Holiday Resources
The Minnesota Honor Society is hosting a Toy Drive again this year and the Christmas Shopping event will be taking place on Saturday, December 21st from 9am-1pm in the HLWW High School.
For Thanksgiving meals: The WCCA food shelf in Waverly is listed as providing baskets for Wright county residents and for those of you living in Winsted, Love in the Name of Christ Heartland is partnering with local churches to provide options for Thanksgiving. You can register by clicking this link and filling out the form at the bottom of this page: https://loveincheartland.org/help/ | 2024 Thanksgiving Projects in Wright County | 2024 Thanksgiving Meals
For general help with meals:
Our schools provide breakfast and lunch for free for all students, but to help out with weekend meals, we have the Backpack Food Program. Through this program, each student is given a brown paper bag filled with easy to prepare foods in their locker to bring home for the weekend. The signed form can be given to your student’s building secretary if you would like a paper copy sent home with your student, please let your building’s secretary know!
For help with holiday gifts:
Flagship insurance in Winsted, Howard Lake City Hall, and St Mary’s Church in Waverly all have Wishing Trees available to help out families in need with Christmas gifts. If you are in need of some help in providing your children with gifts this year, please fill out the google form by clicking this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5PtJjJ-M1biloHbjIavOplbLKo0G97MDMTPVlwwZSAxvNZg/viewform . The requests will be anonymously placed on the tree for community members to take and buy. When the gifts have been returned, you will be contacted and set up a time to pick up your gifts.
Another option for Christmas gift help is the Minnesota Honor Society’s Toys for Tots Drive. This usually occurs during December and I will send out more information when I get it!
For Winter/snow gear:
As the weather gets colder, it becomes more important for our students to bundle up! If you are in need of snow pants, boots, winter coats, and other winter gear, WCCA Thrift store in Waverly and Love Inc Thrift Store in Howard Lake usually have a nice selection available. If you are having trouble finding the correct size for your child, you can contact me with your child’s size and I can send a request to our district’s guardian angel fund to get something that will keep your kiddo warm!
If you live in Winsted there is also an organization called “Winsted Angels” who are able to help families in need of assistance. You can email them at winstedangels@gmail.com.
County Services
- McLeod County Health & Human Services
- Wright County Health & Human Services
- Financial Services
- Public Health
- Social Services
School Linked Mental Health Resources
You could put something like: HLWW Schools partner with two agencies to provide mental health therapy to students. The therapists meet with students at school to support student needs.
School District Services
- HLWW School District Translation Services
- Nate Walbruch – District Superintendent
- nwalbruch@hlww.k12.mn.us
Healthy Habits
Cough Etiquette
To limit the spread of respiratory illnesses such as influenza, it is best to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Cough into a tissue and dispose of it right away. If a tissue isn’t available, you can use your elbow.
Hand Hygiene
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
- After using the bathroom
- Before and after eating
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Oral Health
Healthy teeth are important to eat, speak, play and learn. Cavities and other dental issues can affect these parts of a child’s life. Have treats in moderation, such as candy and pop, as they increase the risk of cavities. Educate your child on the importance of brushing their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day. Younger children may need guidance or help until they build experience with these skills
Sleep
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, students ages 3-5 years old should get 10-13 hours of sleep (including naps) in a 24 hour period. Students ages 6-12 years old should get 9-12 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Teens should sleep 8-10 hours in a 24 hour period. Here are a few tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to promote healthy sleep habits for your child:
- Set good examples for your child
- Maintain a consistent routine
- Exercise daily
- Limit screen time. Encourage your child to turn off screens (TVs, tablets, computers, phones) one hour before bedtime
- Create a comfortable environment for your child to sleep with dim lights and minimal distractions
