September 26, 2024

Upcoming Events / Meetings

FUNDRAISER – CLUB’S CHOICE

STARTS TODAY – September 26th – October 11th

Forms sent home today

Pickup 11/12 3:30 – 4:30

NO SCHOOL

TOMORROW – Friday, September 27th

DISTRICT ADVISORY COUNCIL (DAC)

Thursday, October 3rd 

6:00-7:30 pm

Join Zoom Meeting Link: HERE

Meeting ID: 875 3889 7498

Passcode: 589892

HOMECOMING WEEK

October 7 – 11

*7th – 12th grade students

More information to come

9th GRADE OPEN HOUSE
For 8th grade students and their families
Wednesday, October 9th
5:00-7:00 pm FLYER

MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT – Volleyball Game
Wednesday, October 9th
At MacDowell
5:00–8:00pm

More information below

WELLNESS DAY

Friday, October 11th

*7th – 12th grade students

More information below

HOMECOMING DANCE

Saturday, October 12th

Middle school students 5:00-7:00 pm

High school students 7:30-10:00 pm

PARENT -TEACHER CONFERENCES
Monday, 10/14 3:45 – 7:30 PM
Wednesday,  10/16 3:45 – 7:30 PM
Conferences will take place in person

7th-8th grade students will conduct Student Led Conferences.
Please stay tuned for more information, including Conference sign ups!

Plan to visit our Book Fair on both Monday AND Wednesday, sponsored by Rainbow Booksellers.

There will be no school on Friday, 10/18 and Monday 10/21

PTO Fundraiser going on now 9/26-10/11 

• Club Choice Order flyers and forms were sent home in Thursday Folders. 
• Sell items online at www.clubschoicefundraising.com/register

Use group code MACD23

• • Forms and monies are due by October 11th to the school office.
  • One check payable to MacDowell PTO
  • Pick up will be November 12th. 

• PTO raises funds for events and programs that are not covered by the school budget, such as prom, back to school picnic, field trip transportation and more.

If you wish to support the PTO but do not want to fundraise, please consider a donation to the Un Fundraiser. 100% of your donation goes directly to the PTO. Cash or Check only.

Un fundraiser form HERE

PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)

Our PTO is a volunteer organization made up of parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and staff. We work to improve the educational experience for the MacDowell students by organizing and supporting community events and fundraising for items that are not otherwise in our school budget. PTO meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm and anyone is welcome to attend. Dates and times are posted in our school newsletter and on our website. Additionally, our PTO has a Facebook group which you may request to join HERE  

The next PTO meeting of the year is October 23rd at 5:30pm. After the 5:00pm Title I Meeting.

DAC (District Advisory Council)

The DAC is a leadership committee at the district level. The DAC works to ensure that parents of all students have an opportunity to share their ideas about the needs of children, assist in the planning and operation of Title I programs for children and participate in evaluating the success of Title I efforts. We have two wonderful DAC representatives for our school, who attend monthly meetings and report back to the PTO, but anyone can attend a meeting if they wish. DAC meetings occur on the first Thursday of the month, October through June from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Meetings are currently being held virtually until further notice. More info here: https://tinyurl.com/2uyv2zma The first meeting of 2024-2025 school year is October 3rd.

Join Zoom Meeting Link: HERE

Meeting ID: 875 3889 7498

Passcode: 589892

Seeking Library Volunteers!

Ms. Raasch is recruiting volunteers to support and increase library opportunities for all ages. Volunteers can supervise book check-in and checkouts for students, support general library upkeep including reshelving and inventory of books, textbooks, and other resources, or help develop and create engaging displays for various months of celebration. Days and times are flexible and can be arranged to accommodate your schedule. Ms. Raasch loves collaborating with inspired volunteers who are motivated to enrich the Macdowell Library experience for all students. Volunteers are encouraged to connect with Ms. Raasch via email for more details: raaschTL@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Lower Elementary Families

BLACK ARTS MKE OPPORTUNITY (2nd-5th Grade)

Interested students should have a guardian fill out this form: https://forms.gle/CGZbytijxwYXNHS86 

We have seats available on a first come first serve basis.  If we are over enrolled we will move to a lottery.

 We are continuing our FREE after-school arts program through “Black Arts MKE” and an MPS program “Partnership For The Arts and Humanities”. This year we are accepting students in grades 2nd through 5th. 

