When academic and attendance expectations are consistent between home and school, students know teachers and families are communicating and cheering them on together. This partnership is motivating in the classroom and can help students stay focused on learning goals and personal growth during summer and holiday breaks.

Family and Staff Communication

Parent-teacher conferences happen twice each year, usually in October and March. Conferences are an opportunity to get to know your child’s teacher and stay up to date on your child’s progress. Teachers send progress reports home, and we will always do our best to honor parent and family requests for additional conferences, meetings, or reports. A phone call or a brief note is appreciated if you can’t make a scheduled conference time.

• Collect current school and teacher contact information at the beginning of each school year. You can find this information in our staff directory.
• Sign up for the MPS Family Friday Newsletter and read the Douglas Middle School newsletter.
• Sign up for Campus Parent Portal to receive real time updates on your child’s progress in school.

Parent and Family Resources

Parent and family engagement takes many forms at Douglas Middle School. You can get started and stay connected through our Parent Center, open during school hours. Reach out to Parent Coordinator Melissa Johnson at johnsomd@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or ask the main office to direct you to the parent resource center.

Drop in for refreshments, workshops, arts and crafts activities or to meet fellow Douglas families. Center programming includes:

• School Support Team 101: Learn how Douglas counselors, social workers, and therapists support students and families.
• STAR sessions: Learn about the STAR universal screener for reading and math.
• High school enrollment workshop in October
• Holiday food baskets to make and take in November
• Ornament workshop in December

School Engagement Council (SEC)

Join our SEC to learn about Douglas Middle School attendance, budget, and academic goals. Families and staff meet monthly to review our school’s progress. SEC members make decisions and revise plans to support students as they work toward these goals.

“No matter what the agenda is, our School Engagement Council meetings are based on three things: transparency with budget, culture and climate goals, and institutional goals,” says Principal Zerda Palmer. “We record meetings and send out notes. We give parents as many opportunities to engage as we can.”

District Advisory Council (DAC)

Families can learn about and advise on district programs and strategies related to Title One School-wide Program during monthly meetings of the Milwaukee Public Schools DAC. Each school sends two delegates to meetings; alternates may attend as well.

Volunteer

Douglas Middle School staff are grateful for our active parent volunteers, and we are always looking for more caring, motivated individuals to work with our students. Parents and family members can complete a Milwaukee Public Schools volunteer application.

Events and Celebrations

Scholars shine and families connect through school traditions and cultural celebrations. Douglas Middle School’s Eighth Grade Completion ceremony and annual awards breakfast celebrate our scholars’ talents and accomplishments. Monthly family nights highlight teaching and learning strategies. The annual family barbecue features treats from our Chef’s Club.

Supporting Your Child During the School Day

Family involvement leads to better grades, better attendance, improved test scores, higher self-esteem, and better behavior for children. Supporting your child’s success at Douglas Middle School includes:

• Making sure your child arrives at school on time every day (9:05 a.m.).  Remind your child that punctuality is important throughout the day, and they should be on time for every class.
• Calling the attendance line when your child will be absent, at (414) 256-8200. We must be sure every student has arrived safely and follow up with any who are absent. We must also record absences correctly.

Supporting Your Child from Home

Supporting your child’s learning at home can include:

•  Making sure your child is getting enough rest and eating right. It is important that our students be prepared to take on their day. By caring for your child’s physical, emotional, and mental health, you are ensuring that your child is ready to succeed in school.
• Setting realistic expectations. It is always important to set standards to ensure that our children are working towards attaining a goal. Make sure that these standards are realistic and attainable. By setting expectations, we can hold our students accountable for their education.
• Reaching out.  We understand that there are often obstacles that affect families. We are here to help. If you would like to talk to a school counselor, psychologist, or social worker, please reach out. Our goal is to collaborate with parents and families to build a strong support network for our students.