Family Friday Newsletter
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Prepare for Exams

Most MPS high schools have first semester final exams scheduled through December 22, 2020. Students and families can take steps to improve success. 

Stay connected with MPS by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
News and Updates
December 18, 2020
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MPS Holiday Break is December 23, 2020 to January 3, 2021
We hope students and families enjoy the upcoming break and have a safe and relaxing holiday season. As a reminder, meals will not be served at Stop, Grab, and Go sites during this time. On December 23, every student can pick up a Winter Break Meal Bundle at Stop, Grab, and Go sites -- see the story below.

The Family Friday Newsletter will also be on a break during during the holidays.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Meal Bundles Dec 2020
Winter Break Meal Bundles
Students and families can pick up packaged breakfasts and lunches plus a Winter Break Meal Bundle ahead of the scheduled holiday break at MPS Stop, Grab, and Go locations
Monday, December 21: Families can pick up two breakfast and two lunch packages for each student or child age 18 and younger.
Tuesday, December 22: Winter Break Meal Bundles will be available. Every child age 18 or younger can receive a meal bundle. Because several items are refrigerated or frozen, families are recommended to make space in the refrigerator and freezer for safe storage.
College and Career Centers - Winter Break Hours
The holiday break is a great time for high school seniors to fill out college and scholarship applications, search for schools, fill out the FAFSA for financial aid, and get help with plans for after graduation. MPS College and Career Centers will have virtual hours December 28-30, 2020, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The CACC virtual office can be accessed at https://meet.google.com/wyk-frux-xvf. More information can also be found on the CACC web page.
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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 until Friday, January 8, 2021.

Access the survey at Roadmap to Readiness Survey.
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 in December 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.
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!
Join Graduation Plus!
Students in 9th grade who wish to attend college should apply for Graduation Plus! This program offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee helps students plan for college, apply for scholarships and financial aid, and develop college readiness. Participants receive tutoring, ACT Prep, and support through high school and college all the way to graduation. A virtual information session will be held Jan. 4, 2021. Email gradplus@bgcmilwaukee.org for more information and to receive a link to register -- deadline is Dec. 31. Download a flyer to read more!
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.
In case you missed it . . .
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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 December book list on the MPS Reads page.
Rosa Parks Scholarship
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will award three $1,000 scholarships in honor of Rosa Parks. High school seniors who live and attend school in Milwaukee County are eligible; an essay is required. Deadline is January 8, 2021. MCTS will announce the winner on February 4, Rosa Parks’s birthday. More information is available at RideMCTS.com/scholarship. If you have additional questions, contact Karolyn Taylor, MPS scholarship coordinator, at henderkt@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
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!

Bugler's Holiday: Listen to precision buglers from the U.S. Coast Guard Band.

How Sandwich Cookies Are Made: Watch thousands of cookies heading for stores.

12-Year-Old Crochet Whiz: Learn about Jonah and the yarn craft of crochet.

Seaquest: Meet a Sloth: Visit with these unusual animals that hang from trees.
No Meal Distribution
December Dates
MPS does not distribute meals to students on scheduled days off. Breakfast and lunch will not be distributed on the following dates.
December 23, 2020 to January 1, 2021

Meals will resume on Monday, January 4, 2021.
Helpful Links for Students and Families

MPS School Reopening Website: These new pages will support students and parents during virtually learning.

MPS Website: Everything you need to know about the district.

MPS Stop, Grab, & Go: Information about meal distribution sites.

Access Books on OverDrive/SORA: Help your child log in and access online library books to keep 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.

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.