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MacDowell Newsletter Volume 28 – 2025

Upcoming Events / Meetings SENIOR IB/DP ART EXHIBITION TODAY! Thursday, April 10th 4:00-6:00 pm MacDowell Montessori Lobby FLYER SPRING MUSICAL - ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JUNIOR - POSTPONED TBD STOCK THE FRIDGE- Staff Appreciation Monday, April 14th Sign up below SEC / PTO...

MacDowell Family Game Night

Join the MacDowell community for a fun night of family games. There will be Chess, Bingo, Boggle, Scattergories and your favorite from home. RSVP Here : https://tinyurl.com/279jyusy

MacDowell Newsletter Volume 27 -2025

Upcoming Events / Meetings DAC (District Advisory Council) MEETING TONIGHT - Thursday, April 3 6:00pm  Virtual YEARBOOK PRE ORDER DEADLINE !! April 7th Links to order below PRE-ACT TEST Tuesday, April 8th 9th and 10th graders All High School students attend  PTO APRIL...

MacDowell Newsletter Volume 26 – 2025

March 20, 2025 Upcoming Events / Meetings NO SCHOOL  March 21st - Conference Day  March 24th-28th Spring Break ~Classes resume Monday, March 31st ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE  Tuesday, April 1  7:00 am - 3:00 pm Please consider donating an item for sale as voters enter...

MacDowell Newsletter Volume 25 -2025

Upcoming Events / Meetings SPRING CONFERENCES March 17th and 19th 3:45 - 7:30pm Sign up link below BOOKFAIR Monday, March 17th 3:30-7:30pm Wednesday, March 19th 3:30-7:30 pm 3rd Floor Library SEC MEETING (School Engagement Council) Wednesday, March 19th 5:00 pm ALL...

MacDowell Newsletter Volume 29 – 2025

April 17, 2025 | MacDowell Newsletter, News

https://tinyurl.com/35tdhcpb

Upcoming Events / Meetings

NO SCHOOL – TOMORROW April 18th

MAD HOT RHYTHM DANCE COMPETITION

Tuesday, April 22nd

10:00 am, Finals and Awards 12:30pm

UWM Panther Arena-Free and Open to the Public

The competition will be livestreamed on Facebook!

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Friday, April 25th

5:30-7:30 pm

For all ages, all children to be accompanied by an adult.

SPRING MUSICAL RESCHEDULED!!

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, JR

Thursday & Friday, May 1st and 2nd

6:00 – 7:30 pm 

MILWAUKEE IMPROV – 

MACDOWELL PTO NIGHT

Friday, May 2nd

7:00 pm

Code MACDOWELL, more info below

SPRING OPEN HOUSE / SOCIAL

Thursday, May 8th

Classrooms open 5:30-7:00 pm

Social in Cafe 6:30-7:30

SEC/PTO MEETING

Wednesday, May 21st

5:00 / 5:30 pm 

MEDIA LITERACY PRESENTATION – K-3rd Grade

Thursday, May 22nd

6:00-7:00 pm 

MIDDLE / HIGH SCHOOL SPRING CONCERT 

Thursday, May 22nd

6:00 – 7:30 pm

ELEMENTARY SPRING CONCERT

Thursday, May 29th

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Join the MacDowell community for an evening of games and fun. Bring your favorite to share or play a game from our collection. We will have Bingo, Chess, card games and more. This is a family event. To continue to hold these fun and engaging activities we ask parents / guardians to actively supervise their children. RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/279jyusy

Check the MacDowell webpage calendar for future events.https://mps.school/macdowell/calendar/

RSVP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/5n9367wv

 MACDOWELL GEAR SALE is LIVE NOW!

purchase online until SUNDAY 4/20

  New items added! MacDowell ballcaps, crew neck sweatshirt and more, including one last run of the 50th Anniversary adult sweatshirts.

 Orders will be delivered to the school and then distributed through student backpacks.  

*Disclaimer: There is typically a 4 to 5 week turnaround to get all apparel ordered, printed, and sorted AFTER the store has come offline. 

Sale Closes THIS SUNDAY 4/20 @ 11:59pm

https://dunns-macdowell-25.itemorder.com/

Notes From Your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

 

Next Meeting – May 21st 5:30pm 

(after the SEC meeting led by Principal Corona)

March PTO meeting minutes : HERE

SAVE THE DATE FOR AN ADULT NIGHT OUT:

Friday May 2nd

Enjoy comedy by Steph Tolev at Milwaukee Improv. 

