The Black River Falls Middle School Student Showcase and 8th Grade Ceremony were truly wonderful celebrations of our students’ hard work, creativity, and accomplishments throughout the school year. It was incredible to see our middle school halls and gym filled with families, friends, and community members supporting and celebrating our students. The Student Showcase highlighted the many talents, projects, and achievements of our students across all grade levels, while the 8th Grade Ceremony honored the Class of 2030 as they prepare to begin their high school journey.

We are extremely proud of our 8th-grade students for their dedication, leadership, and perseverance during their middle school years. The evening was filled with memorable moments as students were recognized for academic achievement, attendance, citizenship, and excellence in various subject areas.

Congratulations to our Honor Roll students:
Alexandra Blazek, Brayden Dahl, Liam Erickson, Gianna Garvin, Nora Gerke, Aubrey Gilbert, Jackson Gunn, Jhett Hale, Jackson Hayden, Matthew Hintz, Ava Kalstad, Harmony McDonald, Natalie Miner, Hudson Moe, Mica Nieman, Maddox Pfaff, George Rave, Late Rave, Kaius Simmons, Jalene Smith, William True, Dominick Valentino, and Sophia Zillmer.

Congratulations to our High Honor Roll students:
Nick Anderson, Sophia Berry, Isaiah Burnham, Sophia Cooper, Pearl Duff, Keesa Edwards, Caleb Ellingson, Wyatt Gunderson, Oliver Hansen, Rilyn Hansen, Ian Janowski, Blake Jaeger, Addison Johnson, Eleanora Keller, Kyler Krpata, Harper Morris, Brayden Olson, Emerson Rauvola, Brianna Reese, Liam Scharpf, Aiden Sherman, Lia Smetana, Willow Taylor, Hollis Todd, Michelle Voogt, and Nixon Wood.

Special recognition goes to our students who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, the highest academic honor attainable in middle school:
Caleb Biddle and Henry (Hank) McCullough.

We would also like to congratulate our Outstanding Attendance Award recipients.

Zero Tardies:
Caleb Biddle, Caleb Ellingson, Rilyn Hansen, and George Rave.

97%+ Attendance:
Caleb Biddle, Luciana Cuminale, Brayden Dahl, Caleb Ellingson, Jaxston Elmore, Rilyn Hansen, Grayson Howard, Ava Kalstad, Ava Konicki, Malachi Littlebird, Peyton Peterson, George Rave, Elise Stenulson, Ephraim Wood, and Sophia Zillmer.

Thank you to all of our families, staff, and community members who helped make these events so successful and meaningful. We are so proud of our students and cannot wait to see all the amazing things our 8th graders accomplish in high school and beyond.

Note: Some student names may not be included in this publication due to media and publication restrictions indicated in Skyward. We appreciate your understanding as we honor family privacy preferences.

Want to catch a middle school football game, but can't make it to the stands by 5 PM today? Here's your chance--it's livestreaming on Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/wi/black-river-falls/organization/20005/black-river-falls-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0Mjg0ODcyOA%3D%3D

🕶 Summer Reading Challenge Post #3: Read in sunglasses! Reading looks even cooler in shades. Snap a pic and add it to our form by midnight on July 1 to be eligible for a prize drawing! https://forms.gle/bt2TTCYJPS6itGsC6 #brfreads

The weight room is OPEN this summer—and there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re training for your sport or just want to stay active, we’ve got a spot for you. Come get those summer gains! 🕕 6:00–7:00 AM & 7:00–8:15 AM Open to all middle and high school students. Sessions led by football coaches. No sign-up needed—just show up! 🏀 8:15–9:15 AM Girls basketball & volleyball training—middle and high school athletes welcome. 🏃 10:00–11:45 AM (Mon/Wed/Fri) Open to all, but especially encouraged for cross country and wrestling athletes. 🔥 1:00–2:30 PM (Mon/Wed/Thurs) Train & Gain small group sessions—limited spots available! Email jaryan.smith@brf.org for details. No sign-up. No excuses. Just strength, sweat, and Tiger pride. 🐯 #tiGRRpride #SummerStrong #TrainLikeATiger

📣 Parents of Student-Athletes! Activity registration for the 2025–26 school year is now open for all middle and high school sports and activities! Make sure fall registrations are completed by July 3 to avoid any delays in participation. The new system is through Arbiter Registration—check your email for full details. Didn’t see the email? Need help? 📧 Reach out to andy.osegard@brf.org for more info. #tiGRRpride #BRFathletics #TigerReady

Nico Brandeau, an 8th gradel teacher here at BRF, says one of the best parts of teaching is the diversity — and how excited students are to share their culture and what matters to them. "I get to learn a ton from them every year.’” #tiGRRpride #TeachBRF

☀️ Summer Reading Challenge Post #1: Read outside! Summer reading helps children maintain their school-year reading gains--and potentially improve their skills. To help families out, we've got a weekly challenge this summer! Here's the first challenge to share with your kids: Take your book into the sunshine and enjoy the fresh air. Take a pic of you reading outside, and post the photo in the comments to earn some recognition (and rumor has it...one randomly-chosen reader in the comments will get a small prize)! #brfreads

