MILWAUKEE, Wisc., (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- Milwaukee Public Schools launched this year's “Welcome Week” with a curbside meet and greet for students and their families at Alexander Hamilton High School.
On Monday, MPS superintendent Dr. Keith Posley was at Hamilton High School, joined by teachers and staff, to welcome back students in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s part of the school's “Freshman Bridge" program which is aimed at helping students get acclimated to their new school environment.
“It's a weird feeling to have to drive up here and meet them like this,” says Michael King, a Hamilton High School freshman.
“Weird“ couldn’t be more fitting to describe what many freshmen are feeling as they get ready to start their first year of high school...Virtually.
Also, it’s not every day the superintendent of MPS is there to greet you.
“I have never met him before so that was kind of nice” parent Loraima Boye says.
“We know this is a new time and day and things are virtual, but we have risen to the challenge for all our students. We are going to make sure they are ready to learn and have all the resources they need," says Trinette Green, Hamilton High School’s principal.
Resources provided at schools vary on student needs.
"Some have care bags with T-shirts in it, some have paper, pencil, pens," Dr. Posley says. "ALL MPS students in grades K- 2 will receive chrome books."
He says hots spots will also be provided for those who need internet access.
“Each child will have a mask and we will be providing masks every single day that they return to the school campus,“ Dr. Posley says.
In the meantime, as students teachers and parents adjust to a new way of teaching and learning, the students remain at the forefront.
“Just getting our kids what they need - getting them virtually ready so that they have all the material where they can sign on tomorrow and the rest of the week to meet with their classmates, meet with their teachers...Really giving them the opportunity to keep learning and reading and keeping it going," says Green.