Milwaukee Public Schools expands successful initiatives

Milwaukee Public Schools expands successful initiatives. Photo from MPS.

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 7, 2016) – Milwaukee Public Schools will celebrate growth in three different initiatives Wednesday with dedication ceremonies at two schools and the launch of a new hands-on program for first graders at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The events will be:

• 8 a.m. at Rufus King International Middle School, 121 E. Hadley St.: a celebration of the middle school’s larger, newly-renovated home, which features a full auditorium, multiple gymnasiums and new science and engineering laboratories. Rufus King International Middle School offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate program and partners with nationally-recognized Rufus King International High School. Enrollment in the program is up in the first year at its new facility.
• 9:15 a.m. at Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School’s new Lower Campus, 3575 S. 88th St.: a ceremony to mark the opening of the new lower campus at the 88th Street site. The school, which had a significant waiting list, is serving many more students in its newly expanded space.
• 10:30 a.m. at Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners: the launch of “Snackin’ on Plants,” a new Learning Journeys program for first graders. Through the program, a plant science program educator will lead students through a firsthand exploration of the gardens. Students will discover that the foods they eat every day are actually different parts of plants and will sample various plants such as carrots, celery, peas, and broccoli. Learning Journeys connect MPS students’ classroom instruction with real-world learning opportunities.

The school expansions and renovations are part of the district’s ongoing efforts to implement its Regional Development Plan to create more enrollment opportunities in high-performing schools. MPS also has finalized an addition to Fernwood Montessori School, moved Morse Middle School for the Gifted & Talented to a new home, and opened a full Italian immersion program at Victory K-8 and Milwaukee Italian Immersion School.

Learning Journeys are part of the district’s ongoing development of high-impact, community-based experiences specific to each grade K-8 standards and core curricula. Prior to each Learning Journey, teachers are provided with pre- and post-instructional materials to ensure students fully benefit from the experience and can apply what they learned afterward. Each externally-sponsored Learning Journey extends and improves classrooms and also ensures every MPS student is provided a diverse set of experiences upon completion of eighth grade. Students attend six different Learning Journeys throughout Southeastern Wisconsin at the finest historic and living museums, scientific venues, and educational simulation centers.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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