Bradley Tech students enjoy their welding class, where they learn how to design and construct art or structures made out of metal. Students are involved in every process from design to implementation to building.
August 15, 2017
Written by Monte Glover, Public Ally at United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Monte sat down with Jilly Gokalghandi, Community School Coordinator at Bradley Tech, to reflect on successes from last school year and what she is excited about for 2017-18.
Bradley Tech is one of eight Milwaukee Public Schools that are part of the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership, a collective strategy to transform schools into a place where students, families, staff, and the surrounding community can work together to ensure every student is successful.
What should folks know about Bradley Tech?
Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade High School is located in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood. Bradley Tech serves 800 9-12th graders, providing them with technology and trade pathway options which include construction, design, manufacturing, and pre-engineering. Bradley Tech is part of the M3 initiative which is a partnership between Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
What are the big issues you are working on at Bradley Tech?
Areas for growth at Bradley Tech include our three School Improvement Plan goals, which are reading, recruitment, and relationships.
What was one project or event that you brought to the school this year?
One event that we continued from last year was our fall Open House. This open house was a collection of community partners, program partners, student work display, and resource guides for parents. We decided to pursue this event to build capacity and relationships within and outside of our building, and continue to show the greater community what Bradley Tech offers its students and families.
What is one moment from the past school year that really stands out for you?
I would like to think that we've built our Community Schools Leadership Team to a point where we are able to tackle issues, be productive, and build consensus. This is really exciting because we are empowering school-based staff to realize their power and how they can enact change in less than ideal circumstances.
What is something you are excited about for next school year?
I'm excited to be able to fully implement and align our strategic plan to our SIP to the district goals. Last year we worked very hard to build consensus and understanding around our commission and district goals, so this year will be about implementation. I believe everyone will feel like we have a more cohesive mission and vision for our school.
What is your favorite memory from when you were in school?
I loved participating in Speech Team and FBLA. I was heavily involved in both of these extracurriculars and grew personally and professionally in ways that still have an impact on me today!
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