Family Friday Newsletter
Fresh Fruit and Veg Dec 2020
Free Fresh Produce for Families in December
Back by popular demand! MPS will offer bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to families on three Thursdays in December through the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Each bag will contain nutrition facts and recipes so families can enjoy new healthy food options. Each week will celebrate a different health aspect: The Importance of Good Nutrition and Mindful Eating; Preparing for Seasonal Winter Eating; and 'Tis the Season for Change-How our Food Choices Affect the Environment.

Families can pick up a produce bag Dec. 3, 10, and 17 at Stop, Grab, and Go locations during regular meal distribution hours of 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Read more about free produce for families!
Stay connected with MPS by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
News and Updates
December 4, 2020
Community Feedback on Classroom Conduct
MPS continues to evaluate and revise practices that impact classroom conduct. The district has ongoing efforts to foster a positive climate, respectful interactions, and thoughtful engagement. We invite families and community members to participate in these important discussions.
  • Share experiences regarding behavior and communication
  • Discuss approaches, actions, and attitudes to build trust
  • Suggest ways to strengthen school culture
  • Address concerns on discipline practices that deter learning
  • Provide ideas to enhance the learning climate/environment
Share your comments at: http://tinyurl.com/mpscommunityinput
Or attend a virtual meeting to take part in the discussion. The following sessions are scheduled on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Connect at https://tinyurl.com/y6snd3tz
  • December 9, 2020
  • January 13, 2021
  • February 10, 2021
Student in library
Student Pathway to Teaching
Are you a high school student interested in becoming a teacher? Join the M3 College Connections Education Pathway! Take classes through UWM or MATC that count toward graduation AND earn college credit. High school juniors who are on track for graduation should apply now at M-Cubed Education Pathway. The deadline has been extended to December 11, 2020.
Read more about this opportunity at M-Cubed Early College Program.
Stay Connected!
Families--get answers to questions about your child's grades, attendance, assignments, and more on Infinite Campus. This tool gives instant access to your child's records and contains helpful information from your child's teacher and school. Log in at Infinite Campus. Contact your child's school if you need help logging in.
College Exploration and Scholarship Events
MPS and the Marquette University Black Student Union will host an Urban Scholarship Help Session on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Learn about 40 full-tuition scholarships that are available. Join the Zoom meeting at https://milwaukeemps.zoom.us/j/89747596844?pwd=RklGS0FtdGdLOUx6UW5YWmhCVGZ6dz09#success and enter:
Meeting ID: 897 4759 6844
Passcode: 737097
For more information, contact Karolyn Taylor at [email protected] or 414-475-8761.
Piano Scholarships for Students
If your child is in grades 6-11 and plays piano, apply for a scholarship to the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music! The Mary Horwitt Scholarship will provide $1,000 to students who show a level of skill in playing piano. The scholarship is intended for lessons beginning in Fall 2021.
Read more and begin your application now! Deadline is February 21, 2021.
Something to Say cover
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 December book list on the MPS Reads page.
Keep Clear of COVID-19
Many people are worn out by the pandemic and by continually taking measures to stay safe. Now, more than ever, it is critical to follow safety procedures. Please continue to take steps to stop the spread of coronavirus and stay healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly updates its guidelines regarding the pandemic. Find helpful tips and messages prepared by CDC experts.

Please stay safe by continuing these practices.
  • Wear a mask or covering on your mouth AND nose when you are out.
  • Avoid crowded places.
  • Wash your hands any time you come home from a public place.
  • Stay 6 feet away from others when you are out.
  • Check on friends and loved ones who may need help.

