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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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WMU starts the school year on a high note
High-Five Friday, four-day school week, new school resource officer, and other highlights mark the first day of school at WMU
WINFIELD — Winfield-Mt. Union started the 2024-2025 school year with students returning Friday, Aug. 23 to some well-known traditions like High-Five Friday and changes like the four-day school week.
WMU Elementary students started their day off reciting the Pledge of Allegiance outside the school with principal Karinda Wahls. After a day filled with getting to know one another, putting away supplies, learning daily routines, playing games, and learning, the students enjoyed their first High-Five Friday of the year featuring teachers and the new school resource officer.
This tradition of High-Five Fridays is so loved in the WMU community that when the district began to consider moving to a four-day school week, they went in a different direction than schools like Highland and WACO and chose to take off Mondays instead of Fridays.
This new four-day school week means longer school days which will now include eight 50-minute periods for middle and high school students.
Each school day will end with “PACK Time” which will give students the chance to work with teachers on schoolwork and grades. According to Gill, the purpose behind PACK Time is to improve academic performance including skills and quality grades leading to credit acquisition while encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning. During this time students can focus on learning, improving grades, catching up on missing work, asking questions, retaking tests, getting one on one time with teachers, and getting instruction after absences.
This year students also will receive an advisor to meet with quarterly. These sessions will focus on career exploration and readiness, path planning, personal wellness, and personal safety.
“Establishing a strong relationship with students and guiding them toward becoming goal-oriented critical thinkers is crucial for their overall development,” Gill describes advisory.
Due to new Department of Education guidelines, WMU has raised attendance requirements. Senate File 2435 will pool excused and unexcused absences into the same category. This law requires that for all students who are chronically absent 10% of days/hours missed, the school must contact that county attorney. At 15% the school must have an attendance meeting with the family, and at 20% the student is considered truant.
“Students are expected to be in class and to make attendance a top priority,” the 2024-25 student handbook states. “Only through attendance and class participation do students achieve the benefits of the education program. Participating in class discussion, developing an appreciation for the views and abilities of other students, and forming the habit of regular attendance are legitimate class objectives. Learning lost due to an absence can never be replaced. Regular attendance and being well prepared for class helps students in school as well as developing a life skill.”
According to the handbook, students should notify the office of absences in advance whenever possible. If advance notice isn’t possible parents need to call the office prior to 8:30 a.m. If the office does not receive notice they will reach out to the parents. Students may still bring a note signed by their parent to explain their absence.
Ultimately, the school determines whether an absence is excused or unexcused. The WMU handbook states, “excused absences include, but are not limited to illness, family emergency, recognized religious observances and school activities. Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to, tardiness of more than 10 minutes, shopping, hunting, concerts, preparation or participation in parties or other celebrations and employment. Students are expected to be in class on time.”
Another change at WMU this year includes the presence of a part-time school resource officer. The Board of Education approved a shared resource officer position with the City of Winfield over the summer.
“The goal is to have this position to keep our students safe and teach them skills to become positive and productive citizens,” Gill said in a letter to WMU parents.
Mayor Willie Bender swore in Scott Roen for this role Wednesday, Aug. 14. Roen hopped right into this position Friday as he joined the teachers for high-fives outside of the school.
Roen comes to the position with a resume that includes teaching third grade, working as a state laborer, and driving a semi-truck. He is married to Henry County Police Department Dispatcher Laura Roen and they have four children together.
Looking toward the year ahead, Gill says WMU envisions their school “as a proud school of choices where expectations are high, policies are clear, and decisions prioritize what’s best for all students to learn, preparing them for future opportunities after their time at WMU.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
