Family Friday Newsletter January 16, 2026

Milwaukee's Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration

Milwaukee will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration, sponsored by the Marcus Performing Arts Center, on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

This year marks the 42nd annual birthday event in Milwaukee. Student winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech and Essay Contests will deliver their speeches and read their essays during the celebration. Artwork by winners in the Art Contest will also be featured. Admission is free.

For more information, visit the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts webpage.

News and Updates

MPS Observance of MLK Birthday on Monday, January 19, 2026

In accordance with the federal holiday, MPS will observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19. All schools, sites, and district offices will be closed.

For ideas to learn more about Dr. King and find materials for children, visit National Geographic Kids.

Milwaukee Virtual School—Enroll Now!

Milwaukee Virtual School (MVS) has open seats for the second semester! The new semester begins January 27. Enroll now!

MVS provides a flexible schedule in an environment that families choose themselves. The program is delivered via Imagine Learning virtual instruction. Seats are available for students in Milwaukee County and surrounding counties.

MVS offers added benefits you won’t find anywhere else.

Face-to-face instruction one hour per day for K4 to grade 5 plus computer-based instruction and a workbook
On-demand tutoring seven days per week for grades 6–12
Teacher mentors support all levels in all subjects
Parent Support Center for in-person technology help and resources
Imagine Learning Specialist for platform support
Students can join sports, clubs, and activities at a nearby MPS school, including prom, science fair, job fairs, and theater
Instruction available in Spanish, French, and other languages
College and career planning
Dual enrollment to earn college credit through MATC and UWM
In-person graduation ceremony for high school seniors

Learn more and enroll at mpsmke.com/mvs.

Priority enrollment for Fall 2026 is open!

District families can apply through Feb. 6.
Out-of-district families can apply through Feb. 13, 2026.

Join Us!

Kindergarten Enrollment Fairs

Kindergarten enrollment for Fall 2026 will begin January 31, 2026. MPS will host two enrollment fairs to help families explore programs, choose schools, and enroll students. Mark your calendar to attend an enrollment fair!

January 31, 2026

South Division High School

1515 W. Lapham Blvd., Milwaukee, 53204

February 21, 2026

North Division High School

1011 W. Center St., Milwaukee, 53206

Both fairs are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information, visit our Kindergarten Enrollment page.

MPS Reads

Each month, MPS provides a list of recommended books for preschool through grade 12 that allows students to see themselves, explore other cultures, and discover more about the world in which they live.

Help ignite a passion for reading! Access the monthly book list on the MPS Reads page.

MCTS Service Changes in 2026

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has rolled out its 2026 Winter Service Plan. Six routes now will run only during peak hours. Check your routes to see how these changes affect your travel: RideMCTS.com/ServiceChanges.

For a list of route changes that impact MPS schools, please visit ridemcts.com/mps2026.

New Safety Programs

Also in 2026, MCTS will implement new programs to improve safety: a pilot program with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office to have law enforcement on select routes and a change to the MCTS Public Safety Officer program to improve fare compliance.

Learn about service changes: MCTS News

SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training

MPS families, staff, and students age 15 and older are invited to this free event! Learn how to recognize and respond to individuals who are struggling and may have thoughts of suicide. Receive SafeTALK certification upon completion.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Bradley Tech High School

700 S. 4th St., Milwaukee, 53204

Lunch and refreshments will be served. Childcare is available.

Visit Our Career Fairs!

MPS seeks exceptional individuals to join our team! The district is hosting monthly fairs to help job seekers explore careers and learn more about working in MPS.

The district is looking for teachers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, food service managers, and more.

Each job fair seeks specific positions; contact our recruitment coordinators to find out what jobs will be offered by emailing mpscoordinators@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

MPS Central Services–5225 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, 53208

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Rufus King High School–1801 W. Olive St., Milwaukee, 53209

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Milwaukee Marshall High School–4141 N. 64th St., Milwaukee, 53216

Weather Closing Information

With the arrival of wintry weather, please be alert for school closings because of weather. The decision to close schools will be posted on the MPS website, MPS Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages, and on all major television stations.

Visit our Weather Information webpage for more information.

Stay Safe During Winter Weather

Cold weather can turn dangerous very quickly. If you need winter clothing for your children, check with the parent coordinator at your child's school to find out if items are available.

The City of Milwaukee has tips and resources for staying safe and locating resources to combat cold weather. Visit the city's Cold Weather Safety Information page to find warming shelters, safety tips, winter parking regulations, and more.

Help Keep Students Warm—Donate to Our Mitten Drive by January 31!

Cold weather is here! Help our students keep warm at bus stops and walking to school. Bring new mittens, caps, gloves, scarves, and other warm items to the north or south entrances of MPS Central Services, and our friendly security team will gladly accept your donations. We love handmade items, too!

