
Mrs. Johnson's food service classes had an exciting field trip to LoLo American Kitchen in Hudson! Students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant, where they met the General Manager, learned about what it takes to run a successful restaurant, and had the chance to ask questions.
To top it off, they got to enjoy lunch at the restaurant, making the experience both educational and delicious! A big thank you to LoLo American Kitchen for hosting our students and sharing your expertise.





🌟 Character Education Fun at EES! 🌟
Our students have been busy learning about perseverance while having a blast at Character Ed! From cheering with the EES Cheer Squad to conquering obstacle courses and showing off their hula hooping skills, it’s been an exciting week of teamwork and determination. 💜👏
A big shoutout to the Student Council leaders for their help in organizing the fun activities, and congratulations to our Student of the Month winners for showing compassion this month. 🏆🎉
It's wonderful to see our Panthers living out these important values every day! 💜







✨ A Unique Learning Experience in Mrs. Klecker's Biology Class!
Mrs. Klecker's high school biology students had the incredible opportunity to learn about falconry firsthand!
Steve Kaufer, who has been a licensed falconer for an impressive 49 years (he started at just 14!), joined by his daughter Bethany (a 10th grader), shared their lifelong passion for falconry. For Steve, falconry is more than a hobby—it’s been a way of life.
He shared fascinating insights about the history of falconry, how he developed his interest, and the critical role birds of prey play in maintaining ecosystem balance. Students learned about the unique skills and adaptations of these incredible birds and how Steve has shared his passion with his daughters over the years.
The class got up close with a Red-Tailed Hawk (Bethany’s bird, the larger one in the photos) and a Peregrine Falcon (the smaller bird). They observed the unique characteristics of each bird and how these traits contribute to their survival. Some students even got to hold the birds—check out DJ holding the falcon!
This was an unforgettable experience, blending education, community connection, and hands-on learning about predator/prey relationships and ecosystem balance. A huge thank you to Steve and Bethany for sharing their time and expertise!





The Panther Closet, which has supported high school students for the past three years with hygiene and clothing items, is now expanding to the middle school! Organizers Lexi Marks and Claire Matzek are teaming up with EMS staff to provide the same support for middle school students in need.
To stock the new EMS closet, hygiene drives will be held at all EMS and EHS sporting events from January 27-31. Donations brought to high school games will earn a free concession stand item. Collection sites will also be available at EMS and EHS offices.
Event Collection Dates:
January 27: Girls Basketball (HS)
January 28: Girls BB (MS) & Boys BB (HS)
January 30: Girls BB (MS & HS)
January 31: Boys BB (HS)
💜Your support makes a difference!💜



🏒🔥 The Ellsworth Panther Floor Hockey team is having an incredible season so far!
The Panthers dominated against the Ellsworth Fire Hall with a 20-7 win, and Smokey the Bear even made a special appearance! 🐻🔥
In a nail-biter of a game, the Panthers triumphed over the Ellsworth FFA, 17-13! 🌟
And let’s not forget that huge win against the Ellsworth Middle School staff… so big, we’ll keep the score under wraps to save them some embarrassment! 😅
Let’s keep the energy going—come fill the stands and cheer on the Panthers every Tuesday and Thursday at EES! 📣💜🖤





🌟 Congratulations to our EHS December Students of the Month! 🌟
We are proud to recognize these outstanding students for demonstrating compassion as their character trait of the month. 💙 Whether through acts of kindness, supporting their peers, or showing care and understanding, they truly embody what it means to be part of the Panther family. 🐾
👏 Please join us in celebrating their achievements and thanking them for making EHS a better place!


Over the weekend of January 11-12, the Ellsworth Basketball Association's 8th-grade Boys team brought home 1st Place in the League Championship Tournament (LCT) sponsored by the Great Northwest Basketball League! 🏀✨ This prestigious tournament invites only the top 32 teams from the league, which spans youth programs from Superior to Wisconsin Dells, regardless of school size.
Our boys showcased incredible determination and skill, defeating teams from Chippewa Falls, La Crosse, Superior, Onalaska, and three others. They played seven games in just 28 hours, culminating in a dominant 60-40 victory in the Championship Game against Onalaska Luther. This victory was especially sweet as it avenged a tough, 3-point loss to Onalaska Luther in last season’s LCT.
Congratulations to the team on this remarkable achievement! 🏆🎉 Panther Pride! 🐾

The Ellsworth Community School District Foundation is nominated for Best Non-Profit, Civic Group, or Religious Organization category, and the Ellsworth Community School District is nominated for Best Customer Service category in the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce 'Best of 2025' Awards! 🎉
Please take a moment to vote! 💜💜
👉 Vote here: https://ellsworth-vista.growthzonecms.com/best-of-awards/


Exciting Employment Opportunities at ECSD!!
💜Tech Ed Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year
💜Finance Specialist
💜Child Care Assistant for Panther Kids Club
💜Elementary Food Service 1 position
💜Food Service 2 position
+ Several sub & coaching positions available.
💼 How to Apply: To explore the available positions and apply, please visit our official website at https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/employment
You'll find detailed job descriptions, application requirements, and information about the application process.


