Education - Pierce County Journal

UW-River Falls student composer and film director Landon Zientara directs the UWRF Cinema Symphony during a daylong screen scoring recording session held April 26 in Abbot Concert Hall. “Vigil,” the film Zientara directed and scored, will be shown at a free premiere along with the documentary, “Screen Scoring at UWRF,” directed by Casey Palbicki, a senior lecturer in music and stage and screen arts, Sunday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. in Blanche Davis Theatre in Kleinpell Fine Arts, 420 E. Cascade Ave., River Falls.

UW-River Falls hosts student film and screen scoring documentary premiere

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin–River Falls will host a free film premiere Sunday, Sept. 21, featuring the short film “Vigil,” with direction and a musical score by … more

9/17/25

New UW-River Falls students gather on campus with the Marching Falcons marching band and Freddy Falcon mascot to begin Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 30. UWRF saw a 5% increase in new first year students enrolled this fall, based on preliminary estimates.

UWRF sees increase in first year students, steady enrollment overall for 2025-26

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls saw a 5% increase in new first year student enrollment this fall, according to preliminary estimates based on day one student counts, while … more

9/17/25

Stacks of play money line a table as a participant tries to make ends meet with a limited budget at the 2024 Poverty Simulation at UW-River Falls. The university and community partners will host the simulation again on Monday, Sept. 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom in the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls.

UWRF to host poverty simulation to highlight realities facing working families

RIVER FALLS – Across the St. Croix Valley, countless families work hard yet still struggle to afford life’s basics. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls and partners will shine a … more

9/17/25

Supt. Jim Reif used this graphic to show the Prescott School Board how state funds and local taxes funding the district have essentially flip-flopped, thanks to increasing property values and decreasing student enrollment numbers.

PSD estimates increase in mil rate for 2025-26

PRESCOTT – Prescott School Board members combed through the proposed 2025-26 budget in detail at the Sept. 10 meeting. While final numbers aren’t in yet, district residents should expect … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/17/25

Prescott Hall of Fame to induct 3 new members

PRESCOTT – The three latest inductees into the Prescott Hall of Fame will be honored at a banquet Oct. 4 in the Prescott High School Commons. Dennis Gagnier Dennis Gagnier enters the … more

9/17/25

School board discusses $1 million expenditure difference from budget

ELLSWORTH — During the Sept. 10 Ellsworth School Board meeting, the board heard the preliminary year-end unaudited budget for the 2025-26 school year. After budgeting for a $390,419 … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/17/25

Safety Day 2024 at Chippewa Valley Technical College.

CVTC’s Safety Day to unveil new Safety Training Center

EAU CLAIRE – Chippewa Valley Technical College is set to host Safety Day – a hands-on conference where participants will learn about a wide range of safety and health-related topics from … more

9/17/25

The 2025 Elmwood High School Homecoming Court includes (not pictured in order) seniors Taylor Asher, Nevaeh Zahara, Braeden Bechel, Austin Krentz, Keyden Muniz; juniors Tessa Asher and Camren Hokanson; sophomores Haylee Borst and Tegan Crandall; and freshmen Mikenna Manor and Easton Hardy.

Homecoming Week begins for EPC students

Elmwood and Plum City school districts will celebrate Homecoming Sept. 22-27 with a full roster of activities, including dress up days, pep fests and student/staff competitions. Elmwood’s … more

Staff report | 9/17/25

Ellsworth personnel issue erupts into national news

The Ellsworth Community School District was forced into a national controversy with a post by a staff member last week regarding the assassination of conservative activist and influencer Charlie … more

By John McLoone | 9/16/25

Prescott Community Club Student of the Week: Karlee Wall

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for Sept. 10 is Prescott High School junior Karlee Wall, who was nominated by PHS staff to be the WILS Representative last year for her great … more

9/10/25

The Prescott Foundation presented the Prescott School District with a $10,000 donation at the Aug. 20 school board meeting. The money will fund a PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Lab used for vocational training and assessments for students in special education. Pictured (from left): Holly Randolph and Sarah Parkos (foundation directors), Sandy Strand (Student Services), Helena Yanish (Special Education teacher), Julie Ryan and Shayna Reichert (foundation directors).

Prescott School Board goes over policy changes, new handbook additions

PRESCOTT – New Supt. Jim Reif began the Aug. 20 Prescott School Board meeting by introducing the district’s theme for the year: “Every Cardinal Now:” Everyone working together … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/10/25

Tia DeJong, 4k Paraprofessional, Plum City Elementary

Plum City welcomes new faces for 2025-26 year

Plum City School District is welcoming the following new staff members for the 2025-26 school year. Welcome! Tia DeJong Position: 4k Paraprofessional, Plum City Elementary Hometown: … more

9/10/25

A student looks at photos displayed as part of the photography exhibition, “Witness,” in UW-River Falls Gallery 101 in Kleinpell Fine Arts. The exhibition reflects on the past five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and is open to the public through Oct. 3. A public reception will be held Friday, Sept. 19, from 4-6 p.m.

‘Witness:’ photography exhibition marks five years since onset of the pandemic

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin–River Falls is presenting “Witness,” a photography exhibition reflecting on the past five years since the onset of the COVID-19 … more

9/10/25

Natalia Moiseeva, violin, and Ivan Konev, piano, perform during UW-River Falls Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series in 2024. The 2025-26 series will include eight free concerts on select Fridays at noon beginning Sept. 12.

UWRF hosting free Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin–River Falls has released the 2025-26 schedule for the free Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series featuring a wide variety of musical performances … more

9/10/25

Shawyn Domyancich-Lee, associate professor of social work

UWRF faculty recognized with awards for excellence, professional development

RIVER FALLS – Six University of Wisconsin-River Falls faculty members have been recognized with awards to support research, professional development and innovation in education. The awards were … more

9/10/25

The Renaissance Charter Academy in River Falls recently constructed a new building, increasing their offerings to students.

Renaissance Charter continuing to expand opportunities and provide another way to learn

RIVER FALLS — The Renaissance Charter Academy has been a part of River Falls for about 20 years. They broke ground for a new building in 2022 and Principal Peggy Webb is entering her second … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/10/25

David Zlesak, professor of horticulture, lectures students outdoors on the UW-River Falls campus. The UWRF Plant and Earth Science Department received a 2025 Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award.

UWRF Plant and Earth Science Department honored with Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Plant and Earth Science Department has been honored with a 2025 Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award. … more

9/3/25

Superintendent’s column: Kicking off the 2025–26 School Year: Patience, progress, and priorities

As we embark on another school year, I’d like to highlight a couple themes that are guiding the start of the 2025-26 school year. Although it can be hectic, this truly is an exciting time for … more

By Supt. David Bell | 9/3/25

Mrs. Karen Pesik, new St. Joseph Parish School second grade teacher.

St. Joseph Parish School hires new teacher

PRESCOTT – St. Joseph Parish School welcomes Karen Pesik this school year as the new second grade teacher. Karen Pesik Hometown: River Falls College attended/work experience: … more

9/3/25

Jessica Olson, Rylee Green, Krista Barker, Brianna Mikla, Superintendent Jim Reif, Emilia Krueger, Amy Marquardt, Vicki Rudolph - School Board Member and Ceceilia Groh.

Prescott welcomes new Cardinals to the nest

Prescott School District is pleased to announce the addition of the following new staff members for the 2025-26 school year. Krista Barker Position: Seventh grade life science teacher … more

9/3/25