Course Guide

NOTE: If your student has been recommended for SS Math, the following classes are options to select.

Hot Math Summer

This fun and interactive summer math course keeps things fresh with a new theme every week! Students will be able to apply all of their math knowledge to concepts such as solving mysteries, baking, and even the Olympics in a low stress environment.

Math in Action

Looking for a way to level up your skills this summer? Check out Math in Action! In this class, we will review foundational skills and practice math concepts such as geometry, algebra, fractions, rates and ratios. You'll learn through projects, games and everyday examples. This class is all about building confidence, trying new strategies, and seeing how math connects to the world around you!

NOTE: If your student has been recommended for SS Reading & Writing, the following classes are options to choose from.

Creative Writing

Once upon a time there were students who wanted to write creatively in school. Come join this class to review the components of a story, explore writing techniques and apply them when writing/illustrating your own fable!

Graphic Novel Book Club

Join our engaging Graphic Novel Book Club this summer, designed to welcome readers of all levels and interests. Whether you're an avid reader or someone who struggles to find the right book, this course is perfect for you. Graphic novels offer a unique and captivating way to explore stories through a combination of pictures AND text, making them an excellent tool to encourage more reading.

Often misunderstood as simply "comic books," graphic novels are unique and diverse and tackle a wide range of genres and topics, from historical fiction to science fiction, fantasy, and more. They provide an engaging reading experience that can help readers connect with stories in new and exciting ways. In this course, we will explore a selection of thought-provoking graphic novels! Our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels encouraged to read, discuss, and enjoy these remarkable works.

History of Pop Culture: Summer School Edition!

History of Pop Culture takes students on a journey through the evolution of entertainment, fame, and trends—from the first movie stars like Charlie Chaplin to video games like Roblox, viral moments, and influencer culture. Students will explore how pop culture changes over time, why people are drawn to celebrities and their never ending drama, and how technology turns everyday moments into worldwide trends. (Perhaps we will even explore the origins of the 6,7 trend!) This course connects history to the media students experience every day in a way that is fun and age-appropriate!

South Milwaukee Stories: Past, Present & Plate

This summer school course invites students to explore the history of South Milwaukee through the lens of food, community, and local culture. Instead of relying on textbooks alone, students will investigate their own neighborhood—its restaurants, industries, sports traditions, and cultural communities—to understand how history shapes daily life today.
Food will serve as the central hook: Why do certain foods exist here? Who brought them? What do they tell us about migration, geography, and identity? Students will act as historians, chefs, food critics, and community researchers while building core skills in history.

True Teens - Events in History

Have you ever thought...what kind of events have happened in the past and how might they have affected teens like me of that time? You can discuss this question throughout the summer while studying contemporary historical fiction—historical events from the last 75 years! This course is full of fascinating stories that help us understand our past and present through the eyes of young people like yourself. You will learn the stories of people who struggled, suffered, and persevered as we do today; and, how characters in historical fiction are shaped by the conflicts of the time period. Class discussions through book clubs will focus on the characters and how the setting and events shape who they are.

School is out, but you can still unleash your creativity while immersing yourself in the South Milwaukee Middle School Summer School Art class! This summer, you will further explore: Drawing, Painting, Book Making, 3D Cardboard Sculpting, Printmaking, and Miniature Room Building. Not only will you build on your Art skills and Art appreciation, you will also improve your attention-to-detail and problem-solving skills. Sign up, and let’s pull those fantastical ideas out of your head and make them into some art!

Heroes Wanted! Grab your sword and spellbook! Join us for a summer of epic storytelling and strategy in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. In this course, you will create your own hero, form alliances with classmates, and embark on thrilling quests to save the realm.
Together with your party of fellow adventurers, you will solve ancient puzzles, battle fierce creatures, and hunt for legendary treasure. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your storytelling skills, learn strategic thinking, and master the art of teamwork.
Note: Players of all levels are welcome. Whether you are a "Level 1" beginner or a seasoned pro, we will guide you through the rules and get you straight to the action!

Ready to learn a skill that’s actually kind of iconic? Come learn to crochet with Miss May in this hands-on summer class where you’ll turn yarn into mini plushies, accessories, bags, and more (even if you’ve never touched a crochet hook before).
Already know some stitches? Slay. You’ll level up with new techniques and more detailed projects. Total beginner? You’re totally fine, we’ll start with the basics and build your skills step by step.
You’ll get to hang out, make awesome handmade things, and maybe even discover your new favorite hobby. All experience levels are welcome!

“I’ve Got Rhythm” is a music class for students who want to improve their rhythm counting, clapping, singing, and playing skills. In this class we will explore a variety of different ways that rhythm can be used to perform, compose, and move to the music. Do you want to make beats? Or get better at singing? Need help counting and playing? Music teacher, Mr. Murphy, will help you count rhythms, write music, and move to the music so that you can get better at rhythm this summer!

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and cook up some fun! In Kitchen Creations, students will explore the world of cooking and baking while making delicious foods like Pizza, Muffins, Cookies, Homemade Pretzels w/ homemade cheese sauce, French toast, Rice Krispies Treats, and more
This hands-on class blends food, fun, and learning as students read and follow recipes, write reflections and food reviews, use math skills to measure, convert, and scale ingredients, and discover the science behind how food changes when it’s mixed, heated, and baked. Why does yeast make dough rise? What happens when ingredients are heated? We’ll find out—by eating our experiments!
Students will build kitchen confidence while learning teamwork, time management, and clean-up skills. Whether you’re a beginner or already love to cook, this class is all about creativity, curiosity, and cooking your way through summer!

South Milwaukee Middle School is offering a Speed, Agility, and Strength class that will take place throughout summer school. This program is designed for any student-athlete that wants to focus on many different concepts such as introductory to weight training, resistance training, speed/agility, and conditioning. It is important for our students to build self-confidence, healthy habits, and perseverance which is what this program will provide your student.

For Current 8th grade students only

If you are interested in participating in the High School Speed, Agility, & Strength course and ARE NOT taking any other Middle School summer classes, please contact the High School Counseling office at 414-766-5101.

Disconnect to reconnect. Step into a tech-free space where you choose the adventure. From epic Lego builds and yoga flows to painting and reading, you’ll explore "Discovery Stations" designed to help you find hobbies that stick. Along the way, you’ll document your journey in a Personal Chronicle—a filter-free space to reflect on your wins and find out who you are without the Wi-Fi. It’s not about what you’re missing; it’s about what you’re capable of creating.

Free yourself from your phone and other devices! In this session, we'll engage in activities that are unplugged--coloring, puzzles, games, and walks. We'll have opportunities for you to play cooperatively, competitively, and to practice mindfulness through our activities.