Classes resume for largest school district in Wisconsin, MPS begins virtual learning Tuesday

MILWAUKEE - Classes resumed Tuesday, Sept. 1 for the biggest school district in Wisconsin. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is starting the school year off virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Although students will be distant learning, that hasn't stopped school officials and staff from starting off the year with some fanfare. Whether they are dressed in character or giving reminders to show some enthusiasm, MPS teachers are grabbing students' attention.

Wanda Varela-Katz, principal of Siefert Elementary School, is confident in the staff supporting students in this time of virtual learning.

"They are dedicated, they have children's interest in heart," said Varela-Katz.

MPS class meets virtually to start 2020-21 school year

"I am just elated today. We know that today, that we have our youngest learners that will be engaged in rigorous activities," said Dr. Keith Posley, MPS superintendent.

Posley said Phase 1 of back-to-school went pretty smoothly, thanks to the preparation of Chromebooks and supply distribution, along with connection day. Not only is distance learning a new facet of education, so, too, is the expansion of the regular MPS curriculum as the district embarks on an unprecedented time.

"We're going to take the Black Lives Matter curriculum and roll it into the curriculum of everything that we do. Looking at literature from African-Americans, and that's an area of math, reading, writing, social studies," said Posley.

Obviously, with a very different learning model than people are used to, school leaders said they understand family struggles right now with trying to set-up Tuesday. Staff is there for support and to provide resources in any way.

On Monday, educators, parents, and students took part in "Connection Day." They tested devices and internet connections -- logging into their virtual classrooms and practicing accessing school work.

Roughly 78,000 students on Tuesday will be taking to their at-home learning spaces and beginning this semester. 

MPS is also offering meal support for breakfast and lunch at Stop, Grab & Go sites. CLICK HERE for more information about the program.

Tech support needed?

MPS students or parents can call 414-438-3400 or email tsc@milwaukee.k12.wi.us with your phone number, school name, student name, ID number, and description of the problem. For even more information, visit mymps.org.