By Brad Sellner
Superintendent

Independent School District 2687, serving the communities of Winsted, Waverly, and Howard Lake, is dedicated to providing the best possible education for its youth. With that commitment, we strive for quality and opportunity for each student in every offering and activity of the school.

The school district comprises an area of approximately 115 square miles, primarily in Wright County, with a portion located in McLeod County, and a small portion in Carver County. District 2687’s high school is located between Howard Lake and Winsted on County Road 6 and its middle school is located in Howard Lake. The k-4 elementary and preschool facilities are located in Waverly and Winsted.

Some of the highlights of our district are:

• Elementary schools have been recognized as “Schools of Excellence” by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association for achieving continuous improvement in the areas of curriculum, staffing, and school culture (2005).

• Extended-day kindergarten option (fee-based) offers traditional curriculum enhanced with activity/exploratory stations, physical education, library, art, and recess. A traditional half day-every day kindergarten option is also available.

• Small class sizes and an environment that fosters good teacher-student relationships and allows for individualized attention to students. Due to small class sizes, there is an opportunity for all students to participate in extracurricular activities, too. This allows children to mix with other community members, developing long-lasting friendships. Teachers and staff are kind and caring so kids feel protected and safe as they learn. Safe and convenient bus transportation is provided.

• Strong focus on academics at all grade levels proven by student scores on state tests that are consistently above state average; ACT scores are consistently above national and state averages; graduates qualify for colleges of their choice. Elementary and middle school systems help prepare students for high school and beyond.

• Excellent elementary music program including annual musicals. Middle and high school students can continue in music, through band, choir, jazz and pep band, marching band, and individual band lessons. Top honors won by large groups, ensembles, and soloists.

• A strong Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program offering school-year and summer activities that are fun and educational, and services such as early childhood screening, parent and child activities, parenting information, and new baby welcome packets.

• Preschool for 3- to 5-year-olds located in Waverly and Winsted; educational, nurturing, and fun. Curriculum with a focused approach on learning, and a strong emphasis on literacy skills. Transportation provided; limited scholarships available.

• School Age Care (SAC) available for students grades k-6 before and after school and non-school days, located in at the middle school (Community Ed) in Howard Lake; provides homework assistance, fun activities, and is convenient for busy families. Transportation available to and from all schools in our district.

• Communities Connecting Collaborative - after school programs for youth including enrichment, prevention and intervention for grades k-12, homework help, reading skills, computer time, and fun!

• Community Education - activities, education, recreation and special events for birth-5, youth k-12, and adults.

• Adult Volunteer Program - parents and community members volunteer in the classroom, help with school activities, and work on projects in their homes.

• Strong middle school, grades 5-8, that provides a supportive transitional environment in which students can achieve their full potential through a variety of exploratory opportunities. Also, an enriching advisory program to meet students’ needs.

• Involved, caring parents and community. School events well attended by parents, grandparents, and friends; parent advisory committees, traveling sports teams, field trips, Laker Pride, district curriculum advisory committee, etc. – many opportunities for parents and community members to be involved and to support students.

• Strong foundation of high school courses in math, science, social studies, language arts, physical education, technology, and healthy living, complemented by a wide array of electives such as EMT-first responder, where students can earn first responder certification; CSI: classroom (forensic science); animal science; floriculture; desktop publishing; pottery; Spanish; music-choir and band; and many more. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in the high school, as well as tech college credit courses, which are available through our partnership with Wright Tech Center.

• Special activities to expand student interests and experiences such as student councils, after-school activities, English language learners, special programs to assist and encourage healthy students, sixth grade Deep Portage outdoor experience, fourth grade fishing expo, and many others.

• High school offers a nationally-recognized FFA program that includes consistent state and national award winners. HLWW FFA was named the Premier Chapter of Minnesota in 2007.

• Boys’ and girls’ sports teams that encourage participation and achieve success. Middle school sports that focus on fundamentals and skill-building; high school athletics include baseball, basketball, wrestling, golf, track and field, volleyball, gymnastics, football, cross country, and softball. There is an opportunity for all kids to participate.

• High school extracurricular activities that meet a wide range of interests, including Knowledge Bowl; student council; Sales, Law & Marketing (SLAM); National Honor Society chapter; drama; yearbook committee; letter club, etc. Outstanding drama department; annual musical production; frequent state honor-winners in One Act Competition, including highest honors.

• Generous, supportive community that awards nearly $35,000 in local scholarships to graduating HLWW seniors each year.

• Our schools have financial strength to further improve the learning environment. New and remodeled facilities greeted families beginning in 2007, as we moved into a new 9-12 high school and remodeled elementary schools.

We have the programs, staff, and opportunities that children need for education, development, and growth. The wisdom of our experienced staff and the enthusiasm of our new staff create a learning environment for student success. We’re proud of our school district and how we make the grade for the families of this community every day. Please contact us at (320) 543-3900 with any questions, or for more information check our web site at www.hlww.k12.mn.us.

Winsted Elementary School provides small class sizes and a safe, caring atmosphere.

HLWW High School is located halfway between Winsted and Howard Lake.