The Renaissance Times

December 17, 2024

Ms. Webb the Renaissance Coordinator portrait photo

What a great few weeks we have had!

Students and staff represented the RCA Entrepreneurship/Woodworking class at the craft fair. Top-selling items were Corian cutting boards and scented soaps. Students assisted in selling and promoting products. Students and staff were also present to support the RFHS and RCA GSA clubs. Students created crafts and made hats.

Students and staff enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal. Students were responsible for peeling potatoes, making pies, baking ham and turkey, and my favorite cleaning up. What great skills to know!

Mr. Stapleton’s Math Project Class is learning how to play cribbage. It is exciting to see students learning games that require math and conversation skills. Mrs. Kania’s Photography will be out in the community taking photos to hone in on the different skills photographers use depending on weather and lighting conditions.

Ms. Muller presented information and resources on Mental Health during the Holidays to all advisory cohorts. Jennifer Sell, CVTC Admissions Advisor, presented the highlights on attending technical colleges to the junior class and GEDO 2 students.

Student Council has planned fun activities to usher in our Winter Break. The door decorating contest is highly competitive. This a great way for our students to learn collaboration and team-building skills.

It’s official! GEDO #2 students have started taking the GED tests at the RCA and are knocking it out of the park. One student has completed the entire program. Congratulations!

Dr. Mottaz invited the American Association of University Women and the River Falls Rotary Club to attend a presentation and tour of the Renaissance Charter Academy

I would like to thank the students and staff for their commitment to our program. It is a pleasure to work with fabulous students and staff!

Email Ms. Webb - RCA Coordinator

Upcoming Events

Friday, December 20 - No School, Renaissance Academy ONLY
Monday, December 23 - Wednesday, January 1 - No School, Winter Break

Thursday, January 2 - First School Day on 2025

Monday, January 20 - No School

Friday, January 24 - End of Term 2

Monday, January 27 - No School, Teacher In-Service

Tuesday, January 28 - Start of Term 3

Calendars & Schedules

2024 - 2025 School Year

District Calendar

Day School Important Events

GEDO 2 Program Important Events

Daily Schedule

All dates subject to change

No School - Friday, December 20 - Renaissance Academy Students/Staff ONLY

For students who attend classes at RFHS

On Friday, December 20, the Renaissance Academy does not have school; however, River Falls High School will be in session. If your student attends at least one class at River Falls High School, they are required to attend that class.

Important Reminders:

Transportation: You are responsible for providing transportation to and from class.
Class Time: Students are not permitted to remain at River Falls High School when they are not in class. You can view the high school class times [here].

If your student has remaining parent-excused absences for the year, you may call River Falls High School at 715-425-1830 to excuse them. If no parent excuse is provided and the student does not attend, they will receive an unexcused absence for that class.

Student of the Week

Students were chosen by school staff for their outstanding contributions or academic excellence.

Lily Wright - Nominated by Ms. Gantt

Lily demonstrated resilience in her classwork term 2 - striving to meet goals and do well. In particular, she persevered in Art class, overcoming challenges from past art classes. She showed tremendous growth in her personal confidence with the subject and the ability to express herself artistically.

Xen Giedd - Nominated by Mr. Stapleton

Xen has been doing a great job in the Adobe class and has been helping other students use the laser like a pro.

Devlan Peterson - Nominated by Mr. Kallenbach

Devlan always brings his own energy to my African American Lit class that I appreciate. Devlan keeps class interesting by using humor to create a positive and upbeat class climate. When he contributes to discussion he always includes something unique, using his own perspective to add further depth and insight into the conversations we engage with.

Updates and Information from the Student Services Team

Basics for Local Kids

Basics for Local Kids offers free winter wear to kids. If your student needs winter wear you can make an appointment to pick out items or fill out an online request form to pick up items at the Basics for Local Kids Office in Ellsworth. More information at www.basicsforlocalkids.org.

If you cannot make it to Ellsworth, contact your school social worker or the student’s school counselor, who can arrange delivery to the school.

Mental Health Information and Resources

The holiday season is here, and although it can be a time of excitement, it can also create stress. Below are a few tips that can hopefully allow your family to enjoy the holidays with limited stress.

It can be hard to figure out how best to spend your time with extra get-togethers and activities. Remind yourself of your values and focus on your priorities.
Holidays often mean spending extra time with family which can result in disagreements. Set boundaries for yourself and your family and allow yourself to say “no” if needed.
Volunteer this holiday season. Giving back to others can increase your feelings of well-being and decrease levels of stress.
Find ways to connect deeper with your family and friends. Find an activity to do together - play a game, go for a nature walk, attend a movie, etc.
Find ways to incorporate healthy habits. Be sure to get enough sleep and move your body.
Holidays can be a time when many emotions arise. Check-in with others who you feel may be struggling this holiday season.

We wish you a great holiday season.

Source: changetochill.org

Scholarships and Post Secondary Financial Aid

St. Croix Valley Foundation - Apply January 1 - March 31
Local Scholarships - Apply starting February 1
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Application open now

Email Ms. Graham - School Social Worker

Email Ms. Muller - School Counselor

Class of 2025 Graduation Central

Graduates throwing graduation hats into the air.

Items to Complete/Important Dates

Welcome to Graduation Central, the go-to spot for Seniors and their families to stay updated on all graduation-related information. As new details are released, they will be added here. You can also find a link to Graduation Hub on the School District of River Falls website for more information.

Important Graduation Information:

Cap & Gown Ordering

Please use the above link to order the cap and gown.
A $10 late fee will be applied to all orders after Nov 8th

Senior Pictures Due by Dec 1, 2024
Cap & Gown Delivery - Caps and Gowns will delivered from RFHS sometime in April.
Senior Class Party Memory Boards
Graduation - Sunday, June 1st at 1:00pm

Date subject to change

Fees: All fees must be paid before graduation. Check the “Fees” tab in Infinite Campus. A fee statement will be emailed during Terms 3 and 4.

Report an Absence

To report an absence, please use the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, call the main office, at 715-425-7687, or email the front office at jill.dexheimer@rfsd.k12.wi.us.

NOTE: The Office needs a minimum of 1 hour to process an absence request that comes via Infinite Campus.

If you are entering an absence or early student release, please call the office at 715-425-7687 if the requested release time is within an hour of the notification.