Osseo-Fairchild School District

🧡🖤 STATE BOUND! 🖤🧡

Congratulations to the Osseo-Fairchild Dance Team on an outstanding performance at Regionals today! The team competed in both Pom and Hip Hop, and we’re excited to share that their Pom routine has officially qualified for STATE! 🎉💃

The Thunder will take the state stage in La Crosse on February 6—an incredible achievement that reflects their hard work, dedication, and talent.

We are so proud of you—good luck at State! ⚡
#ThunderProud #StateBound #OFDanceTeam

🧠 Brain Science in Action! 🧠

Our 7th graders have been diving into the fascinating world of brain science! After reading Phineas Gage: A Gruesome But True Story about Brain Science, students tackled a big question: Was Phineas Gage the same person after his accident?

Working in teams, students formed claims, gathered evidence from the text, and built strong arguments—then presented their thinking through a formal classroom debate. They did an outstanding job following debate rules, thinking critically, and using what they’ve learned about the brain to support their ideas.

Way to think deeply and speak confidently!

#ThunderProud🧡🖤

Bella Aguillard, Quinn Peterson, Owen Gasser, Serenity Olson, and Josie Nelson braved the cold to take the stage today as members of the UW–Eau Claire Middle School Honor Band! 🎶❄️ We are so proud of these talented, hardworking young musicians! #ThunderProud🧡🖤

#ThunderProud Senior Spotlight – Delaney Yokiel 🎓
We are shining the spotlight on our graduating Class of 2026!

🎓 Plans after graduation:
I plan to major in Political Science on the Pre-Law track.

🌟 Favorite Subject:
Social Science/History — it’s such an important subject that is often overlooked. Understanding our history helps us learn from past mistakes, appreciate different perspectives, and better understand how our world and society function today.

🌟 Best Memory:
My Dance State Pep Rallies. Celebrating that achievement with my school three years in a row made every hour of blood, sweat, and tears worth it. Choreographing a dance for the boys was the icing on the cake, and I’ll always be grateful for the incredible support from our community.

🌟 Favorite Teacher:
The legendary Mr. Stoik. He may be a little grumpy at times,(and honestly, can you blame him? He’s been teaching since they rode dinosaurs to school), but he’s an amazing teacher and an even better person. He supported me through personal challenges, made sure I didn’t fall behind, and brings the perfect mix of fun, learning, and a little diva energy to class.

🌟 Activities I Was Involved In:
Cheer, Dance, Softball, FBLA, FCCLA, FCCLA State Ambassador, Above and Beyond, Student Council, Educators Rising, Yearbook, TADD, HOSA, Girls Badger State, Miss Osseo, Speech Team, Musical, and Legion Ball.

🌟 What I’ll Miss Most:
Seeing my friends every day — the little moments, laughter, and time spent together that made school so special.

🌟 Advice for Younger Classmen:
If you plan on taking AP Calc, double up sophomore year — not junior year! And remember, everything feels huge now, but in five years most of it won’t matter. Stop worrying so much and enjoy these years while you can.

We wish you all the best, Delaney! We can’t wait to see where the future takes you! 🧡🖤

#ThunderClassof2026 🎓⚡

❄️ SCHOOL CLOSURE NOTICE ❄️

Osseo-Fairchild Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow due to extreme cold. (Friday, Jan. 23rd)

🏫 Middle School & High School: Virtual learning day
❄️ Elementary School: Traditional snow day
💪 Fitness Center: Closed

Please stay safe and warm! 🧡🖤

❄️ Schedule Update ❄️

Due to incoming cold weather, tonight’s Boys’ Varsity Basketball game times have been adjusted:

🏀 C-Team / JV: 5:15 PM
🏀 Varsity: 6:45 PM

Please plan accordingly and stay warm! 🧡🖤

🏗️🇪🇸 **Building Culture in Spanish 1!**

After learning about Spain’s famous human towers (*los castells*), Ms. Velasquez’s Spanish 1 students put their skills to the test with an annual cup tower-building challenge! Teams raced against the clock to create the tallest and most creative towers—an engaging and fun way to wrap up this unique cultural tradition. 👏

#ThunderProud

#ThunderProud Senior Spotlight – Ryder Anderson🎓

We are shining the spotlight on our graduating Class of 2026!

