November 2023

Project Oversight Committee (POC) makes referendum recommendation

In June 2022, the Board approved a comprehensive District Strategic Plan that included Goal Area #5: Operational Excellence to include planning and communication related to financial plans, enrollment projections, and facility needs. The Board commissioned independent firms to study enrollment trends, facility needs, and to conduct a community survey.

The Board appointed the Project Oversight Committee (POC) to prioritize the master facility needs assessment developed by LHB Architect and Kraus-Anderson construction management firm.

After the POC narrowed down the comprehensive facility study and related needs, the district surveyed the community to gather opinions related to potential facility projects, to provide background information related to facility options, identify projected costs, and to provide preliminary property tax impact estimates of potential referendum projects.

The POC analyzed community survey results, then brought their final recommendation to the full Board on November 20.

The next step in moving toward a February 20, 2024 referendum will be for the Board to approve the formal resolutions on December 11, 2023, stating the exact language to be included on the February referendum ballot for two questions.

Look for more information soon on our website and in future emails and ENews editions. View our Referendum Guidebook here.

Below is a summary detailing the financial request associated with each question.

Here is a summary of the process the Board used to gather input and information.

American Education Week

Earlier this month we celebrated American Education Week, a time to recognize and celebrate our district and ALL of the people who play a role in educating our youth and making our district a great place to learn.

A few fun facts about our district:

Total employees: 518
Total # of subs: 100
Longest employment in the district: 42 years!
# of teachers with a masters degree or higher: 155

From Superintendent Benson: "This week we celebrate that YOU have all chosen to be part of this commitment to educate and serve children in our schools. Bus drivers, teachers, food servers, buildings/grounds staff, pupil service team members, paras, administrators, supervisors, coordinators, coaches, advisors, secretaries, Kids Club -- thank you all!"

Each year, student artwork is selected to be featured on American Education week cards that are distributed to all staff. This year's artwork features a bluebird by Solomon Johnson and colorful leaves in radial symmetry by Macy Lubich.

Community Connections

Did you know that 473 students are participating in Kids Club this year?

River Falls Kids Club provides before and after-school care for students (K-grade 5) who are enrolled at Greenwood, Rocky Branch, Westside and RF Public Montessori schools.

Not sure if you need child care? Secure a spot by registering now in the event you need regular or last minute care. Registration information is found at https://rfsd.ce.eleyo.com.

While there isn't yet snow on the ground....summer Kids Club information will be available February 1 on our website.

You are invited to...

Share your career with RFHS students! Each month, RFHS hosts guest speakers who provide valuable insight and inspiration to students regarding potential future careers.

Interested? Register at https://bit.ly/3MdTyTY.

River Falls Performing Arts and RFHS Theatre presents...

Anything Goes! Tickets are on sale now at: rfpa.ludus.com

Performance dates: Dec 1, 2, 3, 9 & 10.

Important Dates

Nov 29 Lunch with the Superintendent (Rocky Branch)

Nov 30 End of Trimester One (Elementary level)

Dec 4 Lunch with the Superintendent (Westside)

Dec 11 Special Board Meeting

Dec 14 Lunch with the Superintendent (Montessori)

Dec 18 Monthly Board of Education Meeting

Dec 20 Coffee with the Superintendent (District Office)

Dec 25-29 No School (Winter break)

2023-24 BOARD MEETINGS

Dec 18, Jan 22, Feb 19, March 25, April 15,

April 22 (Board reorganizational meeting), May 20, June 17

*School board agendas are available the Friday before each meeting.

#rfpride

A successful fall for RFHS athletics & activities

Volleyball - regional champs / sectional champs / state qualifiers

Cross Country - 2 state qualifiers (Quin Andrews & Jonah Majerus)

Girls Golf - 4th place sectionals finish, 1 state qualifier (Mahlia McCane)

Girls Swim/Dive - 1 state qualifier (Rachel Everson)

Marching Band - State Champions!

RFHS State Champion Marching Band

MMS students donated a total of 1,460 pounds of food and $6,526.89 in monetary donations to the RF Food Pantry through their Penny Wars this month! Mrs. Olson's TA won the food drive (510 items collected) and had the highest positive money total ($747.27).

MMS Counseling Dept held their first annual Mental Health Awareness Week. Throughout the week students were provided with information and activities to raise awareness and promote healthy discussions around mental health.

RFHS CATS (Connecting All Together Socially) held their annual Halloween Spooktacular Dance & Costume Party in October.

Students at Rocky Branch collected 412 items for the Food Pantry during their Halloween Food Drive! Since they exceeded their goal of 400 items, Mrs. Bingenheimer dressed like a turkey for a day. 🦃

RFPME students in Maggie Watson and Markell Lockwood's class peel vegetables for their Stone Soup meal.

Recently multiple RFHS students participated in the State Honors (All State) Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Choirs, and the UW Eau Claire Honors Band.

State Honors students:

Gabe Gilles, Collin Jalowitz, and Ben Jaeckel in the Band. Adria Kissinger and Kaelyn Tape in the Orchestra. Jackson Range in the Jazz Ensemble. Avery Kannel, Genevieve Kerr, Addie Smith, Dylan Conrad, Brenna Frank, Evelyn Ashbach, Max Egan, Lauren Tlougan and Ellea Maloney in the Choirs.

Students at the Renaissance Academy celebrated Spirit Week. Students competed all week to showcase the most school spirit and the winning team earned a chance to pie their teachers.

All four elementary schools hosted Math & Muffins, an event where students can teach the special adult in their lives about the fun math games they play at school, all while enjoying tasty muffins!

Nearly 150 people attended the Looney Lutherans: Hotdish on the Range, offered by Community Education. This fun-filled show was followed by a hotdish luncheon, complete with jello!

Published author at RFHS!

This fall, RFHS freshman Leila Dexheimer published "The Gold King," a fantasy adventure novel.

RFHS students excelled at the Finance Investment Challenge Bowl at CVTC in Eau Claire this month, winning first and third place. This is their second championship win in the past three years, and they will advance to the state tournament in Madison in May.

Check out these amazing pet portraits made by our talented River Falls Community Education participants in the Mosaic Pet Portrait class. Register for RFCE activities at rflearns.org.

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 new 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.