Milwaukee Public Schools students return for 2021 school year 📚✏️

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's hard to believe, but most Milwaukee Public School (MPS) students return to the classroom Monday, Aug. 16.

Monday is the first day for students on the Early Start Calendar

Students at MacDowell Montessori received a big welcome Monday morning. 

"It feels good to come back," MacDowell senior Jasani Webb said.

She told CBS 58 she was virtual for part of her sophomore year and all of her junior year.

"I feel like online wasn't the same as being in person because you aren't with your friends in the classroom, can't laugh together. Can't get kicked out together in the classroom," she laughed.

For many others students, 'adjusting' is the mood.

"Last year was my first year here, actually, so I've never really been to the actually school in person. This is my first time," said eight grader Johnathan Lester.


Virtual options are still available but, today, MPS opened 41 schools to in-person learning, five days a week.

Students and staff must wear masks indoors, and social distance.

HEPA air filters are also inside buildings.

"Our practices are informed, and will continue to be informed, by the public health guidance," said MPS superintendent Dr. Keith Posley.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization, the Milwaukee teacher's union wants the city health department to do more.

"Schools aren't islands, right?" asked Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association president Amy Mizialko. "We're waiting for MHD to pay attention to the fact that we're in a far worse place right now than we were in the Spring when we had a mask mandate."

Right now, MPS has no mandate for teachers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

On Tuesday, Aug. 17, MPS School Board president Bob Peterson said the Accountability, Finance and Personnel committee will discuss how the district can proceed.

Here's everything you need to know for the start of the new school year:

  • All MPS schools will be open for in-person learning five days a week.
  • Face masks will be required in all school buildings and on buses.
  • Masks will not be required when outside or while eating or drinking.
  • Students and staff will practice three feet of social distancing.
  • Elementary schools and the virtual program will start September 2nd.

For more information on the MPS early start, click here.

To view all the MPS back-to-school calendars, click here.

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