WAES Urban-Rural Exchange Program: Second Leg

Milwaukee students spent Day 2 attending classes at White Lake School with their White Lake hosts. Left to right: Serena Williams, Rachel Schneider, Joshua Hargrove, ShaRhaina Brown, and Kalise Bussiere.

Milwaukee students learned that their one classroom of 30 students equals the entire junior class in White Lake. While Milwaukee schools face overcrowding, White Lake can't offer many basic course options. Left to right: Mai Chee Xiong, Bow Xiong, Matt Wahleithner.

White Lake French teacher Laura Radtke showed Milwaukee students Joshua Hargrove and ShaRhaina Brown how White Lake students attend class with students in other districts through Interactive Television Courses (ITV). Students can see and hear each other, along with Radtke's computer screen, live on multiple television screens and receive assignments through faxes. Distance learning is the only way White Lake students can get certain necessary classes like foreign language.

White Lake host Kim Bodoh and Milwaukee student Monica Harris took a break for a picture in White Lake School's one hallway. Earlier they attended music class in the exit hallway, which serves as a classroom. Milwaukee students were surprised to learn that White Lake students don't lock their lockers because in a small school, everyone knows each other.

Milwaukee school district representatives toured White Lake School and talked to other teachers and administrators. Left to right: White Lake superintendent Peter Kososki, Milwaukee superintendent William Andrekopoulos, Milwaukee school board member Jennifer Morales, Milwaukee teacher Kelly Dawson-Salas, and Ginny Andrekopoulos (sitting).

Milwaukee and White Lake students gathered for a "Talkback" discussion for final impressions and reflections on school funding and the urban-rural aspect of the exchange. Both students expressed their recognition of the advantages and disadvantages of both school districts, but the common need for a new school-funding system. Students talked about how it made a difference to actually see the other districts, instead of just hearing about them.

Milwaukee and White Lake students concluded the WAES Urban-Rural Exchange Program with a visit to a local family maple syrup operation owned by Mike Klimoski. They helped collect sap and learned about the production process, each taking home a bottle of real maple syrup. Sad to be parting, frantically exchanging contact information and gifts, and leaving with a newfound understanding of each other, students said they would visit each other again.

Milwaukee and White Lake students concluded the WAES Urban-Rural Exchange Program with a visit to a local family maple syrup operation owned by Mike Klimoski. They helped collect sap and learned about the production process, each taking home a bottle of real maple syrup. Sad to be parting, frantically exchanging contact information and gifts, and leaving with a newfound understanding of each other, students said they would visit each other again.