The Renaissance Times

• Wednesday, October 21 - Camp St. Croix Field Trip
• Friday, October 23 - Academic Friday, 2:30-3:30 pm
• Wednesday, October 28 - Student Flu Shot Clinic at RFHS
• Friday, October 30 - Academic Friday, 2:30-3:30 pm
• Friday, October 30 - End of Term 1

• Monday, November 2 - No School, Teacher In-Service
• Tuesday, November 3 - Start of Term 2
• Friday, November 13 - Academic Friday, 2:30-3:30 pm
• Friday, November 20 - Academic Friday, 2:30-3:30 pm
• Wednesday, November 25-Friday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Break

District Calendar

Renaissance Academy Important Events

Daily Schedule

Two-Hour Delay Schedule

All dates subject to change

• Magenta S. - Magenta is always willing to help others with anything they need. She shows leadership and students look up to her. She went to the Build My Future field trip and was very enthusiastic to try new/hard things. You could say that she was curious about what she wanted to do as a career. She feels comfortable putting herself out there. Nominated by Ms. Elsenpeter and Ms. Powell.

• Ava Z. - Ava has been doing an absolutely amazing job with advocating for herself and staying curious about life itself for her future. Setting goals for after graduation and wanting to continue to grow as an individual. She did an amazing job at the College Fair being dressed professionally and was respectful to college admissioners. She is open and curious about utilizing available resources in school and in the community. Nominated by Mr. Frandsen and Ms. Graham

Pierce County Public Health will provide free flu immunization clinics during the school day for school-aged children. Immunizations are available at no cost to all students, regardless of insurance status.

Meyer, Westside and Montessori date: Tuesday, Oct. 27

RFHS (RCA students will be driven to RFHS), Greenwood, and Rocky Branch date: Wednesday, Oct. 28

If you would like your child to receive a flu immunization, a parent/legal guardian must complete a permission form unless the student is 18 or older. Parents do not need to be present at the clinic.

Complete the flu clinic permission form:

Meyer Middle School

Westside

Montessori

RFHS (RCA)

Greenwood

Rocky Branch

Paper permission forms are available in the office.

Attention Senior Families! Senior portraits are due November 1st.

These photos are used for both the River Falls High School yearbook and the graduation ceremony big screen as students walk across the stage.

Photo Requirements:

• Format: Must be a vertical, color digital file (no black & white, sepia, or heavy filters).

• Self-Taken: Self-taken photos are accepted if they meet the formatting standards and look professional.

• Strict Deadline: November 1, 2026. Portrait processing can take months, so please schedule your session immediately if you haven't already.

How to Submit: Remind your photographer to provide a digital file, then email the photo to yearbook.highschool@rfsd.k12.wi.us with the student’s first and last name. For any questions, contact the yearbook team at the same email address.

This is a reminder to complete and submit your updated immunization records. Requirements changed two years ago and the Meningococcal vaccination is required at 7th grade and a booster going into 12th grade.

The school must receive your updated records showing your student is in compliance with required immunizations or submit the signed waiver ASAP. Students out of compliance and without a waiver can be excluded from school starting in October 14th.

Feel free to reach out to the District Nurse Kelsey Green with any questions at kelsey.green@rfsd.k12.wi.us.

Bridging Brighter Smiles provides preventive dental hygiene services at school during the school day. Services are provided at no cost, and all students are welcome!

RCA students will be transported to RFHS for services.

Date: TBD

Register: Bridgingbrightersmiles.org/forms

Services include: Teeth cleaning, oral screening, fluoride varnish, dental sealants, X-rays, teledentistry, oral health education and more.

Questions? Call 262-896-9891. ForwardHealth (BadgerCare) accepted.

Help your student beat the after-school hunger! RCA is excited to offer The RCA Recharge snack station right after dismissal.

• Daily Snacks (Mon–Thu): Quick bites to keep energy up for homework, work, and the ride home courtesy of Our Neighbors Place.

• Friday Weekend Packs: Thanks to the River Falls Community Pantry, students can pick up extra, more substantial food offerings on Fridays to take home for the weekend.

Station Hours:

• Mon – Thu: 2:25 PM – 2:35 PM

• Fri: 2:30 PM – 2:40 PM

Remind your student to make a quick pit stop before heading home!

Spilled a drink? Forgot deodorant before PE? A little sibling used a clean hoodie as a napkin? We’ve all been there!

To help our students feel clean, confident, and refreshed, RCA is proud to offer Fold and Fluff Friday, our very own on-site laundry service!

If your child needs a quick refresh or laundry help during the school week, let them know we’ve got them covered!

Mr. Kallenbach is excited to offer free guitar lessons for students Monday through Friday!

Weekly Schedule:

• Before School: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri)

• Lunchtime: Monday – Friday during lunch

• After School: 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM (Mon – Fri)

Have your student reach out to Mr. Kallenbach if they would like to participate!

Renaissance Charter Academy wants all students to be successful. Academic Fridays provide the opportunity for students to receive additional assistance on missing assignments or exams.

