Winfield and WMU continue strengthening community ties

WINFIELD — The City of Winfield and the Winfield-Mt. Union Community School District have launched a new partnership to aimed at strengthening and growing community by identifying opportunities that connect the schools, local businesses and residents.

“Winfield community, I truly believe this is an awesome place to call home and raise our family. Together with WMU school, we plan to highlight some of our local small businesses to share more about what makes Winfield special,” Winfield Mayor Willie Bender said.

To start, the partnership will feature WMU students taking the lead in creating short video segments promoting local businesses and their role in the community.

“These videos will be shared through both district and city communication channels to celebrate local entrepreneurship while giving students meaningful, real-world experience in media production, communication and community engagement,” a joint letter from the school district and city stated.

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From High-Five Fridays at Sunrise Terrace to the school choir caroling around town, This new effort builds on a continually growing pattern of outreach at WMU.

Both High School Principal Gaige Gill and Elementary Principal and Superintendent Karinda Wahls have prioritized community connection through open dialogue and shared learning opportunities.

Last year, the district hosted a community-wide book study of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, inviting parents, educators, and residents to discuss youth mental health and the effects of technology on students.

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Events like the book study and the new partnership with the city reflect a consistent vision from WMU’s leadership: to make schools a hub for meaningful connection between students, families, and the wider Winfield community.

Initiatives such as “Coffee with the Principal,” introduced by Gill and Wahls, further encourage open communication and collaboration among educators and residents.

City and school officials agree that these efforts collectively strengthen Winfield’s sense of unity and pride. By combining educational engagement with local business promotion, the partnership demonstrates how collaboration can enhance both student learning and community vitality.

“We believe that by working together, we can continue to foster pride, collaboration and growth throughout the Winfield-Mt. Union community,” the joint letter further stated. “We look forward to this ongoing partnership and the positive impact it will have on our students, families and local economy.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com