The District previously shared Phase 1 budget reductions totaling $731,350 as part of ongoing financial planning for the 2026–27 school year.
In addition, the District has identified $517,700 in Phase 2 reductions as part of continued budget planning. If the April 7 operational referendum is not approved, the District has also outlined $671,700 in potential Phase 3 reductions.
Together, the reductions across all three phases would total $1,920,750.
As always, additional information about the 2026 Operational Referendum is available on our website, and Superintendent Nadeau welcomes your questions.
https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/2026-operational-referendum
In addition, the District has identified $517,700 in Phase 2 reductions as part of continued budget planning. If the April 7 operational referendum is not approved, the District has also outlined $671,700 in potential Phase 3 reductions.
Together, the reductions across all three phases would total $1,920,750.
As always, additional information about the 2026 Operational Referendum is available on our website, and Superintendent Nadeau welcomes your questions.
https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/2026-operational-referendum
☀️ Summer School Preview is Here! ☀️
We’ve added a preview of the class offerings for our June Summer School and June Adventures programs so families can start planning ahead!
A couple quick reminders as you look through the options:
• Busing will not be door-to-door this summer.
• Students should register based on their CURRENT grade level.
🗓 Summer School registration opens Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 PM.
Check out the class preview here:
https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/summer-school-2026
We’ve added a preview of the class offerings for our June Summer School and June Adventures programs so families can start planning ahead!
A couple quick reminders as you look through the options:
• Busing will not be door-to-door this summer.
• Students should register based on their CURRENT grade level.
🗓 Summer School registration opens Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 PM.
Check out the class preview here:
https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/summer-school-2026
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Josh Erlandson, who was nominated by a parent who wished to remain anonymous.
The nomination shared that Mr. Erlandson is deeply dedicated to all students at EHS. He creates safe spaces where students feel comfortable being themselves, encourages personal growth, and challenges students to reach beyond their own expectations. And he does it all while making learning fun.
Mr. Erlandson is described as a key teacher at Ellsworth High School, someone who makes a lasting impact not just academically, but personally.
Thank you, Mr. Erlandson, for the energy, encouragement, and support you bring to your students every day. We appreciate 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
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Josh Erlandson, who was nominated by a parent who wished to remain anonymous.
The nomination shared that Mr. Erlandson is deeply dedicated to all students at EHS. He creates safe spaces where students feel comfortable being themselves, encourages personal growth, and challenges students to reach beyond their own expectations. And he does it all while making learning fun.
Mr. Erlandson is described as a key teacher at Ellsworth High School, someone who makes a lasting impact not just academically, but personally.
Thank you, Mr. Erlandson, for the energy, encouragement, and support you bring to your students every day. We appreciate 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
Looking to join the Panther team or know someone who might be a great fit? We currently have a few openings in our district:
• Elementary School Counselor – Long-Term Sub (Ellsworth Elementary School)
• Middle School Counselor
• Special Education Teacher (Ellsworth High School)
• Special Education Teacher (Ellsworth Middle School)
If you’re passionate about supporting students and making a difference in our schools, we’d love to hear from you!
👉 View full details and apply here:
https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicCertified/3619
All applications are submitted through WECAN, Wisconsin’s statewide system for K–12 school employment.
What an incredible spring break adventure for our Ellsworth High School International Club!
A group of 33 EHS students and chaperones traveled to Costa Rica and Panama, experiencing the culture, food, and natural beauty of both countries while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Along the way, students had the chance to:
🌴 Zip line through the rainforest
🤿 Snorkel in the Pacific Ocean
🛶 Kayak near La Fortuna, Costa Rica
💦 Climb the 500+ steps to see the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall
In Panama, the adventure continued with:
🏄 Surfing lessons
🚤 Boating on Lake Gatun
🚢 Watching the Panama Canal in action
Students also enjoyed incredible local food and learned about the region’s culture and businesses, including a visit to a cocoa bean plantation.
It was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, exploration, and plenty of fun. Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
A group of 33 EHS students and chaperones traveled to Costa Rica and Panama, experiencing the culture, food, and natural beauty of both countries while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Along the way, students had the chance to:
🌴 Zip line through the rainforest
🤿 Snorkel in the Pacific Ocean
🛶 Kayak near La Fortuna, Costa Rica
💦 Climb the 500+ steps to see the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall
In Panama, the adventure continued with:
🏄 Surfing lessons
🚤 Boating on Lake Gatun
🚢 Watching the Panama Canal in action
Students also enjoyed incredible local food and learned about the region’s culture and businesses, including a visit to a cocoa bean plantation.
