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! 🐾📚
Would you like to learn more about the upcoming referendum? We want our community to have the facts and feel confident about how this decision impacts our school district.
Your vote matters, and being informed matters too. We hope you’ll take advantage of one of these opportunities to learn more and be part of the conversation. 💜🐾
Your vote matters, and being informed matters too. We hope you’ll take advantage of one of these opportunities to learn more and be part of the conversation. 💜🐾
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
This week’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Lisa Bench, who was nominated by Robin for the incredible impact she has on her team and students.
Robin shared that Lisa is truly the glue that holds the 5th grade team together. She is always thinking ahead, helping map out both the big picture and the small day-to-day details that keep everything running smoothly. Lisa is a natural problem solver and creative thinker who is constantly finding ways to improve the student experience.
She also goes above and beyond to give students meaningful opportunities outside the classroom. From planning field trips to making connections within the communities where our students live, Lisa works hard to help kids try new things, spend time outdoors, and learn through real-world experiences.
On top of everything she does at school, Lisa is also an active community volunteer, giving her time and energy to support many local events. She holds high expectations for her students and supports them as they grow academically, socially, and personally.
Thank you, Lisa, for your leadership, creativity, and dedication to our students and team. We are so lucky to have you! 💜🐾
This week’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Lisa Bench, who was nominated by Robin for the incredible impact she has on her team and students.
Robin shared that Lisa is truly the glue that holds the 5th grade team together. She is always thinking ahead, helping map out both the big picture and the small day-to-day details that keep everything running smoothly. Lisa is a natural problem solver and creative thinker who is constantly finding ways to improve the student experience.
She also goes above and beyond to give students meaningful opportunities outside the classroom. From planning field trips to making connections within the communities where our students live, Lisa works hard to help kids try new things, spend time outdoors, and learn through real-world experiences.
On top of everything she does at school, Lisa is also an active community volunteer, giving her time and energy to support many local events. She holds high expectations for her students and supports them as they grow academically, socially, and personally.
Thank you, Lisa, for your leadership, creativity, and dedication to our students and team. We are so lucky to have you! 💜🐾
The Galentine/Valentine Jewelry Making Community Ed Class scheduled for this Friday, 2/13 has been cancelled.
A huge thank you to Quinn Motors for their very generous $1,000 donation to our Floor Hockey program. 💜🏒
The donation was presented to the team last week, and we are so grateful for their support of our students and this awesome program. Community support like this makes a big difference, and our Panthers truly appreciate it.
Thank you, Quinn Motors, for supporting Panther Pride! 🐾
The donation was presented to the team last week, and we are so grateful for their support of our students and this awesome program. Community support like this makes a big difference, and our Panthers truly appreciate it.
Thank you, Quinn Motors, for supporting Panther Pride! 🐾
Community Ed Sunday Spotlight ✨
Looking to support your health, movement, or overall well-being? This week’s Community Education offerings focus on learning, balance, and feeling your best.
🌸 Perimenopause, Menopause, and You
Puberty in reverse…the struggle is real. Join Emily Jacobson from Healing Roots Wellness Center in River Falls for an informative and relatable talk on perimenopause. Learn what changes are happening in your body, explore ways to manage symptoms, and leave with practical tips to help bring more ease to this transition.
🧘 Yoga at The Aroma Bar
Unwind, stretch, and reset with weekly yoga classes at The Aroma Bar. Classes include Flow + Restore, Mindful Movement, and Yin Yoga, and are welcoming for both beginners and experienced yogis. Mats and props are provided.
• Weekly classes
• Drop-in (no registration required)
• Free-will donation
• Led by certified instructors in a calm, aromatherapy-filled space
🕰 Tuesdays 5:30 PM | Wednesdays 8:30 AM | Thursdays 6:30 PM | Fridays 8:30 AM
🥗 Gut Health
We truly are what we eat. Join Emily Jacobson for an evening of learning about how foods impact our bodies, both positively and negatively. You’ll gain simple, practical ideas to help support digestion, improve overall health, and build habits that last.
👉 Interested in these or other Community Ed offerings?
Visit our website to view the full catalog and register:
https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/community-education
Get involved. Get connected. Try something new 💜🐾
Looking to support your health, movement, or overall well-being? This week’s Community Education offerings focus on learning, balance, and feeling your best.
🌸 Perimenopause, Menopause, and You
Puberty in reverse…the struggle is real. Join Emily Jacobson from Healing Roots Wellness Center in River Falls for an informative and relatable talk on perimenopause. Learn what changes are happening in your body, explore ways to manage symptoms, and leave with practical tips to help bring more ease to this transition.
🧘 Yoga at The Aroma Bar
Unwind, stretch, and reset with weekly yoga classes at The Aroma Bar. Classes include Flow + Restore, Mindful Movement, and Yin Yoga, and are welcoming for both beginners and experienced yogis. Mats and props are provided.
