#PointerNation News

A big congrats to Al Bauman and Mike Gratz who have been named this year's Homecoming Parade Marshals! A well-deserved honor for these gentlemen who have given so much to #PointerNation. Join us this Thursday, October 10 for the parade at 6:15 pm down High Street to celebrate.

Get pumped, #PointerNation! Here are your Homecoming dress up days for the week ahead! Read more here: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/09/homecoming-2024/

Check out the latest column "One of the biggest questions I'm hearing..." by Superintendent Mitch Wainwright: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/10/one-of-the-biggest-questions-im-hearing/

The Mineral Point Unified School District is known for its successful robust academic and co-curricular programs, the incredible opportunities we offer to students throughout their time in our schools, and talented staff members.

In collaboration with a supportive community, the Mineral Point Unified School District has a proud tradition of providing high-quality levels of education for all students.

Unfortunately, state funding has not kept pace with increasing inflation. Six of the last 10 years, schools received $0 increase in aid. In order to stabilize funding to help ensure a promising future for all students, the District is asking local voters for an operating levy increase that will help maintain high levels of programming.

Without a referendum, our operational budget will not be able to maintain our current programs and services.

District officials made it a priority to keep the public informed about the needs prompting an operating referendum. Please read more about the upcoming November 5 referendum at this website: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024-referendum/

Please continue to check the website regularly as additional answers to questions are posted.

Any questions, please contact Superintendent Mitch Wainwright at 608-987-0740 or mitch.wainwright@mp.k12.wi.us

The District wants you to have the information you need to make an informed vote in November. Thank you for your engagement.

#PointerNation was represented with pride at the annual Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association awards banquet in Wisconsin Dells last Sunday! As we shared with you earlier this year, two of our Pointer Coaches would be honored with prestigious awards this fall.

-- Dan Burreson was presented with the Steve Randall Award, as well as the Wisconsin High School Boys Basketball Coach of the Year Award.

-- Coach Bill Mitchell was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

We are so grateful for the lasting impact you have made and we thank you once again!

Pointer Kids' Club Director Mo May Grimm received the Mineral Point American Legion Post 170's prestigious Citizen of the Year Award Sunday night!

In an addition to being an instrumental factor in getting our before/after school program off the ground last year, she has been the driving force of Pointer Pantry since it became an idea in 2015.

The mission of Pointer Pantry is to ensure at risk Mineral Point students do not go hungry on weekends and breaks. The group is currently helping 50 students (28 families) on a weekly basis through gift certificates.

Mo has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless young Pointers and we are grateful for her caring spirit. Congratulations!

If you are interested in assisting Pointer Pantry, please reach out to her at mo.maygrimm@mp.k12.wi.us to learn how you might be able to help.

Our October Students of the Month for the 2024-25 school year were honored Tuesday at the Mineral Point Kiwanis meeting -- a big congrats to Ella Kroll and Lila Thousand! Read more about these star Seniors here: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/10/kroll-thousand-are-students-of-the-month/

(Ella's photo taken by Shannon Marie Photography; Lila's photo taken by ann gorgen photography)

The elementary birthday book cart is open again this school year! Students' birthdays are announced and they get to celebrate by choosing a book from the birthday book cart. Reading is a gift!

Congrats to our vocalists who will be participating in the UW-Platteville Choral Festival Tuesday, October 8! The event will culminate with a concert at 6:30 pm at the Center for the Arts -- all are welcome!

-- Josie Dunn, Lily Fox, Emily Heisner, Anthony Luu, Lilly Murn, Brooke Paynter, Lucy Paynter, Finn Renwick, Taitin Riley, Madelyn Steffes, Lila Thousand.

There’s a star inside an apple! It’s a miracle indeed, that this sweet and juicy apple was once a tiny seed.

Our Mineral Point FFA Chapter enjoyed the Fall Leadership Conference in Fennimore last Monday, learning how to set us up for success this school year! Thanks for hosting, Golden Eagles!

1st graders traveled to the Oak Savanna to explore, observe, and take notes on what they saw or heard. Throughout the year, they will take walks through the savanna to notice the changes throughout each season. We are so lucky to have this beautiful treasure right at our school!

Congratulations to Kimberly Diefenbach, Elementary Math & Reading Interventionist, who has been named an EduConnect Educator Resource Scholarship recipient from the Gary Payton II Foundation!

Mrs. Diefenbach will receive a one-year subscription to Project Read AI’s innovative tools designed to support literacy and empower our students.

The Gary Payton II Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for individuals affected by dyslexia.

1st graders went book “shopping” and found good places to read in their classroom!

