Notebook: Back to school

To provide readers with a survey of local schools, we asked local school principals to answer three questions about their schools in 300 words: What makes your school unique? What are a few things people don’t know about your school that you’d like them to know? What is your vision for the future for your school in five years? Answers were edited for space and clarity. In May, the Compass invited principals of all Bay View schools to respond by June 30. Those schools whose responses were received by the deadline are included here.

Clement Avenue School

By April Swick

Procuring the highest quality middle school staff, integrated technology, and extracurricular opportunities such as a forensics team and organized sports are just a few of the program additions we have planned for Clement Avenue’s middle school. With the addition of eighth grade this fall, Clement is planning its first eighth grade completion in the school’s history!

Partnering our middle school students with primary grades for special projects and academics supports and promotes a strong, safe family atmosphere. Students will get a taste of high school with a schedule that will rotate four times throughout the day. Reading/language arts, social studies/community service projects, mathematics, and science/technology teachers are prepared to provide instruction that is project-based, hands-on, and engaging for all students.

A variety of community partnerships with local businesses, parents, and neighborhood volunteers may be something you don’t know about Clement that also makes us unique. Successful partnerships with the Milwaukee Admirals Hockey Team, M&I Bank, McDonald’s, and the Bay View Compass add much to the programs we offer and bring real-world connections to the lessons learned in school. We are always searching for new volunteers, family members, and business people to support our students and help them prepare for amazing experiences in high school and beyond!

Our gym, music, art, and media specialists serve all grade levels. K5 through third grade classes feature a 15:1 student/teacher ratio, ensuring students receive maximum individualized attention. Due to our excellent academic scores over the last several years, our overwhelmingly positive school climate surveys, outstanding fiscal responsibility, and model special education programming, Clement has been recognized as a MOSAIC school for the fourth year in a row. A caring, dedicated, quality staff; energetic, involved parent groups; and universal free breakfast make our school a wonderful place to learn and grow!

April Swick is principal of Clement Avenue School, 3666 S. Clement Ave., (414) 294-1500.

Dover Street School

By Jackie Laber

Our school has many things that are unique. We are a First Amendment School. We are beginning the process of becoming an International Baccalaureate School. We have a “City within a School.” Our students elect a student mayor every year. Our students are happy and successful.

Our school really operates likes a family. We are there to help each other, support each other, and work together to mold our students into productive citizens of our community and our world.

In five years, we plan on being a fully accredited International Baccalaureate World School with students who are achieving at very high levels and have a working knowledge of the world in which we live.

Jackie Laber is principal of Dover Street School, 619 E. Dover St., (414) 294-1600.

Downtown Montessori Academy

By Flannery Sharp

I have been going to Montessori schools for 10 years and have learned many things. But not just your ordinary stuff like math, science, and literature. I’ve also learned a lot about myself, and the changes I go through in my personality. I learned to voice my opinion, make friends, and have confidence.

Trust me, those were lessons I wouldn’t have learned quite as well if I were in a huge school. Because Montessori has the best materials around, and because there aren’t a lot of kids, the teachers can have one-on-ones with students and find out how each individual student learns. Thanks to all that, I was able to change in many good ways.

I am thankful for the big change I went through-learning how to make myself heard. I used to be quiet as a church mouse! In fact, in my first year at school, I spoke to the teacher three times a day. However, once I settled in, and got to know everyone, I found my speech (and that’s still true). Actually, if it weren’t for this school, I would’ve fainted three minutes ago.

I am also grateful because I learned how to make friends very quickly. I’m not saying I don’t get a little nervous when meeting new people, but I don’t hide under the nearest table, either. I was horrible at making friends when I was little. While others had the whole “You had me at hello” attitude, I had more of the “Please don’t hurt me” thing. Then I learned that people avoid that attitude. What a surprise. Anyhow, I got over that, and made a ton of friends (and still have them).

