MPS Mission:
Midland Public Schools is committed to creating a safe, innovative, and student-centered learning community where every learner is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. 

MPS Vision:
Our graduates are prepared with the essential knowledge, skills, and character to achieve personal success and positively impact their communities.

The Midland Public Schools Sinking Fund Millage Proposal will appear on the
November 3, 2026 ballot.

The 1.5-mill, 10-year proposal would address some of MPS’ most pressing school
safety, security, and basic infrastructure needs to support safe, skill-building
environments for student success.

Want to learn more?

- Visit midlandps.org/sinkingfund
- Attend our next Sinking Fund Proposal Community Info session:
Wednesday, September 16, 10:00 am at The Legacy Center.

Remember to vote by November 3!

Recently, families across our district received an email regarding an important update from the Midland County Prosecutor’s Office.

Each year, local law enforcement receives reports involving students making threats against their school, staff, or classmates. We want to reinforce that all threats are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by law enforcement—even if they are claimed to be made as a joke, prank, or spur-of-the-moment comment. Potential criminal charges can apply regardless of intent.

We strongly encourage all parents and guardians to have an open, honest conversation with their students about the severity of making threats and the lasting real-world consequences that follow.

If you missed the email or would like to review the attached formal letter from Prosecuting Attorney J. Dee Brooks, you can view it by clicking the button below.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools, students, and staff safe every day.

Lace up those sneakers—the annual MPS Elementary Fun Run is back!

On Wednesday, September 30, our 4th and 5th graders from across the district (along with our friends from local parochial schools) will gather at Stratford Woods Park for a friendly, high-energy one-mile race.

This district favorite is organized by our incredible elementary physical education teachers, with plenty of event support and high-fives provided by the Midland High cross country team. Whether your student is aiming for a personal best or just wants to jog with friends, it’s always a fantastic afternoon in the park.

Event Schedule (Wednesday, Sept. 30):

4:45 PM: 5th Grade Girls

5:00 PM: 5th Grade Boys

5:15 PM: 4th Grade Girls

5:30 PM: 4th Grade Boys

Important Reminder: Signed permission slips are due by Tuesday, September 22. Be sure to turn those in to your student’s teacher/PE teacher on time so your runner is cleared to head to the starting line!

Midland High School’s Chemic chapter of Becca’s Closet is inviting all Midland County high school students to find something to wear for Homecoming 2026 at a series of upcoming open houses.

Becca’s Closet provides formalwear at no cost to students who may not otherwise be able to afford an outfit for special events such as Homecoming, Prom, or other occasions. All items, including dresses, suits, shoes, and purses, are available to students at no cost.

The open houses will take place at Midland High School, 1301 Eastlawn Drive, on the following dates:

• Sunday, September 13: 3–7 p.m.
• Thursday, September 17: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 22: 6–9 p.m.
• Sunday, September 27: 12–4 p.m.
• Saturday, October 3: 1–5 p.m.
• Monday, October 5: 2:30–6 p.m.

Becca’s Closet is open to all Midland County students. Shoppers do not need to attend Midland Public Schools to participate. 

For questions about the Chemic chapter of Becca’s Closet or to donate formalwear, please contact Amy Rankin at rankinam@midlandps.org or (989) 923-5181.

If you’ve noticed new labels popping up above water fixtures across our buildings recently, don’t panic! There are no new or unexpected issues with our district's water source.

These signs are simply part of our state-mandated compliance with Michigan’s "Filter First" legislation. Under this law, all K–12 schools and licensed childcare centers in Michigan are required to install certified lead-reducing filters on designated drinking water fixtures and place clear signage at every water outlet district-wide.

Here is a quick breakdown of what those signs mean when you see them:

Filtered Drinking Outlets (Consumption Taps): Any fixture intended for drinking or food preparation—such as filtered bottle-filling stations or designated kitchen faucets—displays a sign indicating it is a safe, filtered drinking source.

Hand-Washing Outlets (Non-Consumption Taps): Unfiltered fixtures—including standard bathroom sinks, classroom hand-washing stations, and utility sinks—now feature signs clearly stating the water is intended for washing up, not drinking.

Did you know you can catch some of our biggest rivalry games and homecoming matchups live without ever leaving your couch? 🍿 Once again, we’re partnering with MCTV Network to live-stream select Chemic and Charger athletic events all season long.

Here is what’s coming to your screen this fall:

⚽ Boys Soccer
Midland High vs. Dow High – Wednesday, Sept. 16


🏈 Football
Dow High Homecoming – Friday, Oct. 2
Midland High Homecoming – Friday, Oct. 9
Midland High vs. Dow High – Friday, Oct. 23

🏐 Volleyball
Midland High vs. Dow High – Thursday, Oct. 8

Plus, the annual Marching Band Showcase will be available to stream starting Friday, Oct. 16! 🎼 

Find out where to tune in (no cable subscription required!) here: www.midlandps.org/mpstv 

Per statute, MPS must notify stakeholders of applicable state and federal laws, as well as program offerings. Annual notifications inform recipients about their rights, responsibilities, and important information. These notifications encompass a variety of topics, including student records, staff qualifications, facility notifications, and more.

