#PointerNation News
December 9, 2024
ROBINSON NAMED PLAYER WITH HEART
A big congrats to Ellie Robinson who has been nominated as a Beck's Hybrids Player with Heart for her commitment and passion on and off the course, field, and court!
What she loves most about high school sports is seeing her friends everyday and getting to create lifelong friendships. Ellie is involved in cross country, basketball, track and field, FFA, National Honor Society, and Skills USA. She participates in helping a church provide meals to the community with NHS. Her 4-H chapter also does highway cleanup every year. As an FFA member, she has helped numerous times at steak feeds, Ross Soil dinners, and cattleman’s banquet.
Agriculture means a lot to Ellie in different ways. She grew up on a farm, and was able to grow crops, show animals, and raise livestock. Agriculture is much bigger than raising animals; it provides for her family and the country.
Ellie will be attending South Dakota State University to continue her academic and athletic career. She will major in agronomy and run cross country and track for the Jackrabbits.
Read more here: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/becks-player-with-heart-wisconsin/
CHRISTOPHER, COOGAN ARE STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Our December Students of the Month for the 2024-25 school year were honored Tuesday at the Mineral Point Kiwanis meeting -- a big congrats to Addison Christopher and Isabelle Coogan! Read more about these star Seniors here: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/12/christopher-coogan-are-students-of-the-month/
(Christopher photo by Lifka Bennett; Coogan photo by Julia Bystol)
GINGERBREAD MAN
Mrs. Doney's Kindergarten class made their very own gingerbread man! They were so excited to eat him, but never got the chance! He ran away leaving a note. They have looked all over for him and had no luck, so they are asking special friends and family to keep an eye out for him...
LUMINARIES
It was the most beautiful night of the year in Mineral Point Saturday! Thank you to our students who visited the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce to make hundreds of luminaries for Candlelight Shopping!
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY
Students read the story "Balloons Over Broadway" to learn how the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade started! Sphero Indi robots were used to move the balloons they designed along the parade route.
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Our Skills USA members helped deliver smiles for Thanksgiving! Students were glad to assist the Mineral Point Lions Club with its annual distribution of roses to many folks in the area, including local nursing homes.
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
Mrs. McDonald's Kindergarten students took home a Countdown to Christmas Chain! Each night, tear off a loop. When you cut off the last one, Christmas will be here!
AERO GARDEN
The latest harvest from our aero garden in the elementary library sure was delicious! We remain grateful for the grant that made this possible!
CLASSROOM TREE
Mrs. Dunham's classroom tree is filling up nicely for the holidays! Each student was invited to bring a special ornament from home in to help decorate.
GERMANY
1st Graders began their three-week travels around the world for Christmas! Their first stop was Germany where they learned many of our traditions are similar to theirs.
ATHLETIC SERVICE AWARD
Since 2011, the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association has provided each school district with a service award plaque to be presented annually to an individual, or individuals, who have gone above and beyond in their respective districts.
Athletic Director Chris Carr presented this year's award to Bill and Tina Mitchell who have held critical roles within our athletic department for many years.
-- Tina has consistently stepped up, not only as the voice of girls volleyball events by handling the public address announcing, but also as a valued referee and line judge for our volleyball matches. Her versatility and willingness to help in so many ways shows her deep commitment to our athletes and our teams.
-- Bill has dedicated much of his time to coaching basketball at a high level for Mineral Point and has left a lasting impact on countless student-athletes. His hard work in that area was recognized as he was just inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall Of Fame this fall. Even after his coaching tenure, Bill continues to give back by working the clock at a variety of sporting events, ensuring our games run smoothly and helping to create a professional, organized environment for our teams.
Tina and Bill have consistently gone above and beyond, offering their time, talent, and energy to make sure that every event they help with is a success. Their selfless contributions have made a huge difference in the experience of our athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
Thanks and congratulations from #PointerNation!
BASKETBALL STATE RANKINGS
Who's ready for another exciting year of #PointerNation hoops?! The first set of state basketball rankings came out last week from WisSports.net:
-- Pointer Boys are in the top spot at #1 in Division 4
-- Pointer Girls clock in at #4 in D4
Read more here:
-- Boys: https://www.wissports.net/page/show/8864047-week-1
-- Girls: https://www.wissports.net/page/show/8864504-week-1
LINDSEY NAMED TO WATCH LIST
WisSports.net is proud to showcase the Wisconsin Sports Network High School Basketball Awards -- congratulations to Eli Lindsey for being named to the Pre-Season Wing Senior Watch List!
The pre-season list will be trimmed to 15 semi-finalists for each position halfway through the year, with five finalists to be selected at the outset of the playoffs. WSN staff will review the finalists and select a winner for each award, with an announcement made the week of the state basketball finals.
