Elk Point-Jefferson School District 61-7

The JH track meet in Beresford that we had on the calendar for Tuesday, April 28 is actually scheduled for Monday, April 27 with field events starting at 3:45 pm in Beresford

Mrs. Westin's first graders had an explosive time celebrating Earth Day! 🌎💚 They used baking soda and blue/green vinegar to create a bubbling reaction and learned that science can be messy, exciting, and full of discovery. So proud of their curiosity and teamwork!

2nd Grade has been busy being little scientists this week in the classroom. From demonstrating how to make homemade paper to creating lava lamps at home, their ideas are endless! Week 1 done. Two to go. To be continued...

The Structured Learning Center wrapped up their final Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trip of the year with an unforgettable visit to the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium! Students had the opportunity to explore a new environment (for some) while building important life skills alongside their peers. Throughout the day, they practiced using their manners in public spaces, followed group expectations, and worked on communication and social interactions. Many students showed incredible bravery by facing fears—whether that meant getting up close to animals they were unsure about or trying something new outside of their comfort zone. It was amazing to see their confidence grow as they challenged themselves and supported one another! Students also learned that new experiences engage all of our senses and can bring out a variety of feelings. We talked about how it’s okay to have our own opinions, but also important to think about when and where to share them—understanding that not everyone may feel the same way, and that’s okay. Learning to respect others’ perspectives while expressing our own in appropriate settings is an important life skill. Experiences like this help our students build independence and learn how to successfully navigate any community in meaningful ways. We are so proud of the growth they’ve shown this year! To make the day even more special, we also celebrated Ms. Brandy’s birthday together—what a fun way to wrap up an incredible year of learning and memories!

EPJ Softball will play Centerville tomorrow at 5:30 pm for the varsity followed by a three inning JV game. On Friday, April 24 the team will travel to Garretson for a 2 pm varsity game followed by some JV innings.

EPJ Prom and Grand March will be this Saturday, April 25. Doors will open at 7:30 with the Grand March starting at 8:00 pm. If you are unable to attend we will have a livestream of the event at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmKAXOVSjAk

Congratulations to the inaugural class of the Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies Hall of Fame!

On Thursday the 4th graders took a break from state testing, and enjoyed the beautiful weather at the city park!

EPJ Softball will travel to Garretson on Friday, April 24 with the varsity game starting at 2:00 pm and JV to follow. This game is rescheduled from Friday, April 17.

Some of the SLC students submitted work into the ArtAbility art show and we traveled to Sioux Falls to see their work at the event! ArtAbility is an art exhibit for artists with disabilities sponsored by the Sioux Falls Mayor's Disability Awareness & Accessibility Review Board (DAARB). ArtAbility is an opportunity to showcase artwork as a means of self-expression. The DAARB's goal is to remove barriers for individuals with disabilities while promoting universal accessibility. Artists Guide 2026: https://www.siouxfalls.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/activities-amp-recreation/artability/2026/digital-artist-guide.pdf

The SLC students recently delivered emergency communication cards to the Elk Point Police Department, helping support safer and more effective interactions within our community. These tools are especially important for individuals who may be nonverbal or experience communication challenges during high-stress situations. These cards use the same familiar graphics found on many communication devices used by students with special needs and are also seen and available throughout the EPJ building, making them easy to recognize and use when it matters most. We’re looking forward to delivering additional communication cards to the Union County Sheriff’s Office next week as we continue working toward a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

The softball game scheduled for tonight in Garretson has been postponed due to wind and cold temperatures. We are currently working on a reschedule date

Congratulations to AnnaBeth Porter and Andrew Quiett on being selected for the 2026 SDACDA Senior Honor Choir and Bailey Johnson and Peyton Stacy on being selected as Alternates for the 2026 SDACDA Senior Honor Choir!

The 52nd Annual SDACDA Senior Honor Choir will take place July 19-24 at Black Hills State University.

Softball updates: Friday, April 17 at Garretson 4 pm varsity game. Monday, April 20 we host Lennox at 3pm, West Central JV at 5 pm and West Central varsity at 7 pm

EPJ softball game at Garretson on Friday, April 17 will now have the varsity game start at 4 pm with JV to follow in Garretson

There will be root beer floats for sale after the spring concerts this week April 16th and 17th. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Ed Rising students going to Portland to compete at Nationals.

My students have been learning about DNA in Biology and had fun last week extracting DNA from the cells of a banana.

7th grade FACS students made cookies!

On Wednesday the Structured Learning Students took a Community Based Instruction visit to the Sioux City Rail Road Museum! We learned lots of historical facts, experienced the round about's turn table, ride on a passenger cart, and even got to enjoy our lunch in a dining car! Did you know that if 250 adult elephants stood on the round about turn table, it would still move? It is also the oldest moveable one left in the US!