Leaders, scholars, and families collaborate to build a supportive and safe learning environment so everyone at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School does their best work.
Schools across the district use the Second Step social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. Scholars participate in weekly lessons that involve videos, activities, instruction, and practice of social and emotional skills like:
- Building healthy relationships
- Decision-making
- Goal-setting
- Identifying and managing emotions
- Resolving conflict
- Problem-solving
- Mindfulness
Leaders teach, model, and reinforce healthy communication and emotional regulation skills. We work with scholars and families to establish routines and positive incentives to help scholars meet academic, attendance, and behavior goals. Our African American Immersion program and Dr. King’s legacy offer cultural context and remind scholars of shared heritage and histories, and who they can become.
Morning Routine
Every day begins with morning announcements and Mbongi, which means “room without walls” in the Bantu Kongo language. The Mbongi tradition brings people together to discuss issues affecting their community. Classrooms use this time to plan, problem-solve, and celebrate: academic achievements, meeting attendance goals, and even birthdays. Mbongi establishes trust and empowers everyone in our community to make their own unique contribution to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School.
On Mondays, we come together for an all-school Mbongi. Led by our principal, Monday Mbongi provides foundation and focus so we are energized and prepared for the week.
- We recognize classrooms that meet attendance and behavior goals.
- We designate “kings” and “queens” in each grade, scholars who stand out for achievements in academics, attendance, and/or behavior. Kings and queens are treated to a day of activities and games just for them.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Our “Lion’s Pride” PBIS framework focuses on three expectations: Be safe. Be responsible. Be respectful.
- Essential 8 + 1 guidelines help scholars stay on track to meet Lion’s Pride expectations. These simple guidelines coordinate every school day from morning arrival and classroom transitions to recess and dismissal procedures.
- Scholar dollars and celebrations acknowledge individual, classroom, and school-wide Lion’s Pride success.
- Leaders review academic, attendance, and behavior data monthly and can revise goals and incentives.
Restorative Practices
Our community learns together through Milwaukee Public Schools Restorative Practices program. Respectful, problem-solving communication techniques are taught in school. Parents and community partners learn and use them in meetings and events. Students learn and use strategies like restorative circles, which emphasize respect and repair to rebuild trust and resolve conflict.
Mental Wellness and Mental Health Support
Dr. King School staff includes a psychologist, social worker, counselor, and trauma support specialist. Our school also participates in the School Community Partnership for Mental Health. Scholars and families can access extra resources and expertise that promote mental wellness and address mental health issues.
Join Us
Clear communication and shared values can bring people from diverse backgrounds together to set and achieve goals peacefully and respectfully. Please join us in this work. Caregivers and community members contribute to discussions and decision-making that puts our scholars first when they attend meetings of the Community School Leadership Team (CSLT) and Family Leadership Organization (FLO) at Dr. King School.
Teaching and using restorative practices in these meetings is transforming how Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership members relate and interact with their scholars, families, and community in a more culturally relevant and restorative way. This leads to positive school cultures, strong relational trust, and high-quality teaching.