Winkler Elementary outlines improvement goals after enrollment jump, adds intervention staff

Winkler Elementary Principal Joel Graham told the Burlington Area School District school board that enrollment at the southern elementary rose from about 126 students to 208 this year and that the school has used every available space to accommodate the growth.

"I'm extremely proud of our staff's commitment, to our students, our school district, and the community," Joel Graham said during the presentation, listing new staff and programs added since the school became a two‑section building.

Graham said the school added a full‑time reading and math interventionist and a full‑time counselor this year. Because the building is using all available rooms, specials such as art and music have at times been held in the cafeteria, and some interventions occur in hallways. The school also continues to host outside providers for counseling and health services; a mobile dental program called Seal a Smile served 32 students during a recent visit.

The school's improvement plan sets three measurable goals tied to district priorities and state assessments. Goal 1 targets improving the percentage of third‑ and fourth‑grade students scoring proficient or advanced in English language arts on the Forward Exam from about 68% to 70%. Goal 2 aims to raise math proficiency from about 67% to 69%. Goal 3 is a climate goal: increase the student climate survey score by 0.1 points between fall and spring administrations.

Graham described the action steps supporting those goals: grade‑level scheduling adjustments to allow planning time for specials teachers and classroom teachers, use of late‑start professional learning for Keys to Literacy training (an Act 20 requirement for kindergarten through third grade), daily 40‑minute "Boost Time" for skill groups and interventions, and use of diagnostic tools (i‑Ready and AimswebPlus) to track progress.

Graham also described several school culture efforts that are part of the climate goal: a positive behavior system called the Winkler Way that uses "Yeehaw" tickets and a weekly drawing, the "3 Fires" trophy passed weekly to students demonstrating the school's expectations, a Wall of Heroes honoring veterans, and assemblies celebrating individual and classroom achievements.

Graham credited the PTO, named co‑presidents Amanda Kowalski and Candice Black, and community partners such as Arbor View Assisted Living, Love Inc., and the Town of Burlington for supporting school events and service learning opportunities. He also noted curricular and career preparation activities at the district level that include a Gateway Welding Academy at Burlington High School and student visits to professional radio stations for students involved with 89.1 WBSD.

Superintendent Jill reiterated the board's thanks to Winkler staff and noted the school's relative academic performance: Winkler outperformed about 81% of Wisconsin school districts on the achievement measure cited in the presentation.

No formal board action was requested on the Winkler improvement report; the presentation was received for information. Board members asked clarifying questions about space and staffing, and Graham said the school would continue to use flexible scheduling and outside partners while the district examines long‑term capacity and staffing needs.

Graham reminded the audience that the district's Community Connection series will include a facilities, safety and security session on Jan. 22, with sessions at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the district office.

The school board did not vote on any policy or funding changes for Winkler during the presentation.