District Biography
A unified school district with a school enrollment of approximately 5,000, the Wisconsin Rapids Public School District includes seven K-5 elementary schools, a middle school serving grades 6-8, one senior high school serving grades 9-12, one grades 11-12 program specializing in health occupational training, an at-risk alternative high school for grades 9-12, 4K programming which is held in some of our elementary schools as well as off-site at community partner organizations, and virtual programming for grades 4K-12.
The Wisconsin Rapids Public School District serves the City of Wisconsin Rapids; Villages of Biron, Rudolph, and Vesper; Wood County Townships of Arpin, Grand Rapids, Hansen, Rudolph, Saratoga, Seneca, Sigel, Sherry; and Portage County Townships of Carson, Grant, and Plover.
The school system has earned a solid reputation as a progressive, professional organization with high student achievement and a low dropout rate. Staff members continue to be recognized by state and national organizations and agencies for their professionalism and expertise. District graduates have demonstrated success at Big-Ten Universities, Ivy League schools, military academies, and other public and private schools of higher education.
Wisconsin Rapids Area
An estimated 46,000 people live and work in the south Wood County area. Wisconsin Rapids and its surrounding communities offer an array of diverse industry, beautiful scenery, and a great variety of unique experiences to be enjoyed throughout the year. Companies specializing in cranberries, papermaking, manufacturing and educational software products offer a wide variety of business and industry workforce opportunities. Wisconsin Rapids is also home to Mid-State Technical College, which offers a range of opportunities to people in all walks of life.
Year round recreational activities are enjoyed by members in the community, and there is something to do each season! The area offers miles of biking and hiking trails, snowmobile trails, lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing, area campgrounds, a baseball stadium featuring a Northwood’s League team, several beautiful golf courses, and many seasonal fairs and festivals for the entire family to enjoy.
Incourage Community Foundation (www.incouragecf.org) is a local organization helping to respond to the changing needs of the south Wood County area. Through partnerships shared with residents and local organizations, Incourage works diligently to engage community-wide efforts to connect local and national resources and transform our local economy and culture in positive ways.
Many community organizations such as the United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Family Center (among others) help to provide assistance and resources to support local residents and area students.
Wisconsin Rapids is a wonderful place to live, learn, and grow!
Parent Involvement
Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools work hard to establish strong family and community partnerships. These partnerships are essential to create a climate conducive to learning within schools. Research shows that students with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher-level programs, attend school regularly, have better social skills, graduate and are better prepared for their future whether they move on to post-secondary education or directly into the workforce.
Taking a Look at Our Curriculum
The Wisconsin Rapids Public School District is committed to teaching a rigorous, engaging, and standards based curriculum. Curriculum is developed by content specific sub-committees made up of professional staff who study the national and state standards, best practice, and assessment. The curriculum is consistently reviewed and revised for optimal student learning. Parents, students and staff have opportunities for input throughout the curriculum development process. Virtual programming is offered at all age levels, and there is a vast array of co-curricular offerings to meet student needs and interests.
Elementary Schools
Our elementary schools engage students and develop their confidence as learners in grades 4K-grade 5. Kindergarten is a full-day program. Literacy and Math skills are emphasized throughout instruction. Critical thinking, creativity, communication, and technology are woven into all curricular areas including: Language Arts, Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Health, Art, Physical Education, and Music. Lessons address varied interests, needs, and abilities of all students.
WRPS 4K offers a combination of school-based and community-based sites with half-day programming. Wraparound childcare at community-based sites is an option for families. We provide a curriculum based on the Wisconsin Early Learning Model standards. Teachers work hard to integrate the standards into a play-based program that meets the developmental needs of the students. 4K is an opportunity for students to explore not only their academic needs, but more importantly their social and emotional needs. 4K is an essential building block to our more formal elementary school experiences.
Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School
Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School (WRAMS) serves the District’s sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. WRAMS seeks to build upon the curriculum that students began in elementary school, with a continued emphasis on literacy and math. The middle school curriculum expands to begin student exposure to other curricular areas including world languages, family and consumer economics, technology education, and business education. In addition, all students receive an introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Collaborative teaching teams work with groups of approximately 125 students to meet the unique academic, social, physical and emotional needs of young adolescents. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of academic and co-curricular activities. The pre-teen years are filled with self-discovery and personal growth; therefore, our staff facilitates many different clubs, sports, leadership and volunteer experiences for students in addition to delivering consistent, content-based, academic standards.
High School
Lincoln High School offers a strong curriculum, both in the core content areas and elective course offerings. Over 150 courses are offered to meet the diverse learning needs and career paths of all students. The curriculum includes offerings in advanced placement (AP), honors, transcripted credit, advanced standing, and virtual courses. There are a rich assortment of courses in the career and technical education areas including Project Lead The Way (PLTW) and offerings of four world languages to choose from. The fine arts are also a strong part of the curriculum, including courses in the visual arts, music, and theatre. Additionally, Lincoln High School has a strong tradition of high quality co-curricular programs, with over 21 interscholastic sports and more than 50 activities and clubs.
Alternative High School
We recognize that there are students whose educational needs are not being met in a traditional school setting. It is our ethical and professional responsibility to meet the unique needs of all individuals and provide opportunities for success.
River Cities High School intends to provide an environment that promotes the social, emotional, academic, and vocational growth and development of students most at-risk in grades 9-12. Instead of lowering expectations, we attempt to raise hope and redefine success among our students. River Cities High School provides students with non-traditional approaches to meet their high school graduation requirements.
|