Urban public education has its unique challenges. Stories of escalating school dropout rates abound. The growing gulf between the personalized educational needs of students and the ability of the public systems to provide for those needs is increasingly evident. Moreover, technology and the global nature of our world have made the traditional classroom almost obsolete.
The School for Urban Planning and Architecture (SUPAR) was founded on the belief that we must unleash the potential of our youth such that they engage with their world and their immediate environment, see themselves as agents of change, and grow into being life-long learners. Our school represents the first of its kind in the nation. SUPAR is a Milwaukee Public School (MPS) charter high school that is linked to University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, School of Architecture and Urban Planning (SARUP-UWM). This link connects University faculty and students with SUPAR students through educational programming and mentoring opportunities. SUPAR staff cultivates student development through the customized instruction of a project-based curriculum that specifically focuses on community-oriented urban planning and architecture initiatives. The aforementioned characteristics distinguish SUPAR as an urban education innovation.
SUPAR’s approach to educational excellence is captured in its emphasis on parent involvement and leadership, which is at the core of the school’s day-to-day functioning. Additionally, community, business, and civic partnerships are desired and will be embraced by SUPAR as a source of program support. This support will take the form of potential projects, and collaborative ventures that will enhance the student experience, as well as school operations and financial standing.
We are excited about our educational endeavors, which thus far, has been filled with many challenges and rewards that have lead to new understandings. We are pleased to request your participation in the success of SUPAR by lending your time, energy, and expertise as a member of the Chairman's Advisory Council. Your participation would involve an hour and a half meeting three to four times a year and some Committee work in between meetings. We would honor your time and commitment by proudly displaying you and your company’s support on our website and many other publicly viewed announcements.
We are here for our students to ensure that they will be the best they can be. We are asking for your support to help SUPAR achieve this critical goal. I will be following-up with you in the next week to discuss your interest and willingness to serve on the Chairman’s Advisory Council.
Humbly submitted,
Dr. Kirk E. Harris, J.D., Ph.D.
Founder & Chairman of the Board
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