District 5 Newsletter

Dear District 5 Community,

As we get ready for the upcoming school year, there’s a shared sense of excitement, preparation, and hope for what’s ahead. Whether students are continuing their journey or just getting started, we’re ready to support them every step of the way.

Across the district, staff have been working hard to ensure our schools are clean, safe, and ready for learning. From classrooms to cafeterias, every part of the school day is being prepared to support student success and well-being.

Families play a big role in helping students start strong. Be sure to check with your school for important updates like supply lists, open house events, and transportation details. Together, we can make sure students feel confident and ready for the year ahead.

Important Date to Remember:

September 2 – First Day of School

Here’s to a positive and successful school year!

Christopher Fons

School Board Director, District 5

Cell: 414-750-7410

Email: fonscx@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

We’re excited to invite you to the first public session of the newly reimagined Committee on Family and Community Engagement (FACE)! This meeting will serve as a community discussion space focused on how the board can strengthen partnerships and engagement between MPS and the families and communities we serve.

Tuesday, August, 12 | 5:30 PM- 7:00 PM

MPS Central Services Building Rm 103 | 5225 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208

FACE meetings will be held every other month and are designed to foster open, informal conversations on key topics that matter to our families, students, and communities.

All are welcome—families, students, staff, and community members.

We hope to see you there!

We Want To Hear From The Milwaukee Community!

Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius will be making the rounds this summer to hear directly from students, families, staff, and community members about what matters most in our schools.

These Listen and Learn Tour events are not only an opportunity for the superintendent to connect with the public—they also provide a valuable space for school board members to listen and engage with the community. Hearing your voices helps both the superintendent and the Board of School Directors shape a clear, collaborative vision for the future of Milwaukee Public Schools. Your feedback will help drive our work forward as we strive for transparency, trust, and academic excellence across the district.

Vision board from last listening session:

All sessions begin at 6:00 PM

Monday, August 11 | Clement Avenue School

3666 S. Clement Ave.

Wednesday, August 13 | Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language

2430 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Monday, August 18 | Ralph H. Metcalfe School

3400 W. North Ave.

Refreshments will be served.

Registration is recommended at mpsmke.com/listenlearntour

LEADERSHIP TEAM PARTICIPATES IN PELP SUMMER INSTITUTE

This summer, members of our district leadership team, including Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius and Board Clerk Dr. Tina Owen-Moore, participated in the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP) Summer Institute at Harvard University. The PELP program brings together leadership teams from large urban school districts across the country to tackle strategic challenges, strengthen collaboration, and improve systemwide performance. Through this intensive experience, our team gained tools and insights to enhance district-wide leadership, align strategy with student outcomes, and support sustainable improvement across all schools.

FRESHMAN BRIDGE PROGAM WELCOMES CLASS OF 2029

MPS high schools will host Freshman Bridge on August 21–22 to help incoming 9th graders transition smoothly into high school. This two-day program gives students a chance to tour their school, meet teachers and classmates, get their student ID, and learn how high school works—plus enjoy free breakfast and lunch.

Students will also explore clubs and sports, visit the College and Career Center, and hear advice from upperclassmen. All 9th graders are encouraged to attend both days. Learn more and register at mpsmke.com/freshmanbridge.

A YEAR OF GROWTH AND GROUND WORK IN THE OFFICE OF BOARD GOVERNANCE

This month marks one year since Dr. Tina Owen-Moore stepped into the role of Board Clerk and began leading the Office of Board Governance through a time of significant transition.

Over the past year, the office has undergone a full staffing rebuild, reorganized its operations, and expanded its support of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors.

Looking ahead, the Office of Board Governance is preparing to support the Board and Administration through the district’s strategic planning process, the continued modernization of board policy, and tracking progress on recent audit recommendations. With a strong foundation now in place, the office is well-positioned to continue its role in fostering equity-focused, accountable, and community-connected governance.

LEAD REMEDIATION UPDATE

More than 150 painters are working across the district to stabilize lead paint in older buildings, with the goal of clearing all elementary-serving schools built before 1950 by the start of the school year.

