Today we celebrate National School Nurse Day and give a special Panther Pride shoutout to the amazing health team at Ellsworth Community School District! 💜🐾
A big thank you to our wonderful school nurse Jess and the dedicated health aides in each of our schools. From caring for students who aren’t feeling well, to managing medications, offering comfort, and supporting the health and wellness of our students every day, you do so much behind the scenes.
Thank you for the kindness, care, and compassion you bring to our schools. We appreciate all you do for our students, staff, and families!
A big thank you to our wonderful school nurse Jess and the dedicated health aides in each of our schools. From caring for students who aren’t feeling well, to managing medications, offering comfort, and supporting the health and wellness of our students every day, you do so much behind the scenes.
Thank you for the kindness, care, and compassion you bring to our schools. We appreciate all you do for our students, staff, and families!

🎓 Day 5 – Countdown to Cap & Gown
Another day, another group of outstanding Panthers getting ready for their next chapter.
Congratulations Class of 2026! 🐾
Another day, another group of outstanding Panthers getting ready for their next chapter.
Congratulations Class of 2026! 🐾




💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Outs 🐾💜
Today’s shout out comes from a teacher at EES, recognizing our incredible EES Specialists:
Alyssa Nelson (Library), Angie Nelson (Technology), Tami Place (STEM), Chad Whalen (PE), Marie Spooner (PE), Ashley Pritchard (Art), Mekenzie Halvorson (Art), Masel Ingli (Guidance), Beth Weiland (Guidance), Katerina Musgrave (Music), and Becca Kobberdohl (Music).
She shared:
“All of these specialists in our buildings enhance the learning experience for every child. These experts make connections to students' lives and give them valuable skills that will serve them not only in elementary school, but throughout their lives. These specialists see EES students throughout many years and provide them with stability, a familiar face, and knowledge of how to best serve and connect with them. They give students the ability to explore new possibilities and talents, while also enhancing what students are learning in the classroom.”
We are so lucky to have such a dedicated team supporting our students every day. Thank you for making a lasting impact at EES!
Today’s shout out comes from a teacher at EES, recognizing our incredible EES Specialists:
Alyssa Nelson (Library), Angie Nelson (Technology), Tami Place (STEM), Chad Whalen (PE), Marie Spooner (PE), Ashley Pritchard (Art), Mekenzie Halvorson (Art), Masel Ingli (Guidance), Beth Weiland (Guidance), Katerina Musgrave (Music), and Becca Kobberdohl (Music).
She shared:
“All of these specialists in our buildings enhance the learning experience for every child. These experts make connections to students' lives and give them valuable skills that will serve them not only in elementary school, but throughout their lives. These specialists see EES students throughout many years and provide them with stability, a familiar face, and knowledge of how to best serve and connect with them. They give students the ability to explore new possibilities and talents, while also enhancing what students are learning in the classroom.”
We are so lucky to have such a dedicated team supporting our students every day. Thank you for making a lasting impact at EES!

🎓 Day 4 of 21 – Panther Pride!
Today we celebrate six more seniors who have made their mark at Ellsworth High School.
💜🖤🤍
Today we celebrate six more seniors who have made their mark at Ellsworth High School.
💜🖤🤍






Looking for ways to earn service hours this summer? We’ve got you covered! ☀️🙌
Check out these Summer Service Opportunities - a great way to give back to the community while working toward your required 50 hours. From local events and church programs to camps, fairs, and more, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
This list is just a starting point, so don’t be afraid to reach out and explore what interests you!
📌 See the full list and contact info in the flyer below👇
Have a great summer making a difference, Panthers! 💜
Check out these Summer Service Opportunities - a great way to give back to the community while working toward your required 50 hours. From local events and church programs to camps, fairs, and more, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
This list is just a starting point, so don’t be afraid to reach out and explore what interests you!
📌 See the full list and contact info in the flyer below👇
Have a great summer making a difference, Panthers! 💜