I am thoroughly grateful to Downtown Montessori and the teachers who helped me grow into the person I am today.

Flannery Sharp was the first eighth grader to graduate from Downtown Montessori Academy, 2507 S. Graham St., (414) 744-6005.

Fernwood Montessori School

By John Sanchez

Fernwood Montessori School (K-8) serves a diverse population of 560 students. Our greenhouse, classroom gardens, rain garden, and proximity to Lake Michigan provide unique opportunities for learning. A raised vegetable bed labyrinth will be added to our campus in 2009 to further promote the study of sustainable environmental systems.

Because of our challenging academic program, Fernwood students consistently exceed MPS achievement goals on Wisconsin state assessments.

In Montessori education, children stay with a teacher for three years, and each class includes children of different ages and abilities. Within the “Children’s House,” 3- to 6-year-olds use manipulative materials to train their hands and minds, advancing at their own pace under the guidance of certified Montessori teachers. Six- to 9-year-olds continue this manipulative work, developing skills for complex academic work. The curriculum does not rely on textbooks, but integrates curricular areas through lessons, projects, community activities, and research. In the upper elementary classes, 9- to 12-year-olds develop the ability to do higher level thinking, research, and problem-solving. Seventh and eighth graders combine school work with community service and travel.

Arts and creative expression are incorporated at all levels. Arts exploration continues under the guidance of our art specialist and with the support of community partnerships such as Artists Working in Education, the Haggerty Museum of Art, and parent volunteers. The Montessori music curriculum includes theory, performance, and music appreciation. MPS traveling music teachers offer lessons in piano and violin starting at second grade. We have a full-time physical education teacher.

Fernwood is supported by Junior Achievement, St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Growing Power, Teens Who Care, UWM Planning for the Future, and Rosalie Manor. Our goal is to develop a generation of leaders by preparing our students for active and involved citizenship in the larger community.

John Sanchez is principal of Fernwood Montessori School, 3239 S. Pennsylvania Ave., (414) 294-1300.

Bay View High School & Fritsche Middle School

By Robin Kitzrow & Karen Nastulski

Fritsche Middle School and Bay View High School are becoming one sixth through 12th grade school. The courtship is beginning now. For the 2009-10 school year, Bay View’s ninth graders will be learning at Fritsche. For 2010-11, Bay View ninth and 10th graders will continue to learn at Fritsche while Bay View is getting ready for the blending of the two schools. The 2011-12 school year will see the programs completely blended at the present Bay View building, opening as a fully integrated sixth through 12th grade program, encompassing the best of both worlds.

Why are the ninth and 10th grade students learning at Fritsche? Bay View needs a lot of updating, renovation, and an overall “facelift.” There are labs to be wired, walls to be painted, equipment to be purchased, and rooms to be remodeled.

Fritsche Middle School has a history of high-quality fine arts and academic programs. Fritsche offers students high school algebra, Spanish, and Virtual High School, which is a virtual Advanced Placement program offering a selection of courses. Students can earn three full high school credits while in middle school.

Fritsche also offers an award-winning music program, marching band, drum line (three-year champs), jazz band, orchestra, pops strings, world drumming, chorus, and Junior Broadway Musical. There’s also a student-led live television broadcasting studio, video technology class, Project Lead the Way lab, art and challenge art classes, plus award-winning state debate and forensics teams and a winning tradition at the district science fair. Students engage in leadership programs, including peer mediation, student council, and peer mentors. The school is completely wireless, with a full-service, state-of-the-art library media center.

Bay View High School also has a history of high-quality programs. Bay View has a construction, architecture, and technology academy (BAT), featuring Project Lead the Way and an architecture computer lab. Construction students actually build a house off-site. The Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee and the Red Cat Board sponsor the academy. Starting this year, the BAT academy is going “green.” We have partnered with We Energies, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and other higher education institutions to provide students with cutting-edge technology.

