By Jennifer Gallus Staff Writer

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The Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted School District has been experiencing some exciting changes in the past year. In addition to a new high school, which was in the construction phase at the time this guide was published, significant remodeling and additions have taken place at both Humphrey and Winsted elementary schools.

The new high school, slated to open Feb. 19, has been the talk of the area for some time. The district has been in need of expanded facilities for a growing student body, and the new high school is large enough to support future growth of the district, as well. The old high school will remain in operation, but as a middle school for grades 6-8.

One major design goal behind the remodeling and additions to the elementary schools in Waverly and Winsted was to make the two schools mirror each other in what they offer.

Both sites were made into two-section schools. For example, Winsted already had one kindergarten room, so during the construction, Winsted had one more kindergarten room built. However, Humphrey didn’t have an existing kindergarten room, so two kindergarten rooms were built there.

Both buildings received the identical type of construction, and almost identical rooms. The new classrooms are large and have big windows in them. The flooring is identical in both elementaries, as well.

Older parts of the buildings received facelifts via new paint, ceilings, flooring, and windows. New heating was also installed at both sites.

The kitchens at both schools also received upgrades. Humphrey Elementary had a tiny kitchen the size of a concession stand so that kitchen was expanded, as well as upgraded. The Winsted Elementary kitchen didn’t need the expansion, but still needed upgrades.

Bright and cheery murals can be seen on the walls at both of the elementary schools, and similar murals will be incorporated into the new high school.

Both elementaries boast new library rooms, as well as new computer labs. The remodeling and additions to the elementary schools were completed before the start of the 2007-08 school year.