ESSER III Extracurricular Engagement

The renovation of South Division’s fieldhouse focused on comprehensive improvements to both flooring and facilities. The contractor overlaid the existing sub floor with a new wood main court, surrounded by synthetic poly flooring designed for physical education classes. The facility received new floor striping for both court layouts and physical education activities. A complete aesthetic refresh included painting of the ceiling, interior structure, and upgrades to the lighting system. The existing bleachers were replaced with new motorized units. School branding and a new PA/sound system completed the modernization.

North Division’s fieldhouse underwent the same core improvements as South Division, featuring a new wood main court with a synthetic poly flooring perimeter for physical education classes. A complete aesthetic refresh included painting of the ceiling and interior structure. The project included removal of existing bleachers and installation of new motorized units. School branding and a new PA/sound system completed the upgrades. 

Vincent’s fieldhouse received the same fundamental improvements as North and South Division, including new wood main court flooring with a synthetic poly perimeter. A complete aesthetic refresh included painting of the ceiling, structure, and upgrades to the lighting system. The project included removal of existing bleachers and installation of new motorized units. School branding and a new PA/sound system completed the renovations. 

The Wick Playfield project encompassed comprehensive improvements to both baseball and softball facilities. Existing grass fields were removed and replaced with synthetic turf, complemented by new foul poles, protective netting, and LED lighting systems. Field equipment upgrades included new bases, pitching mounds, dugouts, bleachers, and batting cages. A new split-face storage building was constructed featuring motorized overhead doors, LED interior lighting, and a shingled roof. Restroom building renovations included ADA improvements to the men’s and women’s restrooms and a new gender-neutral/family bathroom with tiled floors and walls.

Ten pools received substantial updates, with improvements varying by location. Some pools saw refreshed interiors and updated branding, while others received new seating, starting blocks, and timing systems designed for interscholastic competitions. These upgrades enhanced both the functionality and overall experience of each facility.

Several of the district’s high schools also received equipment and technology upgrades to support their athletic and physical education programs, including motorized bleachers, pool fans, sound systems, live streaming cameras, and aquatic timers.

Milwaukee Public Schools completed renovations of seven tennis court venues and six gymnasium floors, in addition to the upgrades to the floors at the three fieldhouses.

Pulaski Stadium received new visitor and home ticket/concessions buildings constructed with split-face masonry, featuring fiber-reinforced polymer doors, coiling counter windows, and modern amenities including LED lighting and electrical heat. New concrete walkways and modified fencing improved access. 

Vincent Stadium’s improvements included a new visitor building matching existing stadium architecture, housing a ticket booth, concessions, restrooms, and storage facilities. New home bleachers with a press box were installed on the east side, with enclosed storage spaces underneath. The project included new asphalt pads, walkways, strategic fencing to separate home and visitor traffic, and comprehensive site lighting improvements for enhanced safety and accessibility. 

Lastly, the synthetic turf system at Bradley Tech was fully replaced and new bleachers were added.

The developmental phase from 4th to 8th grade is a crucial and often challenging period for students, characterized by significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, limiting opportunities for students to develop and practice essential social-emotional skills due to extended isolation. The MPS Overnight Camp Program offered a structured and nurturing environment where students could forge meaningful relationships with peers and counselors, explore new activities, and engage in personal development. Research consistently highlights the positive effects of overnight camps in enhancing self-confidence, social integration, emotional intelligence (including empathy), and fostering a deep appreciation for nature—all vital components for promoting holistic growth in young learners. 

In collaboration with 10 different camps across Wisconsin, the MPS Overnight Camp Program provided students with a wide array of experiences and settings. This partnership ensured that students participated in diverse activities, ranging from outdoor adventures to team-building exercises, cultivating personal growth and strengthening social-emotional skills in a variety of environments. 

Using the ESSER III funds, Milwaukee Public Schools provided critical services and programs for students, such as:

- Partnered with Concentra Health Services to provide free physicals for sports.

- Purchased a transit vehicle for youth sports equipment.

- Provided pregame study halls for student-athletes.

- Constructed two Life Skills Labs to teach essential skills to students, such as household management, meal preparation, self-care, etiquette, and personal finance.

- Guided students through the driver education process, with over 2,600 successfully obtaining their permits.

- Extended programming for Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers into August.

- Provided mini-grants to schools for the support of after-school clubs.

- Supported credentialing for child care camp staff to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and enhance program quality.

- Supported student participation in extracurricular clubs by providing after-school transportation services.