Education - Pierce County Journal

School district report card receives exceeds expectations rating

RIVER FALLS – The School District of River Falls (SDRF) received a four star rating (“Exceeds Expectations'') from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction on the 2022-23 state … more

1/17/24

RF superintendent speaks on looming referendum at council meeting

River Falls Superintendent Jamie Benson presented the need-to-know information ahead of the Feb. 10 referendum vote at the Jan. 9 River Falls City Council meeting. Benson cited the current … more

By Andrew Harrington | 1/17/24

Prescott Community Club Student of the Week: Amber Maier

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for Jan. 17 is Prescott High School freshman Amber Maier, nominated by teacher Amy Nadeau. “I have seen Amber grow academically since the … more

1/17/24

Column: Crucial Prescott referendum question explained

On Jan. 17, the Prescott School Board will be voting on a crucial referendum question seeking an additional $1.2 million in annual operating funds from district taxpayers. Following the board's … more

By Dr. Rick Spicuzza | 1/17/24

Ellsworth Supt. column: Referendum on the April 2 ballot

At the January board meeting, the Ellsworth Community School District Board of Education officially approved the resolution to move to a $25.445 million Facilities Referendum at the upcoming April 2, … more

By Barry Cain | 1/17/24

High school students work out a problem during a past Science Olympiad at UW-River Falls. About 900 students from Wisconsin, Minnesota and other Midwestern states will compete in the Science Olympiad competition at UWRF on Saturday, Jan. 20.

UWRF to host Science Olympiad competition on Jan. 20

River Falls – When about 900 high school students on 58 teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota and elsewhere across the Midwest convene at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Saturday, Jan. 20, … more

1/11/24

Prescott Community Club Students of the Week

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for Jan. 3 was freshman Collin Kosmalski, nominated by Prescott High School science teacher Cameron Meyers. “Collin has been a great … more

1/11/24

Ellsworth SB acknowledges superintendent’s retirement after 16 years

Approving the referendum question, discussing open enrollment openings and the superintendent’s upcoming retirement were some of the topics of discussion at the Ellsworth Community School … more

By Andrew Harrington | 1/11/24

River Falls School District in 2023 tied as the lowest district in the state in money it receives per pupil. In 2022, the district was 418 out of 421 districts.

SDRF voters will see 2 referendum questions Feb. 20

On Dec. 11, the River Falls School Board unanimously passed a set of resolutions that will bring two referendum questions to district voters on Feb. 20, 2024. One question will pertain to operating … more

12/28/23

RF SB prepares delegate for state assembly

In an opportunity for legislative representation at the state level, the River Falls School Board selected board member Lindsey Curtis as the delegate to attend the 2024 Wisconsin Association of … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/28/23

Rueben Nilsson was recently hired to manage the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence at UW-River Falls. University officials say his background that involves operating small- and larger-size dairy plants makes him the perfect choice to oversee the newly renovated $9 million dairy pilot plant at UW-River Falls.

UW-River Falls hires new dairy pilot plant manager

RIVER FALLS – As Rueben Nilsson makes his way through the maze of shiny metallic equipment that fill the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence at the University of … more

12/28/23

UW-River Falls students placed third in a team category and fourth in an individual competition among their peers from across North America and Europe in the American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Assessment Contest in November at UWRF. Participants included, left to right, Coach Kate Creutzinger and students Lilly Streich, Emma Hamilton, Beth McIlquham, Alli Matzek, Brooke Casey, and Shawna Sigl.

UWRF students excel in animal welfare competition

RIVER FALLS – When a team of University of Wisconsin-River Falls students competed in a competition at their home campus that included peers from across North America and Europe, it was an … more

12/28/23

PHS designates 1st trimester honor roll

PRESCOTT – Prescott High School is pleased to announce honor roll students for the first trimester of the 2023-2024 school year. A honor roll Freshmen: Kyra Dix, Zinoviya Fleming, … more

12/28/23

WMEA President Brad Schneider presents Prescott High School Principal Josh Fiege with the WMEA Distinguished Administrator Award at the annual Wisconsin State Music Conference on Oct. 25 in Madison.

PHS principal honored with WMEA Distinguished Administrator Award

WAUNAKEE – During this season of giving, Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) is proud to spotlight its 2023 service award recipients -- individuals who have sustained a commitment to … more

12/28/23

Prescott Schools will seek additional $1.2 million annually

The Prescott School Board will vote on Jan. 17 on a referendum question asking district taxpayers for an additional $1.2 million in operating funds annually. The consensus of the board at its … more

By John McLoone | 12/28/23

A cow interacts with her calf on Cheyenne Christianson’s Barron County farm. Kate Creutzinger, assistant professor of animal welfare and behavior at UW-River Falls, has received two federal grants to research the welfare of cows and calves related to their living conditions.

UWRF professor awarded federal grants to study animal welfare

RIVER FALLS – A Holstein calf just a few weeks old lay next to its mother on a late fall day in a pasture at Cheyenne Christianson’s Barron County farm, seemingly content and … more

12/20/23

Community Club Student of the Week: Kyra Dix

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for Dec. 20 is Prescott High School freshman Kyra Dix, nominated by math teacher Kayla Kinneman. “Kyra has been a phenomenal student in … more

12/20/23

This graphic shows what additions at Ellsworth High School might would look like for expanded career and technical education, fitness and concession areas. The referendum would also address building maintenance at the high and middle schools, along with the CTE area at EMS.

Ellsworth SB moves forward with facility referendum

ELLSWORTH – After parsing through community survey results at a special Dec. 6 meeting, the Ellsworth School Board Dec. 11 voted to move forward with a facility referendum model on the April 2, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/20/23

UW-River Falls commencement set for Dec. 16

RIVER FALLS – More than 300 students will receive their degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls during the fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. at Knowles … more

12/13/23

Lauren Kaminski, secretary (left) and Jenny Ames, director of community education and communication at School District of River Falls, received two awards at the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association conference held in November.

SDRF earns Spectrum Awards for Excellence and Merit in School Communications

The School District of River Falls (SDRF) was recently honored by the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) with three Spectrum Awards for its work in school communications. … more

12/13/23