Use coupon code MACDOWELL and the school will receive 50% back from ticket sales. bit.ly/MacDowellPTO 

⭐⭐-coming soon-⭐⭐

New MacDowell Logo Decals

$5 a piece (cash or check)

approx 4” wide wreath in cardinal red

Available at Game Night (delivery dependant), Open House, End of Year Party – bring your cash

~ request forms coming soon ~

2024-2025 YEARBOOKS HAVE ARRIVED!

 

All Elementary pre-orders were delivered to classroom teachers. 

Extra copies are available in the main office on a first come first serve basis. MS/HS will be available after Monday 4/21.

Elementary Yearbooks – $15

Middle School / High School Yearbooks – $25

Middle and High School Updates

Save the Date

~Junior / Senior Prom

May 31st        

Hotel Metro

~Community Day

May 30th

Sports and Activities Update

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Save the Date

High School Sports Banquet – June 11

Invitation only, invite coming soon

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

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

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS

Uniform Return Time

All winter sports have ended. Please return uniforms to Ms. Wanta ASAP.

Practice Cancellations

5-8 Track & Field practice is cancelled on Mon 4/21/25 & Tue 4/22/25.

4-5 Soccer practice is cancelled on Wed 4/23/25.

Join Remind!

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 

Spring Sports Remind Links

⚽1-3 Soccer TEAM 1 Coach Josh: https://www.remind.com/join/e74hh6h 

⚽1-3 Soccer TEAM 2 Coach Katie:  https://www.remind.com/join/h62e48 

⚽4-5 Soccer: https://www.remind.com/join/b9ad44e 

⚽6-8 Soccer: https://www.remind.com/join/96bk2g 

🎾5-8 Tennis: https://www.remind.com/join/e82h99 

👟5-8 Track & Field: https://www.remind.com/join/eehh64 

🌷Montessori at Home- Spring🌷

COFFEE MAKING

Like the other practical life activities in the primary classroom, this work helps the child to build independence, coordination, and concentration. The children practice measuring: getting the proper amount of coffee beans using a tablespoon. The coffee making work is slightly different from other works in Ms. Anna’s classroom because the children can only do the work with the teacher and they only do it on Fridays as a special activity. Student and teacher deliver coffee to a staff member after it is made, which helps the children meet new staff and see different parts of the school. The children practice using grace and courtesy skills (“Would you like some coffee? You’re welcome,” etc.). The children also gain an immense sense of self accomplishment and confidence after doing something kind and special for another person. If families make coffee or tea at home, find a way to include your child as they can show responsibility and care. 

In Case You Missed It

DANCEWORKS MAD HOT RHYTHM COMPETITION

This year’s Mad Hot Rhythm Competition will take place on Tuesday, April 22nd at the UW-Panther Arena. Our Upper El students have been hard at work on their routines – come cheer them on in person or virtually if you can! This incredible annual celebration shows off the hard work of 4th – 6th grade students from 32 Milwaukee area classrooms, as they compete in three dance styles: Hip-Hop, Salsa, and Jazz. 

The competition starts at 10AM with Finals and Awards at 12:30 PM.

The competition will also be livestreamed on Facebook!

Camp MacDowell 2025 Summer Program

Families interested in Camp MacDowell’s summer program are asked to fill out this interest form: https://forms.gle/ooJWDtWEkYwENThr5

Camp will run June 23- August 1 (no session on July 4th), from 7:30am-5:00pm. More information can be found in the form. Inquiries will be contacted by Summer Camp Director Ms. Theresa Jones with applications distributed upon completion of form. Spots will be filled first-come first-served if there is a high level of interest.

SUMMER ACADEMY

Enrollment for MPS Summer Academy has begun. Register by May 26th. MacDowell will be the site for K5-8th grade Montessori Academy. More information and registration can be found at mpsmke.com/summeracademy.

!! OPT-IN TO TEXT MESSAGING ! To receive notices via text message be sure to OPT-IN to text messaging from MPS. Text “Y” to 67587 to receive school notifications, transportation updates, newsletters and important messaging.

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 

~ Ms. Gail Jaeger        

MacDowell Spotlight

IB ART EXHIBIT

The senior IB Visual Arts candidates capped off a two-year program with an exhibition of their creative work last Thursday evening, April 10th. They held a reception on the first floor, where they discussed their work in various media including photography, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and fiber art.  A steady flow of visitors asked questions of and listened intently to our seniors as they explained the ideas and concepts explored through their artwork. String music accompanied the evening, provided by our Sadie Hart and Marquese Gladney. Classrooms took opportunities throughout the school day to tour the exhibit as well.