🎓 Plans after graduation:
I plan to attend medical school to become a surgeon.

🌟 Favorite Subject:
Anatomy and Physiology.

🌟 Best Memory:
Being on the basketball team.

🌟 Favorite Teacher:
Mrs. Lane — she is super nice, very respectful to everyone, and truly cares about each of her students.

🌟 Activities I Was Involved In:
Basketball.

🌟 What I’ll Miss Most:
Socializing.

🌟 Advice for Younger Classmen:
Don’t rush growing up. High school goes by faster than you think, so enjoy the little moments — even the boring days.

We wish you all the best, Ryder! We can’t wait to see where the future takes you! 🧡🖤

#ThunderClassof2026 🎓⚡

🏅 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee: Eric Skoyen (Class of 1985)

A championship quarterback, school leader, and devoted volunteer—Eric’s impact on O-F athletics spans generations. 🧡🖤

Eric Skoyen (Athlete)
Eric graduated from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 1985. He was 2-time class president and played 3 sports: baseball, basketball, and football. He was 2nd Team All-Northwest in basketball and a member of the Sectional Championship team his senior year, earning him the chance to play in the state tournament. As a football player, Eric was 2-time 1st Team All-Northwest and graduated with 7 all-time team records. He was a quarterback on the 1982 State Championship team, as well as the 1983 & 1984 State Runner-Up teams. Eric has served as a volunteer youth coach for all 4 of his children in tball, softball, baseball, and basketball. He was a volunteer youth football coach for 6 years and middle school football coach at O-F for 1 year. Eric has volunteered with the varsity girls’ basketball team for the past 3 years and supervised open gyms for the basketball players. Eric has worked for UPS for 40 years.

#ThunderProud🧡🖤

🏀🤼‍♀️💃 THUNDER SPORTS RESULTS ⚡

Week of January 12, 2026

Here’s a recap of a busy and exciting week for Thunder athletics!

HS Girls’ Wrestling (1/12)
• Viola MacDonald: 3-0 (3 pins)
• Kinley Nelson: 1-2 (1 pin)
• Layne Armstrong-Baglien: 1-2 (1 pin)

Girls’ Basketball (1/12 & 1/15)
• JV vs. Augusta: 40–28 W
• Varsity vs. Augusta: 46–62 L
• JV vs. Blair-Taylor: 26–42 L
• Varsity vs. Blair-Taylor: 21–60 L

Boys’ Basketball (1/13 & 1/16)
• JV vs. Alma-Pepin: 55–38 W
• Varsity vs. Alma-Pepin: 75–37 W
• Varsity vs. Independence/Gilmanton: 62–45 W

Middle School Wrestling (1/15)
• Mackenzie Johnson: 2-0
• Hunter Olson: 2-0
• Nolan Dahlberg: 2-1
• Ridley Westphal: 1-0
• Braydy Salter & Josephine Hansen: 1-1
• Alan Oliver, Ethan Hagen, Lucas Hagen competed hard

HS Wrestling (1/16)
• Kouper Salter: 4-0 (1 pin)
• Noah Krueger: 3-1 (2 pins)
• Henry Cash: 3-1 (2 pins)
• Sam Coach: 1-3 (1 pin)
• Easton Hansen made his season debut, wrestling tough all night

MS Girls’ Basketball (1/16)
• 7th Grade: L
• 8th Grade: 33–21 W

Dance Team (1/18) 🏆
• Hip Hop: 1st Place
• Pom: 1st Place
• Overall Champions!

⚡ Way to go, Thunder athletes!

#ThunderProud🧡🖤 ⚡

⚡🧡 **THUNDER SPORTS SCHEDULE** 🖤⚡

**Week of January 19, 2026**

Here’s what’s happening this week for Thunder Athletics—good luck to all our teams!

