MILWAUKEE — Just before 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 14,  thousands of Milwaukee Public School students started the 2023-2024 school year.

All MPS high schools and middle schools follow the "Early Start" calendar, along with a few elementary schools in the district.

It was an extra-special back-to-school welcome for students at Bay View High School.

Before the first bell rang signifying the start of class, students walked down a red carpet into school.

“I hope it shows them that we are here to support them throughout the entire year, and we want them to have a successful year," said Lynn Greb, MPS staff member. 

Parents, teachers, staff and neighbors lined the carpet to cheer them on. Several city leaders were also there.

“It kind of shocked me but I was excited,” said student Jada Jones. “It was a lot of people.”

Jones said she’s most excited to study culinary arts in the year ahead because Bay View High School is getting a food truck as part of the program.

“I am so excited,” she said. “We will be getting the menu ready. I’m thinking I want to go to UWM and be a chef.”

MPS Superintendent Keith Posley was also there to greet students. He said some schools in the district are kicking of the school year with facility updates such as new floors, new outdoor digital displays, new sound systems and STEM labs. Every high school is getting bleachers, too. 

MPS schools on the traditional calendar — which is most elementary schools — start classes Tuesday, Sept. 5. 

For more information, visit the MPS calendar.