Artists: James Corona, Alyssa Day, Mya Gladney, Akwaume Grafton, Martinis Hughes, Raylen Jones, Eva-Lynn Ray, Nathaniel Roberts, Tashaunna Sowers

KGMB – KEEP GREATER MILWAUKEE BEAUTIFUL

Last week, our classes went on an exciting and educational field trip to learn all about how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot—the four key ways we can help protect our planet. Students explored how everyday choices can make a big difference, from cutting down on waste to composting food scraps. Through hands-on activities and fun demonstrations, we discovered that keeping the Earth clean and green starts with each of us. It was a great day of learning, teamwork, and growing our commitment to a healthier planet!  

More Summer Opportunities

MPS STUDENT SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS

MPS is hoping to have at least 100 MPS students attend residential camp this summer (at no cost to the family other than a $20 commitment fee due at a later date to the camp).The following are the eligibility requirements in order for students to apply for Camp for Kids.

In order to be eligible:

  1. Students must be between the ages of 7 and 15.
  2. The student’s family must be enrolled in a federally subsidized program (e.g., FoodShare/SNAP, Wisconsin Shares Childcare Subsidies, or Foster Care). Proof of enrollment/eligibility must be submitted to the camp along with the camp application once a camp location is selected.
  3. Students cannot have received a Camps for Kids scholarship before.
  4. Live in Milwaukee County.

This is a wonderful experience for young people. Application forms are due to the MPS Recreation

Outdoor Education office by Friday, April 18, 2025, and can be emailed to outdoor@milwaukee.k12.wi.us Forms and more information is available on the Recreation Department website at

http://milwaukeerecreation.net/rec/Programs/Camps-For-Kids.htm. For questions please call 414-647-6050.

District Programs / Events

DISTRICT ADVISORY COUNCIL (DAC) – Meeting Via Zoom

The District Advisory Council meeting takes place on Thursday, May 1st, at 6:00 p.m., via Zoom. 

All DAC meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month. 

More information is available on the MPS DAC webpage

Contact Regina Stieber, family and community engagement associate, with any questions at stieberd@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Join Zoom Meeting Link:

https://milwaukeemps.zoom.us/j/87538897498?pwd=Hm0DClZf2IuZBvWO3aXeCFF7UwoF12.1

DADS ON DUTY:: A forum for all men who want to make an impact in a child’s life.

Saturday, May 3, 2025; 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hosted at ThriveOn on King: 2153 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53212

Join us for an inspiring and transformative forum! This forum is dedicated to equipping fathers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to create positive learning environments and strengthen their impact in schools and communities for students of all abilities. Our sessions will focus on meaningful information and resources about education, especially for fathers of special needs students.

Whether you’re a father, father figure, mentor, or community leader, this forum will provide valuable insights, tools, and connections to help you make a lasting difference. Together, we can empower fathers to shape brighter futures!

-Breakfast and lunch are included

-Register: mpsmke.com/dadsonduty

VICTORY OVER VIOLENCE EASTER EGG HUNT

Presented by The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and the Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love Program

This free event will be held:
Friday, April 18, 2025
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Victory Over Violence Park2625 North Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI.
Open to all children 12 and under, this Easter Egg Hunt offers more than just fun and candy—it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the ongoing commitment to creating a safe and loving environment for Milwaukee’s youth.
A Legacy of Healing, Hope, and Action
The event continues the powerful legacy of Jeannetta Simpson Robinson, who, alongside Attorney Charles Hausman, founded the Victory Over Violence Park and Garden in 1985 following the tragic loss of her daughter Cheryl and granddaughter Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson in 1984.
Rather than respond with despair, Jeannetta chose to lead with love, founding the park and launching multiple community-based programs, including the Survivors of Homicide & Grief Support Group. The park has since become a cornerstone of healing and a gathering space for hope, remembrance, and progress.
“Every time a group or individual commits a positive act against violence, we achieve Victory Over Violence,” said Charles “Butch” Walton, Jeannetta’s son and lifelong advocate for community-led change.

The Victory Over Violence Easter Egg Hunt is a symbol of this partnership in action—bringing families together in joy while honoring a legacy rooted in love, resilience, and community empowerment.
We invite all families to join us for this free event. No registration is required, but early arrival is encouraged. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The 53-page guide entitled PREPARING FOR LIFE AS AN ADULT: Transition Planning for Youth – 01/2025

Courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, it’s the 53-page guide entitled Preparing for Life as an Adult: Transition Planning for Youth — 01/2025 edition.

WI Transition Manual – 53pages p00413a.pdf

QUICK LINKS:

MPS School Calendar

2025-2026 MPS School Calendar

School Website

Staff Emails

IB Newsletter – March

Lunch Menu