Our MPS Art Story

As a Milwaukee Public Schools family, we can testify that it makes a world of difference when students have weekly art classes taught by a full-time art teacher in a dedicated art room.

When MPS first switched to remote learning during the pandemic, it was a scary time for everyone. We wondered, "Will we have jobs? Will we have food? Will we get sick?"

During that uncertain time, our son Max had a wonderful, full-time art teacher who would send messages of hope, inspiration, and artwork ideas to her students.

One of her first virtual assignments encouraged students to use their imagination and sketch, draw, or paint the view looking out of their window. She told students they could make it a crazy weather day, raining skittles or hot chocolate.

​This was her drawing she shared with students. It was the first virtual assignment Max engaged with willingly.  

​This was his drawing looking out the window of our house. 
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Her love and concern for her students helped keep our school community together during that difficult time. Art is an outlet. Art makes students feel safe. Art is necessary. And every MPS student deserves that experience.

While MPS has made progress in expanding art to every student in recent years, there's still work to be done to ensure that we're implementing our art policy with fidelity. We need to attract and retain art educators and ensure that all MPS students are receiving enough art instruction time each week. 

I'm running for MPS School Board because a robust arts experience for every student is one of the many priorities that I'm passionate about. 

I hope you'll join me on Thursday, December 1 for a special party celebrating art, where we'll share our new campaign poster designed by MPS art teacher John Fleissner. 

To get on the ballot, we need to collect 3,000 signatures from City of Milwaukee residents in December! 

Everyone who commits to collecting 10 or more signatures or makes a donation of $15 or more will receive a special Missy for MPS commemorative art poster. 

Click here to RSVP and see a sneak peek of the poster!
 
If you can't make it to the party, but can help collect signatures, fill the form out here to join a signature launch or pick up signature sheets starting December 1st. We'll have self-serve pick-up locations in Milwaukee.  

I hope to see you there! ​