• Mondays & Wednesdays 
• 3:00pm – 4:30pm (Students must be picked up by 4:30)
• September 30, 2024 to December 4, 2024 (10 weeks) with the final mandatory performance on December 4, 2024

There are 20 openings available in Dance of the Americas (Artist – Karlies Kelley)

There are 15 openings available in African Drumming (Artist – Mrs. Oju)

Students must be able to attend both Mondays and Wednesday from September 30th to December 4th. This is a commitment we take seriously. If you are unable to participate both days, maybe session 2 after our winter break, is a better fit for your family. 

 This is a popular program so please understand that we may use a lottery to choose students. 

Families will be emailed the results of a lottery to the email included in this form by 5:30 Friday September 27th. https://forms.gle/CGZbytijxwYXNHS86

Middle and High School Families 

WELLNESS DAY 

October 11th *7th-12th graders

As part of our Montessori Philosophy, we strive to provide each child with an opportunity to make a deeper connection in our school day. Wellness Day is a day where middle and high school students are allowed to leave the classroom and enter the community to experience a connection that will help their academic, social, mental, and physical wellness. This day provides those students with the opportunity to find the activity they connect with best.  Whether they want to explore something new or find comfort in an activity they know, their choice will guide their day of wellness. We ask that you and your child take the time to look through the options and figure out which option best matches your child. Note costs associated with different activities.

On Wednesday, September 25th, middle and high school students were shown the opportunities and choices for Wellness Day during their Advisory Class.  On Thursday, September 26th, students will sign up for activities on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats in each activity are limited, so it’s important to have more than one option. Students absent Thursday can choose an activity as soon as they return. Once selected, they will receive a field trip form. A returned form, as well as any payment are due by October 4th to the teacher running the activity.  HERE are the Wellness Day Choices for 2024.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT

The Milwaukee Juneau Pioneers Volleyball team would like to invite all middle school athletes in grades 6-8 to attend the Homecoming Volleyball matches against Bay View High School on October 9th. The JV match begins at 5:00pm with the Varsity contest beginning at 6:30pm. Join the teams for pizza, cold drinks, and maybe a pre-game dance party. 

Please complete the interest form by October 7th for your child attending so Coach Jaeger knows how many pizzas to purchase. We hope to see you and your family in the stands as we look to continue our successful conference campaign in the Milwaukee City Conference and cheer on your Juneau Pioneers!

Google Form Link: HERE 

Ticket link: https://gofan.co/app/school/WI19445

Sports and Activities Update

CHESS CLUB INTEREST FORMS

Chess Club interest forms went out this week for 2nd-6th graders. Please return the interest form by 9AM Thursday Oct. 3rd to be entered in the lottery. Chess club meets after school on Tuesdays for beginning players and on Thursdays for experienced players. 

Chess Club runs October 15th – December 12th.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Ms. Wanta the Sports and Activities Coordinator at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

SEEKING A TABLETOP ADVENTURE GAME VOLUNTEER for 4th-6th Graders!

Do you love storytelling, creativity, and teamwork? We need you!

We’re looking for a passionate volunteer to host and teach Tabletop Adventure games to a group of enthusiastic 4th to 6th graders. This is a fantastic opportunity to share the joy of role-playing games, foster creativity, and help young minds develop critical thinking and teamwork skills.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience with Tabletop Adventure Games: You don’t have to be a seasoned player, but familiarity with adventure games is a plus!
• Great Communication Skills: Ability to explain game mechanics and guide players of varying skill levels.
• Engaging Personality: A love for storytelling and a knack for keeping kids excited and engaged.
• Patience and Enthusiasm: Working with kids can be unpredictable, so a positive and patient attitude is key!

Responsibilities:

• Session Planning: Prepare adventures and create a welcoming atmosphere for players.
• Game Mastering: Lead the game, facilitate discussions, and encourage participation from all players.
• Teaching the Rules: Help players understand the basics of the game, character creation, and teamwork strategies.
• Fostering Creativity: Encourage imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving as kids embark on their quests.

What You’ll Gain:

• Make a Difference: Inspire a new generation of gamers and storytellers.
• Build Community: Connect with other volunteers, parents, and kids who share a love for tabletop adventure games
• Fun Experience: Enjoy the excitement of creating adventures and watching kids grow in confidence and creativity.

Interested?

If you’re excited to embark on this adventure with us, please reach out! Share your experience with tabletop adventure games and why you’d love to lead this group. We can’t wait to hear from you! Email Ms Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS:

Athletic Schedules:  https://www.mccathletics.org/public/genie/1190/school/64/

Purchase Online Tickets:   https://gofan.co/app/school/WI19445 

Winter sports season (basketball, cheer, and wrestling) will begin in November. Stay tuned for more details in upcoming newsletters.  If you have any questions, reach out to the athletic director, Ms. Schenk at schenkao@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS:

CALL FOR COACHES!

