Happy New Year! Welcome Back!

Happy New Year! Welcome Back!
We are excited to have our students back in class following the holiday break, and we hope our
students, families, teachers, and staff had a chance to relax and reflect. On behalf of the entire
district, we extend our warmest wishes for the new year.
As we move forward as a community and as a nation, may we all enjoy good health, peace, and
unity as we all begin to heal from the challenges of 2020. Let us value, respect, and appreciate each
other as human beings working together for the common good.

Have a wonderful 2021!
Stay connected with MPS by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

News and Updates - January 8, 2021
Last Day to Take Our Survey!
Milwaukee Public Schools wants to hear from families about virtual learning this school year.

Your feedback is important to us! Please take our survey and offer input about your child’s virtual
learning experience this semester, along with your thoughts about returning to face-to-face learning.
The survey takes about 10 minutes and will remain open through Friday, January 8, 2021.
Access the survey at Roadmap to Readiness Survey.

Free Fresh Produce for Children Continues in January
MPS will continue to offer bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to children in January through the
federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Each bag will contain nutrition facts and recipes so
families can cook together and enjoy new healthy food options.

Families can pick up a produce bag Jan. 14, 21, and 28 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!

MPS Adds Supper Meals for Students
MPS is now offering packaged supper meals along with breakfasts and lunches at 50 Stop, Grab, &
Go sites. Families can receive a packaged supper for each child age 18 and under. Meals must be
heated and eaten at home.

Meals are available on school days from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Visit the MPS Stop, Grab, & Go
webpage for additional information and a complete list of sites. Families can also fill out a form to
submit special dietary needs for religious or health reasons.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Goes Virtual
Milwaukee's traditional event honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place
virtually this year. Join the fun on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. Access a livestream
at marcuscenter.org/MLK. Hear speech contest winners, enjoy a slideshow of art contest winners,
and watch amazing student performances.

PEOPLE Program Information Session - January 13, 2021
Students in 8th grade who want to get a jump on preparing for college should attend a meeting
about 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. Learn more on the PEOPLE website. Attend a virtual information meeting on
January 13, 2021, from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Winter Graduation - Saturday, January 23, 2021
MPS will celebrate winter graduates through a virtual ceremony on Saturday, January 23, 2021. The
graduation video will go live at 10:00 A.M. on the MPS YouTube channel. Join the fun and help
congratulate our newest high school graduates!

Save the Date! Virtual Kindergarten Enrollment Fairs
Kindergarten enrollment for fall 2021 will begin February 6, 2021. MPS will host two virtual
enrollment fairs to help families explore programs, choose schools, and enroll students. Mark your
calendar to attend enrollment fairs on February 6 and 20, 2021, from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. Details will
follow soon.

Summer Academy Plans Are Underway
MPS will again offer Summer Academy in June and July. Plans are being finalized and more
information will be shared in the coming weeks. Watch for district updates coming soon!

MPS Student Job Fair - March 10, 2021
Save the date! A job fair for all MPS students age 16 and older will take place virtually on
Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Students can visit chat rooms to talk with employers of their choice.
Watch for more information coming soon!

Advisory Committee for Textbooks
MPS is seeking family and community members to review science textbooks and online resources
and make recommendations for selection. Members will receive access to online sample textbooks
and take part in weekly meetings in February. Scheduling will be determined by participants.

Two committees will be formed to focus on K-8 textbooks and grade 9-12 textbooks. Sign up to join
and offer important feedback about future science textbooks.

Low-Cost Internet

AT&T is offering Internet service for $10 per month to families who qualify as part of
Microsoft’s Building Digital Equity Across America initiative. Learn about requirements and how to
apply.
Download a flyer in English.

Download a flyer in Español.

In case you missed it . . .
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 January book list on the MPS Reads page.

Watch the MPS Day of Code
Milwaukee Public Schools hosted its third annual Day of Code on Wednesday, Dec. 8. The virtual
event featured students and staff talking about computer coding and how it plays a role in our
lives. The Day of Code video is now available on the MPS YouTube channel. Watch our talented
students and get inspired about computer science!

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.

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.

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.

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 tsc@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 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 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.

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!
Ballerina Workout: Watch a dancer stay fit and strong -- get inspired to work out!

How Bread is Made: Watch a factory crank out bread loaves and hot dog buns.

Math Marvel: Meet an 11-year-old who challenges herself with math and chess.

Meet Farm Animals: Younger children will enjoy meeting cows, horses, and more.

No Meal Distribution
    January Dates
    MPS does not distribute meals to students on scheduled days off. Breakfast and lunch will not be
    distributed on January 18, 2021.

    On Friday, January 15, students can receive one additional breakfast, lunch, and supper meal in
    advance of the holiday.

    Helpful Links for Students and Families
    MPS School Reopening Website: These new pages will support students and parents as we
    transition to the new school year virtually this fall.

    MPS website: Everything you need to know about the district.
    MPS Stop, Grab, & Go: Information about meal distribution sites.

    OverDrive/SORA: Help your child log in and access online library books for summer 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.

•   City of Milwaukee Health Department
•   Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 Community Testing Sites
    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: 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 Parent and Community Engagement: Tues. Jan. 12, 5:30 P.M.

    Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation: Thurs. Jan. 14, 5:30 P.M.

    Committee on Accountability, Finance, and Personnel: Tues. Jan. 19, 5:30 P.M.

Special Board Meeting: Thurs. Jan. 21, 5:30 P.M.

Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget: Tues. Jan. 26, 5:30 P.M.

Regular Monthly Board Meeting: Thurs. Jan. 28, 6:30 P.M.