December Kid Life 2010 by Denton Media Company

December 2010

December 2010 | Vol. 4, No. 4 Publisher: Bill Patterson The contents of this free publication are copyrighted by Denton Publishing Company, 2008, a subsidiary of A.H. Belo Corp. (www.ahbelo.com, NYSE symbol: AHC) with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Kid Life is published monthly by Denton Publishing Company, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201. E-mail: drc@dentonrc.com

Kid Life wishes you a happy holiday season and looks forward to bringing you more news, photos and fun stuff in 2011. Sincerely, Dawn Cobb editor

Welcome

TABLE OF CONTENTS Denton ISD Update................4-5 Health.......................................9 Star student.............................10 Science......................................11 Teacher profiles........................11 Principal profile........................12

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December 2010

Denton ISD Update UNT Athletics hosts basketball game for local students With wandering eyes, open mouths and several shouts and cheers, more than 1,100 Denton Independent School District students stepped into the University of North Texas Coliseum for the men’s basketball team’s season opener. UNT Athletics hosted the second annual “My Day at UNT” basketball game for Denton ISD students, teachers and parent volunteers at noon, Friday, Nov. 12. And it was easy to see the district being excited to be there as the stands and the court at the “Super Pit” were rocking from the get go. “Looking up and seeing all those kids excited and hootin’ and hollering – it was phenomenal,” said UNT basketball coach Jonny Jones. “We’re always excited when we can have a day for Denton’s youth, but they were excited too. I was surprised to hear them cheer in unison and know when to holler.” Students from Borman, Houston, Nelson, Pecan Creek, Rivera and Ryan elementary schools joined the UNT faithful in cheering on the Mean Green against Henderson State. The extra support was needed as UNT broke open a close game – not surprisingly when most of the students were in their seats – to blow past Henderson State for a 92-66 victory. The support came in various

Wielding talons and their game faces; Borman fifth graders (left to right) Matthew Keyes; Christian Spears and Zak Archer enjoy the Friday UNT Eagles game against the Henderson State Reddies. The Eagles won the game 92 - 66.

Photo courtesy of the Denton school district

forms as Borman students came with painted faces, Pecan Creek students came with Mean Green tshirts and pom-poms and Sam Houston students brought signs. Cheers came in all forms as well with UNT jump shots greeted by a chorus of yells, Scrappy the mascot getting high fives and cheerleaders getting mobbed for autographs. The game has grown through the partnership formed between the university and school district in the Adopt-A-School: Partners in Education program. The program encourages local businesses and

the community to get involved with Denton ISD students in various ways, shapes and forms. UNT Athletics decided to use the event as a way to get students on campus, at a fun college event, and get excited about the university. Teachers and administrators loved the idea because it was another tool to show students at an early age that college is fun and attainable to anyone. “Just getting out of the classroom and stepping foot on a college campus for a couple of hours

Graduation for the district’s three traditional high schools will take place the day after school’s end and is slated to begin at 11 a.m., with the final commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. Next year’s fall semester for students ends Dec. 16 and classes will resume Jan. 3, 2012. Other important dates on the 2011-12 school calendar include: winter break, Dec. 19-30; Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16; spring break, March 12-16; bad-weather days, if needed, April 6 and May 25; and Memorial Day, May 28. — Staff report

classroom. Letting students have fun, while also getting them excited about a topic, has to be a top priority on any educator’s list. Considering how many teachers and administrators raved about the experience afterward, the “My Day at UNT” basketball game is accomplishing that goal. “That was an awesome time!” said Patty Jensen, assistant principal at Rivera Elementary, as she led students to a bus after the game. “The kids won’t stop talking about it. They’re ready to do it again.”