Please read the following update on the traffic flow due to the road construction near Ellsworth Elementary School.
Starting Monday May 4th after morning bus routes have been completed, the intersection of the school road/Humble St/Piety St will be shut down by Ellsworth Elementary. You will still be able to travel along Piety St heading north and take a left into the parking lot (by the cemetery) and then proceed through the lot to the west toward the football field and around into the elementary loop. You will exit as normal to the west, traveling down past the high school and out by the bus garage.
Starting Monday May 4th after morning bus routes have been completed, the intersection of the school road/Humble St/Piety St will be shut down by Ellsworth Elementary. You will still be able to travel along Piety St heading north and take a left into the parking lot (by the cemetery) and then proceed through the lot to the west toward the football field and around into the elementary loop. You will exit as normal to the west, traveling down past the high school and out by the bus garage.

🎓 Day 3 – The countdown continues!
Every day brings us closer to graduation as we celebrate the amazing students who make up the Class of 2026.
Way to go Panthers! 🐾
Every day brings us closer to graduation as we celebrate the amazing students who make up the Class of 2026.
Way to go Panthers! 🐾






🎓 Day 2 of our Countdown to Cap & Gown!
Another group of incredible seniors getting closer to their big moment. The Class of 2026 has brought leadership, talent, and Panther Pride to EHS!
Congratulations Panthers! 💜🖤
Another group of incredible seniors getting closer to their big moment. The Class of 2026 has brought leadership, talent, and Panther Pride to EHS!
Congratulations Panthers! 💜🖤






Some exciting new things are coming to the ECSD Fitness Center this summer!
We’re rolling out a Summer Membership option and starting up a weekly Pickleball Night at the high school - great ways to stay active, have fun, and connect with others in the community.
Whether you’re looking to get in a workout or try something new like pickleball, there’s something for everyone!
Check out the details in the graphics below 👇
If you have questions or want more information, reach out to Derek at staleyd@ellsworth.k12.wi.us
.
We’re rolling out a Summer Membership option and starting up a weekly Pickleball Night at the high school - great ways to stay active, have fun, and connect with others in the community.
Whether you’re looking to get in a workout or try something new like pickleball, there’s something for everyone!
Check out the details in the graphics below 👇
If you have questions or want more information, reach out to Derek at staleyd@ellsworth.k12.wi.us
.


🎓 Day 1 of 21 – Countdown to Cap & Gown!
We’re kicking off our celebration of the Ellsworth High School Class of 2026! Over the next 21 days we’ll be highlighting our amazing seniors as they get closer to graduation.
Let’s hear it for these Panthers! 💜🐾
We’re kicking off our celebration of the Ellsworth High School Class of 2026! Over the next 21 days we’ll be highlighting our amazing seniors as they get closer to graduation.
Let’s hear it for these Panthers! 💜🐾






Our seniors are making big moves! 🎓✨
Friday, May 1st is National Decision Day and some of our Seniors proudly show off their next steps—whether it’s college, career, military, or beyond.
We couldn’t be more excited to see where their journeys take them - they have less than 13 school days to go!
Once a Panther, always a Panther. 💜
#DecisionDay #ClassOf2026
Friday, May 1st is National Decision Day and some of our Seniors proudly show off their next steps—whether it’s college, career, military, or beyond.
We couldn’t be more excited to see where their journeys take them - they have less than 13 school days to go!
Once a Panther, always a Panther. 💜
#DecisionDay #ClassOf2026

Today we celebrate Lunch Hero Day!
We are so grateful for the incredible food service staff across the district who work hard every single day to keep our students fueled and ready to learn. From early mornings to busy lunch lines, they do it all with a smile and care about every student they serve.
Thank you for the meals you prepare, the kindness you show, and the difference you make in our schools. Be sure to give our lunch heroes a big THANK YOU today!
Now for a little fun… there’s a big debate happening at the middle school right now 👀
Which is the superior lunch: tater tot hotdish or orange chicken?
We are so grateful for the incredible food service staff across the district who work hard every single day to keep our students fueled and ready to learn. From early mornings to busy lunch lines, they do it all with a smile and care about every student they serve.
Thank you for the meals you prepare, the kindness you show, and the difference you make in our schools. Be sure to give our lunch heroes a big THANK YOU today!
Now for a little fun… there’s a big debate happening at the middle school right now 👀
Which is the superior lunch: tater tot hotdish or orange chicken?



