Upcoming Events / Meetings

KRISPY KREME DIGITAL DOZENS FUNDRAISER

Now – December 31st

More info below

DISTRICT ADVISORY (DAC) MEETING

Thursday, December 4th

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Via Zoom: LINK

MILWAUKEE MAKER FUNDRAISER PICKUP

Monday, December 8th

3:00 – 4:15pm: school store, main lobby

PHOTO RETAKE DAY

Tuesday, December 9th

EARLY RELEASE DAY

Wednesday, December 10th

Times listed below

SEC/PTO MEETING – Hear from Principal Corona, Have your voice heard, Please join

Wednesday, December 10th

5:00 / 5:30pm

WINTER CONCERT – 7-12TH GRADE 

Thursday, December 11th

6:00 – 7:30 pm

BATTLE OF THE DRUMLINES – MacDowell Drumline Competes

Saturday, December 13th

12:00 PM – 3:00 pm (doors open at 11:30 a.m.)

Rufus King International High School 1801 W. Olive St., Milwaukee, WI 53209

Admission: $3

WINTER CONCERT – ELEMENTARY

Thursday, December 18th

6:00 –  7:30 pm

K4 – 6th grade music students

WINTER BREAK – No School

December 22 – January 2, 2026

Classes resume January 5, 2026

Our drumline is playing at a Milwaukee Bucks Game!!!!!! 

The game is February 3rd at 7:00pm

MPS and the team at the Milwaukee Bucks have generously put together a discounted group ticket order form for any parents who want to attend the games where students from your schools will be performing. Come enjoy a Bucks game at a discounted rate and see MacDowell students drumline, lead by instructor Omar Colin.

SPIRIT WEAR UPDATE 

Dunn’s Sporting Goods has delivered all screen printed items, embroidery items are still in process (track jackets, polos, some hats). Completed Spirit Wear has been delivered to student backpacks. Check those bags. I will be in touch when the remaining items have arrived.  Thank you for your support!  ~ Ms. Jaeger   **If you missed ordering this fall watch for another sale in spring.**

General Reminders

COLDER WEATHER: As the season begins to turn colder, please remember that younger students should have spare clothing for colder weather in their backpack/bookbag. If you have not already done so, now is the time to replace their clothing with colder weather attire. !!! PLEASE LABEL ITEMS !!!

~Students have outdoor recess unless the temperature is below a feels like temp of 11°~ 

Please send your child prepared for the colder weather. If possible, an extra pair of pants or sweater is helpful to leave in their locker. Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and snow pants are easily misplaced. Please label all items so they can be returned to the child!

Families that are in need of Holiday support, warm weather gear, food, etc. are encouraged to contact Ms. Rachel Jacobson, School Social Worker. (414) 935-1432, jacobsr@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

Students who were absent on Picture Day will have an opportunity to have their picture taken on our Retake Day which will be Tuesday, December 9th. Order forms are available in the main office or by request. Order code for the Retake session is EVTWC483P on mylifetouch.com Please notify the child’s teacher if the student is to get their picture retaken, not all students will go to the photographers. 

Don’t Forget to Order This Year’s School Pictures

ENJOY 10% OFF your order!

CODE: F2510OFF

EXPIRES: July 31, 2026

Redeem Now

LIFETOUCH PICTURE PACKAGES & PROOFS HAVE BEEN SENT HOME

• School photos from November were delivered. Preorder prints and proofs have been sent home.

• If families did not order a photo package prior to picture day, they will receive a proof sheet with customized codes for their child so that they can order photos online.
• Families will be able to see the image on this proof sheet and will have until the end of this year to order at https://mylifetouch.com/.

• Retake day is for students who were absent on photo day, and for any student who is retaking their photo. Please make sure your child’s teacher knows that you want a retake photo done. If families ordered a picture package before picture day and did not like it, their student needs to bring the picture package back on retake day and take a new photo. Another picture package will be sent to school.

PRE ORDER YEARBOOKS

We are taking preorders for our school yearbooks! All students who had their photo taken will be in their classroom / grade level layout in this yearbook. We create two separate yearbooks, one for K3-6th grade students & one for 7-12th grade students. Yearbooks are delivered at 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 14324526
• 7-12th grade yearbooks will cost $25 –  order online at ybpay.com code is 15502426

MORNING DROP OFF SAFETY 

Elementary Families – Please use the car drop off line on 64th St. 