It was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, exploration, and plenty of fun. Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
📢 Attention 6th Grade Parents!
Join us in the Ellsworth MS Cafeteria on Thurs., Mar. 19th - 6:30pm to learn all about the upcoming 2028 Washington, D.C. educational trip.
Discover how each traveler can qualify for a $500 Early Bird Scholarship—a great opportunity you won’t want to miss!
👉 Click here to RSVP: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/47624648985?rsvp_id=47624648985
We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us in the Ellsworth MS Cafeteria on Thurs., Mar. 19th - 6:30pm to learn all about the upcoming 2028 Washington, D.C. educational trip.
Discover how each traveler can qualify for a $500 Early Bird Scholarship—a great opportunity you won’t want to miss!
👉 Click here to RSVP: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/47624648985?rsvp_id=47624648985
We look forward to seeing you there!
Big news for our youngest Panthers! 🐾💜
Starting next school year, Ellsworth Elementary will be moving to a full-day 4K program. Students enrolled in 4K will attend full day, two days per week.
You can find more details about the new full-day 4K program on our website here:
👉 https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/o/ellsworthes/page/full-day-4yk
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re looking forward to welcoming our newest Panthers next fall! 💜🖤
Starting next school year, Ellsworth Elementary will be moving to a full-day 4K program. Students enrolled in 4K will attend full day, two days per week.
You can find more details about the new full-day 4K program on our website here:
👉 https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/o/ellsworthes/page/full-day-4yk
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re looking forward to welcoming our newest Panthers next fall! 💜🖤
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
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.
A big thank you to this amazing group of Ellsworth High School students who spent part of their spring break volunteering their time for service hours! 💜🖤
They took on a big project together and did an incredible job. Thanks to their hard work, our flex room has undergone a huge transformation!
We truly appreciate the time and effort from:
Drezden M., Grace H., Emma E., Wyatt K., Bradley B., Rose S., Bo B., Savanna S.
And a special shout out to Katelyn H. who has already completed her required service hours but still chose to volunteer both days and worked on the project from start to finish. That kind of dedication says a lot. 👏
Thank you all for giving your time to help improve our school. Panther Pride! 🐾💜🖤
They took on a big project together and did an incredible job. Thanks to their hard work, our flex room has undergone a huge transformation!
We truly appreciate the time and effort from:
Drezden M., Grace H., Emma E., Wyatt K., Bradley B., Rose S., Bo B., Savanna S.
And a special shout out to Katelyn H. who has already completed her required service hours but still chose to volunteer both days and worked on the project from start to finish. That kind of dedication says a lot. 👏
Thank you all for giving your time to help improve our school. Panther Pride! 🐾💜🖤
💜🐾 Panther Pride Staff Shout Out 🐾💜
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Jessica Sallander, who was nominated by Pia and a grateful parent.
Pia shared a shout-out to our amazing 6th Grade Team Lead, noting how Jessica keeps the team organized and informed about everything happening at the middle school. She is a strong and steady advocate for her students, and she works hard to ensure the learning environment is positive, supportive, and productive. Her leadership and dedication make a real difference for both students and staff.
Jessica was also nominated by a parent who shared how much she impacted her daughter’s life. Through reading interventions and consistent support, Ms. Sallander helped her daughter get back on track with reading. Today, that same student is now an avid reader in college. What an incredible testament to the lasting impact a teacher can have.
Thank you, Jessica, for your leadership, advocacy, and commitment to helping students grow and succeed. 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
Today’s Panther Pride Staff Shout Out goes to Jessica Sallander, who was nominated by Pia and a grateful parent.
Pia shared a shout-out to our amazing 6th Grade Team Lead, noting how Jessica keeps the team organized and informed about everything happening at the middle school. She is a strong and steady advocate for her students, and she works hard to ensure the learning environment is positive, supportive, and productive. Her leadership and dedication make a real difference for both students and staff.
Jessica was also nominated by a parent who shared how much she impacted her daughter’s life. Through reading interventions and consistent support, Ms. Sallander helped her daughter get back on track with reading. Today, that same student is now an avid reader in college. What an incredible testament to the lasting impact a teacher can have.
Thank you, Jessica, for your leadership, advocacy, and commitment to helping students grow and succeed. 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
🌾🐾 Great News for EHS FFA! 🐾🌾
We’re excited to share that the Ellsworth High School FFA has received a grant from the Purina team in Hager City!
This generous support will help equip our agricultural lab with essential tools and materials, giving students even more opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world skill development. These experiences play a big role in preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields.
We are grateful to be partnering with Purina Hager City as we work toward a shared goal of strengthening our local community and investing in the next generation.
