The Renaissance Times

Term 4 ~ Here we go!

As we kick off Term 4, it’s a great time to refocus on academic goals and finish the school year strong. Attendance plays a crucial role in student success. We encourage families to prioritize consistent, on-time attendance.

Missing school ~ even just a few days ~ can significantly impact learning and performance. Parents and guardians should communicate with the school regarding any necessary absences and ensure students are present every day.

The City of River Falls, Pierce and St. Croix Counties have regulations regarding school attendance. Chronic absenteeism may lead to interventions, parental meetings, truancy citations and potential legal consequences.

Let’s work together to keep students on track and make Term 4.

For any attendance concerns or support, please contact the main office at 715-425-7687.

Tuesday, April 15 - Pre-ACT and FORWARD Testing, Freshmen and Sophomores ONLY

Tuesday, April 15 - Virtual Learning Day, 11th and 12th graders

Saturday, April 26 - Prom, Gym 1

• Grand March Check-In: 6:15pm - 6:30pm
• Grand March: 7pm
• Prom Dance: 8pm - 11pm

Thursday, May 1 - Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4-6:30 pm

Wednesday, May 7 - Senior Awards Scholarship Program at RFHS, 6:30 pm - See Class of 2025 Graduation Central for more information

Wednesday, May 14 - Senior Banquet at RFHS, 6:00 pm - See Class of 2025 Graduation Central for more information

Thursday, May 15 - Senior Celebration (Seniors and Senior families only) - See Class of 2025 Graduation Central for more information

Friday, May 16 - No School, Teacher In-Service

Wednesday, May 21 - Baccalaureate Service at RFHS, 6:00 pm - See Class of 2025 Graduation Central for more information

Monday, May 26 - No School, Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 28 - Seniors' Last Day, Noon - See Class of 2025 Graduation Central for more information

Wednesday, May 28 - Graduation Rehearsal at RFHS and Senior Walk, 12:35 pm - See Class of 2025 Graduation Central for more information

Friday, May 30 – Saturday, May 31 - Senior Class Party at MMS, 9:45 pm-9:00 am - See Class of 2025 Graduation Central for more information

Sunday, June 1 - Graduation Ceremony at RFHS, 1:00-3:00 pm - See Class of 2025 Graduation Central for more information

Friday, June 6 - Last day of the 2024/25 school year

District Calendar

Day School Important Events

GEDO 2 Program Important Events

Daily Schedule

All dates subject to change

Emma Bell - Nominated by Ms. Graham and Ms. Muller

• Emma is a smart, kind, and brave student. Emma works hard to advocate for herself even when it isn't easy. She is a thoughtful listener and takes time to reflect on her interactions with others. We are so happy Emma is at the RCA!

Mikayla Fisher - Nominated by Ms. Webb

• Mikayla is doing an outstanding job staying committed to her education. She puts in the effort to maintain grades and attend school. She continues to demonstrate responsibility and perseverance in her academic journey. Keep up the great work, Mikayla!

Brody Hoag - Nominated by Mr. Weiss

• Brody's consistent engagement in both Broadfield Science and Algebra 1, demonstrated by his active participation in discussions and his insightful questions, makes him an exemplary student. He doesn't just attend class; he enriches it, fostering a dynamic learning environment where curiosity is valued and knowledge is expanded.

Location: River Falls High School Gym
Time: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Grand March

• Check-In: 6:15 PM - 6:30 PM

• Start Time: 7:00 PM

• Admission: Free for family and friends

Click on this link to order your Prom tickets! Tickets are available online for $35 per person. For any questions, contact the main office. If you need financial assistance, please see Ms. Graham or Ms. Muller.

Students wishing to bring a guest who is not a River Falls High School student must complete a Guest Registration Form and submit it to the Main Office by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, April 23rd.Printed guest forms are also available in the main office.

Emerson Kania was born on March 23, 2025, at 4:30 AM. We are so happy to have him here and we are enjoying all the snuggles and naps we can get!

Happy 4th Quarter!

My name is Derek Russell, and I am finishing up the school year as a long-term substitute teacher for Current Events, American Studies II, and Health. I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a bachelor's degree in Social Studies Education. Originally from Holmen, Wisconsin, I am the oldest of three boys in my family. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing soccer, hammocking, traveling, playing card games, and spending time with friends and family. This summer, I will be relocating to the Milwaukee area to continue my education career at a high school in downtown Milwaukee.

I am very excited to be working at Renaissance Charter Academy for the remainder of the school year. I look forward to the opportunity to learn from both you and your student, while supporting them in their academic and personal growth. It is my goal to help students connect with history and current events, and to guide them as they develop valuable skills for their future. A major objective for this quarter is to help students see themselves in the context of history, fostering self-awareness and growth as they prepare for the future.

I am excited for the remainder of the year and look forward to working with you and your student!

Pre-ACT Testing - 9th and 10th graders and FORWARD Testing - 10th graders

• Tuesday, April 15 - Pre-ACT and Forward testing for ALL 9th and 10th graders

• Freshmen and sophomores please report to the Renaissance at 8:30.

• Juniors and seniors will have a virtual learning day on April 15.

If you have any questions about the upcoming tests, please reach out to Geri Muller, School Counselor, 715-425-1800, ext. 2225.

Help us raise funds for the 2025 Senior Class Party by supporting local businesses that have partnered with us for special "Give Back Events." These generous businesses have scheduled events where a portion of the proceeds will go toward the senior class celebration.

Please consider dining in, placing a takeout order, purchasing gift cards, or enjoying a game of bowling at the following participating businesses:

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 Delivery, NOW

• If you ordered a cap and gown for graduation, they are now available for pickup at the Renaissance Academy. The main office is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm; and Friday, 8:00 am - 2:30 pm.

