1. What is Parent Assistant?
Parent Assistant is a system you access on the internet that allows parents to see
information about a child or children who are enrolled in Milwaukee Public Schools.
Since it’s on the internet, the information is available any time, day or night, when you
log on.
2. Do I have to have any special equipment?
You do need to have access to a computer with online web access. If you don’t have a
home computer, you could also use one at a public library, at your child’s school, or at
your place of work. Currently, the only browser certified for this service is Internet
Explorer on a Microsoft Windows platform.
3. Where is Parent Assistant on the internet?
It is hosted on the MPS site on the internet. We intend to feature a link for Parent
Assistant on our home page, at http://mpsportal.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/portal/server.pt.
4. What kinds of information can I see regarding my child?
You will be able to monitor your child’s attendance; his/her standardized test results, the
courses in which the child is currently enrolled, and grades for those courses. You will
be able to check the school calendar to verify days when your children are not required to
be in school. You will also be able to verify the information the school has entered for
your child regarding home address, parent information, emergency contacts, and whether
the child has a life-threatening medical condition.
5. Who creates the data in my child’s file?
The data in your child’s file has been entered by staff at your child’s school. The
example below shows a sample page for a child’s class schedule.
6. How often is the information updated?
You will view ‘real time’ data. That means you can see the information as soon as it has
been entered at the school. For instance, you will be able to see whether your child has
been marked absent from a class usually by the end of that class period.
7. How will the system recognize me as the parent?
You will be provided with a unique logon name and a password by your child’s school.
You can only see data for your children. It is intended for your use only.
8. Will anyone else be able to see my child’s record?
No other member of the outside public will be able to see your child’s record. It is
intended for your use only.
9. Will my child have access to it?
Not at this time. Please don’t share your logon and password with your child. Student
access will be available in the future.
10. If I have more than one child, do I need separate access codes (or PIN numbers)?
All of your children will be set up under one account – yours.
11. If I move or if my child changes school, will the data base still be accessible to
me?
Yes. If your child transfers to another MPS school or your home address changes, your
account and the information about your child or children will continue to be available to
you.
12. Will I be able to print out the information I see on the screen?
Yes – you can print the pages you see on the screen by using the “Print Screen” function
of your browser. To obtain a print-out of any of the displayed information, you would
have to print the screen on which it appears.
13. What would I do if there’s an error on my child’s record, or I question
something I see?
Contact the school office. This system is intended to provide on-going knowledge about
your child and his/her performance at school, and just as in parent/teacher conferences,
you are encouraged to question or discuss to your satisfaction any information that
appears.
14. Will Parent Assistant replace the need for me to attend parent/teacher
conferences?
No. It is important to meet with your child’s teachers face to face during parent/teacher
conferences. Parent Assistant will help you feel more prepared for those sessions.
15. Would I be able to add information to Parent Assistant or delete it?
There is a function within the system for sending corrections, including additions and
deletions. They are processed as requests – that is, your changes do not automatically
change the system, but are reviewed by school personnel, and approved for update.
16. How do I get started?
You’ll need to fill out an application form, available at your child’s school. Along with
that form, you’ll be asked to show identification, possibly your child’s birth certificate, or
any other documentation your school requires when it changes or updates your child’s
records. The school will then provide to you a logon and password for you to use.
17. Will this cost me anything?
Parent Assistant will cost you nothing. You will need to have access to a computer with
internet access in order to use your account.