Thank you for supporting our students and their future! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
We’re excited to share that the Ellsworth High School FFA has received a grant from the Purina team in Hager City!
This generous support will help equip our agricultural lab with essential tools and materials, giving students even more opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world skill development. These experiences play a big role in preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields.
We are grateful to be partnering with Purina Hager City as we work toward a shared goal of strengthening our local community and investing in the next generation.
Thank you for supporting our students and their future! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
The Ellsworth E3 recently hosted their annual Service Learning Grant Program at Ellsworth High School. This opportunity is open to students with service projects who need start-up funding to bring their ideas to life.
Students presented their proposals to a board of community members and participated in a Q&A session to share their vision and impact. It’s always inspiring to see our students step up, think big, and serve others.
A special thank you to the Power of 100 group for their generous donation to help fund this program for the next few years. Your support makes a lasting difference.
🎉 Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients:
💜Baseball/Softball Concessions Fundraiser
Eliana Nelson, Paighton Hotchkiss, Ragan Beck – $300
🖤FFA Pancake Breakfast
Joey Emery, Trevor Doherty – $600
💜Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Morgan Hince, Trinity Hauschildt – $1,000
🖤 Lily’s Baskets
Brock Fairchild – $500
💜TurningPoint Fundraiser/Bake Sale
Bella Lee, Corrin Paulson – $1,000
🖤ECSD Hall of Fame
Ani Whelan, Maggie Pechacek – $425
ou can find out more about each of these projects on our website:
https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/empower-ellsworth
We are so proud of these students for using their talents and leadership to make a positive impact in our community. Panther Pride at its best! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
Students presented their proposals to a board of community members and participated in a Q&A session to share their vision and impact. It’s always inspiring to see our students step up, think big, and serve others.
A special thank you to the Power of 100 group for their generous donation to help fund this program for the next few years. Your support makes a lasting difference.
🎉 Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients:
💜Baseball/Softball Concessions Fundraiser
Eliana Nelson, Paighton Hotchkiss, Ragan Beck – $300
🖤FFA Pancake Breakfast
Joey Emery, Trevor Doherty – $600
💜Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Morgan Hince, Trinity Hauschildt – $1,000
🖤 Lily’s Baskets
Brock Fairchild – $500
💜TurningPoint Fundraiser/Bake Sale
Bella Lee, Corrin Paulson – $1,000
🖤ECSD Hall of Fame
Ani Whelan, Maggie Pechacek – $425
ou can find out more about each of these projects on our website:
https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/empower-ellsworth
We are so proud of these students for using their talents and leadership to make a positive impact in our community. Panther Pride at its best! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
Mrs. Klecker’s Athletic Training class is in their Taping and Wrapping Unit, and students took their skills to the next level with a competitive double elimination bracket.
Students worked to learn and perfect taping techniques for the wrist, thumb, shin, MCL/LCL, and ankle. They were evaluated on timing, accuracy, and overall knowledge of each technique. It wasn’t just about speed. It was about doing it right.
To make it even more fun, they put their skills to the test in a friendly competition with classmates. The result? A lot of focus, teamwork, and a little competitive spirit during the Taping Tournament of Champions.
Be sure to check out the bracket standings, our final winners on the podium, and the impressive progress students made over just two days. Panther Pride in action! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
Students worked to learn and perfect taping techniques for the wrist, thumb, shin, MCL/LCL, and ankle. They were evaluated on timing, accuracy, and overall knowledge of each technique. It wasn’t just about speed. It was about doing it right.
To make it even more fun, they put their skills to the test in a friendly competition with classmates. The result? A lot of focus, teamwork, and a little competitive spirit during the Taping Tournament of Champions.
Be sure to check out the bracket standings, our final winners on the podium, and the impressive progress students made over just two days. Panther Pride in action! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
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.
🦷✨ Smiles All Around at EES! ✨🦷
Thank you to Dr. Knutson from Knutson Dental for visiting our 1st graders in honor of Dental Health Month!
Students learned all about the importance of brushing, flossing, and taking care of their teeth. It was a fun and engaging way to reinforce healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
We appreciate Dr. Knutson taking the time to invest in our students and support our school community. Thank you for helping keep those Panther smiles shining bright! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
Thank you to Dr. Knutson from Knutson Dental for visiting our 1st graders in honor of Dental Health Month!
Students learned all about the importance of brushing, flossing, and taking care of their teeth. It was a fun and engaging way to reinforce healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
We appreciate Dr. Knutson taking the time to invest in our students and support our school community. Thank you for helping keep those Panther smiles shining bright! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
🎶✨ A Night of Music, Dance, and Community ✨🎶
A few weeks ago, our community gathered for a FREE evening of music and dancing provided by the Ellsworth High School Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. What a fun night!