Bay View also offers Advanced Placement classes in mathematics, English, science, and history including Virtual High School and a mathematics and law specialty. There are music and sports programs, an active school government association, honor society, robotics team, debate and forensics team, Shakespearean festival, and school musical, which performs for neighborhood elementary schools.

Our vision is to create a high performing sixth through 12th grade school that the Bay View and Milwaukee communities will be proud to call their own. A culturally diverse experience will be provided consisting of academic rigor and extracurricular activities. Our goal is to craft an institution that prepares students for career choices and higher educational opportunities. Our students will strive to reach high academic standards and be prepared for the personal and professional demands of life beyond high school.

We are already living our vision. Yes, you will see positive changes at Fritsche and Bay View while we blend together. Already, Bay View has been recognized by receiving the Safe School Award for 2008-09. Also, you probably saw our community camaraderie in action during the summer. Fritsche and Bay View sponsored the Band of South Shore (BOSS). Students from at least 19 schools joined Fritsche and Bay View students marching in parades and doing stand-up concerts.

Remember, the blend is about more, more, and more opportunities for your children and our community.

Robin Kitzrow is principal of Bay View High School, 2751 S. Lenox St., (414) 294-2400. Karen Nastulski is principal of Fritsche Middle School, 2969 S. Howell Ave., (414) 294-1000.

Humboldt Park K-8 Charter School

By Eugene Vlies

Our school has been a part of the Bay View community fabric for nearly 80 years. Many of our students have parents and grandparents who also attended our school. Humboldt Park K-8 Charter School remains unique because it continues to evolve into a school prepared to meet the demands and challenges of the 21st century. Our teachers are committed to preparing our students for the global challenges beyond the classroom. The curriculum of reading, writing, and math now includes high-tech smart boards, robotics, and a video recording studio; at the same time, we’ve retained an environment of family and community involvement for which Humboldt Park K-8 Charter School is known. We have involved parents and community partners who share the same desire as our staff: student success! We welcome all visitors and our doors are always open.

Humboldt Park K-8 Charter School is truly a global community school of 600 students. Our diverse global student population is reflected in the 16 distinct languages spoken by our students and their families. The annual student multicultural event is so popular-often it is standing room only in our 300-plus seat auditorium! The dedication and commitment of staff and parents to improve the achievement of all students has resulted in the acquisition of advanced technology not available at other schools. We continue to have full-time art, library, and physical education. As a charter school we welcome parent/community involvement.

The future will continue to count Humboldt Park K-8 Charter School as an example of educational excellence. We remain committed as a school community to the vision of teachers, administrators, social and health services professionals, parents, and community partners who support and collaborate with each other in coordinated efforts to address the needs of all of our students.

Eugene Vlies is principal of Humboldt Park K-8 Charter School, 3230 S. Adams Ave., (414) 294-1700.

St. Thomas More High School

By Bob Pauly, Paul M. Neuberger (TM ‘01), and Eric Blaufuss (TM ‘04)

St. Thomas More High School is “inspired by Christ and driven by innovation.” The school is rooted in Jesus’ love for us and our love for one another. STM expresses this through the annual completion of 7,000 student service hours, a rich liturgical life, and school retreats that bring the students closer together.

The school is the only wireless laptop school in Milwaukee and the only MIT award-winning engineering school in the country. We also have a nationally award-winning robotics team. Next year, we will become the first Catholic high school in Wisconsin to offer a biomedical sciences curriculum.

We have a beautiful 16-acre campus, sitting on the corner of Morgan and Kinnickinnic avenues. STM is surrounded by Bay View’s beautiful scenery and Seminary Woods.

We are the longest standing private school in Milwaukee. Our roots go back to 1870 and include the legacies of Pio Nono, Don Bosco, and St. Francis Minor Seminary.

St. Thomas More has about 460 students, an optimal size for learning. The school has a ratio of 15 students per teacher. STM has a full complement of extracurricular activities, giving our students wonderful opportunities to get involved and take on leadership roles.