Read more: https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1325515
WENDHAUSEN NAMED TO WATCH LIST
WisSports.net is proud to showcase the Wisconsin Sports Network High School Basketball Awards -- congratulations to Jaxson Wendhausen for being named to the Pre-Season Shooter Senior Watch List!
The pre-season list will be trimmed to 15 semi-finalists for each position halfway through the year, with five finalists to be selected at the outset of the playoffs. WSN staff will review the finalists and select a winner for each award, with an announcement made the week of the state basketball finals.
Read more: https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1325514
CHRONICLE ALL-AREA FOOTBALL
Kudos to our #PointerNation Football team members who earned All-Area honors from The Dodgeville Chronicle!
-- First Team: Reid Acherman (defensive end and running back) Matthew Aurit (defensive and offensive line), Roen Carey (linebacker), Alan James (defensive and offensive line), Jacob Phillips (linebacker and offensive line)
-- Honorable Mention: Tucker Dannenberg (wide receiver/split end and defensive back/safety), Colton Dochnahl (center and defensive end), Grady Finley (wide receiver/slot wide receiver and corner/safety)
-- Co-Offensive Player of the Year: Reid Acherman
WRESTLING CHEERLEADERS
With the regular season starting this week, a shout out to the cheerleading crew that will be getting #PointerNation pumped for wrestling matches!
- Joss James, Senior
- Brooke Paynter, Senior
- Kylie Bennett, Sophomore
- Lily Fox, Sophomore
- Lucy Paynter, Sophomore
- Shayna Sigg, Freshman
#POINTERNATION WELCOMES BRANDI RUF WEPKING
Let's give a big #PointerNation welcome to Brandi Ruf Wepking, new Elementary School Instructional Assistant! We're glad to have you here!
GIRLS BASKETBALL ALUMNI NIGHT
Mineral Point Girls Basketball was proud to welcome back several years of alumni teams Friday night for a special recognition celebrating 50 years of #PointerNation Girls Hoops! Thanks to all who joined us! Once a Pointer, always a Pointer!
First girls team from 1974-75 that included: Mary Poad, Becky Galle, Nancy Galle, Lynn Olson, Deloris Wang, Sharon Stude, Sandy Goodweiler, Coach Jane Heibel, Marcia Rowley, Kelly Nast, Lib Schwartz, Sheila Koehler, Kathy Goldthorpe, Marlene Pittz, Beth Finley, Julie Gilman.
1977-78 team that included: Asst. Laura Schaaf, Diane Yager, Vickie Dahl, Jean Baker, Asst. Terry Reed, Coach Jeff Heibel, Tonya James, Mary Kay Schmitz, Sybille Nevels, Sandy Moore, Cindy Van Matre, Margaret Aurit, Sharon Stude, Julie Graber, Jane Galle, Cheryl O’Connell, Coach Jane Heibel.
1987-88 team that included: Trici Whitford, Tammy Wehrle, Janet Schubert, Stacy McCarville, Jenny Kinch, Denise James, Krista Marr, Coach Chuck Bennett, Cory Brown, Tammy Richardson, Carolyn Kinch. Cheerleaders and managers: Jorah Duncanson, Paula Griffiths, Kari Cody, Heidi Prohaska, Wendy Buss, Danielle Ross, Angel Gratz.
1997-98 team that included: Kinoe Nemoto, Tasha Terrill, Tori Dahl, Steph Yager, Tricia Heaton, Sara Kendall, Kyle Lawinger, Sara Griffiths, Laura Canon, Jennifer Heins, Carisa McGuire, Billie Jo McCarville, Cari Schaaf, Tricia Bahr, Amy Edge, Coach Chuck Bennett.
2007-08 team that included: Jordan Johnson, Rilee Schmitz, Kayla Runde, Ashley Steffes, Claire Poad, Mandy McKinley, Coach Jodi Gevelinger, Kari Sporle, Raeann Bennett, Jennifer Mitchell, Taylor Einerson, Liz Lawinger, Coach Chuck Bennett, Sara Walsh, Brittany Gleichauf, Brianna Bennett.
2017-18 team that included: Peyton Ross, Kaitlyn Kinch, McKenna Reichling, Dana Schmitz, Mara Aschliman, Amanda Murphy, Morgan James, Malorie Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Kyla Lindsey, Coach Mitch Wainwright.
DIGITAL PROGRAMS
Hello #PointerNation! Going forward, our athletic department prefers that fans use QR codes to access programs as we will be printing a significantly smaller number of programs for home games. QR codes will also be available at ticket tables and on the video board. A small number of print programs will still be available only for those without the ability to scan a code. You can also find the latest digital program at this link: bit.ly/mpdigitalprogram
POINSETTIA SALE
The annual Mineral Point FFA Chapter Poinsettia sale is going on now! Cost is $15 each with many varieties available. Contact Mike Robinson (mike.robinson@mp.k12.wi.us) to order.
