School District of Rhinelander

Finishing the year strong in Books & Media (BAM) with a lot of problem-solving and creativity on display. 💪📚

Throwback Thursday: Hallway Edition 📸

Strikes, smiles, and lasting friendships! 😀

Mr. Adams JWMS Small Group PE, Mentors, and Best Buddies celebrated their final outing of the 2025-26 school year with an incredible trip to Nick's Hodag Lanes!🎳

The mentors did a fantastic job assisting their mentees on the lanes, and everyone had an absolute blast. The group was treated to pizza and soda, which gave them all the energy they needed for some fun, healthy competition!

Reflecting on this past year, these students have done an amazing job working together. They have consistently modeled JWMS expectations and set positive examples in both our classrooms and the community. This is truly a special group where genuine, lasting friendships have developed with memories they will treasure forever. ❤️

🌟Job well done to all of our students!
🙌 A massive thank you to all of the staff members who support the mission and vision of this program.
🎉 An extra special thank you to Mr. Gretzinger for generously treating our students to this wonderful event!

Today’s forecast: 100% chance of giggles, sunshine, and snack time in the courtyard!

☀️🍎 Our early childhood friends took their circle time outside today to enjoy the beautiful weather. Turns out, storytime and counting games are even more fun when you’re surrounded by nature! 🌿🧒👧

Over the past few weeks, Crescent first-grade students took on the challenge of drawing bubbles! By looking closer than ever before, they discovered a whole world hidden inside each bubble. They spotted swirling rainbow colors, unique shapes, bending lines, and even trapped reflections.

To celebrate their hard work, the students wrapped up the project with a fun bubble-popping party!🌟🫧

🌟 Introducing Hodag Ready Club! 🌟

This year, students from the RHS Key Club, with direction from high school senior Ben O., launched an 8-week life-skills mentorship program for 5th-grade students at Central Elementary School called the Hodag Ready Club. Separate groups for boys and girls focused on building:

✔️ Confidence
✔️ Leadership
✔️ Emotional regulation
✔️ Positive decision-making
✔️ A stronger sense of belonging at school

Research shows that cross-age mentoring helps younger students improve self-control, classroom engagement, resilience, and peer relationships, while also helping high school students grow as leaders and role models.

We are excited to strengthen connections, build character, and create positive influence across our Hodag community! 💙💛

JWMS is proud to announce the May Student Shout Outs! For May, our focus was Mental Health Awareness and Service Learning, and these students truly exemplified both. 🙌They were nominated by staff for supporting the well-being of others, showing compassion and empathy, and making a positive impact through service to their school and community.👏

We are proud to celebrate these students for helping create a caring, connected, and supportive environment for everyone at JWMS. As we wrap up another school year, thank you to all of our Student Shout Out recipients for making our school a better place each day. Have a sensational summer! 💚✨

View the May Student Shout-outs here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cKOJ0t637aHC8pD1g0GM1vxs7k1ho4_4X4JViWHQiHU/edit?usp=drivesdk

Last week, Mr. Adams’ Adaptive PE class at JWMS turned into an epic, high-energy showdown! 🔥These amazing students, Mr. Adams, and SRO Deputy Mike Zabrowski teamed up for some epic dodgeball games.

While the kids were busy showing off their incredible skills, Mr. Adams and Deputy Zabrowski found themselves locked in a hilarious, friendly rivalry. 🏀💪

We love seeing our staff and School Resource Officers building such wonderful connections with our students. Thank you for bringing so much joy and laughter to the gym!😊

🎉 Celebrating a Dedicated Career – Congratulations on Your Retirement, Chris Zahorik!

After 13 years of service with the School District of Rhinelander, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Chris Zahorik, who has made a meaningful impact on students across our district.

Chris has worked as a Teaching Assistant supporting Special Education students and as a Substitute Teacher for grades 6–12 at Rhinelander High School and James Williams Middle School. She has been a bright, welcoming presence for all students in the building, and her kindness and energy make every interaction memorable. Students love connecting with her, especially those facing more significant challenges in their lives, who often find comfort, encouragement, and support in her presence.

Chris has been a valued member of our school community, making a lasting difference in the lives of students, families, and colleagues alike.

We are incredibly grateful for Chris’s 13 years of service and her unwavering commitment to supporting students.

Please join us in thanking Chris for her dedication and wishing her all the best in retirement. 🎓👏

🎉 Rhinelander High School Student of the Month Celebration 🎉

On May 28th, RHS proudly recognized our outstanding Students of the Month during a special ceremony held in the RHS Library. The event, hosted by RHS Principal Shane Dornfeld, took place from 7:15–7:45 a.m. and brought together parents, staff, and students to celebrate academic excellence and achievement. Guests enjoyed doughnuts, juice, and water while teachers honored each student with certificates recognizing their hard work and dedication.

👏 Congratulations to our honorees:
Front row: Abigail Adams (Tech Ed), Emma Tagalos (English), Brooklyn Peotter (Fine Arts), Matthew Wood (World Languages), & Marcy Eckrich (Staff of the Month-Teaching Assistant).

Back Row: Abigail Ferge (Family and Consumer Science), Karlie Yunkers (Science), Kendra Slack (Science), Dylan Shefveland (Mathematics), & Danek Koniar (English).
Not Pictured: Evan Whittaker (Social Studies) and Fox Burke (Business Dept.)

Let's give these recipients a big applause in the comments below. 👏