💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Continuing our Panther Pride Staff Shout Outs, today we’re celebrating April, who was nominated by several members of our EES Special Education staff.
April plays an essential role in helping students grow in their math skills. She has a special way of making learning engaging and enjoyable, using creative approaches that connect with students of all personalities. She thoughtfully adapts her instruction to match each student’s learning style so they feel supported, confident, and capable.
Her teammates shared that April consistently goes above and beyond. She arrives each day prepared, positive, and ready to help students move forward. Flexible and resourceful, she meets learners where they are and guides them toward meaningful progress using a variety of strategies. Her reliability and consistency make her an invaluable part of the team.
And her care doesn’t stop in the classroom. April has generously handmade numerous blankets for baby and bridal showers, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to staff celebrations. That kindness speaks volumes about who she is.
Thank you, April, for your creativity, expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success. We are so grateful for you! 💜🐾
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
Continuing our Panther Pride Staff Shout Outs, today we’re celebrating April, who was nominated by several members of our EES Special Education staff.
April plays an essential role in helping students grow in their math skills. She has a special way of making learning engaging and enjoyable, using creative approaches that connect with students of all personalities. She thoughtfully adapts her instruction to match each student’s learning style so they feel supported, confident, and capable.
Her teammates shared that April consistently goes above and beyond. She arrives each day prepared, positive, and ready to help students move forward. Flexible and resourceful, she meets learners where they are and guides them toward meaningful progress using a variety of strategies. Her reliability and consistency make her an invaluable part of the team.
And her care doesn’t stop in the classroom. April has generously handmade numerous blankets for baby and bridal showers, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to staff celebrations. That kindness speaks volumes about who she is.
Thank you, April, for your creativity, expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success. We are so grateful for you! 💜🐾
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
🏋️♀️ Fitness Center Hours Update 🏋️♂️
We’re updating our Fitness Center hours starting in March! Be sure to check out the new schedule, along with our upcoming spring break and summer hours.
If you’ve been thinking about joining, now is a great time! Membership registration can be purchased online for your convenience.
You can view the full schedule and register here:
👉 https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/o/ellsworthcsd/page/fitness-center
We look forward to seeing you there! 💪
We’re updating our Fitness Center hours starting in March! Be sure to check out the new schedule, along with our upcoming spring break and summer hours.
If you’ve been thinking about joining, now is a great time! Membership registration can be purchased online for your convenience.
You can view the full schedule and register here:
👉 https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/o/ellsworthcsd/page/fitness-center
We look forward to seeing you there! 💪
📣 Reminder: Public Forum – February 25
Have questions about the upcoming Operational Referendum? Want to learn more before heading to the polls?
We invite you to join Superintendent Brian Nadeau on February 25 for a public forum focused on sharing information and answering your questions. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from district leadership and better understand what’s being proposed and why.
We hope you can attend and be part of the conversation. Your questions and input matter to us!
Have questions about the upcoming Operational Referendum? Want to learn more before heading to the polls?
We invite you to join Superintendent Brian Nadeau on February 25 for a public forum focused on sharing information and answering your questions. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from district leadership and better understand what’s being proposed and why.
We hope you can attend and be part of the conversation. Your questions and input matter to us!
☀️📚 Mark Your Calendars! 📚☀️
Registration for Summer School opens on March 17 at 6:00 PM!
Be sure to visit our website for details and important information, including an update regarding transportation:
👉 https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/summer-school-2026
We’ll share another post soon with the full list of classes being offered, so stay tuned. We’re looking forward to another great summer of learning and fun!
Registration for Summer School opens on March 17 at 6:00 PM!
Be sure to visit our website for details and important information, including an update regarding transportation:
👉 https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/summer-school-2026
We’ll share another post soon with the full list of classes being offered, so stay tuned. We’re looking forward to another great summer of learning and fun!
Ellsworth Elementary School joined thousands of schools around the world in celebrating Global School Play Day!