GIVING TREE
Mineral Point High School Future Business Leaders of America are again sponsoring the Holiday Giving Tree to share holiday blessings! Our club is buying gifts for five children from Iowa County, as well as collecting gift cards for Mrs. Brunson and Mrs. Robb to use as needed in our own school district.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Pick an ornament, or two, from the tree in the high school lobby
2. Go shopping and purchase
3. Drop off the gift, or gift cards, in the High School office by Friday, December 13
4. We ask that you tape the ornament to your gift to ensure everything gets delivered correctly
Please help area children and share in the joy of the holiday season! Thank you for your generosity!
CLASS COMPETITION FOOD DRIVE
Our MPHS National Honor Society is hosting a food and toiletry drive this week! The winning grade level will win ice cream. The competition kicks off Thursday, December 5 and ends at Noon Tuesday, December 10. Let's have some fun for a good cause! (Graphic by Ella Kroll)
CARE CUPBOARD DONATIONS
The Mineral Point Excellence in Education Endowment Fund is again hosting a drive to help us fill our Care Cupboard! There is a need for these items in our schools:
-- Personal Hygiene products such as: deodorant, laundry detergent pods, tampons/pads.
-- Individually packed non-perishable snack items such as: granola bars, applesauce pouches, crackers (plain, cheesy, and peanut butter sandwiches), fruit snacks, trail mix.
-- Monetary donations
-- Items from the Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1779SXQ5SQ2JP/
Items may be dropped off at:
-- Middle/High Winter Concert in the high school gym Monday, December 9 at 7 pm
-- Elementary Winter Concert in the high school gym Wednesday, December 18 at 12:30 pm
-- Any school office
Thank you for your generosity!
MIDDLE/HIGH WINTER CONCERT
Join the middle/high school choirs and bands for their Winter Concert Monday, December 9 at 7 pm in the middle/high school gym for some outstanding sounds of the season!
FOOD DRIVE
The Mineral Point Odd Fellows will be holding a drive of non-perishable food, toiletry items, and monetary donations at the home #PointerNation Boys Basketball game this Tuesday, December 10 vs. Boscobel Area Schools. Donations will go to local food pantries. Thank you for your generosity!
ELEMENTARY WINTER CONCERT
Elementary (grades K-5) students are getting excited to share their musical talents with you at their Winter Concert Wednesday, December 18 in the high school gym beginning at 12:30 pm!
WRESTLING HALL OF FAME
Save the date! Mineral Point Wrestling will induct its 2024-25 honorees to the Allen E. Bauman Wrestling Hall of Fame Friday, December 20 at the home match vs. Belmont/Platteville. Congrats to Todd Doney, Matthew Gevelinger, and Troy Pittz!
WINTER BREAK
A reminder there will be no classes in #PointerNation Saturday, December 21 through Wednesday, January 1 due to Winter Break. Classes will resume Thursday, January 2. Enjoy the time off!
THIS WEEK'S #POINTERNATION STAFF SALUTES
Meg Cullen
12/5: Meg Cullen (High School Instructional Assistant)
Jayne Lindsey
12/9: Jayne Lindsey (Nurse)
#POINTERNATION EVENTS FOR THE WEEK
#PointerNation events coming up this week -- join us! (Please note these schedules are always subject to change)
Monday, December 9
-- School Board meeting 5 pm (note earlier time due to concert): https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2067
-- Middle/High School Winter Concert 7 pm (Donations to school Care Cupboard accepted)
Tuesday, December 10
-- Boys Basketball vs. Boscobel (JV 6 pm, Varsity to follow) -- Odd Fellows Food Drive. Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@mptvpointers
Digital tickets (cash still accepted at door): https://gofan.co/app/school/WI13618
-- MS Boys Basketball at Cuba City 4 pm
Wednesday, December 11
-- Early Release 2 pm (every Wednesday)
Thursday, December 12
-- Girls Basketball at Riverdale (JV 6 pm, Varsity to follow). Livestream: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/wi/muscoda/organization/39573/riverdale-high-school
Friday, December 13
-- Boys Basketball at Darlington (JV 6 pm, Varsity to follow). Radio: 93.7 fm or 97.7 fm. Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@DarlingtonRedbirds or https://fan.hudl.com/usa/wi/darlington/organization/13693/darlington-high-school
-- Varsity Girls Wrestling at Waunakee 4:15 pm. Digital tickets: https://gofan.co/event/2222151
Saturday, December 14
-- Varsity Wrestling at Weyauwega-Fremont 9:30 am. Livestream (subscription required): https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/weyauwegafremont-high-school-weyauwega-wi/gamc86528ea7b
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.
Mineral Point Unified School District
"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