Reminder: traffic moves North to South for all drop offs. For the safety of our students and drivers we ask that children are not dropped off across the street and then cross through the active car line. We all want the children to enter school safe and on time. To keep the flow going we make the car line a priority. If you desire to walk your child to the door please approach from the north and park down the street past the fence line. The door opens at 7:55am. Children are not to be left unattended prior to that time. We thank you for your cooperation.

NEXT WEEK! DECEMBER EARLY RELEASE DAY

Reminder – December 10th is the second early release day for all students. Teachers will continue professional development in the literacy curriculum. 

Dismissal will occur at different times depending on grade level:

• K3 and K4 students will be dismissed at 10:00 AM
• Extended day K4 & K5 through 6th grade students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM
• 7 through 12 grade students will be dismissed at 1:25 PM

All regular school transportation will be provided and will operate on this adjusted early schedule.

!! Please make the necessary arrangements to receive your student at their earlier dismissal time !!

Camp MacDowell will begin at these early dismissal times for families already enrolled in Camp. Please notify Camp Director Ms. Jones if your child will be staying at camp that day. Thank you!

Book recommendations for understanding & parenting in a digitally connected world!

The new Everyone Fiction Section is looking great! New wall display with unused picture book covers!

LINKS:  Screen Deep Podcast , Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Middle and High School Families 

IB UPDATE

IB Learner Profile of the Month         

There are 10 learner profile traits which describe a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. This month we are spotlighting: Thinker: Students that are thinkers use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. They exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.            

Krystal Schille, 12th grade, was voted this month by staff as a student that has shown what it takes to be a Thinker. Krystal has gone above and beyond to work towards the IB Core program. She has met with teachers and her advisors to be well above the average work. In addition to her work, her responses in class have consistently shown an Advanced understanding, connecting class topics with resources provided in class. Lastly, she brought her mom into conferences where we had spirited discussion on the 14th amendment and the Dred Scott case using quotes and information presented in class.  

Keep up the great work Krystal!  A shout out to the other nominee for this month’s Learner Profile, who was Cameryn Castro!!!! 

Also in November’s IB Newsletter:

• Mental Health Minute with Ms. Hubbard
• 7-8th Physical Education fitness work
• DNA transcription and translation with Mr. Verfuerth
• Systems of equations with Ms. Geiger
• DP reading Hemingway
• Note to IB testing parents
• Visual arts Quarter 1 projects
• Student Q & A
• and more
  

The goal here at MacDowell is to provide a highly rigorous, college bound curriculum that will help your child feel prepared to complete their great work when they leave High School. That’s only possible if students maintain their workload in each of their classes. Whatever support we can provide to ensure that that occurs can only happen when everyone knows what is expected in every room. Thank you for your support in creating knowledge for High School students. 

DIRECT ADMIT – Junior Families

Junior students can apply to 10 Universities of Wisconsin and MATC with just their MPS ID and a signature! Direct Admit is a streamline application that connects MPS transcripts directly to the schools of their choice. 

• Follow this link to help your student apply – it takes less than 5 minutes: https://mpsresearch.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cRPg7JJz6G3lg8e 
• Check out the MPS website for more information: mpsmke.com/directadmit 
• If you would prefer a paper form, your students will receive one before the end of the semester. Reach out to Ms. Beazley with questions, beazleka@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

WINTER CONCERT

Students in Mr. Ash’s Orchestra and Modern Band are expected to perform at the Winter Concert on December 11th. Please view and respond to the permission slip by December 5th.

Permission slip HERE

Sports and Activities Update

THEATER CLUB – 4th-12th grade

Ms. Emily Bowlin and a group of parent volunteers are launching a Theater Club at MacDowell Montessori! The club is open to students in grades 4 through 12.

Theater Club will run from early January (auditions on January 9th and 13th) through late March (public performances on the 25th and 26th) on Tuesdays and Fridays from dismissal time until 4:45pm. All cast members MUST be available for all tech/dress rehearsals and performances. Multiple unexcused absences are cause for dismissal from the club. 

We will learn and perform A Deadly Medley, by Trish Sanders, which features four of William Shakespeare’s tragedies. Between Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Romeo & Juliet, and Macbeth, our show has multiple murders, witty wordplay, potent poisons, and so many sword fights. Come join the fun!

