❄️School is back in session, and the second semester is off to a great start!❄️

This newsletter is here to keep you informed of the happenings in our school and provide you with helpful resources. You can also keep up to date through these channels:

• District website
• Backpack flyers
• District Facebook Page

We are here to support you and your family. Please let us know if there are ways we can accomplish this. We are so excited to see what this year has in store!

Please read the note below from the Superintendent.

In order to meet state requirements for the number of instructional hours provided to students during the school year, the length of the school day for Wynona Public Schools will be extended by an additional 20 minutes/day during the 2nd semester of the 2023-2024 school year.

Beginning Monday, January 8, 2024, school will be dismissed at 3:45 p.m. each day, rather than at the 1st semester dismissal time of 3:25 p.m. School start time is not affected by this change, and 8:30 a.m. will continue to be the time for classes to begin each day during the second semester.

We will also need to make up the day of school that was lost when school was canceled on December 22, 2023, and information on how this time will be regained will be posted at a later date.

This month is an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease. More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase. Every New Year, you make a list of things you will do to stay healthy so you can feel your best. But, did you realize that feeling your best includes seeing your best too? January is Glaucoma Awareness Month – the perfect time to spread the word about the disease. So, this year, add learning about glaucoma to your list! Your eyes will thank you for it.

• Get regular eye examinations. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma in its early stages, before significant damage occurs. As a general rule, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam every 5 to 10 years if you're under 40 years old; every 2 to 4 years if you're 40 to 54 years old; every 1 to 3 years if you're 55 to 64 years old; and every 1 to 2 years if you're older than 65.

• Know your family's eye health history. Glaucoma tends to run in families. If you're at increased risk, you may need more frequent screening.
• Wear eye protection. Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear eye protection when using power tools or playing sports.
• Take prescribed eye drops regularly. Glaucoma eye drops can significantly reduce the risk that high eye pressure will progress to glaucoma. Use eye drops as prescribed by your health care provider even if you have no symptoms.

EyeCare America – Glaucoma EyeCare Program

(800) 391-EYES (3937)
Individuals calling the toll-free line are screened for glaucoma risk factors. Those at moderate to high risk for glaucoma are referred to a participating ophthalmologist in their area. The glaucoma exam is offered at no cost to uninsured at-risk individuals.

EyeCare America – Seniors Eyecare Program
(800) 222-EYES (3937)
Provides free and low-cost eye exams for US citizens 65 and older who have not had access to an ophthalmologist in the past three years, and do not have eye care insurance through an HMO or the VA.

Medicare
(800) 772-1213
Provides an annual dilated eye exam for Medicare beneficiaries over 65 at high risk for glaucoma. Those eligible for this service are: people with diabetes, family history of glaucoma, or African-Americans over 50.