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

I am so thrilled to have such wonderful support from members of our community like you who give so generously of your time and talents to help our students. Increasing the number of caring adults interacting with our students is one of my main objectives this year. Every child should have an adult in their lives who encourages them and inspires them. Thank you for your efforts to engage and motivate our students.
 

This new school year will present both challenges and opportunities. Whether you're volunteering through Interfaith's RSVP tutoring program, you've signed up to help students in your neighborhood school, or you're providing support in your child's classroom, please know your efforts are not only appreciated by the children you're working with, but the entire district.
 

Thanks for traveling down this road with me, our staff, students and parents.  Our efforts to improve student achievement are stronger because you're on board!

Let's make it a great year!

 

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

Greetings!

 

This time of year, the back-to-school atmosphere is everywhere you look - from stores with school supplies, to barbershops with students getting fresh hair cuts, and even in the smiles of children, as they are excited about a new start!

  

Volunteers get excited this time of year too!  We often meet a new batch of students, navigate changes in school or class routines, and feel a bit older as we are yet another year farther from school ourselves.

 

Let that back-to-school spirit grab hold of you and share it with the students you connect with as you serve.  Children sense that you are excited for this special time and will look forward to a year of academic growth!

 

As always, THANKS for all you do!

 

Cheers,

  
Heather Aschoff
MPS Volunteer Coordinator
IMPORTANT DATES

RSVP to Heather if you plan on attending one of these informative Volunteer Orientations. 

  • September 11, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • September 26, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • October 14, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • November 11, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • December 8, 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!
IMPORTANT NOTES
  • MPS has a new graduation requirement.  Community Service is one of the three options students have to fulfill this requirement. 
     
  • The MPS website, often referred to as "the portal" is getting an overhaul early this fall.  Keep an eye out for a new look and simpler navigation!
     
  • Is your office, church, or social organization looking for a place to donate mittens, hats, or scarves this winter?  We would love to connect with you so your donated cold weather gear can become a part of our Mitten Tree and get to students in need.  Contact Heather Aschoff at (414) 773-9823 or by email for more information.
VOLUNTEER PROFILE
Volunteers are behind the scenes at the 9th annual Gilbert Brown Football Camp
Volunteers from the AT&T Pioneers display trophies students were awarded at the Gilbert Brown Football Camp this July.

A small troupe of individuals served for three days straight as they moved behind the scenes to ensure the Gilbert Brown Football Camp went off without a hitch.  Lead by Jeannette St. Onge, the volunteers did everything from checking in students as they arrived, communicating with parents about the schedule for the day, prepping snacks and drinks, sharing information with grounds staff and bringing a positive attitude in the sometimes sweltering heat  That doesn't even begin to describe the time it takes on the front end to organize an event like this. 

 

Former Green Bay Packer defensive lineman, Gilbert Brown, has been returning to Milwaukee to hold this drop-in, free, football skills camp for nine years now.  He brings with him, coaches for the three day program, including his high school coach and mentor.  The popular camp is attended by 8 - 12 year old students in the mornings and 13 - 17 year old students in the afternoons.  On the last day, teams of students compete for trophies in their very own Super Bowl.

 

While the camp focuses on football skills, Brown also takes time to emphasize discipline and leadership, both on and off the field.  Listening quietly and attentively, the youngsters are mesmerized by the legend's every word.

 

It's an exhausting week for the committed volunteers, but they gladly return year after year for the opportunity to be a part of this special event. 

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Interfaith Older Adult Volunteer Tutors
Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program volunteers spend 90 minutes in the same elementary-grade classroom each week working with students one-on-one and in small groups. The program is a partnership between Interfaith Older Adult Programs' RSVP volunteer effort and Milwaukee Public Schools.  This program is for volunteers age 55 or better.  Check out our recent interview on WUWM's Lake Effect!
 
Attendance Assistant

Become an Attendance Assistant at Burbank Elementary School!  This group of volunteers will work with a school social worker to implement activities that will increase student attendance. Duties may or may not be in direct service with students and may include the following:

  • Creating and updating attendance bulletin boards
  • Calling parents to make contact and discuss barriers to student attendance
  • Writing short pieces for school newsletters or websites addressing attendance
  • Visiting classes to celebrate attendance success
  • Checking in with students who are at risk for poor attendance

Apply online to get started!

 

Tutor with Milwaukee Succeeds
Tutor one or two days per week with elementary students on literacy skills as a part of Milwaukee Succeeds.  The organization unites our community around a commitment to support strategies that will achieve our shared vision of success for every child, in every school, cradle to career.

 

Read more information and sign up!

 
VOLUNTEER SHOUT OUTS
Volunteer Jo Ann Durrett helps with math at Maple Tree during Summer Academy.
We had dozens of great volunteers help out in our Summer Academies this summer.  Volunteers helped students preview materials the students will encounter this coming year!
 
Coach Gremer and members of the Riverside volleyball team walk arm in arm after completing their volunteer shift.
Volunteers make the day a success, year after year, at the MPS Run Back to School.  Volunteers monitor the course, hand out water, and cheer on the participants at this high energy event.

 

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