Today we celebrate School Principal Day and recognize the outstanding leaders who help make Ellsworth Community School District such a special place to learn and grow. 💜
🏫 EHS – Marcy Burch & Rob Heller
🏫 EMS – Olin Morrison & Mark Stoesz(coming out of retirement to help out at the MS)
🏫 EES – Mary Zimmerman & Jeremy Nygaard
Thank you for your leadership, support, and dedication to our students, staff, and families each and every day. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to celebrate you today.
#PantherPride 💜🐾
🏫 EHS – Marcy Burch & Rob Heller
🏫 EMS – Olin Morrison & Mark Stoesz(coming out of retirement to help out at the MS)
🏫 EES – Mary Zimmerman & Jeremy Nygaard
Thank you for your leadership, support, and dedication to our students, staff, and families each and every day. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to celebrate you today.
#PantherPride 💜🐾

💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Outs 🐾💜
This shout out comes from the EES Intervention Team, recognizing our incredible Reading Specialist, Karen Thoen!
“We would like to give a hearty shout out to Karen Thoen for her hard work and dedication! Karen is an awesome mentor to our staff. She has spent countless hours training others, reviewing data, and helping implement curriculum, all while teaching several groups of students throughout the day and managing duties at multiple buildings. She has a wealth of knowledge and has a profound impact on everyone in our district.
Karen has brought many opportunities for reading to EES. She leads the Literacy Team with amazing ideas and opportunities for our families. Each year, she does an excellent job running the Scholastic Book Fair. Last school year, she introduced us to the One School, One Book reading event. Karen shines during I Love to Read Month in February, guiding the school into all kinds of fun reading activities.
Thank you, Karen, for all you do to bring literacy alive in our school!”
Karen, your passion for literacy and dedication to both students and staff does not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for the impact you make every single day! 💜📚
This shout out comes from the EES Intervention Team, recognizing our incredible Reading Specialist, Karen Thoen!
“We would like to give a hearty shout out to Karen Thoen for her hard work and dedication! Karen is an awesome mentor to our staff. She has spent countless hours training others, reviewing data, and helping implement curriculum, all while teaching several groups of students throughout the day and managing duties at multiple buildings. She has a wealth of knowledge and has a profound impact on everyone in our district.
Karen has brought many opportunities for reading to EES. She leads the Literacy Team with amazing ideas and opportunities for our families. Each year, she does an excellent job running the Scholastic Book Fair. Last school year, she introduced us to the One School, One Book reading event. Karen shines during I Love to Read Month in February, guiding the school into all kinds of fun reading activities.
Thank you, Karen, for all you do to bring literacy alive in our school!”
Karen, your passion for literacy and dedication to both students and staff does not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for the impact you make every single day! 💜📚

🎳 Kindergarten fun in action!
Some of our kindergarten students were working on partners of 10 in a hands-on way—by bowling! After each turn, they counted how many pins were knocked down and how many were still standing, then wrote an equation to match.
Learning + movement = a great day in kindergarten! 💜
Some of our kindergarten students were working on partners of 10 in a hands-on way—by bowling! After each turn, they counted how many pins were knocked down and how many were still standing, then wrote an equation to match.
Learning + movement = a great day in kindergarten! 💜
Students in Mrs. Matzek’s Relationships class put their teamwork and communication skills to the test in a puzzle competition!
Teams raced to see who could complete a 100-piece puzzle the fastest, and they had a blast doing it. The winning group finished in just over 10 minutes-impressive! 👏
It was a fun way to take what they’re learning and apply it to a real-world challenge. Great work, Panthers!
Teams raced to see who could complete a 100-piece puzzle the fastest, and they had a blast doing it. The winning group finished in just over 10 minutes-impressive! 👏
It was a fun way to take what they’re learning and apply it to a real-world challenge. Great work, Panthers!




