LaFollette families, teachers, friends, and neighbors, please allow me to share greetings and gratitude from my office to you. My name is Dr. Marny Donalson-Gamble. I’ve been the proud principal at Robert M. LaFollette School since 2013 and have two master’s degrees (curriculum/instruction and educational leadership/administration) and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration.
As a lifelong Milwaukeean and a member of the Milwaukee Public Schools family for more than 25 years, I feel like I know this district inside and out. This is why I can honestly, accurately tell you that the team at LaFollette School is the strongest, most supportive, and most unified group of educators and staff working in Milwaukee Public Schools today. Since arriving here, I have felt the connection and commitment from families, teachers, and community partners in full force as we work to improve academic outcomes and support the well-being of students in our 53206 neighborhoods.
Our certified teachers collaborate during lessons, planning sessions, and in our school’s after-hours enrichment program to make sure every child has what they need to succeed as scholars and as future leaders of this community. Our LaFollette Lions – that’s our mascot – wear assigned school uniforms and spirit wear. Uniforms strengthen our sense of school pride, and help students stay focused on schoolwork and on supporting their classmates as they learn and grow together. Nearly 20 percent of our students receive special education accommodations, from individualized instruction to our large-sensory room. They are a valued part of our school community as we prepare all students for high school, college, and career success. Our full-time school nurse, social worker, and psychologist work closely and tirelessly with teachers to get to know every student – and how each one can thrive.
A network of community partners steps up daily to support our work. We joined the School Community Partnership for Mental Health in 2020, which brings additional mental-wellness programs and counseling professionals into our school to support children and families with complex needs. As a 53206 Promise Partnership School, partners host wellness clinics for families and bring expert literacy coaches into our classrooms to help teachers provide individualized instruction. Mentors from groups like We Got This and Artists Working in Education inspire our students to think boldly, care for their community, and create.
Seeing is believing. Please reach out to schedule a tour, attend one of our special events, or find another way to connect with LaFollette School. As we love to say: “You can’t hide that lion pride.” And, every pride has room to grow. Join our LaFollette Lion family.
Sincerely,
Marny Donalson-Gamble, EdD, principal
Robert M. LaFollette School