout sessions where they explored different areas of education. Some of these breakout session included:

**Technology: Students worked with robots while developing computational skills and learning the importance of collaboration.
**Physical Education: Students discovered how movement can boost focus, engagement, and positive behavior in the classroom.
**Special Education: Students explored ways to customize teaching to meet the needs of all learners through a fun, interactive classroom environment.

It was an amazing day of learning, exploring, and experiencing what a future in education can look like. Most importantly, our students had a lot of fun and truly enjoyed the experience! I am so proud of these 25 students for stepping outside the classroom, asking questions, trying new things, and exploring the many possibilities that education has to offer. Thank you to USD for hosting today's event!

Barf Bag Science!
Our Biology students put the scientific method into action today with a hands-on yeast investigation. Students tested different food sources to see which one yeast preferred. They made a hypothesis, identified their independent and dependent variables, collected data, and then used their evidence to determine whether their hypothesis was supported. They discovered that yeast loved the sugary Coco Krispies loaded with sugar. A little messy, a lot of learning, and definitely a memorable day in Biology!

Two weeks until the EPJ Polar Plunge! https://charity.pledgeit.org/c/6ibzgzr9mo

Fundraisers like this is how EPJ Unified Special Olympics is able to pay for uniforms, practice rentals, equipment and financial scholarships! Please consider plunging (individually or with a group), participating but not plunging "too chicken to plunge", donating/sponsoring to someone plunging and of course coming to watch! It's before the football game, with plenty of time before the game starts to change/attend the game!

EPJ Unified Special Olympics fans - Here is your chance to support them with a fun new shirt! Order using the form here: https://forms.gle/6yBbvc2UoGTRXTT49