STAR STUDENT

Denton’s 2011-12 calendar approved The Denton school board unanimously approved the 201112 school calendar. In a recent meeting, board members approved a calendar that includes a slight modification from the current school calendar. The approved calendar will allow both students and teachers the entire week off for Thanksgiving, Nov. 21-25, 2011. This year, a staff development day is slated for the Monday prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Classes will begin on Aug. 22, and the school year will end May 31, 2012.

shows them what they can attain in life. You can talk about college all you want, but until you see it in person, and experience a part of it like this, then it really stays with you,” said Matt Cline, a fifth grade science teacher at Nelson Elementary. Cline said his students were excited the entire week leading up to the event, which led to better focus in class and more questions about college and careers. Cline said he even planned on using the basketball game as a way to discuss college further in the

JAMES DAKOTA OXENDINE Name: James Dakota Oxendine Nickname: Dakota Community/school activities: I like to play with my friends and ride bikes. School/grade: Cross Oaks Elementary, 5th Grade Birthdate/place: September 7; Arab, AL. Family: mom, Sabrina; dad, James and sister, Casey. My hobbies are: football and dirt bikes. My favorite school subject is: Math. Two people I’d most like to meet

are: Travis Pastrana and Mark Ingram. What’s in my CD player right now: Nickelback. When I finish school I plan to:

go to the Cayman Islands. The best book I ever read was: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan. The last movie I saw: Despicable Me 3D. The best movie I’ve ever seen is: Despicable Me 3D. I wish I knew how to: do a backflip on the ground. I’m so sick of: waking up early. My worst habit is: biting my fingernails. My favorite restaurant is: Villa Grande. My heros are: my parents.

Notas sobre su zona escolar La Universidad del Norte de Texas invita a alumnos a ver un juego de baloncesto Con ojos excitantes, bocas abiertas y varios gritos y aclamaciones, más de 1.100 alumnos del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Denton asistieron al juego de apertura del equipo de baloncesto de los hombres en el coliseo de la Universidad del Norte de Texas. La organización de Atletismo de la universidad fueron los anfitriones del segundo evento anual “My Day at UNT,” o “Mi Día en UNT,” en el cual invitó a los alumnos del distrito, sus maestros y padres voluntarios a ver un juego de baloncesto el viernes, 12 de noviembre. Desde un principio, los oficiales del distrito estuvieron emocionados de estar ahí en las tribunas apoyando al Super Pit. “Ver a todos los alumnos tan entusiasmados, gritando y bocinando – fue fenomenal,” dijo Jonny Jones, entrenador del equipo de baloncesto. “A nosotros nos complace poder tener un día especial para la juventud de Denton, ellos estaban tan contentos. Me sorprendió verlos celebrar juntos y en unión - ellos supieron cuando gritar.” Alumnos de las primarias, Borman, Houston, Nelson, Pecan Creek, Rivera y Ryan estuvieron juntos aclamando al equipo de los Mean Green sobre su contrincante Henderson State. El apoyo extra se necesitó cerca del final del partido – aunque la mayoría de los alumnos estaban todos en sus asientos – cuando el equipo de casa le ganó a Henderson State por un marcador de 92-66. Para apoyar a su equipo, los alumnos hicieron varias cosas: los alumnos de Borman se pintaron sus caras, los de Pecan Creek asistieron al partido con camisetas del Mean Green y pompones y los alumnos de Sam Houston llevaron carteles. Las diferente animaciones se celebraron con gritos cuando miembros del equipo llenaron la canasta; Scrappy, la mascota, recibió muchas palmadas al aire y las porritas firmaron muchos autógrafos. Con la asociación entre la universidad y el programa del distrito Adopt-A-School, Partners in

Moviendo garras y con su caras enfocándose en el juego, los alumnos de la Primaria Borman (de izquierda a derecha) Matthew, Keyes, Christian Spears y Zak Archer disfrutan del juego e los Águilas de UNT y su contrincante los Reddies de Henderson State. Los Águilas ganaron el juego 92-66.