• If you still need to order one, you can do so through Jostens, but please note there is a $10.00 late fee.

• Awards Scholarship Program: Wednesday, May 7, 6:30 pm

• The Scholarship and Senior Awards night will take place in the RFHS Auditorium. Recipients of an award or scholarship will receive an invitation by mail.

• Senior Banquet: Wednesday, May 14, 6 pm

• The Senior Banquet is an opportunity for the senior class (ONLY) to get together one last time. The night includes a dinner, class slide show, and presentation of the senior class superlatives awards. Ticket information will be available soon.

• Renaissance Senior Celebration: Thursday, May 15, 5:30 pm

• Details coming soon

• Baccalaureate Service: Wednesday, May 21, 6 pm

• The baccalaureate ceremony is an optional, non-denominational service for our seniors and their families. The service honors our seniors by reflecting on the “graduation rite of passage” and blessing them in their future life endeavors. The ceremony is organized by Local Youth Ministry Leaders and Local Area Churches.

• Fees: Due on Wednesday, May 28, Noon
• Check the “Fees” tab in Infinite Campus. A fee statement was emailed in February. An additional fee statement will be emailed Term 4. Fees are also available on Infinite Campus. Cash or checks can be brought to the Renaissance Academy, or Central Office.

• Seniors' Last Day: Wednesday, May 28, Noon
• All Seniors will attend normal class schedules through Noon. Any seniors not passing their classes, will need to attend school until they are passing. Students required to attend after May 28, will be released so they may attend graduation rehearsal and the senior walk. Once passing, seniors will no longer be required to attend.
• Early graduation seniors are invited to come in at 11:30 am to pick up their yearbooks and say goodbye to classmates and staff.

• Graduation Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 28, 12:35 pm

• Rehearsal attendance is MANDATORY for all students participating in the graduation ceremony. Please ensure any personal arrangements are taken care of prior to Rehearsal so your senior can attend. Also, all fines, fees, (library books, parking tickets, parking hangers, lunch account, class/shop fees, etc.), and detentions, must be reconciled prior to Noon on Wednesday, May 28.

• Senior Walk: Wednesday, May 28, 1:15 pm.
• Approximate times are as follows:
• 1:25 pm: At MMS
• 1:40 pm: At Elementary Schools (Westside, Greenwood, Rocky Branch, Montessori/St. Bridget’s)
• 2:20 pm: Return to HS

• Senior Class Party Memory Boards
• Due to the Main Office by Thursday, May 29th at noon




• Senior Class Party: Friday, May 30, 9:45 pm – Saturday, May 31, 3:00 am
• Senior Class Party Tickets will be on sale online or by paying cash or check (payable to Senior Class Party) to the Main Office. Cost is $50 for the party and t-shirt; or $30 for just the party and $20 for just the t-shirt. Cost covers food and entertainment. T-Shirt deadline is May 1st.

• Graduation Ceremony: Sunday, June 1, 1:00-3:00 pm
• This is a ticketed event. Ticket information will be emailed to seniors as it is available. Doors open to families at 12:00pm. All parking lots will be available for use.

• Diploma Pickup: Diplomas will be available for pick up at the River Falls High School. Reminder all fees must be paid to pick up your diploma. Dates/Times TBD

• Final Transcripts: Any Renaissance Charter Academy student who needs their final transcript sent to a university or technical college should email Ms. Muller (geri.muller@rfsd.k12.wi.us) or Ms. Dexheimer (jill.dexheimer@rfsd.k12.wi.us) by Monday, June 9.

  Final transcripts will be sent on Wednesday, June 11. Please be sure to include the email or mailing address where your transcript should be sent.

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.

Illness-Excused Absences

• Students are allowed four (4) illness-excused absences per semester (two semesters per school year).
• If a student is sent home due to illness, one illness-excused absence will be used.
• Once all four illness-excused absences are used, parent-excused absences will be applied, if available.
• Families will receive a notification when all four illness-excused absences have been used in a semester.
• All illness excused absences must be reported to the main office within 48 hours of the student's return to school to be applied.

Parent-Excused Absences

• Each student has ten (10) parent-excused absences per school year, which can be used for illness, vacation, or other reasons.
• Once parent-excused absences are exhausted, truancy laws may apply.
• Families will be notified when all ten parent-excused absences have been used.

• All parent-excused absences must be reported to the main office within 48 hours of the student's return to school to be applied.

Appointments and Documentation

• If an appointment requires missing more than half of the school day, a doctor’s note is required for the full day to be excused.
• If no doctor’s note is provided, a parent-excused absence will be used.

• All doctor's notes need to be given to the main office within 48 hours of the student's return to school to be accepted.

  
  

Unexcused Absences and Truancy

• Students not reported as absent or who have exhausted their excused absences will receive an unexcused absence.
• Consequences for unexcused absences:
  • First four unexcused absences: Student receives an unexcused absence and a detention.
  • Five or more unexcused absences: Student is subject to truancy laws and may be referred to the municipal court or the county of residence.
• Families will be notified when a student has two (2) and four (4) unexcused absences.

Please feel free to contact the office with any questions or concerns regarding attendance policies.

Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal

Schoology Parent/Student Login

EduTrak Lunch Account Login

Food Service General Information

Food Service Welcome Back Letter - Free and reduced lunch info contained

• Carta de bienvenida del servicio de alimentos - Información sobre almuerzos gratuitos y reducidos.

Health Services Document Page

Bus Information

Student Accident Insurance Plan

Student Handbook

• Manual del estudiante

Work Permit Information

River Falls School District Annual Notices

Regional Jobs Board