The goal of this special day is simple but powerful, encouraging students to enjoy free play without screens or adult direction. It gives children the chance to explore their creativity, build problem-solving skills, and practice social interactions in a fun, unstructured environment.
At EES, students met in their Panther Pride groups, where they talked about empathy and what it means to be kind and understanding toward others. After that, it was time to play! Mixed grade-level groups from Kindergarten through 5th grade spent time building, creating, and playing games together.
To make the day even more exciting, we held a game drawing, and 60 EES students went home with a brand-new game of their own!
Research shows that play is a key part of healthy development. Imaginative play helps support social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Play really is powerful! 🎲🧩 Panther Pride!
The goal of this special day is simple but powerful, encouraging students to enjoy free play without screens or adult direction. It gives children the chance to explore their creativity, build problem-solving skills, and practice social interactions in a fun, unstructured environment.
At EES, students met in their Panther Pride groups, where they talked about empathy and what it means to be kind and understanding toward others. After that, it was time to play! Mixed grade-level groups from Kindergarten through 5th grade spent time building, creating, and playing games together.
To make the day even more exciting, we held a game drawing, and 60 EES students went home with a brand-new game of their own!
Research shows that play is a key part of healthy development. Imaginative play helps support social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Play really is powerful! 🎲🧩 Panther Pride!
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Tonight’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Kristen Elbe, who was nominated by Abbie.
Abbie shared how truly amazing Kristen is and the positive impact she has every single day. Kristen’s dedication, teamwork, and upbeat attitude make a difference for both students and staff. She brings great energy into the building and is always encouraging and supportive of the students she works with.
Abbie also shared how grateful she is to work alongside someone who is so thoughtful, supportive, and caring. That kind of positivity creates a welcoming environment where students feel encouraged to do their best.
Thank you, Kristen, for everything you do. Our students and your coworkers are so lucky to have you! 💜🐾
Tonight’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Kristen Elbe, who was nominated by Abbie.
Abbie shared how truly amazing Kristen is and the positive impact she has every single day. Kristen’s dedication, teamwork, and upbeat attitude make a difference for both students and staff. She brings great energy into the building and is always encouraging and supportive of the students she works with.
Abbie also shared how grateful she is to work alongside someone who is so thoughtful, supportive, and caring. That kind of positivity creates a welcoming environment where students feel encouraged to do their best.
Thank you, Kristen, for everything you do. Our students and your coworkers are so lucky to have you! 💜🐾
🍓 Last Chance for Fresh Strawberries! 🍓
Don’t miss out on the Ellsworth FFA Strawberry Sale! These delicious, fresh strawberries are a community favorite every year, and the deadline to order is coming up fast.
📅 Order deadline: February 20
🛒 Place your order here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWNG2EmOYMqfObqIybiJCUg9PkwUUpaXLaSyRGLzOAJGz5Hw/viewform
Support our Ellsworth FFA students while stocking up on some sweet, juicy berries. Thank you for backing our Panthers! 🐾🍓
Don’t miss out on the Ellsworth FFA Strawberry Sale! These delicious, fresh strawberries are a community favorite every year, and the deadline to order is coming up fast.
📅 Order deadline: February 20
🛒 Place your order here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWNG2EmOYMqfObqIybiJCUg9PkwUUpaXLaSyRGLzOAJGz5Hw/viewform
Support our Ellsworth FFA students while stocking up on some sweet, juicy berries. Thank you for backing our Panthers! 🐾🍓
Last Friday, our 6th graders headed out for their annual ski field trip, and the weather did not disappoint! It’s not often you get a 50-degree day for a ski trip, and by the time most students finished ski school, many were down to just their snow pants and sweatshirts.
The students did an amazing job on the slopes, and it was a day full of fun, smiles, and new experiences. It was great to see so many kids building confidence and enjoying their time at Welch Village.
A HUGE thank you to the Middle School Parents Club for helping offset the cost of the trip. Because of their support, the cost to each student was only $10, which is a huge savings compared to previous years.
