BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February is Black History Month! The origin of African American history month can be attributed to a week-long celebration created in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who hoped to raise awareness of the history and contributions of African Americans to civilization. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. However, over the past ninety-five years, America has come to realize that Black history is American history. 

 

Below please find information on Black History Month resources and events

 

Milwaukee Public Library Black History Month Resources

The Milwaukee Public Library has resources and ideas for books, e-books, audiobooks, e-audiobooks on Black history, stories, life and culture for every age group as well as fun activities and events.

Black History Month · MPL

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Black Lives Matter at School – Week of Action February 6–10, 2023

The Milwaukee community will have opportunities to listen, learn, and add their voices to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) narrative in order to bring about positive change. Leading off Black History Month in February, the national Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, February 6–10, 2023, is designed to engage communities in discussions about the injustices of race, class, and gender.

All Week of Action events are free and open to the public. Registration is NOT required to participate.

Monday, February 6, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
Week of Action Kick-off: “The Power of the Black Story”
Speaker: Dr. Teaira McMurtry
Location: Green Tree Preparatory Academy, 6850 N. 53rd St.

This session will celebrate what makes the Black culture unique and dynamic. Dr. McMurtry will show the other (beautiful) side of the story by unapologetically centering Blackness without comparison. Through vivid examples found within children’s and young adult literature, Dr. McMurtry will highlight Black/African American cultural capital that money can’t buy in a way that will make everybody say it loud: Black is beautiful, period!

You can read her articles on Black Language (also known as African American Vernacular English).

• With Liberty and Black Linguistic Justice

• The Berry is Still Black and Sweet

Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter or social justice apparel all day.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 5:30–7:00 P.M.
Intergenerational Panel Discussion: “Real Men Talkback: Barbershop Style”
Location: Gee’s Clippers, 2200 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
In partnership with the Office of Black and Latino Male Achievement, male community leaders engage in open dialogue with male youth regarding topics related to self-empowerment, community, and restorative justice. This activity will allow all participants to learn from one another.
Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter or social justice apparel all day.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 5:00–7:00 P.M.
Celebrating Black Families: BLM Family Night
Location: America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Ave.
The Harambee neighborhood offers many cultural experiences that families can participate in. The Black Lives Matter Committee, aligned with the Black Holocaust Museum, invites families to discover and view historical components associated with African American History.
Participants are encouraged to wear the colors of the Pan-African Flag (red, black, green).

Thursday, February 9, 2023, 5:30–7:00 P.M.
Collective Value Activity Night
Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, 3275 N. 3rd St.
Families unite, engage, and enjoy one another through cultural activities. Each activity encourages happiness and the importance of our collective value.
Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter, Black History, or family identified paraphernalia.

Friday, February 10, 2023, 5:30–7:00 P.M.
Kuumba Student Showcase
Location: Milwaukee High School of the Arts, 2300 W. Highland Ave.
Students will showcase their creativity using the power of their voices through song, dance, storytelling, and other forms of art.
Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter t-shirts.

Learn more about Black Lives Matter at School www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com

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MacDowell Calendar

~Friday, February 3rd, 6:00 – 7:30 PM, Elementary Fancy Dance, School Gym. ENTRANCE IS through Door 7 on 65th Street

~Saturday, February 11, 1-4 PM, Montessori Summit, MacDowell

~Thursday, February 16,  1:00-3:25 PM, High School Valentine’s Day Dance

~Thursday, February 16,  7:00-9:00 PM, Middle School Valentine’s Day Dance

~Friday, February 17, NO SCHOOL

~Monday, February 20, NO SCHOOL

~February 23rd, Black History Month Celebration, MacDowell Auditorium. 

Please see our time corrections as follows: Middle & High School will perform from 5-6 PM. 

Intermission: 6-6:30 PM;  Elementary students will perform from 6:30-7:30 PM

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FAMILY CONFERENCES – Save the Dates!

We will publish sign ups for Conferences in the near future. Conferences will be in person or virtual. 

~Wednesday, March 8 from 3:45 to 7:30 pm

~Monday, March 13 from 3:45 to 7:30 pm

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Elementary and Middle School Spring Coach Search

We are looking for the following coaches so that we can offer these sports in the spring for our students.  If we do not find coaches, unfortunately we will not be able to offer these teams this year. Please reach out to Ms. Claudine if you are interested or have questions! Tel: 414-935-1339 nuetzeca@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

• 1-3rd grade coed soccer (We have 1 coach, we are looking for a coach for a 2nd team)
• 4-5th grade coed soccer
• 6-8th grade coed soccer
• 5-8th grade coed track and field

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APEX FUNDRAISER for Lower El and Upper El students

