"Ready to learn:" Students at MPS year-round schools head back to the classroom, begin new school year

“Ready to learn:” Students at MPS year-round schools head back to the classroom, begin new school year

"Ready to learn:" Students at MPS year-round schools head back to the classroom, begin new school year

MILWAUKEE -- On Monday, August 8th, while most students were still enjoying summer break, it was time to head back to school for some in Milwaukee.

Surrounded by friends, family members and even Bango from the Milwaukee Bucks, students at Ralph Metcalfe School near 35th and North in Milwaukee had all the pomp and circumstance befitting the first day of school.

First day back at alph Metcalfe School

Darienne Driver

"I popped up this morning, woke up well ahead of my alarm clock just with excitement for the first day," Dr. Darienne Driver, Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent said.

Back to school on August 8th is early for most students in Milwaukee -- but Metcalfe -- along with 10 other MPS schools are on a year-round schedule. More time off during the school year means a shorter summer break.

"This really gives us a chance to get them early, so we don`t have as much of a gap in the summertime, making sure that right away, as soon as August hits, they`re back in class ready to learn," Driver said.

First day back at alph Metcalfe School

But even on a year-round schedule, administrators know much of the work gets done away from the classroom.

"They spend most of their time with their families -- so the better partnership that we have with our parents, the better. Because the learning they have here will carry over into the home," Driver said.

First day back at alph Metcalfe School

Because even when that learning starts earlier than normal, teachers hope it never stops.

First day back at alph Metcalfe School

The 10 MPS-operated year-round calendar schools are:

CLICK HERE to learn more about Milwaukee Public Schools.