Photo courtesy of the Denton school district

Education, un programa de apoyo estudiantil, el partido de apertura sigue creciendo. El programa de adopción de planteles educativos permite que dueños de negocios y de miembros de la comunidad ayuden a los alumnos del Denton ISD de varias maneras. La organización de Atletismo de la universidad utilizó esta ocasión para exponer a los alumnos a su sistema de educación durante el evento festivo. A la administración y a los maestros le

gusto la idea porque los alumnos pudieron ver que el ir a la universidad puede ser una meta de cualquier alumno. “Al salir de la clase y visitar un campus universitario por algunas horas los ayuda a ver lo que pueden hacer en la vida. Cualquier persona puede hablar sobre la universidad, pero hasta que uno no lo ve en persona o experimente una parte de ello como hoy, es donde entonces la imagen puede permanece realmente en uno,” dijo Matt Cline,

maestro ciencia de 5° grado de la Primaria Nelson. Cline dijo que sus alumnos estuvieron anticipando el evento toda la semana, el cual los ayudó a enfocarse en la clase. Los alumnos también hicieron preguntas sobre carreras y la universidad y Cline dijo que planificaría usar el juego de baloncesto en futuras pláticas. Es la prioridad de cualquier educador dejar que sus alumnos se diviertan y al mismo tiempo se

entusiasmen sobre cualquier tema. Considerando el número de maestros y administradores que hablaron sobre su experiencia después del programa, “Mi Día en UNT,” el juego de baloncesto fue un gran logro. “Fue un experiencia estupenda!” afirmo Patty Jensen, asistente directora de la Primaria Rivera, al dirigir a sus alumnos al bus después del juego. “Los niños no paran de hablar de esto. Ya están listos para hacerlo otra vez”.

ESTUDIANTE ESTRELLA JAMES DAKOTA OXENDINE Nombre: James Dakota Oxendine Sobrenombre/Apodo: Dakota Actividades de escuela y de la comunidad: Me gusta jugar con mis amigos y andar en motocicletas. Plantel y grado: Primaria Cross Oaks; 5° grado Fecha y lugar de nacimiento: 7 de septiembre; Arab, AL. Mi familia incluye: mamá, Sabrina; papá, James y hermana, Casey. Pasatiempos: el fútbol americano y motos todo terreno. Mi asignatura o materia favorita es: la matemática. Dos personas que me encantaría conocer son: Travis Pastrana y Mark Ingram.

La música que toca mi reproductor es: Nickelback. Cuando termine la escuela deseo ir: a las Islas

Caimán. El mejor libro que he leído se llama: El último olímpico de Rick Riordan. La última película que vi: Despreciable Yo. La mejor película que he visto es: Despreciable Yo. Quisiera saber cómo: hacer una voltereta hacia atrás en el suelo. Estoy tan cansado de: despertarme temprano. Mi peor hábito es: morderme las uñas. Mi restaurante favorito es: Grande de casa de campo. Mi comida favorita es: Villa Grande. Mis héroes son: mis padres. Mi meta para este año es: pasar el quinto grado.

December 2010

Kid Clubhouse

Artistic Endeavors

Clockwise from top left: Providence: Abbey Motsinger, kindergarten Ginnings: Kayla Willford, 4th grade Providence: Kalynn Washburn, kindergarten Ginnings: Grayson Lovette, 4th grade The Providence students did the paintings after studying the work of Japanese artist Joan Miro and tried to model her work. The art teacher at Providence Elementary is Erica Lease. The Ginnings students did these drawings as part of a segment using art to imitate science. The art teacher at Ginnings Elementary is Kay Adamson.

December 2010 Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Birth flower: Paperwhite narcissus Visit www.dentonisd.org for more information on Denton Independent School District events and holidays. Moon phases taken from www.sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/phase/phase2001cst.html.

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Vicente Fox inaugurated at president of Mexico (2000)

Napoleon crowned emperor of France (1804)

Anna Freud, a founder Mars Pathfinder is of child psychoanalylaunched (1996) sis born (1895)

The UN General Assembly declares anti-Semitism a form of racism (1998)

Actor/director/writer Kenneth Branagh born (1960)

Writer Naguib Mahfouz born (1911)

Learn more about the historical events and information on this calendar by visiting the Encyclopedia Britannica at www.britannica.com.