It was a beautiful day, and so many students had a wonderful time hitting the slopes. Panther Pride! 🎿❄️
The students did an amazing job on the slopes, and it was a day full of fun, smiles, and new experiences. It was great to see so many kids building confidence and enjoying their time at Welch Village.
A HUGE thank you to the Middle School Parents Club for helping offset the cost of the trip. Because of their support, the cost to each student was only $10, which is a huge savings compared to previous years.
It was a beautiful day, and so many students had a wonderful time hitting the slopes. Panther Pride! 🎿❄️
The Ellsworth Community School District will hold a child development screening (ages 3, 4 & 5 years old) day on March 18, 2026 at the Ellsworth Elementary School.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn about your child’s development in speech/language, gross motor, fine motor and play skills. During the screening your child will participate in a playgroup where social, communication, motor and early learning skills will be observed. In addition, your child’s vision and hearing will be screened. Screening is required before 4K enrollment is approved.
Appointments are required. For an appointment please call Tina Hallock at 715-273-3912 or hallockt@ellsworth.k12.wi.us.
Please contact the school with any questions.
Office 715-273-3912
Email: hallockt@ellsworth.k12.wi.us or zimmermanm@ellsworth.k12.wi.us
FUTURE SCREENING DATES:
April 15, 2026
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn about your child’s development in speech/language, gross motor, fine motor and play skills. During the screening your child will participate in a playgroup where social, communication, motor and early learning skills will be observed. In addition, your child’s vision and hearing will be screened. Screening is required before 4K enrollment is approved.
Appointments are required. For an appointment please call Tina Hallock at 715-273-3912 or hallockt@ellsworth.k12.wi.us.
Please contact the school with any questions.
Office 715-273-3912
Email: hallockt@ellsworth.k12.wi.us or zimmermanm@ellsworth.k12.wi.us
FUTURE SCREENING DATES:
April 15, 2026
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Sarah Ainsworth, who supports students at all buildings and was nominated by Beth and Robin.
Beth shared how remarkable Sarah’s dedication is to all students, especially our English Language Learners. Her kindness, patience, and understanding shine through in everything she does, and the care she shows students and families is something we can all learn from.
Robin highlighted how Sarah consistently goes above and beyond, even while managing a demanding workload that takes her across all three buildings in the district. She works closely with families, often serving as a key connection between home and school, and is always advocating for what’s best for her students.
Sarah’s commitment, compassion, and tireless support make a meaningful difference every single day.
Thank you, Sarah, for everything you do for our students and families. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Ellsworth team! 💜🐾
Love was definitely in the air in the welding shop this month! Now that Valentine’s Day has passed, we can share this awesome project high school student Hunter has been working on.
Hunter designed and welded a bouquet of metal flowers for his girlfriend. How fun is that? The attention to detail in each flower really shows the time, care, and craftsmanship he put into the project.
Projects like this are made possible thanks to the new welding bays in our newly renovated CTE space. The updated area gives students more room, better equipment, and hands-on opportunities to turn creative ideas into real-world skills.
Great work, Hunter! 🌹🔧 Panther Pride!
Hunter designed and welded a bouquet of metal flowers for his girlfriend. How fun is that? The attention to detail in each flower really shows the time, care, and craftsmanship he put into the project.
Projects like this are made possible thanks to the new welding bays in our newly renovated CTE space. The updated area gives students more room, better equipment, and hands-on opportunities to turn creative ideas into real-world skills.
Great work, Hunter! 🌹🔧 Panther Pride!
Ellsworth High School’s new CTE center continues to come to life!
This month, experts from W.C. Branham in River Falls stopped by to consult with our CTE teachers and help get our new HAAS CNC equipment up and running. W.C. Branham provides engineering and manufacturing solutions for industrial applications, and their team brought valuable real-world expertise right into our shop.
