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 Rachelle Roach helps coordinate our School Engagement Council (SEC), plans events for MSIS families, and keeps them informed on school happenings. Parents and family members can connect with her by email (roachre@milwaukee.k12.wi.us) or phone.

• Lower Campus: Monday through Wednesday, (414) 604-9773
• Upper Campus: Thursday and Friday, (414) 604-7611

Parent involvement is a proud and powerful tradition at MSIS thanks to our SEC and Parent Teacher Association (PTA). PTA officers and volunteers fundraise and organize annual school dances and picnics, book fairs, movie nights, and staff appreciation events. New volunteers and members are always welcome.

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 DAC. Each school sends two delegates to meetings; alternates may attend as well.

Family Events

Get to know other MSIS families during school info nights, open houses, and celebrations. Popular annual events bring families together to explore new cultures, cheer on student musicians and dancers, and learn from student research projects and presentations.

• Academic Evenings: Literacy Night, Science Night, and other evening events combine hands-on activities, games, and demonstrations that show MSIS families how teachers teach and students learn.
• Book Fairs: Twice-yearly book fairs are an opportunity to browse and purchase quality children’s literature in Spanish and English.
• Festival Hispánico: A dance showcase for audiences and a hands-on learning experience for students, Festival Hispánico is an MSIS family favorite. Students explore the culture of a Spanish-speaking country through dance. They learn and practice choreography and perform at Festival Hispánico in culturally authentic dance attire.
• Field Day: Volunteers and fans make this event extra special for students as they celebrate the end of the school year with games, prizes, and more.
• Mercado: Student research, art-making, and fundraising make the MSIS Mercado meaningful for all. After weeks of intensive study focused on one Spanish-speaking country, students apply their new knowledge to making arts, crafts, or cuisine from that country. Students sell their creations at Mercado night. All proceeds benefit MSIS.
• Monarch Ultra Mini: This 5K run/walk through our upper-campus neighborhood allows students to take part in environmental education and advocacy. The mini marathon raises awareness of the monarch butterfly and the species’ unique conservation needs.

Family and Staff Communication

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

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

• Collect school and teacher contact information at the beginning of the year. Gather this information from teachers, 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 for district-wide news and updates.
• Read our Principal Updates and newsletters.
• 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: Lower Campus – 9:20 a.m. | Upper Campus – 9:05 a.m.
• Calling the attendance line when your child will be absent, at (414) 604-7600. We must be sure every student has arrived safely and follow up with any who are absent. We must also record absences correctly.
• Observing our dismissal time. If your student does not use school transportation or attend MSIS Camp, they must be picked by: Lower Campus – 4:05 p.m. | Upper Campus – 3:50 p.m.
• Becoming a school volunteer by completing the MPS volunteer application.
• Following the MSIS student supply list to ensure your child has the materials they need to start the school year strong.

Supporting Your Child’s Education at Home

Supporting your child’s learning at home can include:

• Helping your child with homework. Have a quiet time and place for homework.
• Exploring learning programs and games together. Login through Clever to find programs like BrainPop Discovery Education, Espanol, Flocabulary, Mango Languages, Sora, and ST Math.
• Sending your child to school with a bookbag every day and checking the bookbag at night. Lots of important paperwork travels from school to home and back in their bookbag.
• Reading with or having your child read every day.
• Making sure your child gets the proper amount of sleep every night.
• Connecting. We understand that there are often obstacles that affect families. 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 students.