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 Helen Cobb runs our Parent Center (open during the school day) and helps coordinate our School Engagement Council. Connect with her at cobbhl@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 247-7300.

School Engagement Council (SEC)

Join our SEC to learn about Pratt 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 scholar success.

SEC meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m. in the conference room, unless otherwise noted.

District Advisory Council (DAC)

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 and Celebrations

Family engagement starts before the first day of school. Caregivers drop off school supplies and meet teachers at our August open house.

Cultural observances and celebrations keep families and staff connected all year. Scholars research diverse cultures and legacies during Black History and Women’s History month. Parents learn from scholars and participate as volunteers and audience members at family events.

IB Family Night is also our spring open house and fifth-grade completion exhibition. Fifth graders share insight and skills gained during intensive research projects that mark the end of their PYP journey.

Family and Staff Communication

Scholars feel extra motivated when teachers and parents 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.
• Join SchoolMessenger and ClassDojo, communication tools 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 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 (7:25 a.m.).
• Following Pratt’s school uniform policy.
• Calling the attendance line when your child will be absent, at (414) 247-7300. 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 2:10 p.m. dismissal time. If your scholar does not use school transportation or attend our after-school program, they must be picked up at 2:10 p.m.
• Becoming a school volunteer by completing the MPS volunteer application.

Supporting Your Child’s Education at Home

Supporting your child’s learning at home can include:

• Helping your child with homework. At home, have a quiet time and place for homework.
• Exploring learning programs and games together. Login through Clever to find programs like Smarty Ants, My Path, Discovery Education, and Flocabulary.
• Sending your child to school with a bookbag daily and checking the bookbag nightly. Lots of important paperwork travels from school to home and back in their bookbag.
• Reading with or having your child read every day.
• Ensuring your child gets at least nine hours 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.

School Uniform

Marvin E. Pratt strives to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning and academic excellence. Uniforms are to be worn every day, from the first day of the school year. Non-uniform days are designated by the administration throughout the school year and are announced through the school’s communication channels.

Tops

White, light, or navy blue are approved colors for uniform tops.

• Solid-color collared shirt or blouse, long- or short-sleeved
• Plain cardigan, crewneck, v-neck sweater, or sweater vest may be worn over a uniform shirt or turtleneck. Collar or turtleneck must be visible.
• Marvin E. Pratt logo shirts may be purchased in the office.

Bottoms

Navy or tan are approved colors for uniform bottoms.

• Tailored uniform pants with waistband or belt loops
• Knee-length walking shorts (no more than three inches above the knee) with waistband or belt loops
• Uniform skirts and jumper (solid color leggings/tights may be worn underneath)

Unapproved Uniform Items

Scholars cannot wear:

• Jeans
• Jean shorts or biker shorts
• Hooded sweaters or sweatshirts (hoodies) indoors
• Logos, except for the Marvin E. Pratt logo