Student Life

Winkelman houses approximately 600 children who speak over 25 languages, and a talented, diverse staff to support our mission of inclusiveness. Class sizes range between 15 and 22. The school day, schedule, teaching practices and educational setting at Winkelman is tailored to best provide a developmentally appropriate, yet rigorous learning environment. Our dedicated and professional teachers and support staff place a strong emphasis on meeting the unique needs of every learner. Programs are available to provide extra challenge and enrichment as well as additional support. Hands-on learning and stimulating educational experiences provide students with varied opportunities to interact with the material in meaningful ways. Technology is used as a tool to support instruction and further enhance the learning experience. Chromebooks are provided to every student in grades 6th through 8th. Social and emotional learning is also emphasized.

District 31 provides a continuum of services to students requiring additional assistance at school (see District Student Services). Through screening or individualized assessment measures, students are identified. Services consist of varying levels of academic and behavioral supports and may include special education, reading intervention, math intervention, social work/counseling, and ELL.

Central to the operation of the Support Services program is building teams. On a regular basis, specialists, teachers, and the principal meet to problem-solve concerns related to the performance of specific children referred to the team by the classroom teacher. The staff works together to identify the areas in need of assistance and to recommend to parents and teachers appropriate accommodations or interventions that would best suit the needs of these students.