MPS Central Services

5225 W. Vliet St.

Milwaukee, WI, 53208

Seniors—Apply for College Scholarships!!

MPS scholarship information is available to students in Xello and through the MPS Scholarship Google Folder. The folder includes event flyers, scholarship applications, presentations, and the 2025–26 MPS Scholarships & College and Career Opportunity list. All materials can be viewed online, downloaded, and printed at any time.

MPS high schools will host College Ca$h Workshops during the week of February 23–27, 2026. These workshops give students dedicated time and support to apply for scholarships.

Families are encouraged to visit the MPS Scholarships webpage for additional resources on college affordability and to connect with their student’s school counselor or College and Career Center advisor for one-on-one assistance.

Every Day Counts!

Help Is Available to Support Attendance

With the arrival of cold weather, we want all our students to get to school safely every day so they can continue good attendance habits that started in fall.

If your child needs mittens or other warm clothing for winter, contact the Parent Coordinator at your child's school. They can locate resources for the winter months.

Families: Remember that you can check attendance by logging in to the Campus Parent Portal at mpsmke.com/parentportal. If you need assistance with Campus Parent, scroll down in this newsletter for contact information.

District Weekly Highlight

MPS Receives Final $8 Million Withheld by State, Completes Audit

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has released to MPS $8 million in previously withheld state funding, the last installment of withheld funds from 2025. MPS also submitted its external financial audit for the 2024–25 fiscal year, marking the third audit completed in just under 13 months.

In case you missed it . . .

Reagan Varsity Wins

2025 Battle of the Drumlines

Congratulations to the Reagan Varsity Drumline! Reagan musicians unseated reigning champions Rufus King in the 2025 Battle of the Drumlines in December.

Read the results of this exciting competition!

Milwaukee Direct Admit Application Is Open!

MPS high school juniors: Apply to 11 Wisconsin colleges and universities in less than 5 minutes!

Milwaukee Direct Admit is a streamlined application that connects your MPS academic records directly to the schools of your choice. Fill out a simple form with your student information.

Apply to 10 University of Wisconsin campuses and MATC
Application is free
No attachments or transcripts are needed
No essay or letters of recommendation!

What happens next?

Accepted candidates will receive offers and will need to officially accept the offer of their choice and complete forms required by the school they select.
Students must graduate from high school in spring or summer of their senior year.
Start college in Fall 2027!

Learn more at mpsmke.com/directadmit!

Apply now!

Milwaukee Direct Admit is sponsored by M-Cubed — transforming the future of Milwaukee through education.

Need Money for College? Fill out the FAFSA!

The first step in finding money for college is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is now open for students who will start college in Fall 2026. Students who apply early might have more money available to them because some funding is limited.

This application is free and will reveal what loans and grants might be available to students. Read more about FAFSA. Help is available to students through MPS College and Career Centers.

Where's the Bus?

Download the App!

Student safety is a top priority in MPS. District families have access to an exciting app to help track their child’s bus—WheresTheBus! This app allows families to track their child’s bus in real time.

The app is free! Families can access WheresTheBus from any internet-enabled device—smartphone, tablet, PC, or iPad. Apple iOS and Android apps are available.

To access WheresTheBus, families must have a Campus Parent (parent portal) account with a login and password. These can be set up two ways:

At each child’s school during regular school hours; an ID is required; OR
At MPS Central Services, 5225 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53208, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; an ID is required

Learn more and read how to access the app on the MPS website at WheresTheBus.

Get important district and school messages sent to your phone!

Opt in by texting Y to 67587. This can be done for any mobile phone. For questions or assistance, please contact the Department of Communications and Marketing at comm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

Stay Connected!

MPS offers tools to help families find the information and support they need. Log in to the Campus Parent portal and follow us on social media. The parent coordinator at your child's school also can assist.

Campus Parent Portal Technical Support

Live Campus Parent support is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To recover a username/password: Parents or guardians should email parentportal@milwaukee.k12.wi.us. Include the parent or guardian name, child’s name, birth date, and a contact number. If you do not receive a phone call or email within 24 hours, please call (414) 475-8159 for further assistance.

For assistance setting up a new Campus Parent account: Parents or guardians may call (414) 475-8159 or email parentportal@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Milwaukee Board of School Directors

Upcoming Meetings: January & February

If you'd like to follow the meetings of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors, visit the Milwaukee Board of School Directors page to find the meeting schedule, agendas, and links to watch or listen to live meetings. Instructions for public testimony are also offered on this page.

Committee on Accountability, Finance, and Personnel: Tues. Jan. 20, 5:30 p.m.

Committee on Legislation, Rules, and Policies: Tues. Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m.

Regular Monthly Board Meeting: Thurs. Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m.

Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation: Thurs. Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m.