MILWAUKEE, WI - For some MPS teachers this is the most wonderful time of the year. Teachers and staff reported to work Monday preparing their classrooms and lesson plans for the official first day of school.
“These first few days are so important," said Steven Wagner.
That’s because teachers like Wagner are gearing up for a new group of students who will soon fill each seat and flood the hallways a little earlier this year than in years past.
“Early start for us at Rufus King High School has been in effect for 12, 15 years," Wagner said. "We already had that short window of transition unlike the rest of MPS."
Several MPS schools are now operating under a new early start calendar. The first day of school for those students is Aug. 14 and the district said this new calendar will promote greater academic success.
“Not only do teachers have a break and come back fresh, but students don’t have to work on a project over the Christmas/winter recess," Wagner said. "They can come back and start a whole new semester."
This approaching school year is also the first year of the new uniform policy and the district is implementing new programs highlighting the arts. But above all else, Principal Tanzanique Carrington said for Rufus King High School and MPS as a whole, this is the year of stepping up.
“(The) ‘17-’18 school year is going to be the year of stepping up," Carrington said. "And making sure we’re able to meet the needs of all of our diverse learners."
The district asked parents to make sure your child is at school on the first day and every day, and if your child won’t be in school next Monday, please tell the school now.