WisSports.net is proud to showcase the Wisconsin Sports Network High School Football Awards -- congratulations to Matt Aurit for being named a Semi-Finalist for the Joe Thomas Offensive Lineman Senior Award!

The pre-season list was trimmed down to 25 semi-finalists halfway through the year, with five finalists chosen at the start of the playoffs. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.

Read more: https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1319758

WisSports.net is proud to showcase the Wisconsin Sports Network High School Football Awards -- congratulations to Jacob Phillips for being named a Semi-Finalist for the John Anderson Linebacker Senior Award!

The pre-season list was trimmed down to 25 semi-finalists halfway through the year, with five finalists chosen at the start of the playoffs. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.

Read more: https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1319889

We are very thankful the Elmer B. Biddick Charitable Foundation awarded our grant for an indoor tower garden in the elementary library. We are setting up our aeroponic gardens and can't wait to grow vegetables all year long!

Students enjoyed Construction Career Day at UW-Platteville! This event gives high school students exposure to the different career opportunities within the construction industry. Students experienced hands-on activities, and the opportunity to network with construction professionals and UW-Platteville faculty, students, and alumni.

EC enjoyed their most recent science experiment!

Friday, several Junior and Senior students had the great opportunity to attend the Wisconsin Education Fair (WEF) at UW-Platteville! Similar to a Career Fair, representatives from over 90 universities, colleges, technical schools, trade schools, and the military met with students. We pride ourselves on keeping doors open for students following graduation, no matter what path they choose!

Our Mineral Point FFA Chapter members had a great time this week at the World Dairy Expo in Madison! These members interacted with businesses leading the dairy and agricultural industry. We are lucky to have this fabulous event close by.

Collision Specialists SSE stopped by the school with a generous donation from their annual back to school fundraiser where customers can choose to support a local school of their choice. They feel communities are built on schools and since 2012 have donated over $57,000 to area schools. Thank you so much!

Giving Back to Our Community!

We’re thrilled to announce the RE/MAX Preferred - True Action Realty team has donated $200 to the Mineral Point Unified School District to help cover student lunch debt.

This donation was made possible through a fundraiser held during the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce Golf Event this summer. Their goal was to support families in need by reducing their outstanding lunch balances, ensuring that every student can focus on their education without worry.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this donation a reality! Together, we can make a difference for our community.

Round Three, here we come! Which high school football team in Southwest Wisconsin (or their predecessor schools) has (or had) the best mascot? Vote for your favorite high school football mascots during the Papa Murphy’s of Platteville & Prairie du Chien 2024 High School Football Mascot Challenge! The winning team will receive a pizza party courtesy of Papa Murphy’s of Platteville & Prairie du Chien!

-- Third Round voting will take place October 2 – October 8. In Round 3, the Mineral Point Pointers are battling the Bloomington Bluejays. You can vote here: https://www.wglr.com/win/mascot-challenge/

Throwback Thursday #TBT: For the first time since its inception in 2010, the Dodgeville High School Athletic Hall of Fame will induct teams from our co-op sports!

Congratulations to the following Dodge-Point Girls Cross Country teams who will be honored next week during DHS Homecoming festivities: 2004 State Runner-Up, 2005 State Champion, and 2006 State Champion.

Additionally, DP Cross Country and Track & Field Coaches Joe Hanson and Denny McGraw will be inducted as individuals.

Team members include:

-- 2004- Ashton Mieritz, Kira Butusov, Jaclyn Schroeder, Hope Linden, Sara McKinley, Katie McGraw, Kari Peterson, Erica Owens, Maggie Anderson, Alli Tank, Carissa Standorf, Page Mieritz, Christina Frank, Liz Howard, Kaili Trieloff, Heidi Straka, Ann Tank, Liz Lawinger, Alicia Lipska, Christina Lodahl, Katie Dunbar, Alicia Yager.

-- 2005-Alli Tank, Maggie Anderson, Page Mieritz, Shelby Wallace, Abby Trollop, Ashton Mieritz, Ann Tank, Carissa Standorf, Erika Owens, Alicia Lipska, Katie McGraw, Chelci Reynolds, Heather Riniker, Christina Frank, Kari Peterson, Taylor Martin, Katie Dunbar, Heidi Straka, Rachel Philipps, Alison Dunbar, Kaili Trieloff.

