October 25, 2024

HALLOWEEN AT MACDOWELL: 

We understand that Halloween is an exciting time for the children and we hope that there will be many ways that they celebrate the holiday with their family at home. At MacDowell we do not have Halloween celebrations in the classroom; this is so that we can keep the school day consistent and free from distraction for all of our students and support the students’ learning and focus while they are at school. 

Please note: Children are not to come to school with candy or arrive dressed in Halloween costume. 

Thank you for your understanding.

Principal Corona

Upcoming Events / Meetings

CAMP UPHAM WOODS Paperwork Support Session

Middle School Parents of interested students

Monday, October 28th

3:30-4:30 pm

MILWAUKEE MAKER SCHOOL FUNDRAISER

Now – November 3rd : Online

A selection of items created by local Milwaukee artisans.

More info below

HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Now until November 4th

Apply online https://mpsmke.com/hsapp

NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, November 5th – Election Day

Note: this is different from an earlier distributed district calendar

24-25 Calendar

SAZ’S FUNDRAISER NIGHT

Tuesday, November 5th

11:00am – 8:00pm

MAKE A RESERVATION – or order carry out

See flyer below

PICTURE DAY

Monday, November 11th

CAMP UPHAM WOODS TRIP – Middle School

November 11 – 14

CLUB’S CHOICE FUNDRAISER PICK UP

Tuesday, November 12th

3:30-4:30 

~West side of green space west of school

SEC / PTO MEETING

Wednesday November 13th

5:00 / 5:30 pm 

Room 103

ETHNIC POTLUCK

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, November 20th

5:30-7:00 pm

– more info to come

Picture packages can be ordered in advance online at www.mylifetouch.com

Use the MacDowell order ID: EVTTQDFJQ

*Pictures of all students will be taken, whether or not picture packages are ordered. These photos are used in our school yearbooks.Forms will be sent home the week prior to the picture date. If you chose to order using the paper order form, please send it along with a check on picture day, November 11th.

If you order online, there is no need to return the paper form. 

If families do not order a picture package in advance they will receive a picture proof afterward, with instructions to order pictures online if they wish. Proofs arrive approximately one week after photos are taken. 

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 warmer weather attire. Please label items!

Families that are in need of Holiday support, warm weather gear, food, etc. are encouraged to contact Ms. Rachel Jacobson, School Social Worker. Desk (Office) Number: (414) 935-1432 

Text/Cell (Google Voice): (507) 384-9078, jacobsr@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Library Circulation Starts Opening !

The library opens for circulation this week (for Grades 1-6) and the week of October 28th for all other grade levels. The excitement to visit the library and explore all the fun, interesting titles is flowing throughout elementary.

🌮Thank you to all families that contributed to our Staff Taco Bar on Conference night. It was a wonderful spread with numerous desserts and enjoyed by many. MacDowell’s community is the best!🌮

ATTENTION ALL 4TH GRADE FAMILIES! 

Fourth grade students are eligible for a free membership for the whole family to Riveredge Nature Center in Saukville, Wisconsin!

All parents or guardians have to do is fill out this short online form. Membership includes free hiking all year in their 485 acre natural sanctuary, discounts on programs and merchandise, exclusive events, free snowshoe rentals, and more!

Notes From Your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE BAKERS NEEDED!

Bake Sale Sign Up

On Tuesday, November 5th, MacDowell will be a polling place for the Presidential election with seats up for Senate and Congress, and a referendum.

We are expecting significant voter turnout! Let’s give those voters the opportunity to support our school by buying baked goods. Sign up via the link to donate treats and/or to sit at the table and sell goods. Feel free to send bagged cookies, brownies, rice crispy treats, and similar with your student on Monday November 4th or drop off on Tuesday morning. All pre-portioned items will be sold for $1 each, this makes the math very easy for our table team.

Thanks for supporting the PTO!

MILWAUKEE MAKERS FUNDRAISER

Milwaukee Maker Fundraiser has officially gone live (Oct 14-Nov 3). We encourage you to share this link with family, friends and neighbors who might also be interested in shopping local while supporting our school – even if they are out of town, orders can be shipped. Pick-up orders will be ready the first week of December at the school.https://www.makerymaven.com/milwaukee-maker-fundraiser-macdowell

So many options and price points – great gift giving ideas!!