**Monday | 1/19**
🏀 **Boys Basketball (C/JV/V)** – Staff Appreciation & Dance Clinic
⏰ 5:45 / 7:15 | 📍 Black River Falls (Main & Community Gyms)
🏀 **Girls Basketball (JV/V)** vs Blair-Taylor
⏰ 5:45 / 7:00 | 📍 Black River Falls Fieldhouse

**Tuesday | 1/20**
🏀 **MS Girls Basketball** vs Altoona
⏰ 5:00 PM | 📍 Community Gym
🤼 **HS Wrestling**
⏰ 6:00 PM | 📍 Arcadia High School

**Thursday | 1/22**
🏀 **MS Girls Basketball** vs Eau Claire Regis
⏰ 5:00 PM | 📍 Immaculate Conception Elementary
🤼 **MS Wrestling**
⏰ 5:00 PM | 📍 Independence High School
🏀 **Boys Basketball (C/JV/V)** vs Augusta
⏰ 5:45 / 7:15 | 📍 Main & Community Gyms
🤼 **HS Wrestling**
⏰ 7:00 PM | 📍 Independence High School

**Friday | 1/23**
🤼 **MS Boys Wrestling**
⏰ 5:00 PM | 📍 Arcadia High School
🏀 **Girls Basketball (JV/V)** vs Melrose-Mindoro
⏰ 6:30 / 7:15 *(JV one half only)* | 📍 Melrose-Mindoro HS

**Saturday | 1/24**
🤼 **HS Wrestling**
⏰ 9:30 AM | 📍 Shell Lake High School
💃 **Regional Dance Competition**
⏰ TBD | 📍 DC Everest

Let’s pack the gyms and support our Thunder! ⚡🏀🤼‍♀️

#ThunderProud

🏅 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee: Randy Julien (Class of 1966)

A standout athlete, dedicated veteran, and lifelong supporter of O-F—Randy’s legacy of leadership and commitment shines on and off the court. 🧡🖤

Randy Julien (Athlete)
Randy graduated from Fairchild High School in 1966, where he played baseball and basketball all four years. He started every varsity basketball game throughout his high school career, playing 76 total games. He was MVP, All-Conference, All-Northwest, and All-State. Randy received a Purple Heart for his military service in Vietnam and is a member of the VFW and American Legion. He is a member of the Fairchild Lions Club, was Fairchild Fire District President, and served as president and treasurer of the Town of Cleveland. He worked at the Fairchild Farmer’s Union for 35 years, serving as General Manager for 23 of them. Randy attends many of the O-F sporting events and rides horse every week.

#ThuderProud🧡🖤

🏅 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee: Greg Laufenberg (Class of 1970)

A true multi-sport standout and record-breaker, Greg’s impact on O-F athletics reflects a remarkable legacy. 🧡🖤

Greg Laufenberg (Athlete)
Greg graduated from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 1970 and participated in 5 sports during his high school years: baseball, basketball, football, track & field, and wrestling. In football, he was All-Conference (offense & defense), All-Northwest, and broke school records in most receiving touchdowns and most yards receiving. Greg was All-Conference and the offensive MVP in basketball. As a track athlete, he had both the most points and most firsts for 3 years and broke school and Conference records in the pole vault. He was Sectional Champion in the pole vault, shot put, and 180-yd low hurdles. Greg served in the U.S. Army in Korea, then worked for Osseo Silo Company, as a barge worker on the Mississippi River, and as a meat cutter at several local businesses.

