District E-Newsletter

Another school year is upon us! A new school year is a new opportunity for students to engage in new learning, attempt a new activity, meet new friends, and commit to long-term goals.

Our staff is committed to partnering with families to provide learning opportunities in a safe and positive environment at each of our schools. Students succeed when parents, students, and staff establish clear lines of communication. Over the first weeks of school, open houses, newsletters, and emails or phone calls home will be used to connect families to our schools. We have a strong tradition of family engagement, which we appreciate and do not take for granted. I encourage families to reach out to teachers, front office staff, and principals if you have any questions or are in need of more information.

One joy of serving as the superintendent is that I am in and around our schools every day. Witnessing our students' academic, social, emotional, and physical development firsthand is inspiring. I am continually impressed by their enthusiasm and curiosity, and I am excited about the possibilities this year holds for each of them.

This school year marks the final year of the district’s five-year strategic plan. Over the next five years, our district will face challenges regarding enrollment, funding, student needs, and shifting state and federal priorities.

Your input will be critical as we navigate these challenges and stay focused on our mission: inspiring all students through challenging, meaningful, and engaging learning in a safe environment. We are committed to seeking your feedback through a variety of methods. In October, the School Board will be sending a survey to everyone in our district. The survey will be facilitated by School Perceptions and each resident will have a chance to complete the confidential survey online or via a paper copy. We look forward to this important step in the planning process.

David Bell

Superintendent

The School District of River Falls Annual Meeting/Budget Hearing will be held Monday, September 28, at 6 p.m. at Meyer Middle School (MMS). The regular School Board meeting will follow at 7 p.m. or immediately following the Annual Meeting.

Please note the new location: Both meetings will be held at MMS this year.

On October 5 at 10 a.m., we’ll be testing our emergency communication system. Families may receive a test message based on their communication preferences in Infinite Campus, including phone, text and/or email. This is only a test. No response or action is needed when you receive the message.

Before the test, please take a moment to make sure your contact information and communication preferences in Infinite Campus are up to date. This helps ensure you receive important district and emergency messages.

How to check your Infinite Campus settings:

1. Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

2. Click the user menu.

3. Go to Settings → Contact Preferences.

4. Confirm your phone numbers and email addresses.

5. Choose your Phone, Text and/or Email Preferences, then click Save.

If you need help checking your settings, please contact your child's school.

If you haven't yet set up your Parent Portal account, view instructions for setting up your account.

Remember: The message you receive as part of this test is only a test. No action is needed.

Thank you for helping us keep our communication systems accurate and ready.

Join Superintendent Bell for a free cup of coffee at the district office, 852 E. Division St., on October 8 at 7 am. Hear a quick update on our upcoming strategic plan and share your thoughts as we look ahead. All are welcome! No registration required.

Parents of toddlers and preschoolers are invited to join the RFHS Child Development class for a fun morning of crafts, games, puppetry, stories and music led by RFHS students!

Fridays, October 2, 9, 16 & 23
9:25–10:30 a.m. | River Falls High School

More information and permission form

The Donaldson Foundation donated $14,000 to support the RFHS welding program. The funds will help replace aging equipment, upgrade welding tables, and improve student safety.

Thank you to the Donaldson Foundation for supporting hands-on learning and career preparation!

The School District of River Falls received a $10,000 Environmental Grant from the St. Croix Valley Foundation to support outdoor learning and restoration at the River Falls School Forest.

The grant will help provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in pre-K through fifth grade, including an outdoor learning station, bat and bird houses, and improved trail signage. Thank you, St. Croix Valley Foundation, for your generous grant!

Congratulations to Westside art teacher Salena White and RFHS teacher Jake Dreifort, who received Everwood Farmstead Foundation grants. Thank you to the Everwood Farmstead Foundation for supporting our educators and students!

September

Looking Ahead - Future Board Meetings:

October 26, November 23, December 21, January 18, February 15, March 22, April 19, May 17, June 21

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

All meetings are held at the district office, 852 East Division Street, unless otherwise indicated.

The Board of Education meetings are streamed on the district YouTube channel. View District YouTube Channel.

A few of our upcoming offerings. Scholarships available! Contact jennifer.ames@rfsd.k12.wi.us.

You're receiving this message because you are a district parent/guardian, employee, or have previously subscribed to our community email list. If you unsubscribed from our emails in the past, we apologize for the inconvenience. You can update your subscription preferences at the bottom of this email.

There will be several ways to share your ideas and feedback, including Coffee with the Superintendent (October 8, November 11, December 2), applying to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee (information coming soon), and completing the October community survey.

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 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.