Please fill out this form by December 12 if your student is interested in participating. https://tinyurl.com/2kyu4bb8

Any students interested in stage crew can just email us at macdowelltheaterclub@gmail.com 

Elementary & Middle School Athletics

Winter Sports: 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 

Youth Sports Remind Links

• 🏀1-3 Basketball Team 1: https://www.remind.com/join/ha9843a 
• 🏀1-3 Basketball Team 2: https://www.remind.com/join/36f428 
• 🏀4-5 Basketball: https://www.remind.com/join/82h96g 
• 🏀6-8 Boys Basketball: https://www.remind.com/join/ce2kk4 
• 🏐6-8 Girls Volleyball: https://www.remind.com/join/cghdh6 
• 🏐6-8 Coed Volleyball: https://www.remind.com/join/7fdfcgg 
• 📣6-8 Cheerleading: https://www.remind.com/join/29f846 

Elementary Chess Clubs Remind Links

• ♟️Tuesday Chess Club: https://www.remind.com/join/c68gd4 
• ♟️Thursday Chess Club: https://www.remind.com/join/g7b2kf2 

High School Winter Sports

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

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

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

The next PTO meeting of the year is December 10th at 5:30pm. After the 5:00pm SEC Meeting

November PTO minutes : HERE 

HOLIDAY BRUNCH FOR TEACHERS– contributions request

The PTO would like to show our love for the wonderful MacDowell staff this holiday season by providing a brunch on Wednesday December 17th. And we would love your help! The PTO will provide the hot items, but we’d like to ask the community to contribute yummy items as well. Use the Signup Genius to volunteer to donate pastries, yogurt and more! Bring your items to school on Tuesday the 16th or the morning of the 17th and leave them on the cart near the office. Thanks!   https://tinyurl.com/3rh3w5xr

KRISPY KREME DIGITAL DOZENS – $15 STILL TIME TO BUY AND SUPPORT

Doughnuts for a great cause!! MacDowell PTO is giving you the best reason to indulge in a dozen (or two) Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Purchase vouchers until December 31, 2025.

 50% of your order will be donated back to MacDowell PTO when you purchase via our fundraising sales page! Simply buy online, visit your local store & redeem using your code. Treat yourself or even gift them to friends and family here:

grouprai.se/krispykreme66300ma

Milwaukee area location :

2900 S. 108th St, West Allis, WI 53227

 🎁In preparation for the giving season the PTO has distributed a Staff Preference form. You can find their responses here: Staff Preferences 25-26

If you choose to give gifts: let’s show our appreciation and gratitude for our dedicated staff and give the things they enjoy and prefer.  

SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Restaurant Fundraisers

Krispy Kreme online voucher purchase NOW – December 31

JUST ADDED – different locations

Cousin’s Subs (State St) – January 13

Papa John’s (115th & North) – February 11

Saz’s State House – March 11

In Case You Missed It

MPS OPT OUT MEDIA RELEASE – change from previous school years

MPS regularly takes photos and videos of students involved in district activities. These images are sometimes shared in district publications, on the MPS websites, in social media, or with news media. The district assumes consent for this usage for all enrolled students.

** Parents/guardians who DO NOT want photos or videos of their child released should make their wishes known by filling out the form linked below and checking all boxes that apply before signing and turning into the main office. 

MPS Family OPT OUT Form

MacDowell has previously utilized the Media Release Form but the district has transitioned to this opt out form for this school year and beyond.

IF YOU DO NOT WHAT US TO USE YOUR CHILD’S PHOTO – Please fill out this form and return ASAP. We take a lot of pictures of happenings on MacDowell’s campus and are often in our spotlight shared with all families and sometimes on social media. 

ATTENDANCE LINE 

Families- please note that ALL absences need to be called into the office attendance line: 414-935-1460. Notifying / emailing the child’s teacher is an option in addition to calling the office. The office must be notified first and foremost. If you are picking a student up early, call the main office ahead of time, to give sufficient time for staff to notify the classroom, 414-935-1400. Thank You !

WEATHER CLOSING INFORMATION 

Winter weather will be here before we know it! As winter conditions arrive, please be alert for school closings. The district has added a new webpage about winter weather and potential school closings, with information and tips for families and staff during weather events. Please become familiar with this page linked below mpsmke.com/weather. The decision to close school will be posted on the MPS website, MPS X and Facebook pages, and on all major television and news stations.

LOST AND FOUND: Please check the lost and found when you are in the building. Please label items! Jackets and hoodies are often a large part of our lost and found – labeling these items will help us return lost items to their owner. At the end of the month and each subsequent month we will box up all items to prepare for donation. November items have been bagged and will be donated January 6th. 

