Wishing You a Safe and Healthy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to all our students, staff, and families! We wish everyone a peaceful and relaxing holiday weekend with family and friends. We are grateful for the hard work of our students and staff and the support of families in helping students succeed.
Reminder: Students do not have class November 24-26, 2021.
Note: The Family Friday Newsletter will be on holiday break November 26, and will return on December 3.
We look forward to seeing everyone in class on Monday, Nov. 29!
Thank You, MPS Foundation!
Milwaukee Public Schools is grateful to the MPS Foundation for its vital work in raising funds for students, schools, and special projects. Highlights this year include school yard renovations, scholarships for graduating seniors, science and career training expansions, school supplies, virtual learning support, and more. Read about the important work being done to elevate learning for our students, and consider making a gift today!
MPS Hosts Vaccine Clinics at 12 Schools
COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Children Ages 5 to 11
Children as young as 5 can now receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine! Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing COVID-19. A pediatrician or health care provider is the best source for answers to questions about the vaccine.
MPS is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics to help families access the vaccine. Appointments are not needed.
Clinics for the week of November 22 are as follows:
November 22, 9:30 A.M.-12 P.M.: Bethune Academy, 1535 N. 35th St.
November 23, 1-4 P.M.: Franklin School, 2308 W. Nash St.
November 23, 9:30 A.M.-12 P.M.: La Follette, 3239 N. 9th St.
See the complete schedule by downloading a flyer.
A signed consent form is needed for children to receive the vaccine.
To view a list of all school vaccine clinics across the city, visit the Milwaukee Health Department COVID-19 webpage.
For more information about vaccines, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Children's Wisconsin website.
News and Updates
Student COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive: Deadline is November 15!
To encourage vaccination, Milwaukee Public Schools is offering an incentive to students age 12 years and older who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1, 2021. The incentive will be provided as a $100 rewards card that can be used as cash. To receive the rewards card, parents/guardians must complete an application and provide proof of full vaccination no later than November 15, 2021.
The Student COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive webpage provides information about eligibility, receiving the vaccine, and applying for the incentive.
MPS Needs Substitute Teachers
Help children succeed! MPS is hiring substitute teachers at a rate of $200 per day. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree. A teaching license OR successfully passing the Stedi.org training is also required. Other training pathways are possible. Visit the MPS Substitute Teaching web page for more information and to apply.
Early Release Day for Students on December 10, 2021
Mark your calendars! Friday, December 10, 2021, will be an early release day for all students. Schools will provide more information about specific schedules. This time will be set aside for school staff to engage in additional planning.
High School Winter Sports -- Register by November 22
Join a high school sports team! Have fun, learn skills, and enjoy a healthy activity. Winter sports offered are basketball (boys/girls); boys swimming/diving; wrestling (boys/girls); and cheerleading. See your school’s athletic director or call 414-475-8219 to get involved and make high school count!
MPS Athletics has introduced a new online registration system. All student athletes must register through the online portal at mpsathletics-ar.rschooltoday.com. Register by Nov. 22, 2021! If you have additional questions, please contact your school athletic director.
Free Sports Physicals for MPS Student Athletes
MPS students can get a free physical exam to participate in sports! Concentra has multiple locations throughout the city. Download the attached flyer for locations and phone numbers to schedule an appointment.
Join a Community Conversation
We invite families and community members to participate in important discussions about classroom behavior and promoting positive school environments.
- 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
MPS will host a virtual meeting on Wed., December 1, 2021, from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Register at mpsmke.com/communityconversations
Share your comments at: http://tinyurl.com/mpscommunityinput
Download a flyer to learn more!
MPS Weekly Spotlight
Jeffrey Norman, MPS Alumnus, has been sworn in as the new chief of the Milwaukee Police Department. Norman graduated from North Division High School in 1992 and joined the Milwaukee Police in 1996. He was unanimously selected by the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission to serve as chief for the next four years. Congratulations, Chief Norman! You make us #MPSProud!
Learn more about Chief Norman's appointment:
Tips for Staying Safe & Healthy
Latest Updates About COVID-19
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? How did it become available so quickly? Should my family get vaccinated? Find answers to these questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine page. Also learn about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens and the importance of vaccines in stopping the spread of COVID.
COVID-19 Vaccine Locations
COVID-19 vaccine is available FREE for all Wisconsin residents age 12 and older. Health insurance is NOT needed. Call the hotline at (414) 286-6800 for questions, to schedule an appointment or home visit, or to speak with a nurse.
Important Note: Vaccine locations will be closed November 25-28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Milwaukee Health Dept. Mobile Clinics
Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd.
Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St.
Mondays & Fridays: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12 - 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
NEW!! Menomonee Valley Site, 2401 W. St. Paul Ave.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12 - 6 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Vaccines are also available throughout the city at many pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens. Visit the Milwaukee Health Department COVID-19 Vaccine page (available in English, Spanish, and Hmong) for more information about COVID-19 vaccine locations.
