Reinforcing the Code of Conduct at home through discussions and by example strengthens a child’s character. The Code of Conduct not only helps students at school, but also teaches them about respect, work ethic, and builds positive relationships with peers and adults.

Research shows that when family members are involved in their child’s education and their school community—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 Jessica Steenwyk runs the Parent Center and helps coordinate our School Engagement Council (SEC) and Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). Contact her at steenwj@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 393-5700.

PTSA members meet monthly to fundraise, review student and staff grant applications, plan staff appreciation events, and more.

Join our SEC to learn about MSL attendance, budgetary, and academic matters. Families and staff meet monthly to review our school’s progress. SEC members make decisions and revise plans to support student success. SEC meetings are held both virtually and in-person on the second Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

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.

Family Events

Get to know other MSL families during open house events, student plays and concerts, and celebrations like our annual Festival of Nations. Monthly family nights at Cousins Subs bring our community together and raise funds for MSL.

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.
• Keep an eye out for our family newsletter, The Hawk Squawk.
• 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 Student

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:

• Arriving on time every day (8:00 a.m.).
  • Drop off middle school students at the playground entrance on 86th Street between 7:45-7:55 a.m.
  • Drop off high school students at the main door on Burleigh Street.
• Prioritizing attendance. There is an undeniable link between a student’s attendance and their overall success. Call the attendance line when your child will be absent at (414) 393-5760. We must be sure every student has arrived safely and follow up with any who are absent. We must also record absences correctly.
• Observing the 3:25 p.m. dismissal time.
• Completing your MPS volunteer application to become an MSL volunteer.
• Reviewing your child’s assignments to ensure they are completing work, working on projects, and studying for tests and quizzes.
• Talking to your child about their relationships with their peers. Report bullying or inappropriate interactions to teachers or school administration.

MSL Student Supplies

Starting the school year strong includes providing students with the supplies they need to be successful. We encourage families to bring all school supplies to MSL by the second week of the new school year. Even better: You can drop them during our August open house event.

• MSL Middle School Supply List
• MSL High School Supply List
• Families can also consult the MPS student supply list.