Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Since Greenfield Bilingual School opened in one of the district’s oldest schoolhouses in 2005, this K4-8 community has surpassed enrollment expectations to become one of the largest bilingual dual language programs in Milwaukee Public Schools.
By September 2024, Greenfield’s 600 students were learning English, among other subjects, and participating in art, gym, and music classes in a building designed for 500. Students carried their lunch trays from the cafeteria’s only serving window, through an auditorium, and across a hallway to the dining room. Storage space was limited. English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching supplies traveled among classrooms on a utility cart. Band instruments were stored on the auditorium stage.
“Families would ask, ‘Why do you have so many students in a small classroom?’ ” said Principal Adalberto Salas. “But parents want the program because it’s strongly recognized by the state and district. Our eighth graders are consistently bilingual by the time they graduate—speaking, reading, and writing in English and Spanish.”
Cue the construction
Greenfield Bilingual School opened a much-needed three-story addition in February that brings new light and energy to a brick schoolhouse built in 1924. The nearly 11,000-square-foot addition includes four new classrooms, upgraded internet, an updated kitchen, elevators, and staff conference space.
Designed by Foundation Architects and primarily funded by federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER), Greenfield’s addition is one of 15 completed in MPS between 2022 and 2024.
Kindergarten to grade 3 classrooms receive Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) funding, which maintains 18:1 or 30:2 student-to-teacher ratios. Numbers are different in the older grades, where class sizes can increase to 35 or 40. Greenfield’s bilingual eighth graders were among the first students to relocate to the new addition.
“Behavior data tells us older students are doing well in their new classroom,” Salas said. “We believe that extra space really helps them manage emotions, have the space they need to take a break. It benefits teachers, as well. Just being able to move chairs around, that flexible learning environment, creating a semi-circle for class discussion, affects mood and behavior.”
Room to grow and learn English
Before the addition, Greenfield’s three ESL teachers were spread across the building. They transported learning materials to general education classrooms, where small groups of students focused on their subjects while learning English. Nearly 50 percent of Greenfield students are English learners. 
“Students had to practice English aloud, in the back of a sometimes quiet classroom,” ESL educator Emma Stueckroth said. “It felt like the entire classroom was listening, which did not help to create an atmosphere of confidence or security for them to be expressive in English.”
With the addition, Stueckroth and fellow teachers plan lessons and deliver small-group instruction in a dedicated ESL classroom. Students are surrounded by images with labels that reinforce STEM and social studies vocabulary as well as a high-frequency word wall. Charts remind students of basic interpersonal communication cues.
“The room itself is inviting and promotes peer interaction among English learners in a comfortable setting,” said ESL teacher Shannon Reed. “It’s really building a sense of community here at Greenfield and provides ample space to model language aloud through chants, songs, active reading, and role play.”
“I have noticed a true shift in my students across grade levels,” Stueckroth added. “When I go to pull them to my new classroom, as soon as we step into the hallway, they begin communicating in English. I see them push themselves to deliver the message they want, using the language they have.”
Creativity and cultural connections thrive
Art and music classes bring English speakers and English learners together, helping them develop an appreciation for the diverse cultures, languages, and experiences among Greenfield students. The expansion makes it easier for them to communicate through the language of music.
The third-floor music room overlooks the city. Large windows cast sunlight on young students learning about theory and performing on ukuleles, hand drums, and recorders. Older students may progress to keyboard, saxophone, and trumpet, joining the Greenfield Bilingual School band in preparation for high school ensembles. Even the patterned blue, white, and green floor stimulates creativity, music specialist Mark Grzanna said. He appreciates customized storage and seating in his new classroom.
“We have tables and chairs for the keyboards and written work,” Grzanna said, “and chairs specifically for band instruments.”
Art specialist Ishshah Teran now stores paint, pastels, construction paper, and glue in classroom closets instead of on a utility cart. Her new classroom provides abundant space for student artists to work independently or in groups. Paint and clay projects dry faster between classes, thanks to ample sunlight.
Great kitchen, greater expectations
Recess and lunchtime keep the conversation flowing. Students socialize as they play soccer, walk through the mindfulness garden, and find other ways to unwind outdoors. Greenfield opened its redeveloped schoolyard in fall 2024, in partnership with the environmental education nonprofit Reflo.
Students enjoy an expanded lunch menu, courtesy of their updated kitchen. Multiple serving windows give them more time to eat, talk, and think—about what else they want to eat.
“They are getting used to the new kitchen and have big ideas about the lunch menu,” Salas said, laughing. “Students want more pizza, different kinds of chips, and drink choices.”