The talent on display was incredible, and it was so special to see families, friends, and neighbors enjoying the music together. Events like this are such a great reminder of how the arts bring people together.
Thank you to our student musicians and directors for sharing your time and talents with the community. We are so proud of you! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
A few weeks ago, our community gathered for a FREE evening of music and dancing provided by the Ellsworth High School Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. What a fun night!
The talent on display was incredible, and it was so special to see families, friends, and neighbors enjoying the music together. Events like this are such a great reminder of how the arts bring people together.
Thank you to our student musicians and directors for sharing your time and talents with the community. We are so proud of you! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
📐🧱 Math You Can Actually See! 🧱📐
Ms. Steitz’s and Mrs. Marson’s Math for the Trades class has been busy turning math into something hands-on and beautiful. Thanks to the generosity of H&F Flooring and Home Design, students received donated tile to create their own mosaic-tiled tables.
While designing their projects, students practiced real-world skills like mixing materials in proper ratios by volume, estimating area, and applying math concepts in a practical setting. It’s one thing to solve a problem on paper and another to bring it to life with your own hands.
We are so grateful to our community partners for supporting our students and helping make learning meaningful. Panther Pride in action! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
Ms. Steitz’s and Mrs. Marson’s Math for the Trades class has been busy turning math into something hands-on and beautiful. Thanks to the generosity of H&F Flooring and Home Design, students received donated tile to create their own mosaic-tiled tables.
While designing their projects, students practiced real-world skills like mixing materials in proper ratios by volume, estimating area, and applying math concepts in a practical setting. It’s one thing to solve a problem on paper and another to bring it to life with your own hands.
We are so grateful to our community partners for supporting our students and helping make learning meaningful. Panther Pride in action! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
🏁💨 7th Grade Industrial Tech = Fast & Focused! 💨🏁
Ms. Steitz’s 7th grade Industrial Tech students put their skills to the test by designing and building their very own CO₂ cars. From start to finish, students worked on the band saw, drill press, and sanding their designs to get them race-ready.
Then it was time to see whose car had the need for speed! Going head-to-head in a tournament-style bracket, races were so close that some were decided by the thousandth of a second. Talk about intense!
🏆 Congratulations to our top finishers:
🥇 Vinny E – 1st Place
🥈 William K – 2nd Place
🥉 Heidi P – 3rd Place
Great work to all of our 7th graders for combining design, precision, and a little friendly competition. Panther Pride in action! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
Ms. Steitz’s 7th grade Industrial Tech students put their skills to the test by designing and building their very own CO₂ cars. From start to finish, students worked on the band saw, drill press, and sanding their designs to get them race-ready.
Then it was time to see whose car had the need for speed! Going head-to-head in a tournament-style bracket, races were so close that some were decided by the thousandth of a second. Talk about intense!
🏆 Congratulations to our top finishers:
🥇 Vinny E – 1st Place
🥈 William K – 2nd Place
🥉 Heidi P – 3rd Place
Great work to all of our 7th graders for combining design, precision, and a little friendly competition. Panther Pride in action! 💜🖤 #PantherPride
⛳🔥 From the shop to the green! 🔥⛳
Students in Mr. Manosky’s class have been putting our new equipment to work in a big way. Using the HAAS mills and TIG welders, they’ve been designing and creating their own custom putter heads from start to finish. How cool is that?
This is hands-on learning at its best. Students are taking an idea, turning it into a design, machining it with precision, and finishing it with high-level welding skills. These are real-world experiences that connect directly to careers in manufacturing, engineering, and skilled trades.
Our new CTE area is already making an impact. The upgraded space and equipment are giving students access to industry-level tools and the opportunity to build skills that will serve them long after graduation.
Way to go, Panthers! 💜🖤 #PantherPride #CTE #HandsOnLearning
Students in Mr. Manosky’s class have been putting our new equipment to work in a big way. Using the HAAS mills and TIG welders, they’ve been designing and creating their own custom putter heads from start to finish. How cool is that?
This is hands-on learning at its best. Students are taking an idea, turning it into a design, machining it with precision, and finishing it with high-level welding skills. These are real-world experiences that connect directly to careers in manufacturing, engineering, and skilled trades.
Our new CTE area is already making an impact. The upgraded space and equipment are giving students access to industry-level tools and the opportunity to build skills that will serve them long after graduation.
Way to go, Panthers! 💜🖤 #PantherPride #CTE #HandsOnLearning