-- 2006- Alli Tank, Taylor Martin, Abby Trollop, Ashley Arnold, Emily Reynolds, Shelby Wallace, Sierra Wasley, Katie Chubb, Ashton Mieritz, Maggie Anderson, Alicen Dunbar, Carin Frank, Mary Riemenapp, Heather Riniker, Olivia Hogan, Jenny Wunderlin, Heidi Straka, Ann Tank, Anna Klusendorf, Katie Dunbar, Erica Owens, Christina Frank, Alicia Lipska, Carissa Standorf, Chelci Reynolds, Rachel Philipps, Jodi Straka, Jessica Roh.

Congrats to all!

Pointers give back -- Join us for a food drive to benefit Hurricane Helene disaster relief October 8-10! Donations may be dropped off at the elementary and high school offices, as well as at the Spirit Rally following the Homecoming Parade Thursday night.

Plan on supporting the Odd Fellows' pork sandwich fundraiser for the Mineral Point Excellence in Education Foundation and Pointer Pantry this Friday and Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm at Aspen Ridge Home & Garden! These groups directly support our staff and students.

A rare event! #PointerNation will host a boys soccer game this Monday, October 14! We are excited to welcome our Dodge-Point team as Mauston comes to town. Venture out to Ron Murphy Field and join us for a 5 pm Varsity start (no JV game). If you can't make it, there will be a planned livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@mptvpointers

We are excited to welcome everyone to our Mineral Point School District Science Night on Tuesday, October 15 from 5-7 pm at the middle/high school! Students in all grade levels have been working hard on projects and are excited to showcase their work!

Pointer Families --

On Tuesday, October 15 from 5-7 pm, your child (in all grade levels) has the opportunity to take place in the Mineral Point Science Night! He/she can explore a topic they are interested in and create a project that shows what was learned from their research and/or experimentation! Students have received a packet that can help walk them through steps to be successful with their project. This will have to be done outside of school time or during a study hall and materials are not provided from the school. If your child plans to do this optional project, our hope is that they will be able to attend the Science Night to show off their work and answer any questions they may get from attendees. We hope you will attend too! If you or your child has any questions, please let Mrs. Uppena, Mrs. Brown, or Mrs. McCoy know! We are looking forward to a fun Science Night!

Due Dates for your child:

• -- Final Product/Presentation ready by Monday, October 14

• -- Attend Science Night from 5-7 pm to show off the project on Tuesday, October 15

-Mrs. Uppena, Mrs. McCoy, and Mrs. Brown

micki.uppena@mp.k12.wi.us

kris.mccoy@mp.k12.wi.us

mckenzy.brown@mp.k12.wi.us

A reminder photo retake day is set for Thursday, October 17. Retakes are for all interested, or those who missed the first day. You should have received an email from Empire Photography with the link to order school pictures from September 19. If you did not receive one, please check all emails, as well as your spam folder. If you have any questions you can direct them to customerservice@empirephotos.com. Bring your smiles!

Make plans to attend our Middle School Music Pancake Breakfast Saturday, October 19! Enjoy good food and performances from our 6th and 7th/8th Grade Bands & Choirs! The performance scheduled is as follows:

-- 6th Grade Band: 8:00-8:10 am

-- 7th/8th Grade Band: 8:15-8:25 am

-- 6th Grade Choir: 8:30-8:40 am

-- 7th/8th Grade Choir: 8:45-8:55 am

Make plans to join us Monday, October 21 for the High School Fall Concert in the gym at 7 pm! Students are excited to perform for you.

Join us Wednesday, October 23 for an important Community Information Meeting on the upcoming November 5 Operating Referendum.

Superintendent Mitch Wainwright will discuss the state of school funding in Wisconsin and the vital role the upcoming operating referendum plays for the future of our schools.

Bring your questions as we explore how this initiative will impact our educational foundation and ensure continued success for our students.

The meeting will begin at 6 pm in the middle/high school cafeteria located at 705 Ross Street. Content will be very similar to the September 18 community meeting.

You can also learn more about the operating referendum at: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024-referendum/

Feel free to reach out to Superintendent Wainwright with your questions at 608-987-0740 or mitch.wainwright@mp.k12.wi.us.

Test your knowledge at the 6th Annual Trivia Night (hosted by Mineral Point Boys & Girls Basketball) Sunday, October 27 in the MPHS Gym from 6-8 pm!

Cost is $10 per person with tables consisting of 4 to 8 people. Pre-registration is preferred (pay at door) -- email dan.burreson@mp.k12.wi.us or mpgirlsboosterclub@gmail.com to sign up.

There will also be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, bucket raffles, heads or tails, sit down bingo, and concessions. Join the fun!

