"Our kids are able to strive for whatever goals we set for them:" First day back for year-round calendar MPS schools

MILWAUKEE -- Monday, August 3rd was the first day back to school for some Milwaukee Public Schools students. The superintendent had an important message for teachers and families.

"They are so eager. If you look at their faces, they have thumbs up. They have smiles. They have the coordinated outfits. They are ready to go," said Dr. Darienne Driver, MPS superintendent.

The very first day of school came with its fair share of tears, hugs and plenty of smiles.

First day of school for MPS year-round schools

"Three year olds, four year olds, five year olds, it all starts now!" said Dr. Driver.

MPS' Frances Brock Starms Early Childhood Center is one of 11 schools in the district on a year-round calendar, starting their new school year August 3rd, 2015.

The playground was filled with proud parents.

First day of school for MPS year-round schools

"She is really going to be an outstanding child -- just as her brother is," said mom Belinda Hull.

Monday was Hull's five-year-old daughter's first day of kindergarten, and Hull was excited about what the future holds for Morgan Bennett.

"I want her to be a lawyer," said Hull.

Even at such a young age,  the superintendent emphasized the importance of a good foundation of early education, and the importance of already starting to think about a career.

First day of school for MPS year-round schools

"Our kids are able to strive for whatever goals we set for them," said Dr. Driver.

Inside the classroom, that means setting the bar high and making the right tools available to students thinking about their future.

"As early as kindergarten, they can start going online and exploring different careers, finding out what their interests are, to help pique their curiosity," said Dr. Driver.

So no matter their age, the seeds for success are planted.

First day of school for MPS year-round schools

This year, the superintendent says MPS will:

CLICK HERE to learn more about MPS' year-round schools.