 🏀We are looking an assistant coach for our 4th-5th coed basketball team this winter. The season runs from Dec-Mar, games are held on Saturday afternoons, and practices on Thursdays after school. If you’re excited to inspire the next generation of basketball players, please contact Ms. Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us  Join us in making this a memorable season! 🏀

All 1-8 grade sports teams are formed for the fall season. Available schedules have been sent home and posted on the Remind app. 

Questions about your students’ sports teams? Join the Remind group where all practice and game information is updated regularly, or email Ms Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

Fall Sports Remind Links

• ⚽1-3 Soccer Team 1: https://www.remind.com/join/e74hh6h 
• ⚽1-3 Soccer Team 2: https://www.remind.com/join/h62e48 
• ⚽4-5 Soccer: https://www.remind.com/join/b9ad44e 
• 🏐4-5 Volleyball: https://www.remind.com/join/2d3de7 
• 👟5-8 Cross Country: https://www.remind.com/join/eehh64 
• 🏀6-8 Girls Basketball: https://www.remind.com/join/ga3dh8 

In Case You Missed It:

The school day starts at 8:00am. New this school year: any 7th-12th grade student arriving after 8:10am will require a tardy slip to enter class.

A NOTE TO 8TH GRADE FAMILIES

On Friday 9/20/2024 parents/guardians of grade 8 students will receive emails with letters attached that contain their child’s preliminary scores and last year’s cut score ranges for high school admissions. The purpose of this letter is to help parents/guardians work with their child to make an informed decision when selecting their first-choice school. 

 Any families without an email address on file will receive a paper copy of the letter via U.S. mail. 

 Parents/guardians with questions about the scores, scoring process, or criteria should email highschooladmissions@milwaukee.k12.wi.us. Additionally, district staff will be available for questions at the high school enrollment fair on Saturday, September 28, 2023, at North Division between 9:00 am and noon.

DRIVER’S ED STATE TUITION WAIVER

Is your student looking to start Drivers Education soon? Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may apply below to have their classroom and behind-the-wheel driver training for a Class D  (Regular) drivers license paid for through the Driver Education Grant Program. Students with grants can enroll in any driver education program offered by an authorized driver education provider. The tuition will be paid directly to the Driver Training school.

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/teen-sfty/degrant.aspx

Information on all the steps needed to obtain a driver license is available at wisconsindmv.gov/teendriver.

Eligible students

• Wisconsin resident
• 14 1/2 – 19 years of age
• Eligible or receiving free & reduced lunch
• Student has not previously held a driver license

Driving Instruction

• Grant covers 30 hours of classroom, 6 hours of observation and 6 hours of behind the wheel
• Enroll in certified public school, CESA program, Tribal or private school, or DMV-licensed driver training school (note: provider must be registered with Wisconsin DMV)
• Grant funds issued to a student expire after 9​​ months of no use and student may reapply

The process for students

• Apply online below
• Receive a confirmation email with confirmation “coupon” numbers for the course(s)
• Share the coupon number(s) with the licensed driving school
• Schools will enter the coupon number in their student records upon course enrollment
• Payment for the course(s) will be sent electronically to the schools from Wisconsin DMV

Note: after completing the driver training, students must pay for Instruction Permit, road test and Probationary License fees.

BBBS is Enrolling Now!

BBBS Mentor 2.0 (grades 9-11)

BBBS Mentor 2.0 is a separate program open to any MacDowell 9th-11th grade student. Mentor 2.0 provides support and guidance, helping high school students graduate and succeed in both college and the workforce. We are fortunate in that MacDowell is the only school in MPS to host the Mentor 2.0 program. Mentors and mentees interact weekly online and meet monthly in-person at the school.  Once approved, matches are made when classes begin in the fall, and are based on shared interests, personalities, and experiences.

What does the Mentor 2.0  curriculum focus on?

• Relationship Building: Fosters a strong mentor/mentee relationship through sharing professional experiences, networking skills, short/long-term goal planning, and leadership development.
• Non-Cognitive Skills: Develops study skills, social skills, and learning strategies to enhance students’ educational achievement.
• College Knowledge: Strengthens college aspirations, and builds an understanding of college eligibility, the application process, and support systems.