Nine schools—including all those temporarily relocated in 2024–25—have already been cleared by the Milwaukee Health Department. Another 14 schools are nearing completion, and 18 more are set to begin stabilization work in the coming weeks. The district is prioritizing essential lead remediation over cosmetic improvements to accelerate progress.

MPS remains on track to clear all pre-1978 elementary school buildings by the end of 2025. Dr. Cassellius thanks staff, contractors, and families for their hard work and patience as the district moves swiftly to complete this critical work.

WASB Summer Learning Symposium

Last month I attended the WASB annual Summer Learning Symposium where I had the opportunity to hear directly from my peers and education experts. There were informative breakout sessions offering practical solutions to the most pressing challenges facing public school districts as we enter the 2025-26 school year.

Sessions included a panel of school leaders discussing declining enrollment, referendums and finances; a panel of board presidents sharing their experiences and tips; the story of the School District of Mauston’s referendum; legal and governance updates; financial benchmarking and more. I am excited to bring this knowledge back to my fellow board members to help guide us in the year ahead.

RUFUS KING INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

QUICK VIEW

Grades: 6-8

School Hours: 9:05 AM- 4:15 PM

Curriculum & Instruction: International Baccalaureate IB

Principal: Donnyea Ellis

Phone: (414) 616- 5200

Location: 121 E Hadley St.

Region: Learning Community 8

Website: https://mps.school/rkims/about/

At Rufus King International Middle School, students in grades 6–8 grow into curious, confident, and compassionate global citizens. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School since 2013, Rufus King Middle offers the Middle Years Programme, a globally recognized curriculum that challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and explore diverse perspectives. Whether they’re coding robots in the tech lab, performing in drumline, or completing design challenges in art and science, students engage in hands-on learning that fuels both creativity and academic growth. Cultural experiences—such as visits to local museums and participation in the school’s Black History Celebration—extend learning beyond the classroom.

Educators create a supportive environment that values each student’s voice. The school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program and restorative practices framework help students build strong relationships, reflect on their actions, and contribute to a safe, inclusive learning space.

Families interested in enrolling can visit the Rufus King International Middle School Website to schedule a tour, meet with school staff, and receive personalized assistance with enrollment.

Rolling With Rina!

Milwaukee Recreation is hosting a free Summer Skate Series called "Rolling with Rina" at locations throughout the city. Led by instructor Marina Murphy, Milwaukee Recreation will bring all the fun of indoor roller skating outdoors under the sun! Skates are provided and no registration is required.

Friday, August 8

Franklin Square Playfield | 2643 N. 13th St.

1:30 PM- 3:30 PM

Friday, August 15

Burnham Playfield | 1755 S. 32nd St.

1:30 PM- 3:30 PM

Back-to-School Family Fun and Enrollment

Milwaukee families are invited to join MPS for a fun and informative event to help prepare for the new school year. Bring the kids to explore the redesigned Wick Field and enjoy hands-on activities. Families can meet with enrollment specialists, learn about transportation options, free school meals, and college and career planning resources. Come connect, play, and get ready for a great year ahead!

Thursday, August, 21 & 22 | 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Wick Play Field | 4929 W. Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is recommended! mpsmke.com/wickfair25

Run Back To School

Celebrate the start of the 2025-26 school year with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation at the 18th annual MPS Run Back to School! Join us for this 5K run/1.5-mile walk. Proceeds support MPS youth sports, wellness, and recreation programs.

Saturday, August, 23 – | 9:00 AM

MPS Central Services Building | 5225 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208

Registration information

Register Here

Free Summer Meal Program

Milwaukee Public Schools offers free meals to all Milwaukee children age 18 and under at select sites throughout the summer. Depending on the location, breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served, and meals must be eaten on site. Individuals over 18 with disabilities who are enrolled in school programs may also qualify.

Families can visit mpsmke.com/summermeals to find meal locations, serving times, and menus.

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