WALC students, staff have a blast at fun day

WALC students, staff have a blast at fun day
WALC Fun Day Rockets

WALC coordinator and school counselor Samantha Wagner, left, shows off her rocket along with a student.

Students, teachers and staff at the Winona Area Learning Center proved that you don’t have to leave home to make lasting memories. 

With their annual trip to Whitewater State Park put on hold for a second consecutive year because of COVID-19 protocols, the staff at the WALC improvised to hold a fun day at the school. 

And boy, did they have some fun. All day long.

WALC Fun Day Artmaking

The main event was the model rocket project with the Aerospace class and the (unofficial) school-wide Young Astronauts Club. WALC coordinator and school counselor Samantha Wagner and teacher Joel Bruels received a grant from the Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools to cover the supplies and the kits. Every single rocket launched. There was a minor issue with one motor, but Bruels helped the student problem solve the issue and the rocket launched as well. It provided some entertainment for students at nearby Jefferson Elementary who were holding class outside. 

In addition to the model rockets, students planted seeds with Lynnea Pfohl, did some early morning yoga, learned to crochet, played old school video games, did whatever they wanted in the art room, sang karaoke and played one rowdy game of kickball. 

It was a great way to end a strange year, one in which the students, staff and teachers got through together.

Graduation at the Winona Area Learning Center is set for Monday, June 7 at 5 p.m. The last day of school is Wednesday, June 9.

Kickball game