Celebrate Our Greats! Nominations are now open for the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Athletic Hall of Fame. Help us recognize Tigers who’ve inspired excellence in our schools, community, or athletic programs. Nominations are due July 15 — don’t miss your chance to honor a deserving graduate! Nominate here: https://www.brf.org/page/distinguished-alumni-athletic-hall-of-fame #tiGRRpride #BRFAlumni #HallOfFame #DistinguishedAlumni

Our coaches are keeping the weight room doors open this summer—and there’s something for everyone! 💪 Whether you're building strength for your sport or just want to stay active, come get your reps in! 🕕 6:00–7:00 AM & 7:00–8:15 AM — Open to all middle and high school students, led b

We’re excited to offer FREE meals to kids and teens this summer — no signup, no cost, just good food! 📍 During School Sessions: Free meals are available at Red Creek and Black River Falls High School whenever school is in session. 📅 Special Days – August 26, 27, & 28: ALL BRF schools will offer free meals for enrolled students on these dates. 🤝 Summer Meal Sites (June 9 – August 31): Thanks to our partnership with the YMCA, free 7-day meal kits for all (breakfast & lunch) are available at: Methodist Church Ho-Chunk Community Park Let’s make sure every child stays fueled and healthy this summer! Want full details? See the top of our nutrition services page! https://www.brf.org/o/sdbrf/page/nutrition-services

We are 14 days away from the deadline to order a middle school yearbook. The last day to order is February 21! Order now before it's too late. Click the link below! https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1117498/Black-River-Falls-Middle-School/

Don't forget, middle school soccer practice starts this Tuesday after school at 4 PM. Students should meet at the soccer fields located across from the Lunda Park. ⚽️ Let's get ready for a great season!

Attention Shopaholic Parents (We See You )! We know it feels like just yesterday you were packing away sunscreen and pool noodles. But guess what? The whispers are true—eventually, school's coming. And while those enticing back-to-school sale flyers might be flooding your mailbox, fear not! We still need to pick out our new teacher outfits (fashionable sweater vests, anyone?). We wouldn't want you to miss out on those epic deals on neon highlighters and three-hole-punched everything. So, consider this your friendly reminder to: ✏️ Bookmark this post! It's ready when you're ready! ✏️   Sharpen those shopping pencils! You'll be all set by the time open house arrives (August 22--one month from today). ✏️   Distract yourselves with poolside puns! We recommend "feeling fintastic" or "beach day blues are a distant memory." Here's the link: [ 🔗 https://www.brf.org/page/supply-lists ] Stay tuned, future scholars (and their equally enthusiastic parents)! #tigrrpride

It's time to highlight staffers who have given 25 years to our district! Mary Repka and Marc Rukavina are pictured. Catherine Morgan, Kathy Neville, and Pam Pfaff-Olson also were honored for their 25 years of service. Share a good memory with one of these staffers in the comments! #tigrrpride

🎉 Congratulations to Tony Boerger and Wendy Everson for their 30 years of service 🎉 Leave a comment below to share your well wishes for them both! #tigrrpride

Attention Parents! 🚌 Remember that transportation/bus contracts are due by August 1 to guarantee your child's spot for the first day of school! ️🏫 Ensuring we have accurate transportation plans helps us run a smooth and efficient system for all students. Please return your completed contracts by the deadline to guarantee transportation for the first day of school. 🍎 Not sure where to find the contract? No problem! Get your contract and handbook below: ⬇️ 🔗 Contract [ https://5il.co/2pprz ] 🔗 Handbook [ https://5il.co/2ppry ] Contracts can be dropped off at the district office or emailed to buscontract@brf.org. Feel free to drop it in the mail (SD of BRF District Office, 301 N. 4 th Street, Black River Falls) or fax it (715-284-7064). For any questions about transportation, please contact the transportation department at 715-670-0181. Let's get ready for a great school year! 🍎

After 32 years of teaching (and with 24 of those years in Black River Falls), Lara Zillmer is retiring. Lara graduated from the BRFHS class of '87--once a tiger, always a tiger! While teaching, she taught seventh-grade science and ELA, was a high school interventionist, and advised multiple clubs. Thank you for everything you have done for our district! You will be greatly missed. 🍎

Let's honor another one of our amazing retirees, Brian Stemper. Before becoming our middle school technology education teacher, Mr. Stemper taught chemistry, physics, and electronics for 13 years. He is also very involved in sports. He coached football (31 years), softball (15 years), and baseball (4 years). Thank you for your involvement in SkillsUSA and Robotics Club! You will be greatly missed! Comment and share your favorite memory of Brian Stemper 🛠️

Hey, there! The updated 2024-2025 calendar is here to help you stay on track! Get it here: https://5il.co/2p5va

Don't let this intense face throw you off--this girl is focused on learning! Keep your middle schooler in the learning zone by signing up for summer enrichment. We offer a variety of courses, including these: ⛑️ Red Cross CPR & First Aid Certification American Sign Language Red Cross Babysitting Training & Certification Quiet Sewing Outdoor Adventures Yard Games Musical Theater Camp Yoga & Essential Oils Sign up today and give your child a summer to remember! ➡️ [ https://bit.ly/3UXGvth ] link to form for more info ➡️ [ https://bit.ly/3KfhNQh ] link to registration.