Students at MacDowell start this program any year and continue it throughout the rest of their high school career. For more information on Mentor 2.0 see the video here https://youtu.be/dL2EHmhF9ug 

APPLY HERE: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/f/youthenrollment-m20-0405

• For more information on how to apply: contact Natalie at njackson@bbbsmilwaukee.org or 414-831-4591

Big Brothers Big Sisters is enrolling MacDowell students now! (grades 1-8)

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is a one-on-one mentoring program. We are very fortunate that BBBS has been a part of our MacDowell community for the last 19 years. There is no cost for families, and there are no household guidelines or qualifiers to enroll. Matching is done based on common interests and personality. Students meet with their mentor once a week during the school day.
If you are interested in BBBS for your child(ren), enroll here: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/f/youthenrollment-school-0405
If you have questions about BBBS at MacDowell, please reach out to Pam Hinton.
Email: phinton@bbbsmilwaukee.org or at 414-831-4573.

💉VACCINES – ALL STUDENTS

School Required Vaccines Include:

K-6                                                                                                    7th thru 12th

DTaP                                                                                                 ALL those in K-6 AND

MMR                                                                                                 Tdap Booster

Polio                                                                                                  Meningococcal

Hep B

Varicella

 The following clinics will be held for MPS students ONLY to get them caught up if they are behind:

• September 20th, 2024 from 9am-1pm at Bethune
• October 4th, 2024 from 9am-1pm at Greenfield
• October 11th, 2024 from 3pm-6pm at Northwest Health Center 7630 West Mill Road
• October 12th, 2024 from at 10am-2pm at Southside Health Center 1639 South 23rd Street

 Please continue to watch the weekly newsletter for a potential vaccination clinic at MacDowell Montessori during parent-teacher conferences. 

Thank You! 🙂 – Nurse Sarah

General Reminders

School Hours:

K3-K4,  8:00 am – 11:25 am, dismissal beginning at 11:15 am

K5-6th grade,  8:00 am – 3:00 pm

7th–12th grade,  8:00 am – 3:25 pm

How To Reach Me
If you need to reach me, my phone number is 414-935-1339 and my email is: mossergj@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Please take the time to fill out the MPS School Engagement Survey– takes 5 minutes.

Your responses help identify improvement areas in our school’s engagement efforts and can provide valuable insights into family involvement, satisfaction, and connection with MacDowell. Let your Parent Coordinator know your family needs. https://mpsresearch.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8vthsN2BBv09xpY

All school newsletters will be sent via email and text on Thursday and will not be sent as a paper copy unless requested. If families would also like to receive a paper newsletter for red folders, please fill out this form HERE:    https://forms.gle/qtgUbEcjqSx3sae47

OPT IN TO TEXT MESSAGING

• I send school newsletters via email every week, on Thursday evening. You will receive this via email and also text message if you have opted into text messaging. School newsletters often include timely resources, school information, events, meetings, photos of our students, and so much more. If you want to receive this link via text message you must opt into the system. 
• To opt in, families should send a text message to the number 67587 with “Y” in the message.

SCHOOL FORMS:
Please make sure you return our school forms to your child’s teacher or the main office as soon as possible:
–MPS Media Release Form
– Census Verification Report
–MPS Protocol Medical Consent Form
–Alternative Household Income Form –– It is vitally important that we receive the Household Income Form, as it is tied to funding for our school. Families who are still missing this form were sent a hardcopy home in Thursday folders and received messaging from school. 

MacDowell Spotlight

JUNEAU CROSS COUNTRY

Christopher Miller had the standout performance of the day at the Whitnall Invite on 9/12/24. Chris ran a personal best time by 51 seconds and was the team’s second fastest runner, the best finish of his career thus far.

At the Midtown Dash Invite on 9/13/24, the Juneau Pioneers posted five personal best times (Brook Schanke, Andrew Bechaud, Chris Miller, Jokari Lee, and James Corona). Jokari ran the greatest personal best, improving his time by a full three minutes! Brook Schanke and Andrew Bechaud both earned medals for placing in the top 10. Andrew was the fastest Pioneer on the day, completing the 5000 meter race in a speedy 24:08.

The next competition will be the Trojan Invite on 9/27/24 at Humboldt Park.

BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC

Thank you to all who attended our Back to School picnic last Saturday at Hawthorn Glen, it was a beautiful day! And thanks to the MacDowell PTO for organizing and providing hot dogs and water. Families were so generous in food contributions we were spilling over with options. The sun was shining; it was an afternoon of scavenger hunts, tug of war, soccer, sandbox time and plenty of jungle gym climbing. We hope to see you all, and more, at our next event. 

QUICK LINKS:

MPS School Calendar

School Website

Lunch Menu – K-8th September
Lunch Menu – 9-12th September

Lunch Menu – K – 8 October

Lunch Menu – 9-12th October

Chromebook Agreement via Permission Click

MacDowell School Handbook