Our students do very well academically. One hundred percent of our students take the ACT test, with an average score of 23.3. Around the state, 40 to 100 percent of students take the ACT and average a 22.

The school seeks to be nationally recognized as a school of faith and innovation. In five years, it will become a destination school for the Milwaukee area. We will continue our innovation and will become known as a school for sustainable energy integrated into our engineering program. The biomedical program will be the finest in the state and a national model.

Bob Pauly is president of St. Thomas More High School, 2601 E. Morgan Ave., (414) 481-8370.

Tippecanoe School for the Arts and Humanities

By Manuela Soto

At Tippecanoe, a K-8 neighborhood specialty school, our mission is to make students aware of their historical and cultural foundations; to present humankind’s achievements in music, art, literature, philosophy, and language; and to foster students’ creative self-expression.

Students are offered music lessons in band, strings, piano, and percussion and can be part of jazz band. Tippe’s staff includes a librarian and art, physical education, and music teachers. Volunteers and parents are welcome to assist.

A partnership with the Milwaukee Symphony allows students to take part in the ACE curriculum and a partnership with the Milwaukee Art Museum lets our students become junior docents. Our partnership with Arts at Large has allowed students to work with a variety of artists. Our continuing partnership with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel allows students to explore the world of journalism and photography. We publish a school newspaper three times each school year.

Other community partnerships include field student and student teacher placements from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

Tippecanoe After School Activities (TASA) allow children to delve into artistic endeavors such as pottery, hip-hop dancing, cooking, sewing, baton, Spanish, yoga, 3D art, drama, and poetry. We have artists-in-residence programs.

Tippecanoe students can take part in after-school tutoring programs, scouting, and team sports through the Milwaukee Public Schools Recreation Department. Family events include open house, Family Math Night, Pancake Breakfast, Fall Harvest Fest, Cinco de Mayo, River Walk, Bicentennial Music Festival, Gallery Night, Author’s Teas, Science and Art Fair, and ACE family concerts.

Student service projects include Coats for Kids, American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart, St. Jude Math-a-thon, a supply collection for the Wisconsin Humane Society, and food drives. We also welcome our new partnership with Danceworks’ Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap Program for fifth and sixth graders.

Manuela Soto was principal-in-charge of Tippecanoe School for the Arts and Humanities, 357 E. Howard Ave., (414) 294-1800. The current principal is Michele Peña.

Trowbridge Elementary School of Discovery and Technology

By Tom Matthews

Whenever I talk with prospective parents about Trowbridge I emphasize its small, familiar, safe, nurturing environment. Because of this type of environment every staff member gets to know every student and in turn takes responsibility for every student.

At Trowbridge, we offer instruction for students in grades K4 through eighth grade. We are a SAGE school, which insures a 15:1 student/teacher ratio in grades K5 through three. Although I emphasize our small size, our enrollment is continuing to grow. We currently have 280 students enrolled. Because of our increasing enrollment, we are able to offer our students instruction in visual arts, physical education, choral, and instrumental music.

Trowbridge has focused on technology and environmental sciences in the past. This focus continues as we further develop our Great Lakes and freshwater studies curriculum. During the last year, we have invited representatives from the University of Wisconsin’s Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin to assist with our curriculum planning.

Additionally, we have established relationships with community arts organizations such as SHARP Literacy, Inc., Artists Working in Education, First Stage, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in an effort to supplement the arts instruction currently in place at Trowbridge.

Our collective vision for the future of Trowbridge is to continue to incorporate our Great Lakes and freshwater studies curriculum with our students at all grade levels. With our business partner Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, all of our students will be offered numerous opportunities to participate in field trips to support our curriculum throughout the school year.

As our enrollment continues to grow, our future certainly looks bright!

Tom Matthews is principal of Trowbridge Elementary School of Discovery and Technology, 1943 E. Trowbridge St., (414) 294-1900.