Let's give a warm Tiger welcome to Maria Wiedl, our new middle school family and consumer science teacher! Maria brings hands-on experience in culinary arts and apparel from Middleton High School, along with a passion for interactive learning. She lives by the belief that involving students directly helps them truly understand. Maria looks forward to building strong connections across our community and creating a classroom where every student feels respected and welcomed. We're glad to have you on our team, Maria!

#tiGRRpride
about 1 hour ago, Julie Tiedens
Maria Wiedl, MS family and consumer science teacher
Help us welcome Breanne Johnson to Red Creek Elementary as a School Counselor! Breanne is eager to build connections across our school community—getting to know our students, staff, and families. She strives to ensure every child feels safe, seen, trusted, and has a true sense of belonging when they walk through the door. Welcome to Red Creek, Breanne!

#tiGRRpride
1 day ago, Julie Tiedens
Breanne Johnson, Red Creek Counselor. Portrait of a woman wearing a black jacket.
Welcome back to the middle school team, Karen Simm! Karen is excited to continue her work helping middle schoolers discover their potential as a Special Education Teacher. She believes in teaching perseverance and helping students understand that a tough moment doesn't define their whole day. Thank you for your dedication to our students, Karen!

#tiGRRpride
4 days ago, Julie Tiedens
Karen Simm, Special Education Teacher
Let’s give a warm welcome to Maranda Nelson, who is joining Black River Falls Middle School as an 8th Grade ELA and Science Teacher! Entering her fifth year in education, Maranda looks forward to getting involved in the local community and making a positive impact. She lives by the motto "measure twice, cut once" and wants all her students to realize they are capable of achieving great things. Welcome to the Tiger family, Maranda!

#tiGRRpride
4 days ago, Julie Tiedens
Maranda Nelson 8th Grade ELA and Science. Portrait of a woman in a green shirt.
Let's welcome Martha Spencer to the middle school as a Special Education Teacher! Bringing 19 years of teaching experience, Martha believes in building daily success for her students and helping them recognize their unique strengths. She looks forward to collaborating with colleagues and families to help students enjoy the learning process and hit high academic goals. Welcome aboard, Martha! #tiGRRpride
5 days ago, Julie Tiedens
Text on image: Martha Spencer Special Education Teacher. Portrait of woman wearing blue shirt.
Does your 7th or 8th grader love to make noise? We've got the perfect activity: 7th- & 8th-Grade Middle School Cheerleading! Whether your middle schooler wants to learn new skills, cheer on the Tigers, or build friendships, this is an incredible opportunity to jump in and try something new.

First Practice Info:

🧡 Date: September 1
🖤 Time: 3:30 – 5:00 PM
🧡 Location: On the Track

Parents need to complete registration, a current physical, and the Impact Test in Bound before the first practice. Keep an eye on your inbox for additional practice details coming soon. Get those sign-ups in and let's bring the energy! #tiGRRpride
8 days ago, Julie Tiedens
Photo of three girls wearing cheer t-shirts in orange and black. Text on image says "MS CHEER"
Beetlejuice Jr. was a success, and we couldn't be prouder of our cast, directors, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this production possible! Thank you to our wonderful audience for supporting our talented students and celebrating all of their hard work!

At Black River Falls, we're passionate about providing students with opportunities to grow, create, and shine on stage. This two-week summer school theater camp gave students the chance to build confidence and create lasting memories all while bringing Beetlejuice Jr. to life!

Take a look at our cast photo below! We're so proud of everything these students accomplished and can't wait to see them on stage again in future productions.

📸 Nate Wildenberg
18 days ago, Julie Tiedens
A group photo of the cast and crew of the middle school theater production of "Beetlejuice Jr." gathered on stage in the Lunda Theater. Students pose in full costume and show t-shirts in front of black-and-white striped set pieces. Sitting front and center is a student dressed as Beetlejuice in a signature black-and-white striped suit, flanked by cast members in theatrical costumes including a red gown, suits, and vintage dresses, while crew members in purple shirts stand along the sides.

We are five weeks out from the first day of school! This week, we want to give a special shout-out to our youngest learners in Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Starting school is a big milestone, and building the habit of regular attendance right now sets the foundation for your child's entire educational journey. Did you know that missing just two days a month in kindergarten can make it harder to learn to read later on?

