Research shows that when family members are involved in their child’s school—as decision-makers, volunteers, and advocates—student performance and school culture are stronger.

We implement Milwaukee Public Schools Family & Community Engagement framework so families and staff can collaborate to support individual student achievement and overall school progress.

Parent and Family Engagement Opportunities

Parent Coordinator Paris Wright runs the Morse Middle School Parent Center and our School Engagement Council. Parents and family members can connect with him at wrightp2@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 393-3536. The Parent Center is in room 106A and is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days.

Join our School Engagement Council (SEC) to learn about Morse Middle School attendance, budgetary, and academic matters. Families and staff meet at 4:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month to review our school’s progress. SEC members make decisions, and revise plans to support student success.

Learn about and advise on district programs and strategies related to our Title One School-wide Program during monthly meetings of the Milwaukee Public Schools District Advisory Council (DAC). Each school sends two delegates to meetings; alternates may attend as well.

Students shine and families connect through school traditions and awards events. We celebrate our International Baccalaureate (IB) students during twice-yearly award galas and honor breakfasts. Open house events every fall and spring, our annual IB Math and Literacy Night, and annual Black History Program are a few events that welcome current and future Morse Middle School families.

Family and Staff Communication

Students feel extra motivated when teachers and parents work together to reinforce high expectations and positive learning strategies.

Here are some additional tips for building a strong parent-teacher relationship and staying up to date on school news and family events.

• Collect updated school and teacher contact information at the beginning of each school year. Gather this information from teacher handouts, during open-house events, or visit our staff directory.
• Sign up for Campus Parent Portal to receive real-time updates on your child’s progress in school.
• Join SchoolMessenger, a digital communication app we use to communicate with families.
• Sign up for the MPS Family Friday Newsletter.
• Read the Morse Middle School Newsletter.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences. If conference days and times don’t work for you, ask your child’s teacher if you can schedule a virtual appointment or phone call.

Supporting Your Child During the School Day

Family involvement leads to better grades, better attendance, improved test scores, higher self-esteem, and better behavior for children. Supporting your child’s success includes:

• Making sure your child arrives at school on time every day (9:05 a.m.).
• Calling the attendance line when your child will be absent, at (414) 393-3500. We must be sure every student has arrived safely and follow up with any who are absent. We must also record absences correctly.
• Completing your Milwaukee Public Schools volunteer application to become a Morse Middle School volunteer.

Supporting Your Child’s Education at Home

Supporting your child’s learning at home can include:

• Ensuring that your child gets the proper amount of sleep every night and nutrition during the day. It is important that our students be prepared for their day. By caring for your child’s physical, emotional, and mental health, you are ensuring that your child is ready to succeed in school.
• Setting realistic expectations. It is always important to set standards to ensure that children are working towards attaining a goal. Make sure that these standards are realistic and attainable. By setting expectations, we can hold our students accountable for their education.
• Reaching out. We understand that there are often obstacles that affect families. We are here to help. If you would like to talk to a school counselor, psychologist, social worker, or parent coordinator, please reach out. Our goal is to collaborate with parents and families to build a strong support network for our students.