Research shows that when family members are involved in their child’s school — as decision-makers, volunteers, and advocates — the entire school is 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.
Family and Staff Communication
Parents and families can receive school notifications, phone calls, and announcements in Spanish, English, and other languages. Interpreters are available for school events and celebrations. Our bilingual office staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for all families, guests, and visitors.
Family Resources and Events
Parents can connect with our school and support their child’s learning in many ways, such as attending family events at Wedgewood Park, joining our School Engagement Council, and visiting our Parent Center. The Parent Center is in room 110 and open during school hours.
Scholars shine and families connect during events like our Family Art Night, VILS Virtual Family Night, Cultural Fest, and Title I Family Breakfast.
School Engagement Council (SEC)
Join our SEC to learn about Wedgewood Park International School attendance and academic goals and our budget. SEC members make decisions and revise plans to support students as they work toward these goals. Families and staff meet at 4:30 p.m. on the final Thursday of each month to review our school’s progress.
District Advisory Council (DAC)
Families can stay informed on and share ideas about the district’s Title I programs and priorities during monthly council meetings. Each school sends two delegates to meetings; alternates may attend as well.
Communicating with Your Child’s Teacher
Students feel extra motivated when teachers and parents work together to reinforce high expectations and positive learning strategies.
Wedgewood Park International School teachers send progress reports home and hold parent-teacher conferences — one each fall and spring. Teachers and staff are ready to help you with extra meetings or reports.
Here are some tips for building a strong parent-teacher relationship and staying up to date on school news and family events.
- Collect current school and teacher contact information at the beginning of each school year. You can gather this information from teacher handouts, during open-house events, or visit our staff directory.
- Join Remind, a digital communication app we use to easily, quickly communicate with families.
- Sign up for the MPS Family Friday Newsletter
- Sign up for the Wedgewood Park International School Newsletter
- Attend parent-teacher conferences. Students are proud to “show off” their school and feel supported when teachers and caregivers make time to meet at a conference or school event.
- Ask your child’s teacher if you can schedule a virtual appointment or phone call if conference days and times don’t work for you. Ask if your child should attend.
- Sign up for Campus Parent Portal to receive real-time updates on your child’s progress in school.
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 attendance a priority. There is an undeniable link between a student’s attendance and their overall success.
- 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) 604-7800. We must be sure every student has arrived safely and follow up with any who are absent. We must also record absences correctly.
- Considering our Early Bird program if your student needs a place to go before school. Early Bird provides on-site supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on school days.
- Completing your Milwaukee Public Schools volunteer application to become a Wedgewood Park International School volunteer.
Supporting Your Child from Home
Routine and structure at home can keep your child focused on learning and can be enriching for the entire family.
- Communicate with us. By communicating with the school, you are able to keep up with your child. It is recommended that parents attend parent-teacher conferences and reach out any time there are concerns or changes that may affect students.
- Set realistic expectations. It is always important to set standards to ensure that our children are working towards attaining a goal. Make sure these standards are realistic and attainable. By setting expectations, we can hold our students accountable for their education.
- Keep your child healthy. Make sure your child is getting enough rest and eating right. It is important that our students be prepared to take on 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.
- 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.