Embracing Winter and Celebrating Growth: January Updates |
Greetings,
As a lifelong resident of Wisconsin or Minnesota, it can be a challenge to find new and exciting ways to describe the long, frigid days that are frequent in January. At least a few times, as I have shoveled snow, walked carefully on an icy sidewalk, or lamented forgetting to wear my hat, I have muttered ‘Why do I live here?’ However, January marks an important time in our schools. We reached the midpoint of the year, students are learning and growing in new ways, and the positive smiles and connections help us navigate winter.
I hope you enjoy our January e-newsletter!
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MLK’s Impact On Public Schools
On January 20, 2025 we set aside time to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. Dr. King had a profound impact on the pursuit of civil rights in America. One of his most powerful legacies is his impact on public education. Dr. King advocated for the desegregation of schools and banning discrimination in schools. His leadership, along with the contribution of many other Civil Rights leaders, fundamentally changed all aspects of public schools. As we reflect on this impact, it is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made towards equal access to educational opportunities, while also recognizing the need to continually address inequalities in our schools.
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Recognizing our Buildings and Grounds Team
At a recent School Board Meeting, the administrative team highlighted the critical importance of our Buildings and Grounds Team. The team is responsible for over 800,000 square feet of school and support facilities. The 10 separate facilities are located on over 160 acres of land. The B&G department is responsible for maintenance, care and cleaning of these spaces. Despite facing staffing shortages, B&G personnel are efficient, knowledgeable and able to address most building systems issues. The team takes pride in creating a healthy, safe and welcoming school for students, as well as leveraging our schools for community use. In a recent week, our schools hosted over 100 different activities. Buildings are used early in the morning for community lap swim and walking clubs. After school, students use the buildings for school sports and clubs. In the evening and on weekends, community members participate in community education activities, city parks and recs programs, and community based organizations use facilities for sports, events, and practices. The B&G team handles the logistics of these events, while still maintaining a high level of cleanliness in our schools. We are thankful for this dedicated team.
With Gratitude,
David Bell
Superintendent
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Important Dates
Jan 24 End of Quarter Two (secondary level)
Jan 27 No School (Teacher In-Service)
Jan 28 Beginning of Quarter Three (secondary level)
Feb 13 MMS Parent-Teacher Conferences
Feb 17 No School for grades K-8, Virtual Day for grades 9-12
Feb 18 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences
Feb 20 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences
Feb 24 RFHS & RCA Parent-Teacher Conferences
The Board of Education meetings are streamed on the district YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/schooldistrictofriverfalls
2024-25 BOARD MEETINGS: Feb 17, Mar 24, Apr 21, May 19, June 16
*School board agendas are available the Friday before each meeting.
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RF4C Informational Sessions
New to the RF4C program? Parents are encouraged to attend one of our RF4C Informational Sessions.
Topics include online registration, transportation, site placement, preschool screening, and important dates. All meetings are held at RF Public Montessori Media Center, 421 W. Maple St. in River Falls. Learn more and sign up to attend a session here.
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Montessori Application Window Currently Open
Interested in River Falls Public Montessori? The application window closes on February 3 at 3 pm. Learn more here.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
#rfpride
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Spreading Smiles: RFHS Student Creates Oral Care Kits for the Community | |
RFHS sophomore Kaylie Cegielski says she’s always enjoyed going to the dentist. “I was that kid who asked to have my teeth painted [with fluoride] twice. I have always loved going to the dentist!” When Kaylie was required to shadow a dentist as part of a HOSA (Health Occupation Student Association) competition requirement, she expected that she would continue to learn more about the ins and outs of dentistry. What she didn’t realize is that the experience would enable her to connect surplus resources to community needs.
While job shadowing with Jensen Family Dental in Bayport, MN, Kaylie discovered three large boxes of unopened, expired toothpaste at the dental office. She learned that dentists weren’t allowed to give out expired toothpaste tubes, but that the toothpaste still had effectiveness for up to two years.
An idea was born. What if she could assemble toothpaste kits and distribute them to those in need? “I asked them if I could have the toothpaste boxes, and they said yes.” Kaylie spoke with RFHS staff and students to gather their ideas on how to distribute these items to those in need. She also contacted other local dentists to ask if they would be willing to contribute items for community care kits. An overwhelming ‘yes’ response was given from the six dental offices Kaylie contacted.