🌱🌸 The EHS Greenhouse is OPENING this weekend! 🌸🌱
Stop by and check out all the great plants our Ag Ed & FFA students have been growing! You’ll find hanging baskets, flowers, veggies, herbs, and more! Perfect for getting your gardens started.
🗓 Hours:
• Friday: 3:30–7 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM–2 PM
💳 Payment Options: Cash, Check, or Venmo
All proceeds go right back into supporting next year’s greenhouse program and supplies. We’d love to see you there! 💜🌿
Stop by and check out all the great plants our Ag Ed & FFA students have been growing! You’ll find hanging baskets, flowers, veggies, herbs, and more! Perfect for getting your gardens started.
🗓 Hours:
• Friday: 3:30–7 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM–2 PM
💳 Payment Options: Cash, Check, or Venmo
All proceeds go right back into supporting next year’s greenhouse program and supplies. We’d love to see you there! 💜🌿

🧀🌮 A few weeks ago in LCCE at the high school, students kicked off a hands-on cooking unit and it was a hit!
They started by planning out their recipe and building a shopping list, then took a trip to Nilssen’s to pick up everything they needed. After that, it was time to get cooking!
With help from Mrs. Bach-Whalen and Mrs. Allen, students made (and enjoyed!) their own nachos. A fun way to build real-life skills and try something new. 💜
They started by planning out their recipe and building a shopping list, then took a trip to Nilssen’s to pick up everything they needed. After that, it was time to get cooking!
With help from Mrs. Bach-Whalen and Mrs. Allen, students made (and enjoyed!) their own nachos. A fun way to build real-life skills and try something new. 💜




✨ Prom 2026 was a night to remember as students celebrated in style and recognized this year’s special award winners!
👑 Prom King was Cooper Olson and Prom Queen was Molly Abbas, who were also voted the “Perfect Pair.”
Other honors included Most Hilarious: Cooper Brown and Alyssa Davis, Class Sweethearts: Bridget Dendinger and Abby Hinrichs, Friendliest Juniors: Breken Young and D.J. Brenner, Most Sociable: Daniel Berg and Gavin Wittenberg, and Best Dressed: Rowan Nelson and Cayman Anderson.
Congratulations to all for helping make Prom 2026 such a fun and memorable evening!
👑 Prom King was Cooper Olson and Prom Queen was Molly Abbas, who were also voted the “Perfect Pair.”
Other honors included Most Hilarious: Cooper Brown and Alyssa Davis, Class Sweethearts: Bridget Dendinger and Abby Hinrichs, Friendliest Juniors: Breken Young and D.J. Brenner, Most Sociable: Daniel Berg and Gavin Wittenberg, and Best Dressed: Rowan Nelson and Cayman Anderson.
Congratulations to all for helping make Prom 2026 such a fun and memorable evening!



💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Sam Elling at Ellsworth High School, who was nominated by 2021 graduate Shelby Schultz.
Shelby shared that Mr. Elling was one of the main reasons she decided to become a teacher herself. She said he cares deeply about his students and that there was never a dull moment in his class.
His classroom was a favorite place to be because students felt safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and truly enjoy learning. That kind of environment leaves a lasting impact.
Shelby believes he has influenced the lives of all of his students, not just her and that’s the kind of legacy every educator hopes to leave.
Thank you, Mr. Elling, for inspiring the next generation of teachers and for creating a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. 💜🐾
If you’d like to nominate a staff member for a Panther Pride Staff Shout Out, you can do so here:
https://forms.gle/DS276jvHJqfCuvGr6
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Sam Elling at Ellsworth High School, who was nominated by 2021 graduate Shelby Schultz.
Shelby shared that Mr. Elling was one of the main reasons she decided to become a teacher herself. She said he cares deeply about his students and that there was never a dull moment in his class.
His classroom was a favorite place to be because students felt safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and truly enjoy learning. That kind of environment leaves a lasting impact.
Shelby believes he has influenced the lives of all of his students, not just her and that’s the kind of legacy every educator hopes to leave.
Thank you, Mr. Elling, for inspiring the next generation of teachers and for creating a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. 💜🐾
If you’d like to nominate a staff member for a Panther Pride Staff Shout Out, you can do so here:
https://forms.gle/DS276jvHJqfCuvGr6

