Exciting New Beginnings: Winona Area Public Schools Kick Off the 2024-25 Academic Year
The vibrant halls of Winona Area Public Schools are once again alive with hustle and bustle as students returned to school earlier this week, ready to embark on a new academic adventure. The school year kicked off with enthusiasm as fifth graders, ninth graders, and new students enrolling at the Winona Area Learning Center started their classes on Monday, followed by the rest of the students who joined in on Tuesday.
!Winona students return to school
This year not only marks a fresh start for the students but also introduces significant changes to the district’s policy that will impact elementary students and their families. In response to growing concerns regarding class sizes, the school board made some noteworthy adjustments earlier this year.
A New Class Size Policy for Better Balance
During an April board meeting, members approved modifications to the district’s attendance area boundaries policy. This change allows the district to pre-determine a number of class sections for each grade at its elementary schools. The aim is to achieve a more balanced classroom size, thereby enhancing the learning environment for students across the board.
For the 2024-2025 school year, the district has set specific class size goals for different grades. Kindergarten classes will target a size of 17 to 22 students, first grade aims for 19 to 24, while second-grade classes will range from 20 to 25 students. Third and fourth graders will see classes of up to 26 students, while Spanish Immersion classes will be capped at 17 to 26.
Superintendent Brad Berzinski expressed satisfaction about the effective implementation of this policy: “With the adjusted policy language, we can better balance class sizes across our three elementary schools. We have analyzed this new policy at the kindergarten and fourth-grade levels, and in both cases, we have reached maximum class sizes in one or more of our buildings.”
Ensuring Smooth Transitions for Families
To mitigate the impact of these changes on families, the district has worked tirelessly to ensure that elementary-age siblings can remain together in the same school whenever possible. For parents worried about transportation, the district will also provide bus transportation options to students as needed.
Berzinski added, “The value in this adjusted policy is that it has allowed us to avoid overloading class sizes at any particular school and has closed the gap between our largest and smallest class sizes. Not only do we prioritize educational quality, but we also focus on family convenience.”
Students Welcoming a New School Year
The first day of school brought its fair share of excitement, evident in the smiles of students eagerly greeting one another and settling into their classrooms. At Goodview Elementary School, for instance, members of the Winona Senior High School soccer team welcomed younger students with cheerful pom-poms, creating a community spirit that made the start of the year even more inviting.
!Goodview Elementary School students get off the bus on the first day of school in Winona
Looking Forward: A Year of Growth and Learning
As students dive into new subjects and interactions with peers and teachers, the Winona Area Public Schools community is keenly aware of the changing educational landscape. With more focus on class balance and familial support, this year promises to be both progressive and fruitful.
Parents and families are encouraged to involve themselves in their children’s education and stay connected with the school community. Each year introduces fresh opportunities for growth, resilience, and academic achievement. The district firmly believes that a supportive and well-organized learning environment fosters success for all students.
As the academic year unfolds, the Winona community eagerly anticipates the bright futures of its students, armed with the tools they need for learning, and enriched by a supportive environment crafted to empower families. Let this year be one filled with curiosity, inspiration, and a shared commitment to education!
Stay tuned for more updates on academic events and initiatives from Winona Area Public Schools throughout this exciting school year.