The next Mineral Point Early Childhood Development Screening will take place Wednesday, October 30! This screening is open to children who were born between the dates of December 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

This is a great opportunity for school staff to meet your child and answer any questions you may have about your child's development. This is the one time prior to your child starting 4K that we will ask you to attend a screening. Your child is guaranteed to have fun and will go home with a bag full of goodies!

Please call 608-987-0739 ext. 127 if you are interested in having your child participate. We look forward to welcoming our newest Pointers!

It’s that time of year again–please consider nominating Mineral Point educators for the following Herb Kohl Awards. They are some of the most prestigious honors that can be earned in the state. #PointerNation has had at least one winner seven of the last eight years, which is incredible — it all starts with a nomination!

The deadline for nomination is Tuesday, November 12 for teacher awards. Read more: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/09/kohl-nominations-sought-7/

In 1972, President Richard Nixon declared October 6 to be National Coaches Day and we would like to celebrate the dedicated coaches that are part of #PointerNation and Dodge-Point!

It's the start of Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Week and a chance to recognize those who volunteer to serve their communities and children! School board members serve part-time, though they have accepted a challenging role. School board members translate the values and priorities of their communities into the language of education. Their school board service is a manifestation of their gratitude to their community and hope for the next generation. Thank you!

#PointerNation events coming up this week -- join us! (Please note these schedules are always subject to change)

HOMECOMING WEEK
Activity details: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/09/homecoming-2024/

Monday, October 7
-- HS Dress Up Day: Destination Day (Freshmen: Disneyland, Sophomores: NFL Tailgate Party, Juniors: Safari, Seniors: Hawaiian Luau, Staff: Back to College)
-- MS Dress Up Day: Pajama Day
-- ES Dress Up Day: Pajama Day
-- JV Football vs. Southwestern/East Dubuque, IL 5 pm. Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@mptvpointers
-- Freshman Volleyball at Belmont 6 pm

Tuesday, October 8
-- HS Dress Up Day: Generation Day (Freshmen: Babies, Sophomores: Grade School, Juniors: Parents, Seniors: Senior Citizens, Staff: Teenagers)
-- MS Dress Up Day: Camo vs. Flannel Day
-- ES Dress Up Day: American Day (Red, White & Blue)
-- Volleyball vs. Riverdale (JV & Freshmen 5:30 pm, Varsity to follow). Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@mptvpointers
-- Boys Soccer vs. River Valley (Varsity 5 pm, JV to follow). Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@DodgevilleSchoolDistrict

Wednesday, October 9
-- Early Release 2 pm (every Wednesday)
-- HS Dress Up Day: Class Theme Day (Freshmen: Big Bang Theory, Sophomores: Stranger Things, Juniors: Yellowstone, Seniors: Grey’s Anatomy, Staff: Game of Thrones)
-- MS Dress Up Day: Dress Like Your Parent Day
-- ES Dress Up Day: Crazy About our Pointers! (crazy socks, tie dye, or crazy hats)

Thursday, October 10
-- HS Dress Up Day: Class Color Day (Freshmen: Green, Sophomores: Orange, Juniors: Purple, Seniors: Black, Staff: Blue)
-- MS Dress Up Day: Class Color Day (6th Grade: Teal, 7th Grade: Yellow, 8th Grade: Red)
-- ES Dress Up Day: When I Grow Up (Dress as your future self)
-- MS Volleyball at Dodgeville 4 pm
-- Parade 6:15 pm down High Street
-- Spirit Rally (including crowning of King & Queen) to follow at the football field

Friday, October 11
-- HS Dress Up Day: Pointer Spirit Day
-- MS Dress Up Day: Pointer Spirit Day
-- ES Dress Up Day: Pointer Spirit Day
-- Varsity Football vs. Benton/Scales Mound/Shullsburg 7 pm (Halftime Marching Band Show & Court Introduction). Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@mptvpointers

Saturday, October 12
-- MS Cross Country at Albany 11:20 am
-- Homecoming Dance 8 pm-12 am (Doors open 8 pm, Grand March 8:30 pm). Admission: Spectators $2, Attendees $10

Please be aware of other companies claiming to livestream our games, especially if there are links different than posted above and ask for credit card and personal information -- these are scams. We will update this pinned post as available livestream information is relayed to us.

Est. 1829

"Grounded by our history as one of the oldest publicly supported schools in Wisconsin, Mineral Point Unified School District is the heart of a small community that educates and inspires our students for a bright future in a big world."

Email: joelle.doye@mp.k12.wi.us
Website: mineralpointschools.org
Location: 705 Ross Street, Mineral Point, WI, USA
Phone: (608) 987-0740
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MineralPointSchoolDistrict