Gerald R. Ford sworn in as vice president of the U.S. after Spiro T. Agnewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resignation (1973)

Delaware becomes first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution (1787)

Kenya becomes a republic (1964)

Four-Power Pact signed (1921)

Winter Break

Christmas Day

First modern crossword puzzle published (1913)

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin reopens (1989)

Winter Break

President Andrew Johnson born (1808)

Treaty of SurjiArjungaon signed (1803)

15 Janet Rosenberg Jagan becomes first elected female president in South Africa (1997)

Winter Break

Reviews

TOP OF THE

December 2010 {BOOKS}

LIST

It’s Christmas, David! by David Shannon, 2010 32 pages, ages 3-7 Christmas has arrived with so many rules to follow that David fears his mistakes will cause Santa to pass him by. What’s Coming For Christmas by Kate Banks, 2009 Unpaged, ages 3-7 While a farm family bustles about, preparing for the arrival of Christmas, they do not notice the great anticipation spreading among the animals, who know that something very special is on its way. Eight Wild Nights by Brian Cleary, 2006 Unpaged, ages 5-8 A large family celebrates Hanukkah by cleaning the house, entertaining guests, and preparing delicious food. The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, 2010 267 pages, ages 8-12 Fifteen-year-old Miss Penelope Lumley, a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, is hired as governess to three young children who have been raised by wolves and must teach them to behave in a civilized manner quickly, in preparation for a Christmas ball.

Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, 2010 260 pages, ages 12 and up Told in the alternating voices of Dash and Lily, two sixteen-year-olds carry on a wintry scavenger hunt at Christmas-time in New York, neither knowing quite what—or who—they will find.

{MOVIES} Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas (1977) Emmet and Ma Otter enter a talent contest with the hopes of winning the cash prize just in time for Christmas, and learn that family, not money, is the greatest Christmas gift of all. Not rated Max and Ruby: Everybunny Loves Winter (2010) Join Max & Ruby this winter as they play and have a fun in the snow, make gingerbread houses, and even play duck duck goose! Not rated Santa Buddies (2009) When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he finds Budderball on Santa’s naughty list and figures he’s just the dog to show him how to be an ordinary pup. But when the magical Christmas Icicle starts to melt and the world begins to forget the true meaning of the season, it’s up to Puppy Paws and his newfound Buddies to save Christmas. Rated G

It’s a Very Merry Christmas Muppet Movie (2002) Evil banker Rachel Bitterman forecloses on the Muppets’ famous variety theater. But Bitterman’s machinations take a back seat when apprentice guardian angel Daniel shows Kermit what conditions would have been had Kermit never existed. Rated PG A Christmas Carol (2009) Ebenezer Scrooge begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk and his cheery nephew. But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late. Rated PG - Youth Services Staff of the Denton Public Library.

Lunchbox BITES

Easy Potatoes Au Gratin Makes 8 Servings Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 60 min Ingredients 1 2 pound package of frozen southern-style hash brown potatoes, thawed 1 cup chopped onion 1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup (can also use cream of mushroom) 1 cup fat free or light sour cream 1-1/2 cups shredded reduced fat sharp Cheddar Cheese 2 ounces reduced fat or “lite” potato chips, crushed 24 broccoli spears Pepper to taste Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat a 13x9” baking dish with canola cooking spray. Combine potatoes, onion, soup, sour cream,

December 2010

cheese, and pepper in a bowl; mix well. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish, sprinkle with potato chips and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Arrange the broccoli spears around the edge of the baking dish and bake another 15 minutes or until gratin is nice and bubbly and broccoli is just tender. Nutritional Facts Calories: 290 Total Fat: 10 g Saturated Fat: 5 g Cholesterol: 25 mg Sodium: 550 mg Calcium: 25% Daily Value Protein: 12 g Carbohydrates: 39 g Dietary Fiber: 6 g - Favorite recipe of Stephanie Bruno, Mother of 2 from Stephenson, MI

