District 8 Newsletter

Throughout the month, we celebrate the achievements, leadership, and lasting impact of women who have shaped our schools, communities, and world. We honor the educators, students, staff, families, and trailblazers—past and present—who inspire future generations every day.

Join us as we recognize the contributions, stories, and accomplishments of women across our district and beyond.

Amelia Mallory was born in New York between 1829 and 1831 and moved to Milwaukee with her family in 1850. That same year, she began her service as an educator in Milwaukee Public Schools, teaching primary grades at the First Ward School. She later returned to teach at the Seventh Ward School (also known as Hadley School), where she instructed intermediate and grammar-level students.

On September 1, 1869, a pivotal moment in MPS history unfolded. When the principalship of the Seventh Ward School became vacant, the Board initially intended to appoint a man to the position. In a courageous and forward-thinking move, Commissioner Fellenz introduced a petition recommending Miss Mallory instead. Supported by respected community leaders, her nomination moved forward despite objections that Board by-laws did not allow a woman to hold a principalship.

By a vote of nine to seven, the Board elected Amelia Mallory — making her the first woman principal in the history of Milwaukee Public Schools.

In her new role, she supervised nine teachers, including male staff members, and earned a salary equal to her male counterparts — $1,200 in 1869–70 and $1,400 in 1870–71. At a time when such equity was far from the norm, her appointment stood as a powerful example of leadership, allyship, and gender equity.

Amelia Mallory’s story reminds us that progress is often driven by individuals willing to challenge the status quo and by allies willing to stand beside them. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor not only her legacy, but the countless women — past and present — who continue to lead, teach, and inspire within Milwaukee Public Schools.

The Milwaukee Board of School Directors invites students, families, staff, and community members to attend an upcoming Special Board meeting. Key Decisions will be made for the upcoming school year based off of feedback from the Budget Priorities Community Meetings.

Meeting Details:

5225 W Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI

We hope you’ll join us as we work together to plan responsibly and thoughtfully for the years ahead.

MPS students will not report for School on:

Since relaunching Beyond the Boardroom, members of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors have continued to engage with the community in meaningful ways that extend beyond formal meetings and governance. These opportunities allow Board members to connect directly with partners across the city who share a commitment to supporting Milwaukee’s students and families.

In February, Director James Ferguson partnered with Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius to host the inaugural MPS Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, bringing together faith leaders from across Milwaukee for a morning of fellowship, reflection, and conversation. The gathering welcomed leaders representing many denominations and traditions, along with civic leaders including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, to discuss how the faith community can continue to support students and families across the district.

Faith-based organizations already play an important role in the lives of many MPS families, often serving as trusted community anchors that provide mentorship, resources, and care beyond the classroom. The breakfast created space for leaders to reflect on how those existing efforts can grow into stronger partnerships with Milwaukee Public Schools—working together to ensure that students have the support systems they need to succeed.

Events like the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast embody the spirit of Beyond the Boardroom: building relationships, bringing community voices to the table, and strengthening the partnerships that help uplift Milwaukee’s children. The Milwaukee Board of School Directors remains committed to engaging with organizations across our city and welcomes opportunities to collaborate with community partners who share the goal of supporting every MPS student.

Milwaukee Public Schools proudly participated in National School Breakfast Week, highlighting the district’s ongoing commitment to ensuring students have access to nutritious meals that help them start the school day ready to learn.

Since 2014, MPS has offered free, nutritious breakfast to all students who opt in, helping remove barriers that can prevent children from beginning their day focused and prepared for the classroom. Access to healthy meals plays an essential role in student success, as proper nutrition supports concentration, energy, and overall well-being throughout the school day.

This year’s recognition of National School Breakfast Week included partnerships with organizations such as Hunger Task Force, No Kid Hungry, and the Milwaukee Bucks, all of whom share a commitment to supporting the health and success of Milwaukee’s students.

MPS continues to work closely with families and community partners to strengthen and improve school meal programs, ensuring that both breakfast and lunch options support students’ nutritional needs and their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.

Throughout the month of February, Milwaukee Public Schools held community engagement sessions to gather input on how investments should be made in targeted schools during the upcoming school year. These investments aim to improve school outcomes, strengthen enrollment, and increase student and family engagement.

Feedback shared during these sessions will help guide the work of MPS teams over the next year as they plan and implement strategies to support these schools and their communities.

There are several FREE Lead Testing Clinics being held this month to all MPS students. Parents or guardians will need to provide consent to have your child tested.

This testing will show whether children have elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream and if monitoring or treatment is needed. Testing starts with a finger poke to collect a few drops of blood and results will be available within minutes. All tests are confidential.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. School

3275 N 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53212

&

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Townsend Street School

3360 N Sherman Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53216

Learn more about personal finances and money management. A light dinner will be served. Spanish interpreters will be available. Space is limited.

When:

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

5:30pm- 7:00pm

Where:

Riverside University High School

1615 E. Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Register now

Click here

Join Milwaukee Recreation for the 17th edition of the Bike Bazaar!

Milwaukee Recreation returns to Riverside University High School Community Center for the 2026 Bike Bazaar, where new and used bikes, parts, and accessories will be on sale from a variety of vendors. Arts and crafts vendors will also be on site to sell products.

When:

Saturday, March 14, 2026

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Where:

Riverside University High School Community Center

1615 E Locust St

Milwaukee, WI 53211

Purchase tickets here

When:

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

9:15 am - 2:00 pm

Where:

UW- Milwaukee Student Union

Wisconsin Ballroom

2200 E Kenwood Blvd

Milwaukee, WI 53211

Meet with Milwaukee companies looking for part-time, summer, and long-term workers. Share information and answer questions about job opportunities and careers. FREE. Lunch Provided.

Student transportation will be provided. Ask your counselor or College and Career Center advisor for a permission slip.

We want to make it easier for families, staff, and community members to stay informed about the work of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors. If someone you know is interested in receiving these newsletters directly, we’ve included step-by-step instructions below on how to subscribe through Enotify.

To subscribe to Enotify:

1. Visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/enotify
2. Select Register, Sign-In or Reset Password then select Register
3. Fill out form, then select Create Account
4. Check e-mail and follow the instructions to activate account
5. Log-In to your new account and select the Subscriptions Tab
6. Select News Releases — Milwaukee Board of School Directors
7. Check the box of the district(s) for which would like to receive newsletters

Everything You Need to Know to Attend, Watch or Prepare for Board Meetings:

Board of School Directors Webpage

Online Agendas

Board Updates

Mindfulness Breathing and Directed Doodling

Inspirograph

Virtual Bubble Wrap