Newsletter PDF Version

Upcoming Events / Meetings

FAFSA ASSISTANCE NIGHT – SENIOR FAMILIES

TONIGHT Thursday, December 12th

5:00 – 7:00 pm 

ELEMENTARY WINTER CONCERT

TONIGHT Thursday, December 12th

6:00 – 7:30 pm

K5-6th music students

LOU MALNATI’S FUNDRAISER NIGHT

TONIGHT Thursday, December 12th

4:00 – 10:00 pm

BATTLE OF THE DRUMLINES

Saturday, December 14th

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

Rufus King International High School 

Admission: $3

KRISPY KREME DIGITAL DOZEN FUNDRAISER

Now until December 31st

More info below

WINTER BREAK – No School 

December 23 – January 1

Classes resume January 2, 2025

K5-6th PRIMARY / ELEMENTARY Winter Concert  TONIGHT

December 12, 2024,  6:00pm, Auditorium

• • K5-6th music students

  • 

    Friday music engagement students

 

*Be sure to stop by the Middle Years Occupations sales table during the winter concert. 

• mugs, bags, body scrubs, and letter crayons
• cutting boards
• plants

Cash only – Prices range, some up to $20

STAFF PREFERENCE

It’s the holiday season and you may be thinking about buying a gift for some of our lovely staff members. But what to get? Check out the Staff Preference sheet to find what item your teacher would love (or not love 😄) to get this year!  https://tinyurl.com/bkbw28zt

REVIEW THE MPS VISITOR POLICY

 MPS welcomes families in our buildings. To maintain a safe, productive learning environment, we have policies to ensure visits do not interrupt teaching and learning during the school day. When you are visiting a school, please remember:

• Families are always welcome to observe their child’s classroom and meet with school staff during non-instructional time. These meetings must be scheduled in advance to avoid disruptions to the school day. Please contact the office to schedule a visit.
• During meetings, conferences, and classroom visits, each student may have TWO visitors present, unless additional visitors are approved in advance.
• Visitors must always be accompanied by a staff member.
• When visitors are dropping off items at school, students will be called to the office. 

Read the full Visitor Policy in the Parent/Student Handbook on Rights, Responsibilities, and Discipline at mpsmke.com/rights.

COLDER WEATHER: 

An update has been made to the MPS Winter Weather and Recess policy.

Dear MPS Families, 

 Earlier this week, you may have received an email from the district explaining MPS guidelines for recess during cold weather. We want to clarify the language that was sent. 

 Schools will cancel outdoor recess when the wind chill is 0°F or below. 

 This determination is made by school leaders based on local conditions at each school. 

 This guideline coincides with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Administrative Code 251.03(14r)(c). 

Because weather conditions can change quickly, please be sure to send your child to school each day with appropriate winter clothing, including a warm coat, hat, gloves, and boots. If you need winter items for your child, please contact the parent coordinator and/or social worker at our school. 

 We apologize for any confusion. Please stay safe during winter weather. 

 Sincerely, 

MPS Office of School Administration 

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 send your child prepared for the colder weather. If possible, an extra pair of pants or sweater is helpful to leave in their locker. We recommend sending snow/insulated pants, hats, mittens, winter weather jackets and solid footwear. Boots are recommended for protection in the cold.                     

!!! PLEASE LABEL ITEMS !!!

~Students have outdoor recess unless the feels like temperature is below 0°~ 

 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. Desk (Office) Number: (414) 935-1432 

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

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

Proofs for photos taken on Retake day should arrive in about a week. Photos can be ordered until the end of the school year at www.mylifetouch.com.

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

ENJOY 10% OFF your order!

CODE: F202410OFF

EXPIRES: July 31, 2025

Redeem Now

Notes From Your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

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 18th. 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 17th or the morning of the 18th and leave them on the cart near the office. Thanks! https://tinyurl.com/5b8s45xk

DAVE & BUSTER’S POWER CARD

MacDowell PTO is pumped to launch our Dave & Buster’s Power Card Fundraising Campaign! When you purchase a $20 Dave & Buster’s Power Card from our fundraising page, 50% of your order directly supports MacDowell PTO! Now until December 31st. Power card comes loaded with 100 chips.

