Because Winona Area Public Schools students have spent so much time isolated at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, counselors felt it was necessary to implement activities in class that reconnected classmates in a positive way.

Giving compliments is a positive way of sharing your thoughts about peers. Counselors designed a compliment giving game called “What I Like About You.” 

During the school year, the Ríos Spanish Immersion program at Jefferson Elementary and the Winona Middle School plays host to cultural interns from Spanish speaking countries. 

Over the last year, the WAPS School Nutrition staff handed out 402,971 free meals to all students aged 18 and under in Winona, regardless if they attend a WAPS school or not. That number continues to rise each week, as all meals are free to students in school and also available to the community through a weekly pickup at Winona Senior High School on Wednesdays.