Hands-on support like this helps ensure our students are learning on the same types of equipment and processes used in today’s manufacturing industry. It’s another great example of local businesses partnering with our schools to create meaningful, career-ready opportunities for Ellsworth students.
Thank you to W.C. Branham for sharing your time and expertise with our students and staff! Panther Pride!
https://www.wcbranham.com/
This month, experts from W.C. Branham in River Falls stopped by to consult with our CTE teachers and help get our new HAAS CNC equipment up and running. W.C. Branham provides engineering and manufacturing solutions for industrial applications, and their team brought valuable real-world expertise right into our shop.
Hands-on support like this helps ensure our students are learning on the same types of equipment and processes used in today’s manufacturing industry. It’s another great example of local businesses partnering with our schools to create meaningful, career-ready opportunities for Ellsworth students.
Thank you to W.C. Branham for sharing your time and expertise with our students and staff! Panther Pride!
https://www.wcbranham.com/
📣 Menu Change for This Week
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ve had to switch the lunch menu around for the rest of the week. Here’s the updated lineup:
Wednesday, February 18: Pizza Cruncher Menu
Thursday, February 19: Hot Beef with Mashed Potatoes
Friday, February 20: Taco Salad with Frito Chips
Thanks for your understanding!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ve had to switch the lunch menu around for the rest of the week. Here’s the updated lineup:
Wednesday, February 18: Pizza Cruncher Menu
Thursday, February 19: Hot Beef with Mashed Potatoes
Friday, February 20: Taco Salad with Frito Chips
Thanks for your understanding!
We’re excited to share with the Ellsworth community that the ECSD Hall of Fame Committee met in early January and reviewed many thoughtful and deserving nominations.
We’re proud to announce the 2026 ECSD Hall of Fame Inductees:
💜 Judi Helmer
💜 William "Cubby" Huber
💜 Milt Helmer
These individuals will be honored with a dinner and induction ceremony on Saturday, March 21 at 6:00 pm in the Ellsworth High School Cafetorium.
We would love for you to join us as we celebrate their lasting contributions to our schools and community alongside their friends and families.
🎟️ Tickets are available here:
https://gofan.co/event/5809431?schoolId=WI19699
Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested in helping us celebrate these special people.
📚 EES Book Fair is Coming!
Ellsworth Elementary will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair February 17–20. Students will have opportunities to shop during the school day, and families are invited to stop by during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, February 19 from 4:30–7:30 PM.
Want a cash-free option? Families can set up an eWallet for their student and even shop online.
Visit the EES Book Fair homepage here:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/ellsworthelementaryschool5
Every purchase helps support our school library and encourages a love of reading. We hope to see you there! 📖🐾
Ellsworth Elementary will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair February 17–20. Students will have opportunities to shop during the school day, and families are invited to stop by during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, February 19 from 4:30–7:30 PM.
Want a cash-free option? Families can set up an eWallet for their student and even shop online.
Visit the EES Book Fair homepage here:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/ellsworthelementaryschool5
Every purchase helps support our school library and encourages a love of reading. We hope to see you there! 📖🐾
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Nick Foley, who was nominated by Alyssa Matzek.
Alyssa shared a huge shout out to Nick for consistently taking initiative and keeping things running behind the scenes. He does so much work that often goes unnoticed, but his impact is felt throughout the district every single day.
Nick is dependable, skilled, and genuinely great at what he does. His behind-the-scenes efforts help keep everything moving smoothly, and we are truly lucky to have him on our team.
Thank you, Nick, for all you do to support our staff, students, and schools. We appreciate you! 💜🐾
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Nick Foley, who was nominated by Alyssa Matzek.
Alyssa shared a huge shout out to Nick for consistently taking initiative and keeping things running behind the scenes. He does so much work that often goes unnoticed, but his impact is felt throughout the district every single day.
Nick is dependable, skilled, and genuinely great at what he does. His behind-the-scenes efforts help keep everything moving smoothly, and we are truly lucky to have him on our team.