🎯🎉 Whether it’s classic arcade thrills, action-packed racing, or multiplayer challenge, enjoy endless gaming fun at any Dave & Buster’s location nationwide when you purchase your Power Card at the link below.

Don’t forget to share it with friends and family to join in the fun: grouprai.se/davebusters49110m.

LOU MALNATI’S (Brookfield and Greenfield locations)  carry out only – TONIGHT, December 12th

KRISPY KREME DIGITAL DOZENS – $15

Going on now until December 31st 

Order online and receive a voucher to redeem at any participating Krispy Kreme location.

MacDowell PTO receives back 50% from every voucher sold.

https://www.groupraise.com/oc/49247/5T883G

              

SAVE THE DATE: Restaurant Fundraisers

QDoba Miller Parkway – January 14th

Cousins Subs – February 5th

Saz’s State House – March 12th

JUST ADDED

Artisan Ramen – April 8th

November PTO meeting minutes : https://tinyurl.com/263xm4vd

NEW JUNEAU GEAR WEBSITE

High School Athletic Director Ms. Schenk has opened a new Juneau gear site. Purchases can be shipped or picked up at a Burghardts location. Items can be customized for an extra cost. Many more options available. https://bsg.chipply.com/MILWAUKEEJUNEAU/ 

MPS PARENT ADVISORY GROUP 

World Languages K-12 Textbooks/Instructional Materials Evaluation 

MPS is in the process of adopting new textbooks for World Languages K-12. MPS wants family insight and perspective in this important undertaking. Therefore, they would like parent members to participate in an advisory capacity. The parent advisory group shall serve to review the materials and make recommendations. The advisory will not be a final decision making body but will suggest which textbooks they believe would best support student learning. The parent advisory group will have access to review materials as soon as they arrive. Materials can be viewed virtually or in person. If you are interested in participating, please complete the form for additional information.

For more information contact, Ja’Quita Murphy Textbook Coordinator for Milwaukee Public Schools, at murphyj1@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

HIGH SCHOOL TAB WARS IS ON

December 16th – February 28th

9-12th graders compete to win a pizza party and drinks while helping support the Ronald McDonald House. Anyone can participate – place tabs in the grade’s bottle you’d like to support.

Middle and High School Families

MacDowell Senior Families – 

The FAFSA application is now open. You are invited to the MacDowell FAFSA Night TONIGHT – Thursday, December 12th from 5-7pm. 

Please be sure that you and your senior have created your FSAID already and bring your login information.

Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/FAFSAMAC. 

See you there! 

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.

Damien Mantanona, 9th grade, was voted this month by staff as a student that has shown what it takes to be a thinker. Algebra classes have been using IXL to reinforce the skills that we have been learning in our lessons. Students are required to get a SMART score of 80 to be proficient at that skill. Damien has spent a total of almost 10 hours, most of which has been outside of class, to make sure that he surpasses the goal of a SMART score of 80 and has been achieving a score of 100. The IXL problems that Damien has been completing past the 80 mark are complex and incorporate unfamiliar skills but can be accomplished using critical thinking. 

Keep up the great work Damien!

Find this and more in November’s IB Newsletter HERE. A link to the current IB newsletter can always be found in our Quick Links below. November topics include :  MYP Visual Arts media exploration, middle school designed warm ups in Mr. Maiter’s Gym class, 9th/10th MYP Orchestra and Modern Band Composition Project, Ford and Jeninga’s Illustrated Mathematics, MYP Chemistry producing biodiesel and so much more. 

Save The Date!

MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL Winter Concert  January 16, 2025 – 6:00pm, Auditorium

• Required for middle and high school music students

Newspaper request:

Ms. Nancy will be beginning printmaking with the high school art students. She is collecting any leftover newspapers to protect the tables. Send with your student and place it in the box outside room 110 (high school art room). ~thanks 

Sports and Activities Update

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS

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 

⚽ We are looking for a 6th-8th grade Soccer head coach and assistant coach for the Spring season. If interested please contact Ms Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

Middle & High School Chess Club Interest Form – still accepting participants

• Middle & High School students will have the opportunity to participate in Chess Club this school year.
• Chess Club will be held on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30, starting Dec. 3, 2024. In room 334.
• If we reach capacity the google form will be turned off.
• Please fill out this Google Form to participate https://forms.gle/8XTEwLbief1xCXXU8 
• Any questions? Please contact Ms Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

