Research shows that when family members are involved in their child’s school—as decision-makers, volunteers, and advocates—student performance and school culture are stronger.

We implement Milwaukee Public Schools Family & Community Engagement framework so families and staff can collaborate to support individual student achievement and overall school progress.

Parent and Family Engagement Opportunities

Parent Coordinator Briana Figueroa runs our Parent Center and helps coordinate our School Engagement Council. Connect with her at figuerbz@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 304-6600. The Parent Center is located in our Library Media Center and is open during the school day.

School Engagement Council (SEC)

Join our SEC to learn about Lowell School attendance, budgetary, and academic matters. Families and staff meet monthly to review our school’s progress. SEC members make decisions, and revise plans to support student success. Virtual SEC meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month unless otherwise noted.

District Advisory Council (DAC)

Learn about and advise on district programs and strategies related to our 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.

Family Events

Get to know Lowell families during annual literacy night and math night events, our winter program, and spring open house/PYP exhibition.

Monthly family nights at Cousins Subs of Milwaukee, located at Sixth Street and Layton Avenue, are a school tradition and fundraiser. The restaurant donates a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Lowell School.

Family and Staff Communication

Students feel extra motivated when teachers and parents work together to reinforce high expectations and positive learning strategies.

Here are tips for building a strong parent-teacher relationship and staying up to date on school news and family events.

• Collect school and teacher contact information at the beginning of the year. Gather this information from teachers, during open-house events, or visit our staff directory.
• Sign up for Campus Parent Portal to receive real-time updates on your child’s progress in school.
• Join SchoolMessenger, a digital communication app we use to communicate with families.
• Sign up for the MPS Family Friday Newsletter for district-wide news and updates.
• Keep an eye out for our school newsletter.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences. If conference days and times don’t work for you, ask your child’s teacher if you can schedule a virtual appointment or phone call.

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 includes:

• Making sure your child arrives at school on time every day. School starts at 7:25 a.m.
• Calling the attendance line when your child is absent, (414) 304-6600. We must be sure every student has arrived safely and follow up with any who are absent. We must also record absences correctly.
• Observing the 2:10 p.m. dismissal time. If your student does not use school transportation or attend Camp Lowell, they must be picked up at 2:10 p.m.
• Becoming a school volunteer by completing the MPS volunteer application.

Supporting Your Child’s Education at Home

Supporting your child’s learning at home can include:

• Helping your child with homework. At home, have a quiet time and place for homework.
• Exploring learning programs and games together. Login through Clever to find programs like My Path, Discovery Education, and Flocabulary.
• Sending your child to school with a bookbag every day and check the bookbag at night. Lots of important paperwork travels from school to home and back in their bookbag.
• If your child brings a cold lunch, make sure that it is nutritious.
• Reading with or having your child read every day.
• Encouraging your child to keep a writing journal.
• Providing your child with comments of encouragement regularly.
• Making sure your child gets the proper amount of sleep every night.
• Connecting. We understand that there are often obstacles that affect families. If you would like to talk to a school counselor, psychologist, social worker, or parent coordinator, please reach out. Our goal is to collaborate with parents and families to build a strong support network for students.