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{WHAT’S

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Library events

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Snowy StoryTime Come in from the cold and join us for stories, songs, and puppets celebrating winter. For ages 1 to 5. North Branch Library December 10 at 11:00 am Christmas Ornaments The Garden Culture Club will help us make special gourd Christmas ornaments to brighten the holiday. For ages 5 & up. Emily Fowler Central Library December 10 at 4:00 pm Christmas Crafts Make your own Christmas card & a special keepsake ornament for the tree! Best for ages 5 & up. South Branch Library December 16 at 3:30 pm

Now Enrolling Private Education Instruction Homeschool Environment • Small Class Curriculum geared for children with Dyslexia & mild learning disabilities Certified, experienced Teacher For information Call 940-390-6391

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Ages 2 to 5 PRE-K “We Learn, Abeka & Math Their Way Curriculums” ALL CLASSES HAVE SPANISH, BELLS & VOICE A COMPUTER LAB FOR PRE-K AND AFTER SCHOOLERS AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP AT LOCAL SCHOOLS $50 A WEEK Snack and supervised study and play PICK UP FOR DISD EARLY DISMISSAL. DROP IN FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS $20.00

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Santa StoryTime Ho, ho, ho! Come to the library for stories, songs, & puppets with Santa! Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa at the end of the program. Best for ages 1 to 5. South Branch Library December 9 at 10:00 & 11:00 am Emily Fowler Central Library December 15 at 11:00 am North Branch Library December 17 at 11:00 am

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Head of the Class

Courtney Morgan is 2010 Rivera Teacher of the Year Courtney Morgan has worked as a teacher for four years - all within the Denton Independent School District at Rivera Elementary. Ms. Morgan was hired as a fifth-grade teacher at the school in 2006 and has been working with fifth-graders at Rivera ever since. She is grateful to veteran teachers who helped “mold” her into the teacher she is today and is repaying the favor by serving as a mentor to student teachers from UNT

and TWU. Ms. Morgan is currently direct-

ing a class that trains teachers in the Language Arts and Social Studies Opportunities program. A former standout high school and college athlete, she is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Her teaching philosophy: “Teachers today are more than just instructors for students, they are guides that lead students down the right path by using education.”

Head of the Class

Gayla Bridges is 2010 Evers Park Teacher of the Year Gayla Bridges has been in education for 15 years - all with Denton ISD and enjoying every one of those 15 at Evers Park Elementary. Mrs. Bridges began her career as a special education paraprofessional in 1994 and moved into the third-grade classroom in 1996, where she still resides today. She is a member of the Evers Park campus leadership team, has been a part of the campus Relay For Life campaign for six years and serves

as a mentor teacher to various college students. Mrs. Bridges is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and Early Childhood Education. Her teaching philosophy: “Having patience, especially when dealing with students from various backgrounds, is the greatest asset a teacher can have in the classroom.”

Principal Profile

Meet McNair principal Flynn Name: Sean Michael Flynn Nickname: Flash (I was much younger when this name started) My School: McNair Elementary. My School’s mascot: Commanders. Where you were born: Kailua, Hawaii (Oahu) My favorite food is: seafood. My favorite color is: navy blue. My favorite subject in school was: physical education. My favorite teacher was: Mrs. Izu.

My most memorable moment

as a child was: I’ll always remember the friendships I had and still have from the high school cross country team. Do you have any pets? two dogs (Kanani – golden retriever and Kona – lab retriever) My hobbies are: running, baseball, coaching, and hanging out with my three children. The best movie I’ve ever seen is: I really like the Bourne series. (The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum)

Newton Rayzor principal learns new lessons Newton Rayzor Elementary School Principal Carlos Ramirez was one a few hundred principals from across admitted into the annual Harvard Leadership program in Cambridge, Mass. this past summer. Mr. Ramirez joined Crownover Middle School Principal Gwen Perkins as the only Denton Independent School District administrators to take part in the acclaimed program. Mr. Ramirez joined other principals in participating in one of five week-long summer institutes hosted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The Newton Rayzor principal attended a week-long workshop on urban education and he learned about the struggles many students and schools are facing across the nation. “It was very interesting, but a lot of the things they covered with us we are already addressing in our district,” Mr. Ramirez said. A graduate of the University of California-Davis, Mr. Ramirez earned his master’s degree from Chapman University in California and is currently working on his doctorate at the University of North Texas “It was cool taking classes taught by Harvard professors on the Harvard campus, but man was it a

