Education - Pierce County Journal

Grace Anderson, Spring Valley ag teacher, donates blood. She is pictured with NHS students Maddie Shafer and Charli Vanasse, who worked at the drive.

On Nov. 17, 2023, the Spring Valley National Honor Society students hosted a blood drive at the school. It was an extremely successful day. They had 25 high school students, 19 staff members, and … more

12/13/23

In November 2022, Renaissance Charter Academy students and staff celebrated the groundbreaking of their new school building at 1355 Sunshine Ave., after a decade of being shuffled from building to building.

Renaissance Charter Academy lease agreement explained

At the Nov. 20 River Falls School Board meeting, Superintendent Jamie Benson wanted to set the record straight about the district’s lease agreement on the Renaissance Charter Academy building, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/13/23

Speaker Cory Greenwood uses his program “Your Story Matters” to teach students resilience and tools to overcome challenges.

EHS speaker will focus on teen mental health

ELLSWORTH – Teen mental health issues are a growing concern in area school districts, which is why Ellsworth High School counselors Mitchell Smith and Jessica Wiskow want students to know they … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/7/23

The results are in for ECSD referendum survey

A recent survey of Ellsworth Community School District residents revealed that a majority of voters would not support a $34.3 million referendum plan. According to Superintendent Barry Cain, 938 … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/22/23

Toni Mattson, co-owner of Trinity Equestrian Center of Eau Claire, speaks about the importance of equine assisted therapy in helping veterans better deal with the adverse impacts of their time in the military.

UWRF Veterans Day event features equine assisted therapy program

RIVER FALLS – When Toni Mattson, her husband William and her sister established Trinity Equestrian Center in 2002, they envisioned numerous ways, from trail rides to horse boarding and … more

11/16/23

From left, UW-River Falls Chancellor Maria Gallo, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, and River Falls business owners and UWRF alums Kristi and Jeff Cernohous participate in a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) building under construction at the university.

UWRF celebrates potential of SciTech building

RIVER FALLS – As supporters of the largest building project in the history of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls gathered on campus Monday for a ceremony celebrating the construction of … more

11/2/23

Footloose lead actors Lander Levers and Ava Brookshaw light up the stage during a recent dress rehearsal at Ellsworth High School.

Footloose debuts this weekend at EHS

Kick off those Sunday shoes and cut loose with a night out at Ellsworth High School’s fall musical “Footloose,” debuting this Friday. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 3 and … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/2/23

School Perceptions surveyed River Falls School District residents on support of operation and facilities referendums planned for the Feb. 20 spring primary election. This table shows how survey respondents ranked support of proposed facility projects.

River Falls School District survey shows strong support for operation referendum, $26 million in capital projects

River Falls School District voters would support two referendum initiatives which are likely to appear on the ballot for the Feb. 20 spring primary election, the school board learned at its meeting … more

By John McLoone | 10/26/23

Prescott School Board passes 2023-24 levy, but may have to ask voters for additional funds for future years at referendum

The Prescott School Board took care of current financial needs at its meeting Wednesday, Oct. 18 and is starting some tough community conversations for the coming year. With expectations for … more

By John McLoone | 10/26/23

Supt. column: Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat

The purpose of this letter is to announce my formal retirement as superintendent of the School District of River Falls, effective June 30, 2024. My overriding feelings are those of gratitude and … more

By Jamie Benson | 10/19/23

Prescott Community Club Student of the Week: Eliott Cook

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for Oct. 18 is sophomore Eliott Cook, nominated by math teacher Jenna Kadlec. “Eliott demonstrates excellence in the classroom,” … more

10/19/23

PAC Nights meant to bring school and families together

Ellsworth Community School District is hosting Parent and Child Nights for families of 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds not in school in order to nurture family and school partnerships. PAC Night … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/19/23

ECSD expects to present almost balanced budget

ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Community School District electors passed a resolution Monday, Oct. 9 at the annual meeting to levy $7,217,355 in property taxes for general school purposes, $2,208,910 … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/12/23

Prescott Schools budget is a ‘gut check’

For the first time in nine years, the Prescott School District will present an unbalanced budget to electors at the annual meeting and budget hearing, scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 in the … more

By John McLoone | 9/28/23

The Ellsworth High School addition would provide a fitness center and classroom and expanded tech ed/career areas. A small number of parking spaces would be lost south of the school, but more added to the west.

Facilities survey coming to ECSD mailboxes soon

ELLSWORTH – The way public school funding in Wisconsin is structured doesn’t allow districts to take on multi-million-dollar maintenance and building projects without going to the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/21/23

Elmwood celebrates new school staff

The following people were hired at Elmwood School District for the 2022-2023 school year. Hailey Baier Position: Agriscience/middle school science teacher Hometown: Mondovi … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 9/14/23

Ellsworth SB raises lower level officials’ pay

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth School Board voted at its Sept. 11 meeting to raise pay for event workers and game officials in hopes of retaining and recruiting those who make games happen for … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/14/23

What does an Extension family educator do?

Parenting can be really tough and sometimes families could use a little extra help. Many people don’t realize the resources available right here in Pierce County through University of Wisconsin … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/7/23

Artist Moz Rude, a May UWRF graduate, paints a base layer Tuesday at the intersection of Main and Division streets in River Falls in a collaborative street painting project in partnership with the City of River Falls. The project is designed to make the busy intersection safer and more attractive.

UWRF graduate oversees collaborative art project

RIVER FALLS – During their time as an art student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Moz Rude drove past the intersection of Main and Division streets in River Falls each school day on … more

8/31/23

Staff members new to the Ellsworth Community School District participated in orientation Thursday, Aug. 17.

Ellsworth schools see many new staff this year

Ellsworth Community School District will welcome multiple new staff members who are ready to jump into the 2023-24 school year. From music to math, meet your new Panther educators. Jared Blaeser … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 8/24/23