February 3 – February 15th

Help us raise funds for the Upper El Nature’s Classroom trip and Lower El Montessori materials and supplies! Please see the flyer with clickable links HERE

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Kindergarten Enrollment for the 2023-2024 School Year: February 4 to March 5, 2023

• If you have a younger child that you wish to enroll in K3 or K4 at MacDowell, you must enroll during this enrollment window to receive sibling preference. The current student’s name should be included in the application. Sibling preference is not granted after this enrollment window.
• There is no advantage to completing the enrollment application on the first day of the process.  
• Current MacDowell students do not need to reapply.  They are automatically re enrolled. 
• The application will be available online through the MPS website.
• Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to choose MacDowell Montessori for their child’s education!  Interested families should call the school office to schedule a tour. Please also remind them of our Montessori Summit on February 11th at MacDowell! 

Wondering if you can enroll your child?

• Students enrolling at K3 need to be 3 years old by September 1st and must reside in Milwaukee.
• Students enrolling in K4 need to be 4 years old by September 1st.

MPS Kindergarten Enrollment Page; MPS: Kindergarten Enrollment – Schools

If you have enrollment questions, please contact Parent Coordinator Claudine at 414-935-1339. 

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REMINDERS

Share your voice! 

MPS offers survey as part of strategic planning 

Make your voice heard! MPS wants opinions as part of strategic planning for the 2023–2028 school years. Take our survey by February 10th, 2023! 

https://mpsresearch.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cwil7nLKX5IfNJA

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DON’T FORGET TO PRE ORDER YEARBOOKS!  Yearbooks will be delivered toward the end of the school year. 

There are separate yearbook order links for each yearbook, please see order information below:

• K3-6th grade yearbooks will cost $15 – order online at ybpay.com – code is 14324523
• 7-12th grade yearbooks will cost $25 – order online ybpay.com code is 14880023

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ACT INFORMATION

2023 ACT District Testing Day March 7

MPS high schools will administer the state-required ACT to grade 11 students on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. On this date, only juniors will be in attendance. Freshmen, sophomores, and seniors will not report to school on this date but will engage in asynchronous work. Multi-grade schools on the early start calendar (e.g., K– 12, 3–12, 6–12) will have regular attendance for students not in grades 9, 10, or 12. Students should arrive at school at their regular start time to allow testing to be completed in a timely manner.

 

2023 PreACT District Testing Day March 22

MPS high schools will administer the state-required PreACT to grades 9 and 10 students on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. On this date, only freshmen and sophomores will be in attendance. Juniors and seniors will not report to school on this date but will engage in asynchronous work. Multi-grade schools on the early start calendar (e.g., K–12, 3–12, 6–12) will have regular attendance for students not in grades 11 or 12. Students should arrive at school at their regular start time to allow testing to be completed in a timely manner.

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UPPER EL NATURE’S CLASSROOM TRIP:  February 27 – March 3, 2023

 If your child will attend Nature’s Classroom, please complete both the NCI online registration and the MPS Field Trip Form as soon as possible.

Please return the MPS Field Trip Form to your child’s teacher.

 Payment does not need to be made immediately, please see the deadlines below.

 PLEASE NOTE: We require a copy of medical insurance cards – you can send a photo of the front and back via email to your child’s teacher, or attach a copy with the paperwork.

 NATURE’S CLASSROOM DEADLINES:

• Both registrations (NCI online and MPS Field Trip) must be completed no later than Monday, February 13th.

• Insurance card must be included with registration.

• We will accept payment (cash or check made out to MacDowell Montessori, to the main office) no later than Thursday, February 16th.

NATURE’S CLASSROOM FORMS/INFORMATION:

Cover Letter

NCI Registration

MPS Registration / Field Trip Form

Packing Information

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UW-MADISON’S SUMMER MUSIC CLINIC 

UW–Madison invites young musicians, music lovers and those who enjoy all forms of music and creativity for a week of music and memory-making on the UW–Madison campus. There is a creative artistic path for everyone! With sessions for both middle and high school students, Summer Music Clinic offers the opportunity to:

• Learn from experienced educators and music and arts professionals from around the country and UW–Madison
• Develop new music and artistic skills and enhance existing ones
• Meet and collaborate with those who share your interests and connect your life and academics with the arts
• Develop and express your unique, creative style. Learn to tell your story in multiple ways through the arts
• Enjoy new experiences in a welcoming, supportive community on the UW-Madison campus
• SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! 

->INFORMATION/REGISTRATION HERE: Summer Music Clinic | Badger Precollege

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QUICK LINKS:

MPS School Calendar

School Website

Staff Emails

FEB Lunch Menu – PDF

Covid-19 Update Webpage

Parent/Student Handbook on Rights, Responsibilities, and Discipline