All students and families are expected to review and be knowledgeable of the information provided. The notices are also included in the MPS Student Handbook and are on each school’s website.

Click the buttons below to access these pieces.

This school year, Midland Public Schools is implementing a new bus attendance system to enhance student safety and security.

Elementary students who ride an MPS bus will receive a small tag attached to their backpack, while secondary students will use their district-issued student ID. Drivers will scan the tag or ID as students board and exit, creating a quick and accurate record of bus ridership.

Good to know: The system does not track student locations, use GPS, or provide real-time tracking. It simply records when students board and exit the bus.

More information will be shared with families as students receive their tags or IDs. If you have questions on this system, please contact Associate Superintendent Anna Wamack at 989-923-7125 or wamackal@midlandps.org.

A new school year is underway, which means it’s time to nominate MPS Shining Stars for the 2026-2027 school year!

Shining Stars are staff who go above and beyond to make our school district a better place for students and their fellow coworkers. Awards are presented each month during the school year at Board of Education meetings. Winners are also shared on MPS social media channels and in Forward Together.

Nominations are open to students, parents/guardians, community members, and fellow staff members.

The Board of Education has updated the rules for student cell phones and other wireless devices during the school day. The goal is simple: fewer distractions, greater focus on learning, and more opportunities for students to connect with those around them. The new rules include some exceptions to support student needs, and our school handbook has been updated with the details.

Staff will help students adjust to the new expectations. If you need to get a message to your child during the school day, please call the school’s main office rather than contacting them directly.

For more information, please review your school’s student handbook or Board Policy 5209.

Neighboring Week is right around the corner! Organized annually by the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition’s Neighboring Committee, this week is all about building connections, fostering friendships, and reminding everyone why Midland County is such a warm, welcoming place to call home.

It also serves as the local kickoff to Global Diversity Month, celebrating the simple but powerful idea that everyone in our community deserves to feel a true sense of belonging.

Over the past few years, our schools have loved getting in on the action—hosting fantastic events and bringing impactful, hands-on learning into our classrooms. Keep an eye out for your student's school channels and notifications for building-specific events, classroom activities, and local celebrations happening throughout the week.

Whether it’s a school-wide project or a simple act of kindness in the hallway, we can’t wait to celebrate what makes our MPS community so special!

Midland Public Schools Administration Center Event:

September 21: Out of Office Hours with Superintendent Dr. Penny Miller-Nelson,  Grace A. Dow Library, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

September 21: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.

September 27 - October 3: Midland Neighboring Week

September 28: Virtual Sinking Fund Millage Proposal Community Info Session, 1 p.m.

September 30: Who Are We Planning For?" Community Event, Midland High School, 6-8 p.m.

September 27 - October 3: Midland Neighboring Week

October 1: High School Conferences

October 6: Sinking Fund Millage Proposal Community Info Session, 6-7 p.m.

October 7: Out of Office Hours with Superintendent Dr. Penny Miller-Nelson, Boulevard Lounge, 7-8:30 a.m.

October 8: Middle School Conferences

October 14: Sinking Fund Millage Proposal Community Info Session, 6-7 p.m.

October 19: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.

October 20: Virtual Sinking Fund Millage Proposal Community Info Session, 12 p.m.

October 22: Elementary Conferences (Half day for elementary students)

October 23: Out of Office Hours with Superintendent Dr. Penny Miller-Nelson, Live Oak Coffeehouse, 7:30-9 a.m.

October 28: Sinking Fund Millage Proposal Community Info Session, 12-1 p.m.

Check out the items below for a few of the latest news stories shared by MPS:

Connect with MPS Superintendent during 'Out of Office Hours' Events

Pull up a chair at several local hotspots for a casual chat with Dr. Penny Miller-Nelson for this new event series.

Read the article

Community Invited to Sinking Fund Millage Proposal Information Sessions

Learn more about the November 3 ballot proposal during a series of one-hour information sessions open to the public.

Read the article

See more of the latest news on MPS social media channels or click here for more news articles.

Click the links below to learn more about these special dates.

Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15-October 15 - This month-long celebration honors and highlights the contributions — cultures, traditions, histories — of Hispanic peoples in the United States. This timeframe includes the independence days for many Spanish-speaking countries. (more info) 

National Suicide Prevention Month: a time to raise awareness about suicide and highlight resources to help. The month includes World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. (more info)

International Day of Peace: September 21 - UN-designated day to work internationally towards creating a culture of peace. (more info)

Autumnal Equinox: September 22 - This day, also known as Mabon, celebrates the transition from summer to autumn. (more info)

Midland Neighboring Week: September 27-October 3 - a time for the Midland community to come together and form connections. (more info)

Looking for uplifting stories, adorable photos, and exciting updates on all the amazing things happening inside Midland Public Schools? You’ll find those on our social media channels! Give our channels a follow, leave a comment, and share our posts with anyone who cares about what’s happening at MPS. We have district pages for Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

For questions, suggestions, or other concerns, we encourage families and community members to communicate directly with the educator in charge of the class or program you would like to discuss via email. If your concern is unresolved, please contact the main office at your student's school and speak with a building administrator. You may also reach out to the District Office and request a phone call or meeting with a member of the Superintendent group.

Click here for a helpful guide on who to contact on the MPS team and how to reach them.