Due to recent snow and cold weather closures:
The December 19, 2024, no school day will be made up on April 21, 2025 (the first snow make-up day).
The January 21, 2025, cold weather day will be made up on June 4, 2025 (the second snow make-up day).
Schedule Updates:
June 3, 2025 will now be a full day of school.
June 4, 2025 will be the last day of school with an early dismissal.
Any future snow/cold weather days for the rest of the 2024-2025 calendar year will be virtual days.


Due to the cold temperatures and wind chill and the fact that our area is in an Extreme Cold Warning the Ellsworth Community School District is closing school tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21, 2025. PKC is closed as well. After school activities remain scheduled as usual.


🍓 Ellsworth FFA Annual Strawberry Sale! 🍓
Ready to order? Complete your online order here: https://forms.gle/HAVQWa7M6AThokta8
🌟 Important Update: To ensure the highest quality berries, we’ve switched vendors this year!
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Ellsworth Ag. Department. Thank you for supporting Ellsworth FFA! 🍓


🩺 A Message from the School Nurse 🩺
We want to remind families about important guidelines to help keep everyone healthy this season:
🌡️ Fever: If your child has a fever of 100.0°F or higher, they should remain at home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
🤢 Vomiting or Diarrhea: If your child experiences vomiting or excessive diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours), they can return to school once they have been free of symptoms for 24 hours.
We’ve been seeing cases of mono, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), Influenza A, strep throat, and respiratory illnesses such as croup and bronchitis.
🔍 Please monitor your student’s health closely before sending them to school. If they are feeling unwell with symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, allow them to recover at home to help reduce the spread of illness within our buildings.
Your efforts make a big difference in keeping everyone well. Thank you for your cooperation and care!


🌟 Discover Something New This Winter & Spring with Ellsworth Community Education! 🌟
Looking to learn a new skill, have fun, or meet new people? We've got you covered with a fantastic lineup of Community Education Classes offered through the Ellsworth Community School District!
✨ Classes include:
💰 Financial Foundations: Your Blueprint to Thrive
🏐 Ellsworth Community Volleyball for Adults
🌿 Succulent Terrariums
🔷 Wire Wrapped Sea Glass Suncatchers
🎨 Boho Tie Dye Party
🚜 Tractor Safety
...and many more!
📅 Find more information and register here:
👉 https://www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us/page/community-education
Don’t wait—secure your spot today and make this season one to remember! 💜

📚✨ Explore Your Future! ✨📚
Join us at the Western WI College & Career Fair on January 13, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 PM at River Falls High School!
🔹 25+ reps from top employers in Western WI
🔹 70+ reps from tech colleges, military, universities, and apprenticeships
🔹 FREE admission for all—open to all area schools!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to discover your next step. Learn more here: http://tinyurl.com/2bedbj29



🍴✨ Chopped: MRE Edition! ✨🍴
Our High School Food Service students took on a unique challenge last week—a military twist on Chopped! Ellsworth grad Spc. Jaegar Quade from the Army National Guard joined us, bringing MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) packets and challenging students to create culinary masterpieces.
With creativity and teamwork, the students whipped up some impressive dishes! 👨🍳👏
A huge thank you to Spc. Quade for sharing his time and expertise with us.








A heartfelt thank you to Our Savior's Church for donating 27 Christmas meals to support families in our school district this holiday season. Your generosity is truly appreciated!
A big shoutout to our amazing staff for going above and beyond to deliver these meals with care and compassion.


Our High School Vocational FACS students recently ventured to Hanisch Bakery in Red Wing for a day filled with sweet treats and social time! It was a great opportunity to explore local flavors while building connections and enjoying a fun outing.



🌟 Join us for the Winter Wellness Fair this Saturday, January 11, at the River Falls Public Library! 🌟
📅 10 AM - 12 PM: Explore over 20 organizations offering wellness resources for adults, children, and teens.
📅 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Panel discussions and presentations on Positive Parenting Practices and Empowering Student Well-being led by local experts.
Let’s kick off the new year with a focus on emotional well-being and community support! 💙


❄️⛸️ Skating into Fun! ⛸️❄️
Our 5th graders had an amazing time taking advantage of the newly opened ice skating rink right at EES! Thanks to the incredible support of the Village of Ellsworth and the Fire Department, the rink is ready for fun this winter. Plus, with the help of the Empower Ellsworth Grant Program, students and community members can borrow ice skates to join in on the excitement! 🙌👏
Want to learn more? Check out all the details here: https://www.villageofellsworth.org/our-community/ice-rink
Thank you to everyone who made this wonderful resource possible!