Thank you, Nick, for all you do to support our staff, students, and schools. We appreciate you! 💜🐾
This spring Ellsworth High School will be hosting an exciting new event to provide students and families a one stop shop to learn about opportunities in our community.
One of the components of the evening will be to provide possible service learning opportunities and possible summer employment opportunities for our students. This may also be a chance to connect with ESCD families.
We would like to extend an invitation to you to be part of this event. If your business or organization would be interested in being represented and talking to families and students, please let us know by filling out the form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckphqQdgGTVHVE9Xf9e9S7wVFjqgFX87peHuABeLUOfV7oMg/viewform
We will have a table available for set up after 3:30 that afternoon. Ideally, we’d love to have representatives at each table to answer questions and help students/ families who may have an interest in your organization.
Please reach out to the Ellsworth High School office if you have any questions.
One of the components of the evening will be to provide possible service learning opportunities and possible summer employment opportunities for our students. This may also be a chance to connect with ESCD families.
We would like to extend an invitation to you to be part of this event. If your business or organization would be interested in being represented and talking to families and students, please let us know by filling out the form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckphqQdgGTVHVE9Xf9e9S7wVFjqgFX87peHuABeLUOfV7oMg/viewform
We will have a table available for set up after 3:30 that afternoon. Ideally, we’d love to have representatives at each table to answer questions and help students/ families who may have an interest in your organization.
Please reach out to the Ellsworth High School office if you have any questions.
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Madeline Poulos, our High School Physical Education teacher, who was nominated by Sarah and student Piper.
Sarah shared that Ms. Poulos brings incredible energy, positivity, and heart into everything she does. She has a special ability to connect with high school students, inspiring them to persevere while also reminding them that learning can and should be fun. She is always willing to go the extra mile, making herself available and ensuring students feel supported and encouraged.
Piper shared how much Ms. Poulos means to her and so many other students. She said Ms. Poulos “brings light to many students’ days,” and as an added bonus, she brings Pudge along. Piper shared that Ms. Poulos is the reason she smiles every day and that she makes everyone feel included and truly cared about.
Thank you, Ms. Poulos, for the joy, encouragement, and sense of belonging you bring to our students each day. We are so lucky to have you! 💜🐾
Transportation Update for the 2026–2027 School Year
Please take a moment to review the attached document outlining upcoming busing and transportation changes that will begin with the 2026–2027 school year. These changes were approved by the School Board at the February 11, 2026 meeting.
Please note: these transportation updates will take effect regardless of the outcome of the spring 2026 operational referendum.
If you have any questions, please contact Transportation Director Michael Chisholm at (715) 273-3917 or by email at chisholmm@ellsworth.k12.wi.us
Please take a moment to review the attached document outlining upcoming busing and transportation changes that will begin with the 2026–2027 school year. These changes were approved by the School Board at the February 11, 2026 meeting.
Please note: these transportation updates will take effect regardless of the outcome of the spring 2026 operational referendum.
If you have any questions, please contact Transportation Director Michael Chisholm at (715) 273-3917 or by email at chisholmm@ellsworth.k12.wi.us
🎉 100 Days Smarter at EES! 🎉
This week, our Ellsworth Elementary students celebrated the 100th day of school! Classrooms were filled with fun activities as students counted their way to 100 and celebrated all the learning they’ve done so far this year.
The first-grade team added an extra dose of fun by dressing up as 100-year-olds, and the students loved it! From counting collections to creative projects, it was a great day to celebrate being 100 days smarter.
Way to go, EES! 🐾📚
This week, our Ellsworth Elementary students celebrated the 100th day of school! Classrooms were filled with fun activities as students counted their way to 100 and celebrated all the learning they’ve done so far this year.
The first-grade team added an extra dose of fun by dressing up as 100-year-olds, and the students loved it! From counting collections to creative projects, it was a great day to celebrate being 100 days smarter.
Way to go, EES! 🐾📚
