Friday, August 2, 2024
More than 900 volunteers from GE HealthCare visited MPS schools on Thursday, August 1, to give the buildings and grounds a back-to-school glow-up during their annual Community Service Day.
This is the 28th year that GE HealthCare workers and their family and friends have helped get MPS schools ready for returning students. Different schools are chosen every year, and the volunteers’ planning begins more than a year in advance. The GE HealthCare team consults with each school to identify projects for the volunteers to complete.
The volunteers worked at seven schools on Thursday. The schools are:
Whittier School, 4382 S. 3rd St.
Bay View Montessori Upper Campus, 619 E. Dover St.
Morgandale School, 3635 S. 17th St.
Frederick J. Gaenslen School, 1250 E. Burleigh St.
Louisa May Alcott School, 3563 S. 97th St.
Milwaukee School of Languages, 8400 W. Burleigh St.
Lancaster School, 4931 N. 68th St.
Volunteers painted murals, walls, and playground lines. They weeded the grounds, spread mulch, and planted, and at some schools, they assembled and updated furniture and shelving and added accessories. 
“Community Service Day showcases GE HealthCare at its best,” said Luiz Verzegnassi, President and CEO, GE HealthCare Services. “Our colleagues’ passion and hard work is not only reflected in the welcoming learning environments we contribute to, but also in the smiles and appreciation from those we serve. It’s a powerful reminder of our commitment to our purpose, creating lasting impact and strengthening our bond with the City of Milwaukee.”
MPS students will see the changes when they begin classes next month for the 2024-25 school year. The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 3.
“Milwaukee Public Schools is thankful to GE HealthCare and its volunteers for making a difference in the lives of our students through the annual Community Service Day,” MPS Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galvan said. "We value our long partnership with GE HealthCare. The work of the volunteers will have a positive impact on our students for years to come.”