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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 enrollment fairs!
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 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information, visit our Kindergarten Enrollment page.
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PEOPLE Program—Applications Are Open!
Students in 9th grade who want to get a jump on preparing for college should apply for the PEOPLE Program offered through the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Learn who is eligible and how to apply. PEOPLE offers mentoring and support throughout high school and up to college graduation.
Applications are open through tonight, January 9, 2026. Learn more on the PEOPLE website.
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Learn About
School Resource Officers (SROs)
A number of MPS schools have a School Resource Officer on site. Students, families, and staff are invited to attend a meeting hosted by the Milwaukee Police Department to learn about the role of SROs, their current activities, and engagement with students.
Monday, January 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Milwaukee Marshall High School
4141 N. 64th St., Milwaukee, 53216
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MCTS Service Changes in 2026
Starting January 11, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will roll out its 2026 Winter Service Plan. Six routes that had been proposed for elimination will remain in service but 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
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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.
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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
Read more about excellent benefits and open positions.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 | | |
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!
| | In case you missed it . . . | | |
MPS Completes Lead Work
After 10 months of intense work, the district completed efforts toward lead paint stabilization in 99 schools that had been identified as needing intervention. The buildings have been inspected and deemed safe from lead hazards. The completion of the work comes ahead of the district’s self-imposed deadline of December 31.
Read more about these districtwide efforts.
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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 M3—transforming the future of Milwaukee through education.
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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.
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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.
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Sign up for Text Messages
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.
| | 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
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Milwaukee Board of School Directors
Upcoming Meetings: January
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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 Family and Community Engagement: Tues. Jan. 13, 5:30 p.m.
Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation: Thurs. Jan. 15, 5:30 p.m.
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.
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