Winter 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 Volleyball Team 1: https://www.remind.com/join/cghdh6 
• 🏐6-8 Volleyball Team 2: https://www.remind.com/join/7fdfcgg 
• 📣6-8 Cheerleading: https://www.remind.com/join/29f846 

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 
• ♟️MS/HS Chess Club: https://www.remind.com/join/chessmsh 

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Athletic Schedules:  https://www.mccathletics.org/public/genie/1190/school/64/ Purchase Online Tickets:   https://gofan.co/app/school/WI19445 

MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

• There will be NO Musical Theater Club on 12/12/24 due to the Winter Concert. 
• The final day of Musical Theater Club will be 12/19/24.
• Students who make the cast for the spring musical will be notified.
• Any questions? Please contact Ms Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

TABLETOP ADVENTURE GAMING

• Last day will be 12/16/24
• Interest forms went home for the next session starting 1/6/25
• Please return slips by 12/18/24

In Case You Missed It

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 14324525
• 7-12th grade yearbooks will cost $25 –  order online at ybpay.com code is 15393925

WINTER WONDER WOODS

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.

See Hawthorn Glen in a new light as you stroll through our trails that are twinkling with holiday cheer. Tens of thousands of lights will illuminate the beauty of the Glen, winding you through the woods and past displays. Winter Wonder Woods will feature a selfie station, hiking Santa, educational facts along the trail, and more!

 

Be sure to look for our school tree! MacDowell Art Club students have created ornaments with Mr. Schwarten.

• Where: Hawthorn Glen
• Remaining Dates: Dec 13 & 14
• Times: 5-8 p.m. (specific time slots will be available.)
• Cost: $4 per person (free for children that are 2 years old or younger)
• Register Here

Note: Please arrive at your scheduled time. 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!

On the day of each event day, online registration closes at noon for that night’s sessions. Online registration will remain open for sessions on the remaining dates.

 

On-site registration is available, as long as space remains in those sessions.

Concessions are cash only.

This is a non-refundable event.

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: 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.

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 November Newsletter

Lunch Menu – K – 8 December

Lunch Menu – 9-12th December

MacDowell  Spotlight

BLACK ARTS MKE

Our after-school arts program through “Black Arts MKE” and an MPS program “Partnership For The Arts and Humanities” finished the fall session with a showcase this past week. Thirty 2nd-5th grade students worked and practiced for many weeks to give families a fabulous performance. Drummers working with Ms. Oju shared the hard work and understanding of the different drums with the audience. Ms. Karlies’ dance students gave a representation of warmups and a final choreographed dance performance that showed synchronization and individuality aspects. Great job to all our participants and instructors. Special thank you to Ms. Nancy for organizing the groups, and Ms. Angela with parent volunteer Annie Smith for supervising students before practice began. Another session will start later in winter, watch for communication. 

Community Resources and Events

FIRST STAGE – RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

See Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at First Stage this holiday season!  Now until December 29th.

Watch MacDowell’s own 6th grader Penny Whitmore in the  Silver Cast production as Hermey the elf. 

Purchase tickets for all other performances at: http://www.firststage.org/Production-Details/Rudolph-The-Red-Nosed-Reindeer. 

Use code 82412 for 15% off! 

MPL WINTER FEST

Milwaukee Public Libraries would like to invite you to the free family and neighborhood Winterfest at the Washington Park Branch Library on December 14, 10 am-3 pm.

• All-Day Activities
• Cozy Drinks for All
• Library Card Check-ups
• Prize Giveaways

More information and a schedule of events can be found at https://mpl.org/special_events_and_programs/winter-fest/

~A combined community event brought to you by the East, Center Street, Martin Luther King, and Washington Park Branches.

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. Register K4/K5 HERE. Register 1st-4th graders HERE.

Remaining 2024 Dates:

• Monday Dec 23rd  @ Riverside Park UEC
• Winter Break- Dec 26th-27th, 30th @ Riverside Park UEC
• Spring Break- March 24th-28th 2025 @ Washington Park UEC