Upcoming Events / Meetings

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

KRISPY KREME DIGITAL DOZENS FUNDRAISER

Now – December 31st

More info below

WINTER BREAK – No School

December 22 – January 2, 2026

Classes resume January 5, 2026

PERSONAL PROJECT SHOWCASE

Presented by MacDowell 10th graders : Open to ALL

Tuesday, January 13th

12:45 – 3:00 pm 

MacDowell Gymnasium

HIGH SCHOOL FINAL EXAMS

January 21st – 23rd

*Please note these are early release days for high school students

ELEMENTARY FANCY DANCE

Friday, January 16th

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Details and RSVP to come

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.

General Reminders

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

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!  Staff Preference List 2025-26

SPIRIT WEAR UPDATE 

Dunn’s Sporting Goods has delivered ALL items, including embroidery items. Completed Spirit Wear has been delivered to student backpacks. Check those bags.  ~ Ms. Jaeger

**If you missed ordering this fall watch for another sale in spring.**

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.

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.

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

Middle and High School Families 

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. 

Save the Date: 10th GRADE PERSONAL PROJECT SHOWCASE – Tuesday January 13th

The IB MYP Personal Project is the cumulative project of the IB Middle Years Program (grades 7-10). Students will display and celebrate their semester-long learning projects!

PARENTS: ** Be sure to check in with your 10th grader and see that their project is progressing and they are on track to complete their presentation in time for the showcase.

HIGH SCHOOL TAB WARS IS ON

December 8th – February 13th

7-12th graders compete to win a pizza party and drinks while helping support the Ronald McDonald House. New this year: the staff will have a container for collecting their own tabs!!!!! Staff would get bragging rights, but the grade with the most tabs will still earn the prize of pizza party and drinks. 

Anyone can participate – place tabs in the grade’s bottle you’d like to support.

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

   

LOOK FOR LOST, MISSING, or OVERDUE LIBRARY BOOKS and get them turned in before the chaos of Winter Break! All students in grades 1-6 received overdue notices for books that are overdue. Please help your student(s) look for these books at home and get them back to the library ASAP!

What if we can’t find the missing library book? 

There are a few ways families can resolve a missing, lost, or damaged library book. Contact 

1. Purchase the exact title and donate to the library (hardcover is always preferred!)
2. Select a gently used hardcover book from home and donate it to replace the lost book.
3. Pay the replacement cost to the main office. 

PETER BROWN Author Visit Pics from Auditorium

All eleven elementary classes gathered in the auditorium last week Thursday for a special virtual author visit with Peter Brown! The PTO generously sponsored this inspirational event, during which students learned about Peter Brown’s journey from illustrator to author. Students all came with paper and pencils to engage in a draw-along learning how to use simple shapes to create scenes from our favorite stories! Be sure to check out the amazing drawings compiled in a poster display on all three floors!

   Click here to see these tips full-size with clickable links: https://tinyurl.com/familymediatips

Sports and Activities Update

JUNEAU GEAR WEBSITE

High School Athletic Director Ms. Schenk operates a Juneau gear site year round. 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/ 

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 January 21 at 5:30pm. After the 5:00pm SEC Meeting

November PTO minutes : HERE 

The PTO would like to plan a new event for this spring: the Fun Run! But we need a few people to help. We’re looking for fresh ideas to make this event great!  We anticipate a few virtual meetings and email to organize. If you are interested in joining the committee please email ptomacdowell@gmail.com 

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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

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

QUICK LINKS:

MPS School Calendar

School Website

Lunch Menu – K-8th December

Lunch Menu – High School December

November IB Newsletter

Staff Preferences 25-26

MacDowell Spotlight

MacDowell is often buzzing with student activity. That was especially evident the Friday before Thanksgiving break. A walk around campus showed a mix of happenings. Upper elementary students helping with primary, Mr Maiter’s cooperative games participating in cup stacking, Jayson Muzame DJing at Staff v Student game, Nutcracker practice for Ms. Emily, Drumline practice, art studio and so much more. 

ETHNIC POTLUCK & GRATITUDE TREE

Thank you to the families that joined us prior to Thanksgiving for the Ethnic Potluck. It was a lovely evening of shared community and food. A great selection of dishes and desserts were offered. Thank you to the classrooms that added research or dishes from their classrooms. Please consider joining us next year! An extra thank you to the families that stayed until the end and helped me clean up the cafe. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!! – Ms.Jaeger 

If you have not done so already – please take a moment to stop in our front hallway. I put together a Gratitude Tree from the entire campus. The final product could not have happened without the participation of all classrooms- 3 year olds to 12th grade. The final result is a beautiful example of our community. 

MILWAUKEE BUCKS MYLES TURNER VISITS LEGO CLUB

We were fortunate to be visited by the Milwaukee Bucks organization, and their new center, Myles Turner last Tuesday.  Myles worked with our Lego Clubs to do a special lego event with students. The students built a custom Lego set with Myles, he autographed their Lego sets, and encouraged them to build their own future and follow their creativity. After the set was built Lego Master Nealita set the challenge: build a basketball court or variation of their own imagination. Students got to meet Bango, eat pizza, and got a free Bucks hat and mittens as well.  News footage from the event is below.  A HUGE thanks to our activities coordinator Ms. Wanta, our Lego club instructor, Ms. Nealita, and Ms. Raasch for supporting the implementation of Lego Club and this event. It was AMAZING!

View stories in the media here: 

WISN TV video

WTMJ radio story/text

Milwaukee Bucks Community FB Post

Community Resources and Opportunities  

District Montessori Advisory Committee Meeting (MAC)

Join us at Central Services, 5225 W. Vliet Street, 

Monday, January 5, 2026

5:30 to 6:30 pm

Room 210–211

The Montessori Advisory Committee (MAC) needs your thoughts, ideas, and voice. Join us to help strengthen Montessori education in Milwaukee. Be part of a committee working to make MPS a global leader in Montessori practice.

Upcoming FREE SANTA AND GIFTS EVENTS –

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service: Where your child can meet Santa and get free gifts in Milwaukee

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.

MacDowell’s Art club has produced ceramic ornaments to decorate one of the trees that will be on display.

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