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Meeting Date:
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10/31/2019 - 6:30 PM
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Category:
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Awards and Commendations
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Type:
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Info
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Subject:
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1. Excellence in Education Award - Washington High School Special Education Department
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Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
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Goal 2 Student, Family and Community Engagement
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Attachments
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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Each month, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors recognizes an outstanding school, student, staff member, parent, or community member for a display of excellence, achievement, and innovation that may serve as an example to our school district and the entire Milwaukee community.
This month, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors is pleased to present the “Excellence in Education Award” to:
Washington High School Special Education Department
Milwaukee Public Schools recognizes Washington High School Special Education Department for their dedication to providing MPS students with an exceptional learning experience—the MPS districtwide prom for students with significant disabilities.
This prom has been hosted at Washington High School for 18 years. It began as a collaboration between MPS high school special education teachers who wanted to create an event where their students could practice social skills in a safe, welcoming environment while also allowing for a full high school experience. Since its inception, Mike Rein, a paraprofessional at Washington High School, worked tirelessly to create a Disney-like event for some really special students. Although Mike passed away in 2017, his magic is still very much alive as we move forward to celebrating our 19th annual prom.
Students help prepare for the prom learning soft and life skills along the way. The prom has grown into a wonderful collaboration between multiple high schools, parents, community partners, generous donors and the district. Last year, over 200 students, friends, family members, Special Olympics athletes, and MPS alumni from more than 14 schools attended. Students and staff from multiple high schools helped prepare decorations for the event.
The day of prom, over 60 volunteers comprised of National Honor Society students, MATC Educators Club, and Black Student Union (BSU) members, teachers, administrators, MPS Central Services staff, and community members such as Earl Ingram used these spectacular decorations to transform the high school cafeteria into an elegant, magical venue. Mr. Ingram has been one of the prom's biggest community supporters and cheerleaders for its success.
Upon checking in, prom guests received a swag bag and had the option of visiting the Glam Room. Here students could find donated dresses, shoes, shirts, suits or ties or they could just add to their own spectacular outfits by choosing makeup or other accessories provided by the MPS Office of Finance volunteers. After dressing up and accessorizing, students could dance or have fun taking glamour shots in the photo booth.
New last year, thanks to MPS’ Office of Specialized Services, door-to-door transportation was offered to 30 prom goers. Parents were also able to take advantage of the transportation so that they could attend the First Annual Transition Community Resource Fair. Representatives from Independence First, Milwaukee Recreation, DWD-Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), MPS’ School-to-Work Transition Program (STWTP), and Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) were on hand to answer questions and address concerns, that parents and students had about transition and what’s available after high school.
The Milwaukee Board of School Directors recognize and honor the Washington High School Special Education Department for their dedication, outstanding leadership, and commitment to excellence on behalf of the students with significant disabilities of the Milwaukee Public Schools.
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Fiscal Impact Statement:
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Implementation and Assessment Plan
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Recommendation:
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Keith Posley, Ed.D. - Superintendent
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