Upcoming Events / Meetings

ETHNIC POTLUCK

TONIGHT Thursday, November 20th

5:30 – 7:00 pm

Join us for an evening of food and community

KRISPY KREME DIGITAL DOZENS FUNDRAISER

Now – December 31st

NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE

November 24th – 28th: Classes resume Monday 12/1

DISTRICT ADVISORY (DAC) MEETING

Thursday, December 4th

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Via Zoom: LINK

PHOTO RETAKE DAY

Tuesday, December 9th

EARLY RELEASE DAY

Wednesday, December 10th

Times listed below

SEC/PTO MEETING

Wednesday, December 10th

5:00 / 5:30pm

WINTER CONCERT – 7-12TH GRADE 

Thursday, December 11th

6:00 – 7:30 pm

BATTLE OF THE DRUMLINES

Come watch MacDowell’s Drumline, led by instructor Omar Colín, as they battle it out next month.

Enjoy our talented musicians and see exciting performances! Don’t miss this high energy show!

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025

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

Location: 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

General Reminders

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

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. 

LIFETOUCH PICTURE PACKAGES & PROOFS HAVE BEEN SENT HOME

• School photos were delivered today. Preorder prints and proofs should be sent home in the coming days.

• 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/.

• Picture Retake day will be Tuesday, December 9th.

• 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 picture. Another picture package will be sent to school. 
• Please Note: Picture Retake day is Tuesday December 9th. Forms are available in the main office or by request. Please notify your child’s teacher if they are to get their picture retaken. 

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.

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!

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

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

October PTO minutes : HERE 

🎁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.

KRISPY KREME DIGITAL DOZENS – $15

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

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

 

Links:

High quality content, movies, shows, games, and apps

 Middle and High School Families 

WINTER CONCERT

Students in Mr. Ash’s Orchestra and Modern Band are expected to perform at the Winter Concert on December 11th. 

Watch for communication to confirm permission and attendance to the concert. 

Sports and Activities Update

High School Winter Sports Deadlines

Winter sports registration is open until November 24. 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. 

Register online: https://mpsathletics-ar.rschooltoday.com/home

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

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

Elementary & Middle School Athletics

Elementary Coach Needed

We’re in need of a parent volunteer to step in as the head coach for a 1st-3rd grade Soccer team this spring. If you are available or interested in more information please contact Ms Wanta at wantalm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us. 

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 

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.

COLDER WEATHER: As the season has turned 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!

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. September and October items have been bagged and will be donated December 1st. 

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

~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

QUICK LINKS:

MPS School Calendar

School Website

Lunch Menu – K-8th December

Lunch Menu – High School December

October IB Newsletter

Staff Preferences 25-26

MacDowell Spotlight

AUTHOR VISIT

MacDowell’s PTO has been able to fund three author visits for MacDowell students this school year. The first one was shared with all Upper Elementary students in early November. Jerry Craft informed and entertained the children on his story writing journey and about his new book J vs K while drawing along for the children to follow. The students were attentive and engaged. It was a great success! Thank you to all that help raise funds for the PTO – this is the extra programming they are able to provide our students. December will bring Peter Brown and February we’ll visit with Tracey Baptiste. 

HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY MONITORS

Our high school helpers are essential for our busy and active library. Kiki (12th) spends 6-9 hours weekly supporting all library operations, everything from refilling ink pads to helping Ms. Raasch remember to eat her lunch! Seniors Janyah, Jamin, Kendreanna, and Ashley (11th) spend 3-5 hours every week assisting with circulation, reshelving, and other various tasks and projects that are needed to run a successful library program! Ethan (12th) has recently been learning the ropes, too! 

Community Resources and Opportunities  

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 2025-2026 Dates:

• Winter Break- Dec 22, 23, 26, 29, & 30 @ Riverside Park UEC
• 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.