Winona Area Public SchoolsDear WAPS families,
We invite you to join us in celebrating Juneteenth!
In the 2023 legislative session, Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as an official state holiday. We are proud to join with other districts in Minnesota to celebrate this year on Wednesday, June 19.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On this date in 1865, some of the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their emancipation in Texas. This was nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday has been celebrated ever since that historic moment.
To honor Juneteenth, all Winona Area Public Schools programs and offices will be closed. This includes our free summer meals program, as well as Key Kids Summer Care. We will resume our normal activities on Thursday, June 20.
There will be a community Juneteenth celebration at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 at Windom Park, 260 Harriet St. The event will feature free food, games and fun. It is hosted by Our Voices in partnership with Theatre du Mississippi and support from ROAR.
We encourage you to take some time to learn more about the history of Juneteenth. Thank you for your support as we recognize this important holiday.
Thank you,
Brad Berzinski
Superintendent
Winona Area Public Schools