We have nearly 600 four year old kindergarten through fifth grade students, including approximately 60 students for whom English is a second language. Our student population reflects the cultural, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the city of Milwaukee. As part of the Milwaukee Public Schools, we attract students from all parts of the city. Each grade level is located in a pod. Traditional walls and doors are nearly nonexistent, except for closets and storerooms.
Teachers plan and work together in their respective pods.
A team approach to instruction is evident throughout the curriculum, and most definitely in the area of writing. Written communication is developed through such programs as the essay of the month, the schoolwide mail service, the authors showcase, and the school newspaper. Prior to the advent of word processing and desktop publishing, student books were laminated and spiral bound. Current technology has allowed scanned graphic images, and digital photographs to be included in student and teacher writing. In the fall of 1997, our library circulation and catalog system will be added to the network.