December 2010

lot of work,” Ramirez said. “We were in class from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the day and then had two to three hours worth of reading for class the next day. By that third day I was really tired!” Mr. Ramirez hopes to one day become superintendant of a school district, which is one of the reasons he decided to attend the program. Yet after talking to other principals about their struggles and seeing the amount of work he had to put in during his week-long stay at Harvard, he came away with a valuable lesson. “We always tell our children to aim high, but high expectations are not enough. I learned that you have to have a plan – and it better be a good one – to reach those expectations, which is an experience I can share with my students,” he said.

Recycle this magazine Book Review: Calvin Coconut Trouble Magnet My new favorite book is Calvin Coconut Trouble Magnet. This book, written by Graham Salisbury and illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers, is about a boy named Calvin and his two friends. Calvin is a big trouble maker. And there is Maya, who is sweet and polite. Last, but not least, there is Julio. He is usually on Calvin’s team as a “trouble maker”, until TITO COMES! Tito is the school bully. He is in sixth grade and Calvin and the gang are only in fourth. Calvin, Maya and Julio live in Hawaii. I like this book because it is funny in a lot of different ways! This is a new Texas bluebonnet book so I think you should go to your library and check it out. - Kendyl Kohnfelder Pecan Creek Elementary, fourth grade

Health

December 2010

Students should avoid over-scheduling Are you too tired to do your homework? Do you wish you didn’t have practice this week? Is falling asleep tough when lay in bed at night? If you can answer yes to any one of these questions, then you may be under attack by the over-scheduling-under-rest monster! This monster can affect your health, friendships and social life. It can also affect your family life, especially when everyone is running around in a different direction at the same time. Adults and kids can suffer from over-scheduling – and that’s when this monster attacks. The key to avoiding the monster is to get

plenty of rest and choose activities that fit your age and abilities. Here are some simple guidelines that might help. Plan to play one sport per season or do one weekly activity during the school year. Trying to do too much and keep up with school is a recipe for disaster. Stay organized. Keep a calendar with your activities and plan ahead to make sure you get plenty of rest. Set priorities. Decide what is important and stick with it. Always remember that a chance to relax or just do nothing is just as important as doing an activity. Have an established nighttime

routine and bedtime. This makes it easier on your body to adjust to your schedule. Allowing your mind and body plenty of time to relax and get rest is also important. Reading a book or listening to soft music can put your mind at ease and even help you fall asleep. Following these guidelines and planning ahead with your family to get rest can help the over-scheduling monster stay away. While activities are important for many reasons, a growing mind and body need plenty of sleep and rest to stay healthy. - Jonita Widmer, director of health services for Denton ISD

Evers Park has new outdoor learning center The new outdoor learning center at Evers Park Elementary is a growing addition to the school campus. Known as BETSE (Better Education Through Shared Exploration), the outdoor learning center is providing a hands-on approach to science and ecology for students. BETSE consists of 20 raised dirt beds, which will be used by all Evers students and staff members to plant vegetables such as collard greens, lima beans, peas, pumpkins and many species of wildflowers. In addition to flower beds, a butterfly garden designed by Don Kenney from Painted Farms Nursery also accompanies the outdoor center. The butterfly garden houses a variety of plants ideal for

facilitating butterfly growth, such as Mexican bush, lantanas, blackfoot daisies, flame acantis and more. Many of the plants were donated by Dorothy Thetford on behalf of the Native Plant Society of Texas and represent plant-life indigenous to the area. The outdoor learning center began when the PTA paid for a fence to section the garden. From there, the garden grew into a community project, receiving aid from Titan Fence, Calloway’s, Bart’s Barn, staff members and parents. While BETSE involves much of the community, it is much more than just a community garden. - By Ben Price, Denton ISD Communications Intern