#ThunderProud🧡🖤

🏅 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee: Mark Vold (Class of 1982)

A dominant 4-sport athlete, state champion, and record-setter—Mark’s legacy of excellence at O-F and beyond is truly Hall of Fame worthy. 🧡🖤

Mark Vold
Mark graduated from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 1982. He was a 4-sport athlete, playing baseball, basketball, football, and golf. In basketball, he scored 1076 career points, a school record. He was also All-Conference, All-Northwest, All-State, 2-time MVP, and graduated with 9 all-time team records. In football, Mark was All-Northwest, All-District, All-State, won the offense award twice, and graduated with 5 all-time team records. He was part of the 1981 State Champion football team. As a basketball player at Viterbo College, Mark was All-Conference twice, played in the National Little College National Tournament, and was a member of the NCBT All-American team. He also played golf for Viterbo, earning All-Conference status. Mark was an accountant for Krause Productions and retired in 2004

#ThunderProud

☕⚡Thunder Fuel Cart in action!☕⚡

Our elementary students are now delivering coffee and hot chocolate to staff as part of our new *Thunder Fuel Cart* program, started by Mrs. Acker and Mr. Ketterhagen. Students are practicing polite greetings, clear speaking, and confidence while spreading a little joy.

A huge THANK YOU to The Osseo Nickel for going above and beyond to help organize and supply this cart as a generous way to give back to our staff! 🧡🖤

#ThunderProud

🏅 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee: Melissa Fremstad Ryberg (Class of 2004)

A standout 3-sport athlete and record-setting competitor—Melissa’s excellence on the court and track continues to inspire. 🧡🖤

Melissa graduated from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 2004. She was a 3-sport athlete, competing in basketball, cross country, and track. She was a Conference Champion 800M runner and competed at state in the 400M & 800M relays. Her relay team set Conference and school records in both races, and the school records still stand. In basketball, Melissa was All-Conference 3 times, All-Northwest twice, and played in the state All-Star game. She was named Best Defensive Player at Minnesota-Moorhead and has been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Finishing her college career at UWEC, Melissa was Rookie of the Year, 2-time Best Defensive Player, and team captain. She also served as Vice President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Melissa has coached youth and varsity basketball teams in Mineral Point.

#ThunderProud🧡🖤

#ThunderProud Senior Spotlight – Maddox Abramczak 🎓

We are shining the spotlight on our graduating Class of 2026!

🎓 Plans after graduation:
I plan to attend Western Technical College to become a Physical Therapy Assistant.

🌟 Favorite Subject:
Life Science, because I love learning about the human body.

🌟 Best Memory:
Senior year football.

🌟 Favorite Teacher:
Mrs. Lane — she is super nice, very respectful to everyone, and truly cares about each of her students.

🌟 Activities I Was Involved In:
Football and Track.

🌟 What I’ll Miss Most:
Being with my friends every day.

🌟 Advice for Younger Classmen:
Have fun — it goes by fast.

We wish you all the best, Maddox! We can’t wait to see where the future takes you! 🧡🖤

#ThunderClassof2026 🎓⚡

Feel Good Friday ☕️💛 Our Hope Squad brought the warmth this morning with a free hot chocolate bar greeting students as they walked into school. It’s the little things! #ThunderProud

🧡🖤 Kindness Week at Osseo-Fairchild Elementary School 🖤🧡

January 19–23, 2026

We’re kicking off the New Year at Osseo-Fairchild Elementary School by focusing on kindness! 💛

To celebrate, we’re excited to announce Kindness Week with fun dress-up days for all!

✨ Dress-Up Days Schedule ✨

Monday | Jan. 19
💭 “I Have a Dream” – In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Dream big by wearing comfy clothes, clean pajamas/robes, and slippers!

Tuesday | Jan. 20
🧡🖤 “Let’s Be UNITED and Be the Thunder”
Wear your Thunder gear or orange and black—United we are at OFE!

Wednesday | Jan. 21
🎉 “Wacky Zawacki Wednesday”
Rock your craziest outfit as we celebrate being unique and appreciating differences!

Thursday | Jan. 22
🎩 “Hats Off to Us Sticking Together”
Wear your favorite hat and sports team gear!

Friday | Jan. 23
🤠 “Flannel Friday – Let’s Wrap Up Kindness Week, Y’all!”
Dress in your best western wear and flannel to close out the week strong!

Let’s work together to make kindness the Thunder way—today and every day!
#ThunderProud #KindnessWeek