RIVER FALLS – Two schools in the School District of River Falls have been recognized for their excellence in character education by Character.org, a leading international authority in the field. 

Rocky Branch Elementary has been named a State School of Character, and Westside Elementary School earned both State and National School of Character designations. These awards are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools. 

The State designation recognizes Rocky Branch’s high-level implementation of these values, exemplifying a foundation built on responsibility, kindness, and character-driven excellence. Principal Ashley Bingenheimer emphasized the shared effort behind the recognition: “I am proud of the team that worked tirelessly to put the application together and the students who live and breathe these values each day. We couldn't have achieved this award without the support and participation of our families.”

The National designation identifies Westside as a global model of excellence. Westside Principal Rachel Mader noted the award reflects years of intentional work. “This award belongs to our entire Westside family. It represents years of intentional, hard work from our staff, families, and students to weave kindness and character into the very fabric of who we are.”

As a National recipient, Westside joins an elite group of schools, including Meyer Middle School and Greenwood Elementary, that mentor other educators worldwide in integrating character growth into everyday academic life. 

Only three schools in Wisconsin earned these prestigious designations this year.

“We are incredibly proud of both schools,” says Superintendent David Bell. “These recognitions reflect the hard work and commitment of our staff and district to educating the whole child. Building a culture grounded in strong character is foundational to who we are.”

The School District of River Falls has received 35 character awards since 2011, and is the most awarded district in Wisconsin.

Greenwood Elementary School

2022 State and National School of Character

2020 State Promising Practices Award-”Podcasting Some Good News”

2019 State Promising Practices Award-”Greenwood Yearly Character Themes”

2019 State Promising Practices Award- “Pride Groups”

2017 State and National School of Character

2016 State School of Character--Honorable Mention

2013 National Promising Practices Award- “Neighborhood Leaf Rake”

2013 State & National Promising Practices Award- “Great Greenwood Giveaway”

2012 State & National Promising Practices Award- “Greenwood Community Garden”

Meyer Middle School

2024 State and National School of Character

2022 Promising Practices Award-”Connect - “A Social Emotional Course”

2016 State & National School of Character Award 

2015 State Promising Practices Award- “Agenda Meetings”

2012 State & National Promising Practices Award- “Climbing Toward Our Everest Goal”

2011 State Promising Practices Award- “Student Voice in Character Education”

2011 National Promising Practices Award- “Taking the Bystander Out of Bullying”

River Falls Public Montessori

2024 State Promising Practice Award - “Sensory Murals”

2015 “Character Thespians & Mentors”

2015 “Virtues Project, Leadership Council & Talking Circles”

River Falls Renaissance Academy

2013 State Promising Practices Award- “Social Justice Activities”

River Falls High School

2023 State Promising Practice Award- “Wiley’s Wardrobe”

2023 State Promising Practice Award- “Wiley’s Common Ground”

2017 State and National Promising Practices Award- “Student Led Non-Profit Organization-Sunshine Fund”

2016 National Promising Practices Award- “Connections Class”

2012 National Promising Practices Award- “Flip it Forward”

2012 State Promising Practices Award- “Cats Mentorship Program”

Rocky Branch Elementary School

2026 State School of Character

2024 Honorable Mention State School of Character

2022 State Promising Practices Award - “Monthly Character Education Groups”

2015 “Environmental Community Opportunities Day”

2012 State Promising Practices Award- “Stepping Stones to Character”

Westside Elementary School

2026 National School of Character

2024 Honorable Mention State School of Character

2022 State Promising Practices Award-”Westside Elementary Character Council”

2016 State & National Promising Practices Award- “Character, Service Learning & Circles”

2014 State & National Promising Practices Award- “Team Westside/Character Coaching”

2014 State Promising Practices Award- “Youth Frontiers/Kindness Retreat”

2013 State Promising Practices Award- “Practice-Wildcat Way Videos”

School District of River Falls

2015 Promising Practices Award- “District Approach to Moving Character Education Forward”

Character.org is a worldwide network of educators, researchers, and civic leaders that empowers people of all ages to practice and model the character strengths and core values that shape the hearts, minds, and choices of every person. Founded in 1993 and formerly known as the Character Education Partnership, Character.org is widely known for its 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character. The organization’s vision is to be the global leader and voice for developing character in families, schools, and organizations.

Submitted by River Falls School District