School District

 The Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Independent School District 2687, serving Waverly, Winsted, and Howard Lake, is dedicated to providing the best education for the community. With that commitment, it strives for quality in every offering and activity in school. The District has financial strength to further improve the learning environment. Through passage of bond levies, new and remodeled facilities greeted families beginning in the spring of 2008 with a new high school and remodeled elementary schools, and then again in 2015 with a new middle school. Besides having outstanding facilities, HLWW has much to be proud of in regards to academic achievement.
 Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School (HLWWHS) is the only high school in the district. As a growing comprehensive high school with approximately 300+ students, HLWWHS has a small family-like feel that is striving to create mentor-like relationships with all students. The size is beneficial to the students as they have opportunities to gain skills and experiences not available to them in larger schools. The school is always looking for ways to become better to prepare students to be successful in their world after they leave. The high school has a comprehensive academic curriculum consisting of over 105 courses. These courses prepare students for a variety of post-secondary opportunities that will be available to them upon their completion of High School. HLWWHS has strong fundamental courses in math, science, social studies, and language arts. All are complemented by a wide array of electives including: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), First Responder (students earn Minnesota State Certification), Crime Scene Investigation, Floriculture, Anatomy and Physiology, Spanish, Creative Writing, Digital Photography and Graphic Design, Web Design and many more. The High School also provides multiple upper level and advanced courses. College in the Schools (CIS) is provided through the University of Minnesota (Agriculture and Math) as well as through Ridgewater College (Certified Nursing Assistant). Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered in Biology, Calculus, English, and Psychology. Honors courses are offered in English and Science as well. The school partners with Wright Technical Center which enables juniors and seniors to enroll in technical trade programs such as: Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Early Childhood and Elementary Careers, Graphic Arts, Health/Science Technology, Law Enforcement, Welding, and Project Lead the Way. Students participating in these programs have the opportunity to earn articulated credits through local colleges. HLWWHS has fully implemented 1-to-1 technology through the use of Chromebooks. The program uses digital curriculum materials, student collaboration tools, and individualized instruction in all subject areas with the goal of enhancing student learning. The high school is also equipped with advanced technology including SMART Boards and wireless Internet access. In collaboration with the University of Minnesota, HLWWHS has implemented the Ramp Up to Readiness program. Ramp-Up to Readiness is a school-wide advisory program that features an engaging and interactive series of activities designed to help all students graduate from high school ready for postsecondary and career success. A series of weekly advisory activities at each grade level are designed to engage students in interactive learning that not only provides them information about college and career readiness, but also challenges them to think about their own engagement and decision-making about their postsecondary and career plans. This program ensures that students are preparing for a life outside high school through the process of preparing a post-secondary plan which, in turn, assists in course selection aligned to student goals and future plans. An Alternative Learning Program (ALP) is located in Howard Lake, for students in grades 9-12 to help them reach graduation standards and achieve credits using an online curriculum.
 HLWW Middle School, grades 5-8, provides a supportive, transitional environment in which students can achieve their full potential through a variety of exploratory opportunities. An enriching advisory program is also offered to meet students’ needs. A computer lab media center, mobile computer labs (both laptops and Chromebooks), and interactive white-board technology are used in all classrooms. The Middle School facility offers an environment for education that is safe, comfortable, and inviting.
 Both Humphrey Elementary (2012) and Winsted Elementary (2013) received the National Blue Ribbon Award for academic progress and achievement. Both schools offer solid academics, small class sizes, and an environment that fosters good teacher-student relationships and allows for individualized attention to students. Both elementary schools are the best around.
 Middle school sports focus on fundamentals and skill building while the high school athletic offerings include baseball, basketball, wrestling, golf, track and field, volleyball, gymnastics, football, cross country, cheer leading, and softball. There is an opportunity for ALL students to participate. High school extracurricular activities that meet a wide range of interests, include knowledge bowl, student council, National Honor Society, drama, yearbook, speech, clay target/trapshooting, and broadcasting club (KLKR). The 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. The school is also proud of its outstanding drama department, which includes an annual fall musical production, one-act competition, and spring play. Items offered through Community Education include activities, education, recreation, and special events for birth-5, youth k-12, and adults.
HLWW Public School District has the programs, staff, and opportunities that children need for education, development, and growth. With nearly 50% of our licensed staff achieving Master’s degrees or higher, the wisdom and enthusiasm of our staff creates a learning environment for student success. The community is proud of the school district and how the school makes the grade for the families of the communities every day. Please contact the school at (320) 543-3900 with any questions; or for more information, check out the website at www.hlww.k12.mn.us.

Adapted from the 2016-17 District Brochure (hlww.k12.mn.us)