SOUTH MILWAUKEE — A group of South Milwaukee High School students spent their Monday morning protesting outside of the high school, hoping they will soon be inside again, learning.
Senior Aaron Henry helped organize the event, he said virtual learning has been difficult.
“We just really want to be back in school. We feel it’s really important. In virtual learning, it’s kind of, I feel like I haven't learned much,” said Henry.
The school district has been in virtual learning for most of the school year. Senior Isabella Campos said she misses her friends and agrees with Arron, she said learning through a computer screen has been challenging.
“I’m a hands-on learner and I’m doing science classes right now that I have labs for that I have to just watch,” said Isabella.
Monday evening, in 7 to 1 vote, the South Milwaukee School Board voted to transition into a hybrid learning model starting Jan 25., with the goal to resume in-person classes by early February.
The school district considered three separate phased option plans, two of the plans would return students to the classroom two days a week starting Jan. 25, the other option would return the students to the classroom starting Feb. 1.
The district said safety for the students and staff is a primary priority and their plans reflect the latest federal, state, and local guidelines
Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Weiss said in a statement, “The School District of South Milwaukee is proud of our high school students for finding a peaceful way to express themselves related to their desire to return to in-person learning. The administration and school board will be meeting again tonight at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the safest way possible to have students return to our school buildings."
The students said they hope to return to the classroom sooner rather than later.
“I never thought I would hear myself saying this but I want to go back to school more in person,” said senior Frank Carter.
Parents protested outside of the high school at 4:30 p.m. ahead of the school board’s meeting.
To view, the school district's re-opening optionsclick here.