COVID-19: Find Help for Family Needs
Information is available to help families with health care, mental health, and many types of assistance. The Children's Defense Fund offers resources for families who are immigrants, in a W2 or welfare program, or seeking information during the pandemic. Visit the Children's Defense Fund for information to assist vulnerable children and families.
Have you been exposed to COVID-19 (or tested positive) and wonder how to tell your contacts? This helpful flyer from the City of Milwaukee Health Department offers guidelines for sharing information with friends, family, and co-workers.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has prepared several flyers to clarify isolation and quarantine procedures. Most publications listed below are available in multiple languages.
How long should I quarantine?
COVID-19 and School: Information for Parents and Guardians
COVID-19: Isolation and Quarantine
COVID-19: Quarantine Release Times - I live with someone diagnosed with COVID
Access these guides to stay up to date and help keep your family safe.
Safe Practices Help Avoid Illness
As cold and flu season approaches and COVID-19 remains, following healthy practices to avoid becoming sick.
- Wear a face mask in public, even if you are vaccinated.
- Maintain 3 feet of physical distance.
- Wash hands frequently, especially when returning home.
- Get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine if you are eligible.
Stay Home When Sick
Check your child every morning for signs of illness. Keep them home if symptoms are present, and contact a health care provider to ask about testing.
ONE of the following symptoms
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
TWO or more symptoms
- Fever of 100.4° F or above
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
- New onset of headache
- Congestion or runny nose
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
Download helpful guidelines for sick children.
In case you missed it . . .
School Psychologists Support Success
Nov. 8-12 was National School Psychology Week! School psychologists are some of the unsung heroes of the school district, supporting students and families with mental wellness, counseling, resources, and specialty programs such as bullying or suicide prevention. Read more about the important role that school psychologists play in our schools!
Native American Heritage Month
In November and throughout the year, celebrate Native Americans! This is an excellent time to learn about the rich traditions and cultures of indigenous nations. The U.S. has 574 federally recognized tribes, many of which have their own language and distinct customs. Visit Native American Heritage Month to read more and watch videos. The MPS Department of First Nations Studies supports Native American students and families and provides resources to teachers to aid in infusing Native American studies throughout the school year.
Saturday Music Lessons
MPS will offer a variety of lessons for students who want to learn piano, ukulele, woodwinds, brass, and more! Classes will run Jan. 29 to April 30, 2022, and are taught at Hamilton High School and Milwaukee Marshall High School. Download a flyer to learn more. Registration opens Dec. 10, 2021.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Speech, and Writing Contests
Save the date! Milwaukee's annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration will be held virtually on January 17, 2022. Students who wish to enter the art, speech, and writing contests should read rules now and prepare to submit their work. This year's theme is "We Must Speak."
Writing (deadline extended to Nov. 22, 2021): MLK Writing Contest Site
Speech (deadline Nov. 23, 2021): MLK Speech Contest Site
Art (deadline Dec. 3, 2021): MLK Art Contest Site
Chromebooks for Students
Students who qualify can receive a Chromebook and/or hotspot from MPS for use at home to complete homework, fill out college applications, and more. Chromebooks are for students to keep and do not need to be returned. This equipment is available thanks to a grant from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund. Devices will be available during the second semester. Families can fill out an online form for each student in the household at https://mpsmke.com/techecf through Wednesday, November 24, 2021.
Student Meals Available for Pick-up
Families with children enrolled in an MPS virtual program can pick up meals on school days. Each child will receive breakfast and lunch, while supplies last. Pre-orders are NOT required.
School days from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
- Andrew Douglas Middle School - 3620 N. 18th St., Milwaukee, 53206
- North Division High School - 1011 W. Center St., Milwaukee, 53206
- South Division High School - 1515 W. Lapham Blvd., Milwaukee, 53204
- Vincent High School - 7501 N. Granville Rd., Milwaukee, 53224
- Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language - 2430 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, 53233
- Milwaukee Parkside - 2969 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, 53207
Stay Connected!
Infinite Campus 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 parentportal@milwaukee.k12.wi.us. 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 parentportal@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
MPS App
Get all the latest news and updates! Download the MPS App and follow us on social media. Fast access to news, updates, and the entire MPS website is available on the MPS App (for Apple and Android smartphone platforms). To download, use the links below.
iOS | Android
Milwaukee Board of School Directors
Upcoming Meetings: November & December
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 Parent and Community Engagement: Tues. Dec. 7, 5:30 P.M.
Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation: Thurs. Dec. 9, 5:30 P.M.
Committee on Accountability, Finance, and Personnel: Tues. Dec. 14, 5:30 P.M.
Regular Monthly Board Meeting: Thurs. Dec. 16, 5:30 P.M.