While assembling the kits, Kaylie realized she was short on a few items. RFHS staff and students stepped up with their own donations. In the end, Kaylie assembled 398 oral hygiene kits for adults, children, and infants, each containing items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, and dental floss.
Kaylie says her initial idea was to create holiday care packages for people who need them, but gathering and assembling them took a little longer than expected. “Everyone thinks about toys and money and all that stuff for the holidays, but no one really thinks about hygiene. A tube of toothpaste is, what, maybe $5? It’s expensive.”
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RFHS sophomore Kaylie Cegielski assembled nearly 400 oral hygiene kits to support local community organizations. |
She has distributed the kits to the River Falls Food Pantry, Our Neighbor’s Place, and Wiley’s Wardrobe, a free resource at River Falls High School. Nearly two-thirds of the kits were given to Catholic Charities, as well as a homeless shelter in Maplewood, MN. “I wanted most of the kits to go to the shelter because the people actually live there,” said Kaylie. “Hygiene care was on their list of needs.”
Kaylie’s experience showcases how career exploration can align with community service. It has confirmed her career path while exposing her to real-world healthcare challenges and the positive impact she can have on her community. “I love everything dental! I definitely want to pursue the dental industry and become a dentist.”
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is an international organization dedicated to preparing students for careers in healthcare. With a mission to educate, collaborate, and empower students to become leaders in the global health community, HOSA plays a vital role in shaping future healthcare professionals. At River Falls High School, the HOSA chapter boasts over 60 active members.
The School District of River Falls values community partnerships to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. To learn more about RFHS HOSA or explore partnership opportunities with the district, contact Jenny Ames at jennifer.ames@rfsd.k12.wi.us.
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Our district earned two Spectrum Awards from the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA):
- Award of Excellence – 2024 Referendum Campaign
- Award of Merit – Website Overhaul
These awards celebrate outstanding school communication in Wisconsin!
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This month, over 100 RFHS seniors took part in Exit Interviews, presenting their resumes, portfolios, and post-graduation plans to more than 60 community volunteers. This event is held multiple times throughout the year to help seniors prepare for post-secondary success.
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Renaissance Academy Alum Update!
Congratulations to Renaissance Academy Alumni Dylan Salfer, who was recognized as the Best Blues Guitarist during the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee!
The Dylan Salfer Band also placed third overall in the band competition.
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These Meyer Middle School 7th and 8th graders created scripts, storyboards and collaborated with other schools in a 3-part workshop led by a real screenwriter! | |
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The Western Wisconsin College and Career Fair was a huge success! Students and families connected with over 70 post-secondary institutions and nearly 30 local businesses, exploring career options, job opportunities, and educational pathways from tech colleges, universities, military and apprenticeships across 10+ states.
The January event was held at RFHS and included registration assistance and classroom visits for incoming students.
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Learning is fun with River Falls 4 Children (RF4C)!
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Puzzle success at The University Preschool | |
Cooking at Little Adventures 2 | | | |
Rocky Branch Elementary students are excited to raise brown trout through the "Trout in the Classroom" program.
Fifth graders take the lead as Wildlife Artists, Trout Researchers or Water Quality Testers. Over 50 students joined this year, and with the support of the WI DNR and Kiap-TU-Wish, the trout will be released into the Willow River this spring.
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Snowy hearts warm the soul at RFPME! | Greenwood students stay cozy as they enjoy independent reading and make text connections! | |
Westside first graders had a magical Polar Express experience! | |
Grateful for Our Community | |
Thank you to the River Falls Lions Club for their generous $7,000 donation which will be used to support our district’s ongoing mental health resources for students, including counseling services and activities that promote well-being. | |
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River Falls State Bank employees raised $750 for Wiley’s Wardrobe through their annual treat bag fundraiser! Each year, they assemble and sell treat bags for Halloween and Christmas, with proceeds going to a local charity chosen by employee vote. | |
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In partnership with families and the community, the School District of River Falls is an innovative PK-12 grade educational leader committed to the academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being of every student. | |
Our district e-newsletter is one way we hope to increase connections and communication between the School District of River Falls and our community. We'll periodically share our "good news" and other important information about our district in this publication. You are receiving this district communication because you are a School District of River Falls parent/guardian, staff, or Community Education participant. Individuals who do not currently have students in our district can still receive this communication by subscribing to it. | | | | |