October 31, 2024

Upcoming Events / Meetings

LAST DAYS !– MILWAUKEE MAKER SCHOOL FUNDRAISER

Now – Sunday, November 3rd : Online 

A selection of items created by local Milwaukee artisans.

FINAL OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH SCHOOL EARLY 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

PICTURE DAY

Monday, November 11th

paper forms will be distributed next week

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

Wednesday, November 20th

5:30-7:00 pm

– more info to come

RSVP https://tinyurl.com/MacDEthnic2024

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

In Case You Missed It

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!

Mock Election at MacDowell and Across MPS

This week MacDowell students in grades K5 – 12th have been early voting in a mock US election being conducted across MPS. Students in K5 – 6th visited the library mock election booths to cast their votes for US President in a district distributed survey. Students in 6th-12th voted in a larger survey with all Presidential candidates and Wisconsin Senator candidates. Ms. Raasch acquired Future MKE Voter stickers for all students to receive after placing their vote. Voting was optional but strongly encouraged to all our students. Upper Elementary poll workers assisted our younger students in navigating the survey questions but were certain to give privacy and stay impartial as the students cast their final vote. With the book I Voted – Making a Choice Makes a Difference and being conscious of the importance of the current election, classrooms have discussed voting and its place in their lives – on all levels: favorite ice cream, class pet, movie to watch, and officials to run our government. Teachers were encouraged to have nonpartisan, educational, and civic-minded discussions and lessons/activities surrounding the candidates, platforms, and issues. Results will be posted districtwide on November 5, 2024.

 

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!

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

 

MILWAUKEE MAKERS FUNDRAISER

Milwaukee Maker Fundraiser ENDS THIS WEEKEND (Oct 14-Nov 3). We encourage you to share this link with family, friends and neighbors who might also be interested in shopping locally 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!!

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. 

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

APPLY NOW! HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT – LAST DAYS

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

DONORS CHOOSE – MS SCHERTZ WOODLAND GARDEN

Two years ago, funded in part by Donors Choose and in part by our Montessori Adolescent Microeconomy, we started a native wildlife garden in front of our school.

This year we are seeking to expand that garden and increase the biodiversity in the microhabitat.

You can find Ms. Schertz request, as well as other MacDowell teacher requests at this link: 

https://www.donorschoose.org/donors/search.html?school=32463

Sports and Activities Update

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS

**All 1st-8th grade sports teams interest forms have been sent home this week** 

Offered this winter:

• 6-8th Cheerleading
• 6-8th Volleyball
• 1st-3rd Basketball, Google Interest Form: https://forms.gle/qwcFYmD3gPx4wu5V7
• 4th-5th Basketball, Google Interest Form: https://forms.gle/MBjXSg7JeFBruQ7r6 

Call For Coaches!

🏀We are in need of a 4-5 coed Basketball coach for this winter season. Head coaches are paid through Milwaukee Recreation. The season runs from mid November to early March, games are held on Saturday afternoons, and practices are on Thursdays after school. If you are interested please contact Ms Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

🎾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 

Fall Sports Remind Links

• 🏐4-5 Volleyball: https://www.remind.com/join/2d3de7 
• 🏀6-8 Girls Basketball: https://www.remind.com/join/ga3dh8 

 Club Remind Links

• ♟️Tuesday Chess Club: https://www.remind.com/join/c68gd4 
• ♟️Thursday Chess Club: https://www.remind.com/join/g7b2kf2 
• 🎲Tabletop Adventure Gaming: https://www.remind.com/join/8e39k3f 

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 

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 November

Lunch Menu – 9-12th November

MacDowell  Spotlight

UPPER ELEMENTARY – WI BIKE FEDERATION

MacDowell’s Upper elementary classes participated in a 2 week long program with the WI Bike Federation. Bike Driver’s Ed, a 10-hour course taught over 10 days, focuses on street bicycle safety. Topics include bike parts, hazards and helmets, bike handling skills, rules of the road, entering the street and turning, right of way, and mapping. Students without experience on a bike were also given time to become comfortable and work on balancing and learning to ride. 

For more information visit : https://wisconsinbikefed.org/what-we-do/programs/bike-walk-to-school/