SAVE THE DATE: Restaurant Fundraisers

Lou Malnati’s (Brookfield and Greenfield locations) carry out only – December 12th

Krispy Kreme online dozen donut voucher – all November and December

Dave and Busters power card deal – month of December

QDoba Miller Parkway – January 14th

Middle and High School Families 

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP OPPORTUNITY

MacDowell is offering an overnight camping trip opportunity to 7th and 8th graders. Camp Upham Woods in Baraboo WI runs November 11 – November 14. Students received a packet with information, eligibility criteria, and forms to fill out if interested. This is a first come first serve opportunity for 56 students. 

There will be a paperwork support session with Ms. Schertz on Monday October 28th 3:30-4:30pm to assist families in completing the required forms and submit a copy of insurance cards.

All forms and fees with a copy of insurance card are due no later than November 1st.

APPLY NOW! HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Open for Fall 2025 NOW through Monday, November 4, 2024.

**Grade 8 students currently enrolled at MacDowell Montessori, must complete an application and put their current school as their first choice if they want to continue at MacDowell going into grade 9. Applicants already enrolled in grade 8 at MacDowell do not compete with other applicants for a spot in grade 9.**

Visit the MPS High School Enrollment website for more information and to apply. HERE

REMINDER – NEXT WEEK

SIGN UP FOR SENIOR PHOTO SESSIONS !!

Once again professional photographer Parent Volunteers have offered to provide our Seniors with a free photo session at MacDowell on October 29th. Sign up for free 15 minute sessions here: https://tinyurl.com/r33s6t83

Sports and Activities Update

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS:

Winter sports registration will be open October 7- November 25. There will be tryouts and cuts for several teams, so it is important that athletes are fully registered AND cleared prior to day 1 of practice. The start dates are below. Get registered online:  https://mpsathletics-ar.rschooltoday.com/home 

If you have any questions, reach out to the athletic director, Ms. Schenk at schenkao@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

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 AND TEAM PHOTO- All athletes should bring their uniforms to final practice to take a team photo and then return uniforms to MacDowell. 

Call For Coaches!

🎾We are looking for a 5th-8th grade Tennis head coach and assistant coach for the Spring season. If interested please contact Ms Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

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 
• 🏀6-8 Girls Basketball: https://www.remind.com/join/ga3dh8 

🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵  

Musical Theater Club starts TODAY Thursday October 24 from 3-4:30.

Club Remind Links

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

General Reminders

~Do you wish you could see pictures of your child highlighted in MacDowell’s Newsletter?  Be sure they have a current media release on file for the 2024-2025 school year. Feel free to print and return filled out forms to school, forms also available in the main office. Media Release Form SY24-25 We now have a digital version parents can fill out online: https://permission.click/LjGEG/int/signee-info

There are so many great things happening in our school we love to share with the community. Any questions, or if you need assistance, contact Parent Coordinator Gail Jaeger.

~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 !!! 

To receive a newsletter link via text message be sure to OPT-IN to text messaging from MPS. Text “Y” to 67587 to receive school notifications, 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 

QUICK LINKS:

MPS School Calendar

School Website

IB September Newsletter

Lunch Menu – K – 8 October

Lunch Menu – 9-12th October

MacDowell  Spotlight

WELLNESS DAY 2024

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 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. On October 11th students were given a wide array of choices to participate in: Apple Picking, Basketball Tournament, Ice Skating, Bowling, Wauwatosa Village Walk, Milwaukee Zoo, Mario Kart Tournament, Quiet Reading Time, Pumpkin Painting, Yard Games and MORE. 

Here are some highlights to this rejuvenating, fun day for our Adolescents.

Community Resources and Events

Ways to Support your Students at Home

• Read with them every day / Encourage them to read every day.  Looking for great book recommendations for your child? Check out the MPS Reads lists here
• Support math at home. Regularly ask them to practice counting coins, telling time, skip counting, basic math facts. 
• Create a quiet calm space for homework or reading.
• Ensure they get enough sleep so they are able to work to their fullest potential at school.
• Give your child responsibilities around the house with clear and reasonable expectations. Setting/clearing the table, making their bed, washing/putting away dishes, peeling vegetables, sweeping floors, making lunch, helping with laundry, yard work, feeding animals, etc.  Framing these as their responsibility as members of the household, and not requests to “help out”,  increases their independence, and cultivates daily mindful and responsible action.