(MILWAUKEE) — Milwaukee Public Schools will close its Summer Academy, Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) programs, and all Milwaukee Recreation (MKE REC) sites tomorrow, Friday, July 17, due to an ongoing dense smoke advisory for the area. The decision was announced by Superintendent Brenda Cassellius in consultation with Milwaukee Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Totoraitis.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community continues to be our highest priority as we make these difficult decisions,” Dr. Cassellius said.
The district expects to resume normal operations on Monday, July 20. Please see the critical details below regarding closures, recreational sites, and meal distributions.
Closure Summary & Key Details
- Summer Academy & Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO): All sites are completely closed. No classes, indoor activities, or outdoor activities will take place.
- Milwaukee Recreation (MKE REC): All MKE REC sites are closed. This includes all splash pads and wading pools, which will not be open.
- Summer Meals: Meals will not be available at MPS schools or MKE REC sites on Friday, July 17.
Summer Academy Schedule Impact
District officials do not expect Friday’s closure to further extend the Summer Academy session, which is scheduled to end on Friday, July 31.
The session had previously been extended by one day to allow for make-up time and coursework missed during the heat-related closures earlier this week (Tuesday and Wednesday).
“The poor air quality requires us to take proactive measures to protect everyone under our care,” the superintendent added.
Dr. Cassellius thanked MPS families and staff for their continued resilience, cooperation, and shared commitment to keeping the Milwaukee community safe during these consecutive weather disruptions.