Academic Fridays are held on every Friday from 2:30-3:30 pm, except the first Friday of the month.

Your student will be notified on Wednesdays if they need to attend Academic Friday. Parents will be notified on Thursdays that their student will need to attend. Once a student has completed their missing work, they may leave

Students who are failing classes, missing more than five (5) formative assignments or any summative assignments will be required to stay on Fridays from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm to receive academic support.

This applies to Work-Based Learning students. If your student does not attend, the attendance policy will apply.

The goal of Academic Fridays is to eliminate missing work from piling up and creating anxiety. Last year it was a huge success ~ we expect the same for this year!

There is a bus available from RCA to the elementary schools after Academic Fridays. Students should let the main office know by 2:00 on Fridays if they need a bus after Academic Friday.

Need a little help this Christmas? Sharing Families assists local families in need by providing a joyful Christmas for their children through coordinated gifts.

Access Sharing Families application

Accepting the first 160 applications only. If not reached, application will close on November 6.

Questions? Email rfsharingfamilies@gmail.com

Our Neighbor’s Place (ONP) Backpack Program provides nutritious, kid-friendly groceries to families with children in our school district who are experiencing financial hardship. Sign up at any time during the school year by completing this application.

Questions? Contact Shelly: shelly.smith@ourneighborsplace.org.

Attention parents & teens! FREE resource for high school teens!

PULSE is a virtual community designed to support high school teens through guided, meaningful conversations. Participants build confidence, reduce loneliness, learn tools to navigate anxiety and peer pressure, and strengthen emotional and social skills. Weekly chats co-moderated by a pediatrician & college ambassador!

MORE INFO & SIGN UP: https://www.bridgehealthconsulting.com/about-4

Students who are interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities for life after high school are encouraged to visit our Scholarship Website. There, you’ll find up-to-date information on available local, state, and national scholarships, application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and helpful tips for completing strong applications.

Whether you’re planning to attend a college, university, or technical school, or pursue other post-secondary programs, the site is a valuable resource to help you find financial support for your next steps.

Students, this is your chance!

Looking to earn some extra cash or gain valuable work experience this summer? Check out the Regional Job Board for a variety of exciting opportunities available right here in our area!

Why check out the job board?

• Local job listings for summer employment

• Flexible positions for students of all ages

• Opportunities in various industries: retail, hospitality, office work, lawn care, childcare and more!

📅 Don’t miss out – start applying today!

💻 Make sure to continue to check or bookmark this job board for new job opportunities!

West CAP is gearing up to once again provide energy assistance for families who need help with their heating and electric bills for this coming season. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of energy costs, but it is not intended to cover the entire energy costs of a residence. The amount of assistance depends on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy expenses. In most cases, the benefit is paid directly to the household’s energy supplier. Crisis assistance is also available for those who have no heat, are nearly out of fuel or electricity has been or will soon be shut off.

For those enrolled in WHEAP, West CAP can also provide Weatherization services to help renters and homeowners reduce their energy costs and improve the comfort and safety of the home. Common improvements include insulation, sealing air leaks, updating heating systems, and installing energy-saving appliances. Visit our website for details on how to apply.

• Our free and reduced-price school breakfast and lunch program is available year-round. Applications can be completed anytime. Learn more and apply for free and reduced meals. For questions or assistance with the school meal program, contact Rita Turner, 715-425-1830 ext. 3724.

• The River Falls Community Food Pantry welcomes all families in need: Visit RF Community Food Pantry website at www.rfcfp.org.

• Families with children under 5 may be eligible for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for nutrition support. Visit WIC website at wiwicstrong.com

• Our Neighbor’s Place Backpack program - Our Neighbor’s Place (ONP) Backpack program provides food to families in our school district who are experiencing financial hardship. Apply online for the ONP Backpack Program. Contact Shelly at ONP with questions: 715-426-9000 or shelly.smith@ourneighborsplace.org .

Graduation Central

• Welcome to Graduation Central — your one-stop source for all things related to the Class of 2026 graduation!
• In every newsletter leading up to graduation day, this section will highlight important upcoming deadlines for seniors, requests for senior activities, and specific graduation events/dates/times.
  
• Be sure to check every newsletter for the "Class of 2026 Graduation Central" and "Graduation Hub" for updates. Together, they serve as your go-to resources to stay informed, prepared, and on track for a successful and memorable graduation experience.
• If you have questions about senior year milestones or graduation planning, chances are you'll find the answers here!

Cap & Gown Ordering

• Order at Jostens by Monday, October 19 to avoid a late fee.

Yearbook Senior Portraits

• Senior photos due November 1

Graduation Hub

• All things graduation!!!

Graduation

• Sunday, June 6, at 1:00pm (date subject to change)
• Main High School Gym

• Dual Enrollment: Students are enrolled in both Renaissance Charter Academy and River Falls High School. Please note that some communications from RFHS may not apply to your student. If you’re unsure, call the RCA main office at 715-425-7687.

