MPS Summer Academy students learning at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in 2015. (Photo courtesy of MPS)

Registration is open for Milwaukee Public Schools summer programs, offering learning and recreation opportunities at more than 90 sites across the city.

“Summer learning is critical for our students,” MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver said. “I encourage families to make a commitment and enroll their children in a summer learning program to ensure students stay on track and return to school this fall healthy and ready to learn.”

Families can learn more about Summer Academy on the district’s website or by calling 414-475-8238. You must register by June 27. Families can enroll online at mpsmke.com/enrollMPS.Opportunities include 2,000 additional seats in MPS’ Summer Academy for grades K5-8, a program at 26 sites across the city that reinforces what students learned throughout the year and prepares them for the school year ahead. The number of sites available is also up from last year. The district is offering door-to-door transportation for students living within two miles of two Summer Academy “Super Sites:” Grantosa Drive School and Sherman Multicultural Arts School. Other sites are focused on offering neighborhood opportunities for families.

MPS summer programs include:

• Summer Academy for grades K5-8, referenced above, which takes an innovative approach to extending learning opportunities for students, focusing on teaching critical literacy skills by engaging students in hands-on science concepts. The Summer Academy program has been developed to build on this foundation while preparing students for the next grade level’s standards. 
• A new Freshman Bridge program to help incoming 9th-grade students transition successfully from 8th grade into high school in the days leading up to the start of the school year. The program will be offered at 25 MPS high schools. For more information, call (414) 475-8238. 
• Continuing the 8th Grade Promotional Program, a summer program to help students build their skills in core subject areas such as mathematics, literacy as well as social-emotional skills necessary for high school success. Enrollment is recommended at the school level for MPS students only who require academic intervention to enable transition to high school.
• The Extended School Year (ESY) and Community Assessment and Training Program (CATP) program for students with special needs. Families should contact their child’s school for more information.
• High School Credit recovery and acceleration allowing high school students to retake courses or get ahead. Contact your child’s MPS high school for more information or the Extended Learning Opportunities Office at (414) 475-8238.
• Arts programs including a summer music camp for band, orchestra and choir; a jazz program; Project Lead the Way science and engineering camps; and special career exploration camp for young women
• MPS’ Milwaukee Recreation will offer hundreds of activities for individuals of all ages, including free summer playgrounds, the evening Summer Stars Teen Recreation program, as well as full-day wrap-around programming at 76 schools serving as Community Learning Centers, Safe Places and Child Care Camps. To enroll or learn more, visit www.milwaukeerecreation.net or call (414) 475-8180.
• MPS’ Department of School Nutrition Services will be providing summer meals at more than 100 MPS locations, many of which will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information about summer meal locations, call 211.