Meet Ms. Kirsten Brown. Ms. Brown is proud principal of Frederick J. Gaenslen School in Riverwest.

A 29-year Milwaukee Public Schools veteran, Ms. Brown has served as Gaenslen’s principal since 2017. She is enthusiastic and finds inspiration in her students, almost half of whom are special education students. “To see their eager faces and their determination and them just starting out and for us to be there and to help them on their journey is what inspires me every day.”

Gaenslen, located at 1250 E. Burleigh St. on a Riverwest bluff above the Milwaukee River, is looking forward to revamping its playground in 2023. The school’s “Green & Healthy Schoolyard” redevelopment calls for removing asphalt and installing a bioswale, underground cistern, outdoor classroom, and even a lavender garden.

“A lot of our students are in wheelchairs and may be visually impaired, immobile,” says Ms. Brown. “[The schoolyard redevelopment] is so important to us because not only is this wonderful for our general education students but it is also a way to make the space more inclusive of our special education students.”

Gaenslen serves some 750 students in K4 through 8th grade; 94% are considered economically disadvantaged.

Braille and accessible features are planned for the new space to make it inclusive for all. Construction is expected in summer of 2023 following fundraising in 2022 and conceptual planning in 2021. Long-term maintenance and stewardship of the new space will be important and may involve community partners.

Ms. Brown invites community members interested in volunteering to contact Gaenslen to see how they may be able to help. Volunteer options include helping on the playground, reading to students, or just being present to share experiences. “Gaenslen is there,” she says. “We’re open to the community. We need your help!”