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

Our parent coordinator answers your questions about school events, manages the Rufus King International High School Parent Center and School Engagement Council, distributes our parent newsletter, and more. Our parent center is open on school days.

Join our School Engagement Council (SEC) to learn about Rufus King High School attendance, budgetary, and academic matters. Parent involvement is a proud and powerful tradition at King thanks to our SEC and Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO).

Families can stay informed on and share ideas about the district’s Title I programs and priorities during monthly District Advisory Council (DAC) meetings. Each school sends two delegates to meetings; alternates may attend as well

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 events.

• Collect updated 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.
• Check out the Rufus King calendar.
• 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.
• Contact scalestl@milwaukee.k12.wi.us to sign up for the Rufus King family 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 Student

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

• Making attendance a priority. There is an undeniable link between a student’s attendance and their overall success. Call the attendance line when your students will be absent, at (414) 267-0700. We must be sure every student has arrived safely and follow up with any who are absent. We must also record absences correctly.
• Making sure they arrive at school on time every day, class starts at 8:05 a.m.
• Keeping your child healthy. Make sure your child is getting enough rest and eating right. By caring for your child’s physical, emotional, and mental health, you’re helping them prepare for a healthy and focused day.
• Setting realistic expectations. It is always important to set standards to ensure that our 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.
• Completing your MPS volunteer application to become a Rufus King volunteer.
• Asking for help. 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, or social worker, please reach out. Our goal is to collaborate with parents and families to build a strong support network for our students.