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

QUICK LINKS:

MPS School Calendar

School Website

Lunch Menu – K-8th December

Lunch Menu – High School December

November IB Newsletter

Staff Preferences 25-26

Hey Milwaukee students and families — we need your votes!

The Milwaukee Election Commission and Milwaukee Public Schools are excited to share the finalists for the “I Voted Early” Sticker Design Contest! 

Students, families, and staff from across MPS sent in amazing designs — and now it’s your turn to help pick the winners! 

🗳️ Vote online November 17 – December 17, 2025 

👉 Head to www.milwaukee.gov/election to see the finalists and cast your vote. 

Winning designs will be printed as official “I Voted Early” stickers for the 2026–2027 elections — handed out to voters all over the city!  Let’s show our Milwaukee pride and make voting something to celebrate. 💙❤️ 

MacDowell  Spotlight

CUP STACKING WITH ELEMENTARY

Some of the lower elementary students were introduced to speed stacking during extra PE class. Students learned some basic terms, had practice stacking and working on hand eye coordination, and even had some friendly competitions. Students learned how to stack pyramids of 3, 6, and 10 cups and learned some of the terminology and strategy that go into speed stacking. The 35 students that participated contributed to a world record attempt for “The Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations”.

STUDENT vs STAFF VOLLEYBALL GAME

MacDowell staff once again took on the students prior to the Thanksgiving break in a heated volleyball match, and once again, the staff won.

Community Resources and Opportunities  

Family_MH_Toolkit-All-copy.pdf

WINTER WONDER WOODS – New This Year: No Registration Required!

This year, Milwaukee Recreation is offering the Winter Wonder Woods experience to all community members for free! Community members no longer have to register for a time slot and attend during a specific window of time. Participants may enjoy the experience and enter and exit Hawthorn Glen as they please.

Celebrate winter in style with Milwaukee Recreation’s Winter Wonder Woods! Join us to experience seasonal serenity in the city while creating lasting memories and new traditions.

Explore the winter beauty of Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center with an evening walk through the woods, featuring nature-inspired displays that gently illuminate the path and your understanding of the natural world. This year, we’re scaling back some of our lighting to allow Hawthorn Glen’s natural beauty to take center stage. 

Complimentary warm drinks and cookies will be available.

• Where: Hawthorn Glen
• Dates: Dec. 10-13, 2025
• Times: 5-8 p.m.
• Cost: FREE
• No registration required.

Note: Parking is extremely limited in both the Hawthorn Glen parking lot and on the street on the adjacent Martin Dr.

Street parking is not permitted on 60th St. Carpooling and ride-sharing is greatly appreciated!

From The WIAA – 

As part of our partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods, we share this information with the membership for your benefit if you choose to take advantage of the opportunity.

 DICK’S Sporting Goods is providing all athletes, coaches, and member schools of the WIAA with exclusive coupons. Get everything needed for the upcoming season and save money at DICK’S Sporting Goods.

 Click on the coupon link below.

 These coupons are for in-store purchases only and are valid through 2025. The coupons can be printed off or displayed from any mobile device to be redeemed at the store. You can also access these coupons at any time by visiting the WIAA website and clicking into the DICK’S Sporting Goods web banners. WIAA Team Packet Coupons – CLICK HERE

URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER – School’s Out Adventure Days

Outdoor exploration, nature play, hiking, climbing, creating, and skill building for ages 7 to 12 years while school’s out during the year! Kindergarten : kids will have an active day outdoors hiking, climbing trees, bird watching, bug catching and playing in the park. They’ll explore and question through outdoor play, games, imaginary play and more.

The seats are limited and given on a first-come first-serve basis.Follow the below link and choose date and grade level for registration links. 

https://www.urbanecologycenter.org/programs-and-events/adventure-days

Remaining 2026 Dates:

• Winter- January 26, 2026 @ Washington Park UEC
• Spring Break- March 30 – April 3, 2026 @ Riverside Park UEC OR Washington Park UEC
• Spring – May 1, 2026  @ Menomonee Valley

FOODSHARE RESOURCES

Due to the ongoing federal government shut down, refugee families and about 42 million Americans will have their benefits for Foodshare delayed in November. Here is a link from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to check for up to date information.https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/news.htm  

To locate food pantry information and other supports, individuals can search for locations at findhelp.org

Also, the USCIS has announced that it has updated its civics part of the citizenship test for lawful permanent residents who want to become a U.S. citizen. Please refer to the link for additional information that can be shared with families.