If you have symptoms or think you have been exposed, get tested! Visit the City of Milwaukee Health Department website for locations and information. A free shuttle bus is available to the Miller Park testing site.
In case you missed it . . .
STEaM Summit logo
STEaM Summit for Girls
Attention, girls! The Milwaukee Business Journal STEaM Summit goes virtual this year. Enjoy videos with science activities, career information, and more. Apply for a scholarship to be used for STEM/STEAM camps or education. Deadline is January 30, 2021. Find all the details at https://partners.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/steam-summit/
MPS Alumni Newsletter
Are you an MPS graduate? Check out our newsletter for alumni! Everyone who graduated from an MPS high school is considered part of the MPS Forever Family. Visit the MPS Alumni Hub or read our latest newsletter.
Meal Distribution -- Evening Hours!
MPS continues to distribute packaged breakfasts and lunches to children age 18 and under at 50 Stop, Grab, & Go sites. All sites are open from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. on school days.

Hours have been added at three schools, which are also offering meals from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M.
  • North Division High School, 1101 W. Center Street
  • Obama High School, 5025 N. Sherman Blvd.
  • South Division High School, 1515 W. Lapham Blvd.

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). This application is free and will reveal what loans and grants may be available to students. Read more about FAFSA and plan to fill out your application soon. Help is available to students through MPS College and Career Centers.
We're here to help!

For questions about your child or your school, please email your child's teacher or principal.

MPS Central Services Phone Line: (414) 475-8393
MPS Hotline: (414) 475-8900
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
For specific questions regarding a child with disabilities, call the Department of Specialized Services at (414) 438-3648.
Families who need support for English language learners can call (414) 777-7806.

Enrollment
If you need immediate enrollment, contact a school directly, visit mpsmke.com/enroll, or call (414) 267-5100.

Chromebook Support
If your student's Chromebook is not working properly, do not try to repair it yourself. Email the MPS Technology Support Center at [email protected] immediately or call (414) 438-3400 . Please include a phone number, school name, student name and ID number, and description of the problem in the email so we can contact you.

Parent Portal Technical Support
Live Parent Portal (Infinite Campus) support is available from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.
 
To recover a username/password: Parents/guardians should email [email protected]. Include the parent/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 Parent Portal account: Parents/guardians may call (414) 475-8159 or email [email protected]
Explore and Learn: Virtual Field Trips

Each week, we feature four new virtual field trips to add variety to learning. Enjoy virtual tours of factories, parks, and zoos around the world!

Clean the World: Learn how this company recycles hotel soaps to save the planet.

How Candy Canes Are Made: Watch the many steps needed to bring this treat to life.

Learn Origami: Turn a paper square into a cute butterfly.

Pet the Goats: Learn about goats and meet the flock at Zoo Atlanta.
No Meal Distribution
December Dates
MPS does not distribute meals to students on scheduled days off. Breakfast and lunch will not be distributed on the following dates.
December 23, 2020 to January 1, 2021

Meals will resume on Monday, January 4, 2021.
Helpful Links for Students and Families

MPS School Reopening Website: These new pages will support students and parents during virtually learning.

MPS Website: Everything you need to know about the district.

MPS Stop, Grab, & Go: Information about meal distribution sites.

Access Books on OverDrive/SORA: Help your child log in and access online library books to keep reading.

Enrichment Activities: Dance, yoga, crafts, and more to keep children engaged.

Family Resources: Get support with helping your child learn at home.

Local COVID-19 Testing Sites and Information
If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider or access information about testing sites in the Milwaukee area.

Community Resources: Find supports for food access, mental health, financial assistance, and more.

IMPACT 2-1-1: A network of local resources to assist families.
Milwaukee Board of School Directors
Upcoming Meetings: December & January
If you'd like to follow the meetings of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors, visit the Electronic School Board 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 Student Achievement and School Innovation: Tues. Dec. 8, 5:30 P.M.
Committee on Accountability, Finance, and Personnel: Thurs. Dec. 10, 5:30 P.M.
Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget: Tues. Dec. 15, 5:30 P.M.
Regular Monthly Board Meeting: Thurs. Dec. 17, 6:30 P.M.
Committee on Parent and Community Engagement: Tues. Jan. 12, 5:30 P.M.