Here are a few gentle things you can do this month to prepare:

⏰ Gradually adjust bedtimes: Start moving bedtimes up by 10 minutes each week so the first morning isn't a shock to the system.
⏰ Talk it up: Keep conversations about school positive and exciting to ease any transition anxiety.
⏰ Map out appointments: Try to schedule routine check-ups during summer days or after school hours whenever possible.

Want to learn more? Here’s a great resource! https://www.attendanceworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/K_1st_Handout_012925.pdf

We can’t wait to see those big smiles on day one! #tiGRRpride #attendancematters

29 days ago, Julie Tiedens
Text: "Every Day Counts" with alarm clock at the bottom.
Just two days into rehearsals for Beetlejuice, Jr., our middle and high school students are already bringing high energy to the stage. Between line readings and choreography, these talented Tigers spent the week problem-solving, building sets, and sharing plenty of laughs together. Providing creative opportunities like theater during the summer gives our older students a space to try new things, sharpen their skills, and collaborate across grade levels.

Mark your calendars! You can catch their performance on July 31st. Stay tuned for showtime details! #tiGRRpride
about 1 month ago, Julie Tiedens
Four girls holding another girl above their heads.
A group of students on a stage listening to a teacher.
Three students interacting on the stage.
School is just six weeks away, and we are already getting excited to welcome your children back into our classrooms!

At the School District of Black River Falls, we view our families as our greatest partners. As you start thinking about the upcoming school year, we want to talk about one of the biggest ingredients in your child’s success: regular attendance.

When students are here every day, they don't just stay caught up on schoolwork. They build deep friendships, grow their confidence, and feel a sense of belonging. We know life gets busy, and challenges happen. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to make this year amazing!

Our doors are always open. If you have questions or need support preparing for the year, please reach out to your child's school office! #tiGRRpride #attendancematters
about 1 month ago, Julie Tiedens
Text on image: be present. Decorative image: bell with handle
It's hard to believe it's already mid-July! July 15 means we're officially counting down the days until September 1, and we truly cannot wait to welcome our Tigers back into the hallways. We've missed that energy!

If you want to beat the August rush and cross a major task off your summer to-do list, our 2026–2027 school supply lists are officially live and ready for you. Whether your student is gearing up for kindergarten or heading into high school, you can find exactly what they need right here: https://www.brf.org/page/supply-lists

Enjoy the rest of your summer, Tiger families. Keep making memories, and we'll see you soon! #tiGRRpride
about 1 month ago, Julie Tiedens
Text: Supply Lists Available. Decorative image: backpack stuffed with notebooks and pencils.

Moving up to middle school is a big step, but finding your footing early makes it an exciting adventure! Join 6th-grade teachers Jessica Pehl and Ryan Boerger as they unlock 6th grade in a fun, interactive transition class.

While it isn't required, we highly recommend it for all of our incoming 6th graders to help them get comfortable in their new environment before the hallways fill up. Students will tour the building, master locker combination locks, walk through their daily schedules, and complete an epic school-wide scavenger hunt.

Sessions run on Monday, August 3, or Tuesday, August 4 (choose either 8:00–11:00 AM or 12:00–3:00 PM). Sign up using the Google Form link below to become a middle school expert! (Note: If you already submitted a paper copy, you're already on the list!)

Tackle middle school with confidence, Tigers! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA1812xw_BnLrRL_am8yNO9t6aD66Q5kxB3L5AjgWIykyj-w/viewform
#tiGRRpride

about 1 month ago, Julie Tiedens
Text on image: Unlock 6th grade. Decorative image of a combination padlock on the image.
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.
3 months ago, Julie Tiedens
Text on image: Middle School Honors
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
11 months ago, Julie Tiedens
Catch the middle school football game today at 5 p.m.!
🕶 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
about 1 year ago, Julie Tiedens
Shades: Reading looks even cooler in your favorite pair of sunglasses. Show us your sunny style!
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
about 1 year ago, Julie Tiedens
 Power Up. Summer strength training is open—let’s get to work, Tigers!
📣 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
about 1 year ago, Julie Tiedens
Register!  Fall sports and activity registration is open . Complete yours by July 3 to be ready for the season!
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
about 1 year ago, Julie Tiedens
Tigrrpride.  “I enjoy how excited the students get when sharing about things important to themselves, their culture.” Nico Brandeau teacher
☀️ 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
about 1 year ago, Julie Tiedens
Read: Weekly Challenge #1: Take your book on an outdoor adventure!
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
about 1 year ago, Julie Tiedens
Nominate. Celebrate our greats. Distinguished Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame nominations due July 15.