• Weekly classes
• Drop-in (no registration required)
• Free-will donation
• Led by certified instructors in a calm, aromatherapy-filled space
🕰 Tuesdays 5:30 PM | Wednesdays 8:30 AM | Thursdays 6:30 PM | Fridays 8:30 AM
🥗 Gut Health
We truly are what we eat. Join Emily Jacobson for an evening of learning about how foods impact our bodies, both positively and negatively. You’ll gain simple, practical ideas to help support digestion, improve overall health, and build habits that last.
👉 Interested in these or other Community Ed offerings?
Visit our website to view the full catalog and register:
https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/community-education
Get involved. Get connected. Try something new 💜🐾
Our Ellsworth Panther floor hockey team took on the All-Star Staff team Tuesday night, and wow… the students dominated the floor! 🏒💜
The Panthers put up an impressive 33 goals, while the staff gave it their all and answered back with 7 goals of their own. It was a great night of fun, friendly competition, and lots of Panther Pride.
If you want to cheer on the floor hockey team, they play Tuesdays and Thursdays at EES, and they’d love the support. 🐾🙌
The Panthers put up an impressive 33 goals, while the staff gave it their all and answered back with 7 goals of their own. It was a great night of fun, friendly competition, and lots of Panther Pride.
If you want to cheer on the floor hockey team, they play Tuesdays and Thursdays at EES, and they’d love the support. 🐾🙌
Have questions or want to learn more about the upcoming referendum?
Join Superintendent Nadeau for an informal Coffee & Conversation at Sawyer Joe's. This is a relaxed opportunity to ask questions, hear more details, and have open conversation in a welcoming setting. Grab a cup of coffee and stop by.
We'd love to see you there!
Join Superintendent Nadeau for an informal Coffee & Conversation at Sawyer Joe's. This is a relaxed opportunity to ask questions, hear more details, and have open conversation in a welcoming setting. Grab a cup of coffee and stop by.
We'd love to see you there!
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Tonight’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Bella, who was nominated by Jenny.
Jenny shared how hard Bella has been working as she prepares for the musical. Her dedication, patience, and care for the students truly show, and the end result is always something special.
Bella does an amazing job working with kids and helping them shine, both on stage and behind the scenes. Her commitment and passion make a big difference for our students and for our performing arts program.
Thank you, Bella, for all the time and energy you put into making the musical such a success. We appreciate you! 💜🐾
Tonight’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Bella, who was nominated by Jenny.
Jenny shared how hard Bella has been working as she prepares for the musical. Her dedication, patience, and care for the students truly show, and the end result is always something special.
Bella does an amazing job working with kids and helping them shine, both on stage and behind the scenes. Her commitment and passion make a big difference for our students and for our performing arts program.
Thank you, Bella, for all the time and energy you put into making the musical such a success. We appreciate you! 💜🐾
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Alyssa Nelson, our amazing Elementary Librarian! Alyssa was nominated by Lisa, who shared a moment that perfectly captures Alyssa’s thoughtfulness and dedication.
Lisa wrote that while she was at the public library requesting immigration chapter books for a grade-level book study, Alyssa happened to walk in and asked what she was working on. When Lisa explained she was requesting additional copies, Alyssa held up three bags of books and said, “These ones?”
Lisa was surprised and asked which teammate had asked Alyssa to check them out. Alyssa shared that she had noticed the books sitting on the counter in the neighborhood, remembered requesting them for the team last year, and figured they would be needed again so she took care of it without even being asked.
That kind of foresight, support, and care makes a huge difference. Alyssa consistently goes above and beyond to support student learning and to make teachers’ jobs just a little easier.
Kudos to you, Alyssa, and thank you for all you do for our students and staff. You are truly appreciated! 💜🐾
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Alyssa Nelson, our amazing Elementary Librarian! Alyssa was nominated by Lisa, who shared a moment that perfectly captures Alyssa’s thoughtfulness and dedication.
Lisa wrote that while she was at the public library requesting immigration chapter books for a grade-level book study, Alyssa happened to walk in and asked what she was working on. When Lisa explained she was requesting additional copies, Alyssa held up three bags of books and said, “These ones?”
Lisa was surprised and asked which teammate had asked Alyssa to check them out. Alyssa shared that she had noticed the books sitting on the counter in the neighborhood, remembered requesting them for the team last year, and figured they would be needed again so she took care of it without even being asked.
That kind of foresight, support, and care makes a huge difference. Alyssa consistently goes above and beyond to support student learning and to make teachers’ jobs just a little easier.
Kudos to you, Alyssa, and thank you for all you do for our students and staff. You are truly appreciated! 💜🐾
🦷❄️ Bridging Brighter Smiles is coming to our schools! ❄️🦷
Their dental team will visit during the school day to provide preventative dental care at no cost to families. Services include cleanings, screenings, fluoride varnish, sealants, oral health education, and more.
Signing up is easy. Just scan the QR code on the flyer or visit bridgingbrightersmiles.org/forms to enroll your student.
A simple way to help keep those smiles healthy! 😊
Their dental team will visit during the school day to provide preventative dental care at no cost to families. Services include cleanings, screenings, fluoride varnish, sealants, oral health education, and more.
Signing up is easy. Just scan the QR code on the flyer or visit bridgingbrightersmiles.org/forms to enroll your student.
A simple way to help keep those smiles healthy! 😊
