MPS Kicks off First Day of School

It was the first day for many schools in the area, including all Milwaukee Public Schools.

The Sherman Multicultural Arts School had a special kick-off celebration.

Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Bango the Buck all welcomed the students back.

Second grader Myasia Dismukes arrived for her first day to balloons and a red carpet. 

"I get to meet my teachers and my friends back to school," said Dismukes.

She was most excited for the classroom. 

"She was anxious,s she didn't want to go to sleep, she was too excited... she's like, 'Momma, my first day of school tomorrow!' she was just too happy'" said Tischa Dismukes, Myasia's mother.

The superintendent says students will have the opportunity to have open conversations to students after some of them were affected by the unrest in Sherman Park.

"You can already see around us healing is occurring here. This is a safe space this is a very special community. and i do believe that our parents our teachers our students all working together we will move forward in a very positive way," said Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver

The Sherman Multicultural Arts School provides a different learning experience for the students. They're partnering with the White House to focus on including arts in learning. Over the last year, the school increased attendance and decreased suspensions. 

While the school was chosen for the first day celebration before the unrest, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says the school showcases the a side of the neighborhood many haven't seen over the last few weeks. 

"This is really what Sherman Park is all about. There's a lot of great families. There's a lot of great kids. We want to highlight the positives," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.