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United States, Milwaukee
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MGIS has proudly served the Milwaukee community for over 30 years and is one of the largest language immersion schools in the United States. Its origins trace to a 1976 federal court ruling mandating integration in Milwaukee Public Schools, after which Lloyd Barbee and MPS Foreign Language Curriculum Specialist Anthony Gradisnik proposed a German Immersion Program. Inspired by Canada's immersion model and Milwaukee's German heritage, Gradisnik led the effort with leaders including Judge Fred Kessler, Leon Todd, and UW–Milwaukee German Professor Gerhard Rauscher, with Helena Anderson Curtain directing the German curriculum. The program began in 1977 at a small campus on Milwaukee's northwest side, later relocating to the 82nd Street campus and expanding to a K4–5 configuration. In 1992 the school changed its name to Milwaukee German Immersion School and earned a National Blue Ribbon Award in 1994; MGIS joined PASCH in 2016.
The most important educators are parents and caregivers, and they are always welcome at MGIS. MGIS implements Milwaukee Public Schools' Family & Community Engagement framework so families and staff collaborate to support student achievement. Family events include grill fest, Laternennacht, Multicultural Night, and the PTA Fun Run. The school maintains open lines of communication through the School Engagement Council and the Parent Teacher Association.
The MGIS PTA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is one of Wisconsin's largest PTA chapters. PTA funds support school programs, including field trips, Reading is Fundamental books, and technology upgrades. Membership is open to individuals and businesses, with dues of $6 for individuals and $25 for businesses, registered through the MGIS PTA Member Hub. The PTA hosts popular family events such as Coffee with the Principal, Grill Fest, Laternennacht, Multicultural Night, PTA Fun Run, Rollschuhabend, STEAM Night, and community service activities. The PTA Board includes James Ganley as president and other officers such as the secretary, treasurer, and vice presidents. MGIS PTA fosters involvement and fundraising to support programs and staff.
Milwaukee German Immersion School is a public elementary program located at 3778 N. 82nd Street in Milwaukee. It offers an American curriculum with German-first immersion, Wisconsin's first language immersion program since 1977. German is used to teach almost all subjects, including math, science, and social studies, supporting bilingualism for all learners. By the end of fifth grade, students read, write, and speak German and English fluently. The school serves K4–5, with a daily schedule from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and KinderCamp before and after school. Its facilities include a Library Media Center and a range of extracurriculars such as Art Club, Chess, Choir and Dance Club, and the Green Team. MGIS has a long history in Milwaukee, earned a National Blue Ribbon Award in 1994, and joined PASCH in 2016. Family engagement is supported through a PTA and School Engagement Council, fostering partnerships with staff and the community today.
