Collaborative Efforts with MPS Prove Successful Again

This summer, we embarked on a new endeavor: providing service to more than 700 youth enrolled in Milwaukee Public School (MPS) summer school. Between June 21-July 30, we offered Wraparound services for students who attended summer school at Westside Academy I and 38th Street School. We work in these two schools during the year by providing tutoring for first through third graders and Families United to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (FUPTP) for the fourth and fifth graders. Expanding to serve youth during the summer was the next logical step.

MPS held summer school from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We provided service to students in kindergarten through fifth grades from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the afternoon, children played games indoors and outdoors, worked on arts and crafts, took drum lessons, learned to cook and occasionally watched movies. In addition, everyone had the chance to go on a field trip. We took the children to the Health Education Center, Budget Cinemas and the IMAX theater. The Betty Brinn Children's Museum visited both schools and did a hands-on activity with the children.

The fourth and fifth graders had the opportunity to participate in the FUPTP program, an abstinence-based pregnancy prevention program for youth between 9 and 15 years of age. Using a life options curriculum developed by our staff, FUPTP helps youth understand the importance of goal setting, values and education. It also teaches them about raising their self esteem, good communication and social skills, male/female relationships and reproductive anatomy, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Everyone enjoyed the summer and we are looking forward to beginning the tutoring program and FUPTP in the fall, not only at Westside Academy and 38th Street School, but at Story Elementary School, Carson Academy of Science, and Congress Elementary School.