• Parking Lot: Our parking lot is limited in space. When dropping off or picking up students, please pull all the way into a parking spot and remain there until your student is safely in your vehicle. We also ask that you drive slowly, stay alert for students walking, and be mindful of other vehicles.

• Smoke-Free Campus: Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on school grounds, including the parking lot. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Cell phones, AirPods, headphones, and other electronic devices are not permitted during class. Students must keep them stored in a locker, teacher’s organizer, or on silent/off in their pocket.

Consequences for violations:

• 1st Offense: Phone goes to the main office (student may pick it up at the end of the day), violation logged, parent/guardian notified by email/letter.

• 2nd Offense: Phone goes to office; student checks it in daily for 5 days. Parent/guardian notified by call and email.

• 3rd Offense: Daily phone check-in for the rest of the term. Parent/guardian notified. Continued violations may lead to in-school suspension and possible removal from RCA.

Did your student leave something on the bus? Check out our new Lost & Found page to see items we've recently found on our school buses.

See an item that belongs to you?

Stop by our transportation office at 805 W Locust St. or call 715-425-1808 to make arrangements.

Items not claimed within 30–60 days may be donated.

To report an absence, please use one of the following methods:

• Infinite Campus Parent Portal
• Call the main office: 715-425-7687
• Email the front office: jill.dexheimer@rfsd.k12.wi.us

Please note that student's that are over 18 still are required to have a parent or guardian call in to excuse them.

Important Notes:

• Absence requests submitted via Infinite Campus require a minimum of 1 hour for processing.
• If you need to enter an absence or an early release within an hour of the required time, please call the office directly at 715-425-7687.

Success begins with showing up—students who attend regularly feel a stronger sense of belonging and are more likely to succeed. Below is a quick overview of our attendance expectations.

• Reporting absences: Enter through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or call your school’s secretary (715-425-7687)

• Half-day absence: Missing 15 minutes up to 50% of the school day

• Full-day absence: Missing 50% or more of the school day

• Chronic absence: Missing more than 10% of school days (about 18 days, or 2 per month)

• Excused absences: Accepted reasons, including medical appointments with documentation

• Unexcused/truant absences: When no acceptable excuse is provided (15 minutes or more counts as part of a day)

• Allowed each school year:

  • 10 oral or written absences from a parent/guardian

  • 4 oral or written parent/guardian illness absences

• Extended illness: Notes must be renewed every 30 days

If a student has five (5) or more unexcused absences, they may take part in a Truancy Diversion Plan. This 8-week program helps students get back on track with attendance through clear goals, ongoing check-ins, and personalized support.

Key Components:

• Personalized Goals: Students will receive weekly attendance goals outlined on their plan sheet.
  

• Staff Mentor Assignment: Each student will be paired with a staff mentor for a weekly 5-10 minute check-in.
  

• Weekly Check-Ins: Students will meet with Ms. Graham weekly to review progress and access support. The SBIRT program will also be applied.
  

• Family Communication: An initial and final meeting with staff and parents/guardians. Families will receive weekly progress emails and must confirm receipt. Daily absence notifications will continue through Infinite Campus.

Students can take part in this program once each school year. If they meet their goals and finish the plan, they will avoid a truancy ticket or referral to the county while in the program.

From the Parent Portal, you can:

• View your student’s assignments, progress reports, grades, schedules, & unofficial transcripts.
• Enter and monitor absences and appointments for all of your students within your household.
• View communications sent over Infinite Campus Messenger.
• View paid & unpaid student fees.
• Contact the main office, 715-425-7687, to get an account.

Infinite Campus Student/Parent Infinite Campus Portal

Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal

New Student Enrollment Information

Student Handbook

Backpack Program
Bus Information

RCA Parking Permits

Health Services Document Page

River Falls School District Annual Notices

Work Permit Information (Apply Online)

Regional Jobs Board

Speak up Speak Out Tipline

Annual Notices

The Renaissance Academy website is your go-to hub for staying connected and informed. On our site, you’ll find:

• Calendars: A full look at upcoming events and yearly overviews

• Daily Schedules: Keep track of your student’s day-to-day routine

• 2-Hour Delay Schedules: Quickly access our adjusted schedule during weather delays

• Family Tools: Helpful information about platforms such as Infinite Campus

• Student Resources: The handbook, policies, graduation requirements, and more

• Community Resources: A variety of local supports available to families

We encourage families to visit the website regularly to stay updated on all things Renaissance Academy!

Address: 1355 Sunshine Avenue, River Falls, WI 54022
Phone: 715-425-7687
Fax: 715-200-5918

RCA Main Office Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 8:00 am – 3:45 pm
• Wednesday: 8:30 am – 3:45 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am – 2:45 pm

Day School Hours

• Monday–Thursday: 8:30 am – 3:25 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
• Academic Friday: Every Friday except the first Friday of the month, 2:30–3:30 pm

GEDO2 School Hours

• Monday–Friday: 8:30–11:30 am