Howard Lake Community Guide 2019-20 | Page 25

The HLWW administrative team includes: front – Margaret Marketon, community education director; Kelli Westling, elementary dean; Brad Sellner, superinten- dent; Linda Wharram, special education coordinator; Jolie Holland, school nurse; back – Michelle Johnson, food service director; Joe Tulkki, 4.0 Transportation; Jim Schimelpfenig, middle school principal; Jason Mix, high school principal; Jennifer Olson, elementary principal; Scott Berning, activities director; and Jesse Robertson, technology director. Submitted photo 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) Building in Howard Lake. A generous, supportive community awarded nearly $48,000 in 2018-19 for local scholarships to graduating HLWW seniors. Community Education A strong Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program off ers 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. Educational, nurturing, and fun preschool for 3-to-5 year-olds 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 provided; scholarships available. School Age Care (SAC) is available for students in grades k-6 before and a� er school and some non-school days. Located at the middle school through HLWW Community Education, it provides homework assistance, fun activities, and convenience for busy families. Transportation to SAC is available to and from all schools in our district. HLWW Community Education activities, education, recreation, and special events for birth to age 5, youth k-12, and adults, are ongoing. Indoor track, gym, and fi tness center memberships are off ered to students, adults, families, and seniors through Community Education. Adult volunteer program makes it easy for parents and 320.485.2535 community members to volunteer in the classroom, help with school activities, and work on projects in their homes. Athletics and Activities An excellent music program, including annual elementary musical performances, is off ered. Middle and high school students (grades 5-12) can continue in music, through band, choir, jazz and pep band, marching band, and individual band lessons. Top honors are won by large groups, ensembles, and soloists each year. Boys’ and girls’ sports teams encourage participation and success. Middle school sports focus on fundamentals and skill- building; high school athletics include baseball, basketball, wrestling, golf, track and fi eld, volleyball, gymnastics, football, cross country, and so� ball. There is an opportunity for all students to participate. High school extracurricular activities meet a wide range of interests, including Knowledge Bowl, student council, Minnesota Honor Society, speech, clay target (fall and spring), drama, yearbook, Le� er Club, broadcasting club (KLKR), dance, and more. The outstanding drama department hosts an annual fall musical production, spring play, and is a frequent state honor- winner in one-act competition, including highest honors. District highlights A district-wide enrollment of over 1,250 students in k-12, shows our district is continuing to grow. With teachers and staff that are kind and caring, kids feel protected and safe as they learn. Safe and convenient bus transportation is provided to all resident students and some non-resident students. Many technology upgrades and advancements are in place. Smartboard systems are used in classrooms around the district. Wireless capabilities are available throughout all district HOWARDLAKEHERALDJOURNAL.COM | 25