Take the survey by November 15 to help shape upcoming MPS school calendars

Milwaukee Public Schools is working to create 2026-27 and 2027-28 calendars that drive academic achievement, support safe and welcoming schools, and help the district operate effectively.  

By taking a survey, families and staff can help to determine the calendar that would best meet district goals for the next two years.  

The survey will remain open until 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 15. 

MPS staff completing the survey should log in with their MPS credentials (username and password) to access the survey here. 

Parents/guardians completing the survey should use their child’s seven-digit student ID number to access the survey here. 

Those taking the survey will see three options for each of the next two school years. 

To develop the calendar options, a team of employees from multiple departments used the following criteria:  

• Compliance: Meet all state instructional hour requirements and contractual obligations (191 teacher workdays). 

• Instructional Focus: Maximize uninterrupted learning time. 

• Wellness Breaks: Align breaks with national holidays; no school on election days. Include two (2) semester breaks. 

• Staff Development: Include dedicated professional development time to strengthen teacher effectiveness. 

Understanding Key School Calendar Days  

The following is a guide to what the different types of school days on the calendars mean for students, families, and staff.  

Teacher Organizational Day 

● What it is: A day for teachers to prepare for the school year or new grading period.  

● What happens: School leaders share vision of the school, review professional expectations, procedures, and routines. Teachers set up classrooms, organize materials, and plan lessons.  

● Who attends: Teachers and staff report. Students do not attend.  

Professional Development (PD) Day  

● What it is: A learning day for teachers and school staff.  

● What happens: Staff participate in training to improve teaching practices, learn new strategies, and review district priorities.  

● Who attends: Teachers and staff report. Students do not attend.  

Records Day for Teachers  

● What it is: A day for teachers to complete grading, report cards, and student records. 

● What happens: Teachers update student progress reports and prepare for the next grading period.  

● Who attends: Teachers and staff report. Students do not attend.  

Parent-Teacher Conference Days  

● What it is: Designated days for families to meet with teachers.  

● What happens: Teachers and parents or guardians discuss student progress, goals, and ways to support learning at home.  

● Who attends: Parents/guardians and teachers. Students may attend if invited. 

First Day of Classes  

● What it is: The first official day of the school year.  

● What happens: Students begin regular classes and school routines.  

● Who attends: All students, teachers, and staff report.  

Classes Resume  a

● What it is: The day school starts again after a scheduled break (such as winter or spring break).  

● Who attends: All students, teachers, and staff report.  

Last Day of Classes  

● What it is: The final day of the school year for students.  

● What happens: Students complete the year, celebrate achievements, and prepare for summer break.  

● Who attends: All students, teachers, and staff report.  

Note: School offices remain open on most non-student days. Families can still contact schools for assistance or information.