Volunteer Newsletter | December 2014
In This Issue:
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DRIVER

Dear Milwaukee Public Schools Volunteers:

 

When the community thinks about Milwaukee Public Schools, often attention is placed on the educators and what our students are learning in the classroom.

 

Providing the environment for a great education is our top priority, but we recognize this is a collaborative effort between our teachers, support staff and of course the hundreds of volunteers who take on an assortment of tasks from tutoring to helping out in our lunchrooms. Thank you for the time you give to MPS and your contributions to help our students succeed.

 

There are plenty of opportunities for people interested in helping in our schools. You don't have to be a parent or even a grandparent to volunteer.

 

For community members, students can benefit from your working experience by aiding them as a career coach. Your expertise can guide a student through their academic choices and set a path to pursue a specific career.

 

Life experiences also are valuable for students who are unfamiliar with the greater community around them. The knowledge of someone who has seen children grow into adults and worked a long and successful career can serve as a positive example for a student to follow.

 

Becoming an MPS volunteer is easy. Every school welcomes the help and enthusiasm a dedicated volunteer can bring each day.

 

If you're already volunteering for MPS, I want to thank you again for your dedication. I also encourage you to refer someone who would be an outstanding addition to our already great pool of volunteers. Their time will be greatly appreciated and they will discover, as many of you already have, the work to be very rewarding. 

 

Best,
  
Darienne B. Driver, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
MESSAGE FROM THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Greetings!

 

We are off and running!  Our buildings are buzzing with student learning and so many of you are there right alongside them helping to make that happen. 

 

This holiday season, know that you are giving such an important gift all year long - your time!  Material gifts only stay with us for a short time, but the memories you share with the students you spend time with, will often last a lifetime!   

 

As always, THANKS for all you do!

 

Cheers,

  
Heather Aschoff
MPS Volunteer Coordinator
IMPORTANT DATES

Haven't attended a Volunteer Orientation yet?  RSVP to Heather if you plan on attending one of these informative sessions. 

  • January 14, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • February 17, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Volunteer orientations are held at the MPS Central Office, 5225 W. Vliet St., Room 206-08. Please RSVP to Heather Aschoff at (414) 773-9823 or by email.

  
Remember to check the appropriate school calendar for dates with no student attendance!  All schools are closed December 22 - January 2.
IMPORTANT NOTES
VOLUNTEER PROFILE
Volunteer Judy Leszczynski has been a staple at Zablocki for years
Volunteer Judy Leszczynski shares her story as a neighbor, parent, employee, and volunteer at Zablocki.

 

Judy Leszczynski has plenty of history with Clement J. Zablocki School on Milwaukee's southwest side.  A mother of five, all of her children attended Zablocki years ago. Then, after her youngest entered kindergarten, Leszczynski saw a need for volunteers at the school so she decided to give some of her time.

 

Ultimately, volunteering led to Leszczynski enrolling in Milwaukee Area Technical College to earn a degree to become a paraprofessional so she could take on a full-time job at Zablocki, where she stayed for 18 years.

 

Something Leszczynski will be remembered for is creating the library at Zablocki, which she says has grown considerably since it was started.  Leszczynski was drawn back three years ago to the work she enjoyed and today volunteers in the library she helped start, handling many tasks from inventory to keeping things organized.

 

It's behind-the-scenes work, but Leszczynski is comfortable with her role.  "I just love libraries and I just love books," she said.

 

The time she gives to keep the library running smoothly allows staff to spend more time with students.  Leszczynski said she has enjoyed Zablocki's welcoming environment through the years, which made it easy for her to return as a volunteer.

 

"Volunteering is very rewarding work and I know the school will welcome any help it can get," she said. 

 

Anna-Marie Smerchek, parent coordinator at Zablocki, hopes Lesczynski's devotion to volunteering inspires others.

 

"Extra hands are always helpful and Judy is always very helpful and friendly," Smerchek said.  
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Serve as a Career Coach!

Serve as a Career Coach with a small group of high school students at one of the upcoming sessions listed below. Training is provided for you and you and the students are led through a series of activities by a facilitator. This is a great one-time opportunity for working professionals who can get away for a few hours to give back!

 

December 11, 8:30-11 a.m. - Bradley Tech High School

December 12, 7:30-9:00 a.m. - Reagan IB High School

December 12, 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Reagan IB High School

December 12, 1:20-2:50 p.m. - Reagan IB High School - Water 

Industry Focus

December 15, 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Morse Marshall High School

December 16, 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Morse Marshall High School

 

Apply online to get started!

 

Be a part of the Mitten Tree!
Be a part of this community-wide event and donate some new cold weather gear to the MPS Mitten Tree. Hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves will go to students throughout the district. Organize a drive at your place of employment, worship, or community group and drop off items at 5225 W. Vliet St., room 235, Monday through Friday, now through January 9.  We are often in need of items for middle and high school students in adult sizes.
 
Help sort new clothing donations for MPS students
We have a very large donation and need some extra hands! Be a part of the group that organizes, sorts, and removes the tags from brand new clothing that has been donated to MPS students.  Some service may be done seated while some service requires moving mid-sized boxes.

 

We need your help December 17, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m.

 

Contact Heather Aschoff for more details.

 

Celebrate MLK Day and volunteer
Sign up to give some of your time during our week-long celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Work on an MLK Day inspired craft during the school day, read a book with students or jump in on the basketball game after school.  Contact Heather Aschoff for more details.
VOLUNTEER SHOUT OUTS
Sharon La Roche was
Interfaith-MPS Volunteer Tutor Sharon La Roche was named the Volunteer of the Month by the Volunteer Center of Milwaukee.
the Volunteer of the Month for October by the Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee! Congratulations Sharon!  Sharon tutors second grade students in reading and math. Her suggestion for someone interested in learning more about volunteering?  "Inquire - don't be afraid to ask questions." 

MPS Staff help out at the CGCS conference October 2014
MPS Staff help out at the CGCS
conference October 2014
Staff from MPS Central Office got the volunteer bug and jumped in to help at the 
Council of Great City Schools conference that was hosted by the district in October. Many staffers also gave time during the annual Fresh Coast Classic College and Resource Fair in November, handing out information to the more than 3,500 students who attended and taking care of other tasks, which helped make the day go smoothly.  

 Heather Aschoff
 Volunteer Coordinator
 414.773.9823
 aschofha@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
 
 Thanks for your interest in volunteering with MPS!
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