Milwaukee City Wire

The celebration of La Escuela Fratney’s new mural, featuring children at its center, also served to honor the dual language school’s founders and ideals. Hundreds of students, families, staff, and community members gathered outside the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) institution in the Riverwest neighborhood on Friday, May 31.

Artist Tia Richardson named the mural “Creciendo Unidos” — growing together — which is also the school’s motto. The mural was made possible by the family of Sylvia Levine, a former teacher and Riverwest resident. Seeking a way to honor her memory, her family approached La Escuela Fratney Principal Sara Cruz. Cruz suggested their donation be used to paint a mural on the school’s large south wall.

“We are extremely grateful for their gift, and we also want to thank the Bader (Philanthropies) Foundation for donating funds for installation of the mural,” Cruz said. “It is now, with this mural, that what we value, honor, and teach inside the school building is on display outside the school building for our entire Riverwest and Milwaukee community to enjoy,” she added.

Some values of La Escuela Fratney can be seen in the mural. Respect is portrayed by an image of a teacher welcoming a child to a classroom. A huge heart symbolizes Fratney School's values; it was suggested by a parent.

“Tia and her team of artists were able to put the students at the center of this big heart, and that is where we believe students should be: at the center of our hearts and all that we do at our school,” Cruz said.

The diversity depicted in the mural will allow students to see themselves represented. In the past school year, Cruz noted that families from Colombia, Nicaragua, Honduras, Venezuela, Mexico, and other countries joined La Escuela Fratney.

“We hope that through this mural all those who have left their country of origin coming to Milwaukee for safety, education, and job opportunities will know that we welcome them and embrace their unique stories,” Cruz said.

Other values illustrated include students marching for children’s rights symbolizing equity and social justice; students reading together in English and Spanish represent how much home languages and multilingualism are valued.

The 40-by-16-foot mural was painted in acrylic on aluminum panels. More than 300 La Escuela Fratney students, families, staff members participated in its creation process starting with visioning sessions in fall 2023.

“Our students were involved in every step of design and painting,” Cruz said. Richardson completed finishing touches with her team of assistants.

Miguel Sanchez MPS East Regional Superintendent observed: “When we work together great things happen. This mural is a beautiful example.”

Richardson stated: "It's about unity diversity working across cultures for common good." She added: “Fratney is place where everyone can belong feel safe cared.”

Richardson's work can be seen across Milwaukee including Al Jarreau Park N 30th W Locust streets I-794 piers downtown Black Cat Alley off E Ivanhoe Place Milwaukee County Courthouse lower level Donald J O’Connell Memorial Auditorium MPS Central Services

Bob Peterson Rita Tenorio instrumental founding dual-language school spoke beginnings during celebration Peterson recounted how Gaenslen School merged leaving fate up air Neighbors New Fratney asked Milwaukee Board School Directors early 1988 turn dual language two months later learned would new school Tenorio noted only dual language Wisconsin when opened

“It was really challenge because weren’t lot schools pattern ourselves after” she said At dual language all students learn second both valued looked upon strength Other components using best practices curriculum involving parents community taking multicultural approach education “We’re proud vision after 36 years consistent continuing” Tenorio said

Besides new plaque recounts how new got start group led guiding principles reads respect ourselves world proud bilingual multicultural learners make difference Planet Earth share stories maintains commitment ideals integral part Riverwest community teaches children kindergarten through 5th grade