School Safety

At Winona Area Public Schools, safety isn’t just a priority — it’s a shared promise. Families trust us with what matters most, and we take that responsibility to heart.

Our students and staff deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported. It takes all of us — families, educators, staff and community partners — working together to protect and care for one another.

A culture of care and connection

Safety starts with strong relationships. Our schools are filled with caring, attentive adults who build connections with students and notice when something feels off. Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework helps create learning environments that are safe, respectful, and predictable — so students can focus on growing, learning, and thriving.

Strong student supports

Our students have access to licensed school counselors, social workers and psychologists. These professionals work with families and staff to meet academic, emotional, and behavioral needs early — often preventing small concerns from becoming larger issues.

Safe, secure schools

Our school buildings have locked entrances and security cameras, thanks to the community’s support of a referendum in 2018. 

Winona Middle School, Winona Senior High School and Winona Area Learning Center also employ student safety specialists who are visible throughout the day and strive to build relationships with students. 

We also have a great relationship and maintain regular communication with our local law enforcement agencies.

Emergency preparedness

When emergencies happen, we’re prepared. All WAPS staff and students are trained in the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) — a simple, consistent system that uses clear language like Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. These terms help everyone respond quickly and confidently in any situation.

In the event of a school emergency, we also follow the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) — a structured process to safely reunite students with their families. 

• More information about the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
• More information about the Standard Reunification Method (SRM)

At Winona Area Public Schools, we believe learning and teaching is maximized in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment. A uniform, planned and practiced response to any incident is the foundation of a safe school, and a safe community.