School District of Black River Falls Overview

	Forrest Street 7:45-2:41
	Third Street 7:50-2:50
	Gebhardt  7:50-2:41
	Middle School 7:54-3:05
	High School 7:55-3:05

Our Mission Statement

Our relationships with all students will promote their educational achievement and prepare them to be life-long learners and compassionate, contributing members of our society.

Demographics

The average enrollment for the district is 2,000 students in Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district boundaries cover 500 square miles in west central Wisconsin. Approximately 16% of the student population is Native American, with the Black River Falls area being home to the headquarters of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Over 300 staff are employed by the district, including 166 teachers, nine administrators and 130 support personnel. Forty-four percent (44%) of the district's certified staff hold Master's degrees, demonstrating the high priority placed on education in the community

Academic Instruction

The district has adopted the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards and aligned curriculum in all content areas. A comprehensive Pre-Kindergarten though twelfth grade curriculum, plus extra- and co-curricular programs and activities, provides students with a strong foundation for post-secondary education or employment. Opportunities for enrichment and remediation are available during the academic year and through the district's summer school program. All curricula, department mission statements and goals can be found on the district's website. Student progress is measure through district-wide and classroom assessment, as well as standardized tests in grades 3, 4, 6, 6 and 10. District results can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website's WINSS page.

Student Services

The Student Services department provides and coordinates a wide range of services to all Pre-K through 12 students in the following areas:

At Risk Programming
Family, School Community Partners
Early Childhood Programs
Guidance and Counseling
Home Bound Instruction
Talented and Gifted Program
Native American Student and Family support
Nursing Services
Psychological Services
School Age Parent
Special Education
Speech and Language
Student Assistance Program

Technology

A fully-networked computer system serves the district, connecting all five schools, the transportation office and the district office to each other and the Internet. Every teacher has a computer in the classroom and email access. All elementary classrooms have 3 computers and student labs support instruction in every school. All workstations operate from a PC platform using Microsoft Office Suite for common applications, plus multiple software programs as instructional resources. Every classroom is equipped with a telephone and all employees have voicemail. A distance-learning lab is located in the high school and used for instruction, staff development, and community programs.

Transportation

The Black River Falls School District maintains its own fleet of over 30 buses. Transportation to and from school is provided for most students living within the school district boundaries.

School Nutrition Program

Breakfast and lunch are available at all schools during the school year. Free and reduced priced meals are available to students who qualify.

School Policies

A copy of school district policies and general district information is accessible via the Internet. The school calendar, handbooks, newsletters and other pertinent information about the schools are available upon request.

School Board

The Board of Education is comprised of seven members elected by voters for a three-year term. Regular meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. The public is invited to attend. Meetings are also aired on the public access cable channel.

Belief Statements

	We believe in the dignity and worth of the individual.
	We believe that a healthy, safe environment is necessary for learning.
	We believe self-worth promotes learning.
	We believe education must be a shared obligation of school, student, family, and community.
	We believe our school district must meet the needs of the individual learner.
	We believe all students must have opportunities to achieve their potential.
	We believe honesty, patriotism, citizenship, and respect are fundamental to our education purpose.
	We believe everyone is capable of learning.
	We believe teachers and students have a shared responsibility in the learning process.
	We believe in recognizing the cultural diversity of all people.
	We believe our homes and schools should work jointly to foster a strong work ethic.