Students and staff from River Cities High School told the Board on Dec. 8 about a hands‑on cooking and nutrition program called "Beefember," funded by a $150 grant from the Wisconsin Beef Council and supported monthly by UW Extension.

Presenters described lesson units that teach meal planning, grocery shopping, different cuts of beef and kitchen safety; recent student projects included sliders, beef stroganoff, slow‑roasted beef and planned steak‑bite lessons. Staff said the program gives students real‑life skills and that participation has been enthusiastic.

Later in the meeting the Board honored Wisconsin River Orthopedics as the 2025 Business Honor Roll recipient for longstanding support of Lincoln High School, including serving as the title sponsor for the Sportainment Night fundraiser that has raised more than $100,000 for local charities and provided students with experience in sponsorship, sales and event management. A representative from Wisconsin River Orthopedics thanked the district and described the practice’s commitment to the community.

What happens next: schools will continue these community‑facing programs; the district will accept awardees and consider shared publicity for these collaborations.