Principal Andrea Corona	MacDowell Montessori IB Newsletter March 2023 Edition
Assistant Principals Brian Fink (DP)  Renita Roberson (MYP) Danita Tyler (K-6) IB Programs Grading/Assessment DP: Diploma Program (11-12) MYP: Middle Years Program (7-10) *We are currently a candidate school for our MYP*	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: RISK-TAKER: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. 9th grader Ian Kuenning was nominated and voted this month’s risk-taker by school staff. He embodies this attribute because of his continuous work towards breaking down his anxiety and personal fears both in school and outside of school!
IB Coordinators  Aaron Spiering (DP)  Stacey Geiger (MYP) School Counselors Crystal Bruce-Konuah(9-12)  Unfilled (K-8) Clickable Links  Staff Emails Grading/Assessment MYP Objectives and Strands	8th Grade Community Project Our 7th and 8th grade students are currently working on their MYP Community Project, which is a multi-part, self-directed project, and presentation. Students were able to choose to complete this solo, in a pair, or a small group of three. They will apply, and evaluate, the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout their years at MacDowell by engaging with their community to make it a better place. Students will generate new insights and develop a deeper understanding of the world in which they live through an in-depth investigation, and communicate their findings to peers, teachers, and the school community. Some examples of our 8th Graders Community Project include: clothing donation for survivors of Domestic Violence, a bake sale to raise money for the MacDowell’s Stage Crew, Little Free Librarians (creating and posting in their neighborhoods), and recycling posters to promote better recycling. Just to name a few!
	MacDowell Vision Statement Students will leave MacDowell ready to pursue their Great Work. They will be ready to pursue this work in College and career training without remediation.

MacDowell Calendar

~Mad Hot Rhythm Competition,  Monday, April 17th at the UW-Panther Arena. The competition starts at 10AM with Finals and Awards at 12:30 PM. The competition will also be livestreamed on Facebook!

~ K5-12th grade Spring Concert, April 27th. See Flyer HERE and below.

~ Junior and Senior Prom, May 6th, Hotel Metro

~SAVE THE DATE! Spring Open House and Ice Cream Social, Thursday May 4th from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. See Flyer HERE and below.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Youth Art Exhibition News from Mr. Schwarten

Six of our middle school students will have artwork on display in the Youth Art Exhibition during the State Fair this coming August.  The Youth Art Exhibit is on display in the outer North and West corridors of the exhibition hall and represents work from schools across the state.  In addition, 4 of the students were awarded 1st or 2nd place awards.  

Congrats to our student artists for their diligent work and the creative voice they share with our community!

The students are as follows:

• Brynn Klusmeyer, Museum Digital Mosaic, 1st place in Digital Art, Junior Division
• Naomi Taylor, Stained Glass Mosaic,  1st place in Judge’s Favorite Class 8,  Junior Division
• Zaire Harris, Contentment, 2nd place in Mixed Media, Junior Division
• Kayla Robinson, The Fishes, 2nd place in Mixed Media, Junior Division
• Diamond Howell, Winter Sunset, Digital Art
• Poppy Johnson, Digital Mosaic -Squid Pose, Digital Art

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COMMUNITY DAY for Middle and High School students

May 5th

What is Community Day? It is a special day for every 7th-12th student to engage in projects that provide service to our community – projects which are in alignment with our Service and Action goals of our Middle Years Program and our Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) goals of our Diploma Program. During this year’s Community Day students will be taking part in a number of different activities such as blanket making for the Humane Society, cleanup at local parks and on our school grounds, making sandwiches, and sorting items for homeless shelters.

APEX FUNDRAISER: To help support Community Day we are launching an APEX fundraiser. Students will be asking their friends and families to sponsor their community service by making donations. The school will use these funds to pay for transportation to their community day projects as well as support other middle and high school initiatives such as occupations, field trips and special events.

Our APEX fundraiser kicks off on April 21st

Our APEX fundraiser will conclude with Community Day on May 5th.

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Library News from Ms. Raasch

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Spring Concert Permission slips have been shared with students this week.

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Don’t Forget to Order

This Year’s School Pictures

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MPS NEWS

New this Summer! Free Overnight Camp for MPS Students in Grades 4-8!

MPS allocated ESSER dollars to send MPS students to their choice of 8 summer camps located in Wisconsin. This opportunity is available for students currently enrolled in grades 4-8 as of the 2022-23 school year. ESSER funds will cover the cost of camp registration, camp-provided transportation to and from camp, and a camper supply kit. Stays range from several days to several weeks.

Overnight camp is an opportunity to make friends, enjoy nature, and create lifelong memories. Promotional information was emailed to households of all grade-eligible students on March 28. Parents/guardians were asked to complete the Camp Interest Form if they would like their children to attend. This is the first step; additional information will then be provided to complete registrations.

Families are encouraged to attend our Information Fairs on April 11 (virtual) and April 15 (in person). Representatives from each camp will share what students can expect from an overnight camp experience. Click here for Information Fair details and RSVP form. For more information about the initiative click here.

Please note: The long standing Camps for Kids program will again award over 100 MPS students with a “full campership” to attend a weeklong residential summer camp in Wisconsin. For additional information about

Camps for Kids, please visit their website.

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STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE 2023-2028 SCHOOL YEARS

If you would like to learn more about the findings and the draft of the Strategic Plan that will guide Milwaukee Public Schools improvements in the next five years, the district will hold five community feedback sessions next month. All sessions are open to MPS staff and members of the public. You will have an opportunity to weigh in and provide feedback prior to finalization of the plan. We look forward to your participation.

• Thursday, April 13: For Districts 3 and 5 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rufus King International Middle School, 121 E. Hadley Street
• Tuesday, April 18: For District 7 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hamilton High School, 6215 W. Warnimont Avenue. See Flyer HERE
• Thursday, April 27: For Districts 6 and 8 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Manitoba School, 4040 W. Forest Home Avenue
• Saturday, April 29: For District 4 and At Large — 9 to 11 a.m. in the Central Services Auditorium, 5225 W. Vliet Street

Feedback from the meetings will help inform the new MPS Strategic Plan, which will include annual performance targets after launching in July.

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RESOURCES

Starting this weekend, various Milwaukee County Parks will be open for fishing season!

Join us for the Annual Free Spring Fishing Clinics for Kids!

DNR Fishing Clinic: Saturday, April 15th, 9am-3pm

Various Locations (see flier attached)

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Tips for Communicating With Kids

“Why won’t they just listen?” Whether you’re dealing with a toddler who won’t clean up their toys or a teen who’s giving you the silent treatment, communicating with kids can be tough. And even though we all know that yelling rarely helps, it’s hard to keep your cool during frustrating conversations — especially when your child is getting worked up too.

This week on childmind.org, we round up resources on communicating effectively with kids of any age. We have strategies for talking to toddlers in ways they can understand and giving instructions that kids will actually follow. We also have tips for keeping the lines of communication open with teens while still respecting their independence. Plus, an overview of auditory processing disorder, which can make it look like kids aren’t listening when really they’re struggling to process what they hear.

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QUICK LINKS:

MPS School Calendar

School Website

Staff Emails

APRIL Lunch Menu – PDF

Covid-19 Update Webpage

Parent/Student Handbook on Rights, Responsibilities, and Discipline