MILWAUKEE — Three more Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) have been accepted into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). The IB PYP teaches students life skills like critical thinking and problem solving.
Sharonda Robinson, PhD., is the IB PYP coordinator at Gilbert Stuart Elementary School. She said that after a multi-year application process, her school is finally a part of the IB program.
“In terms of the importance of having IB at our school, it allows students to become thinkers, it allows them to make decisions that will have an impact not only on their lives and their family’s lives but also to our community and our nation as well,” said Robinson.
Robinson said Gilbert Stuart Elementary is the first MPS School on Milwaukee’s north side to receive the designation.
“So now, Milwaukee Public Schools has an opportunity to actually show equity by having authorized IB PYP schools on the north side of Milwaukee. So, it gives kids across the city more options and more choices,” she said.
Jai Amos is a fifth grader at Gilbert Stuart Elementary. She said she’s excited about her school’s achievement and is already using the skills she’s being taught.
“It helps me think things through as in being caring, knowing what I’m saying, knowing what I’m talking about. And if I’m thinking things through, I don’t just say the wrong thing and then get mad at everybody else for trying to correct me,” said Amos.
Amos said when she grows up, she hopes to become a lawyer or a chef. She said she believes the IB Program will help her achieve her goals.
“It makes me a successful person because if I’m respectful, it will get me more friends in life and if I’m kind, it will open up more job opportunities for me,” said Amos.
These are words Robinson said she loves to hear as she helps her students think for themselves and show respect in their endeavors.
“My hope and dream for all the students we come in contact with here and have the opportunity to educate in our school is that they will one day become the thinkers, the leaders, the innovators, the ones that make new inventions for us to make our world a safer and a better place,” said Robinson.
The other two schools that received the IB designation with Gilbert Stuart Elementary are Marvin E. Pratt Elementary School and ALBA Elementary School.
A fourth school, MacDowell Montessori School, is also in the process of completing its IB designation.