Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools
By NATE WALBRUCH - Superintendent
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools – ISD # 2687
Independent School District 2687 , serving the communities of Winsted , Waverly , and Howard Lake , provides a high-quality education for its youth . With that commitment , we strive for excellence and opportunity for each student in every offering and activity .
The District comprises an area of about 115 square miles , primarily in Wright County , with a portion located in McLeod County , and a small portion in Carver County . District 2687 ’ s 9-12 high school and 5-8 middle school are located between Howard Lake and Winsted on Wright County Road 6 . The K-4 elementary and preschool facilities are located in Waverly and Winsted .
Elementary Schools
Both Humphrey Elementary ( 2012 ) and Winsted Elementary
( 2013 ), grades Pre-K-4 , have received the National Blue- Ribbon Award from the US Department of Education .
Contact numbers HLWW District Office ( 320 ) 543-4646 Superintendent Nate Walbruch Secretary Marilyn Greeley
Humphrey Elementary School ( 320 ) 543-4680 Principal Jennifer Olson Secretary Terry Knuth
HLWW High School ( 320 ) 543-4600 Principal / Curriculum Director Dr . Stephanie Kuehn Secretary Sandy Stallmo
HLWW Middle School ( 320 ) 543-4660 Principal / Staff Development Director Jim Schimelpfenig Secretary Tami Bangasser
Winsted Elementary School ( 320 ) 543-4690 Principal Jennifer Olson Secretary Julie Stifter
HLWW Community Education ( 320 ) 543-4670 Director Rachel Bender Secretary Stacy Horsch
Humphrey Elementary was recognized in 2018 for progress in mathematics by the Minnesota Department of Education ( MDE ). Winsted Elementary was recognized as a Minnesota School of Excellence in 2014 , and as a Reward School by MDE in 2011 , 2012 , 2014 , 2015 and most recently in 2023 !
Our schools create an environment that fosters positive teacher-studentparent relationships , allowing for individualized attention . Small class sizes help create an opportunity for all students to participate in activities and to work with other community members , connecting and making long-lasting friendships .
Middle School
The Middle School , grades 5-8 , provides a supportive transitional program in which students can achieve their full potential through a variety of exploratory opportunities . Also , an enriching advisory program is offered to meet students ’ needs . The middle school facility provides a quality educational setting where Smartboard and Chromebook technology is used in all classrooms .
High School
The High School was honored by being named one of “ America ’ s Best High Schools ” by US News and World Report in 2016 . Out of over 21,000 high schools , HLWW High School was ranked in the top 11 percent in the nation . HLWW High School earned a Silver Medal .
A strong focus on academics at all grade levels is proven by ACT scores which are at , or above , national and state averages . Many of our graduates qualify for colleges of their choice .
The High School offers 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 and art studio ; Spanish ; music-choir and band ; certified nursing assistant ; and many more .
A variety of Advanced Placement ( AP ) courses and College In the School ( CIS ) courses in agriculture , Spanish , and mathematics are available , as well as technical college credit courses that are available through our partnership with Wright Technical Center in Buffalo .
Also offered is a nationally recognized FFA program that includes consistent state and national award-winners . The HLWW FFA was named the premier chapter of Minnesota in 2007 and 2017 . In 2010 , HLWW FFA worked on the addition of a greenhouse to the school and was a farm-to-school grant recipient , which helped with the establishment of a 5 + acre garden on the school site . Also , students in the program are able to study crop production in our two crop plots .
An advisory program guides students on post-high school planning , career choices , college applications , workforce and military options , and other “ real-life ” skills needed to succeed in today ’ s world . An alternative learning program ( ALP ) formed for students in grades 9-12 , helps students reach graduation standards and achieve credits using an online curriculum . The ALP is housed at the Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative ( MAWSECO ) in Howard Lake . A generous , supportive community awarded $ 58,550 in local scholarships to graduating HLWW seniors in 2022 .
Community Education
A strong Early Childhood Family Education ( ECFE ) program offers schoolyear 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 .
Educational , nurturing , and fun preschool for 3 to 5 yearolds is located at Humphrey Elementary in Waverly and at Winsted Elementary . Curriculum has a focused approach on learning , and a strong emphasis on literacy skills . Transportation is provided and scholarships are available . In 2022 , the District is looking to offer a wrap-around care program , opposite of preschool , for families looking for daycare options .
Laker Care is available for students in grades K-6 before and after school and for ages 3-5 ( preschool ) throughout the
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