"We're ready!" Teachers, staff from MPS schools kick off new school year in style at pep rally

“We`re ready!” Teachers, staff from MPS schools kick off new school year in style at pep rally

"We`re ready!" Teachers, staff from MPS schools kick off new school year in style at pep rally

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Public School students on the traditional calendar head back to class on Thursday, September 1st. MPS teachers and staff members said Monday, August 29th -- they're ready!

With all the pomp, circumstance and school spirit befitting a pep rally, teachers from Milwaukee Public Schools kicked off the new school year in style on Monday, August 29th.

"Who`s house? Tech house! Who`s house? Tech house! Who`s house? Tech house! That`s right! We`re wild and crazy," Carl Dabols, a teacher at Bradley Tech High School chanted Monday at a pep rally at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

"Our students are ready for us. We`re ready. And we are going to do something great this year!" Damaris Ayala, assistant principal at Zablocki Elementary School said.

Back to School Rally for MPS teachers

MPS hosted the event at the BMO Harris Bradley Center -- with thousands packing the seats in preparation for the first day of school on Thursday, September 1st.

"The energy is infectious when you see all hope and the excitement that all of our staff have. And the belief that we can make a difference," Darienne Driver, MPS superintendent said.

"We are building the future of this city," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.

Back to School Rally for MPS teachers

The inspiring words from Mayor Barrett and Superintendent Driver came with a challenge -- after a summer of unrest in Milwaukee.

"Do you believe that schools can be places of healing and places where we are able to move forward? Diversity is our greatest strength. Diversity is something to be celebrated," Driver said.

"Her speech was inspirational for us. The reality is we have some challenges and barriers to overcome ... If we all work together in the community, we can get a lot accomplished," Chris Garza, Zablocki Elementary School principal said.

"I know it`s not an easy job. But people do it and they love they kids. And we`re there for the kids. And we hope they come every day and we just help them along," Dabols said.

To that end, Driver said MPS will host its "Day 1 Kickoff" event at Sherman Elementary School. Driver said she believes that will be "a strong sign of what's to come."