#PointerNation News

HUGE news for our Mineral Point FFA Chapter! Both Joey Robinson (Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship) and Luke Schubert (Fiber & Oil Crop Production) have been named National Finalists in their Proficiency areas! This means they are among the Top 4 in their category in the entire nation and will find out final placings at the National Convention at Indianapolis in October.

Joey’s project is based on buying equipment that needs repair and then reselling after repairing it. He also performs regular equipment maintenance as well as total engine rebuilds. The other finalists in Joey's area are from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Luke’s project is based on his work on Schubert Farms with the soybean crop. Luke performs many duties on the farm including tilling the soil and planting the crops. He runs combine and grain cart in the fall as well as helping to run the grain storage unit. The other finalists in Luke's area are from Kansas, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Way to go! An amazing accomplishment!

What a trip! Many of our incoming 8th and 9th graders had the amazing educational opportunity to visit the sites in Washington DC! They learned, laughed, sweated, and even shed a few tears. The trip didn’t end the way they planned due to a flight cancelation, but we are grateful for how everyone handled the hiccup with grace and patience. Great job, #PointerNation and a huge thanks to World Classrooms Tours!

Let's hear it for Preston Lease! The incoming Senior was one of only 39 cadets picked to attend Wisconsin American Legion's Law Enforcement Career Academy at Ft. McCoy! Agencies across the state are constantly in need of quality applicants entering the law enforcement field. That's why Legion Wisconsin launched WALLECA, designed to provide first-hand experiences and insight into the operation of law enforcement agencies. Topics of instruction included crime scene investigation, firearms training, de-escalation and arrest tactics, OWI enforcement, human trafficking, tactical response, ethics, and team-building exercises.

We'd like to continue featuring more of our accomplishments from the 2023-24 school year! For measures that matter, 46 students completed the Youth Apprenticeship program, with 27 of those being state certified! Congrats to these students for gaining hands-on experience in a career related field, and thanks to the businesses who make this possible!

We are proud to prepare our Pointers for whatever path they choose following graduation!

We'd like to continue featuring more of our accomplishments from the 2023-24 school year! For measures that matter, 48 students participated last school year, earning 310 credits, in the Cooperative Academic Partnership Program (CAPP)!

This is a partnership with UW-Oshkosh where MPHS teachers are approved to teach UWO courses as an adjunct instructor. Courses currently offered: Writing 101, American Literature II, Creative Writing, Physics, Music & Culture, Music Theory, Badminton, and Archery.

We are proud to prepare our Pointers for whatever path they choose following graduation!

A big congrats to Keri Radtke, 2nd Grade Teacher, who is one of this year's grant recipients from the Mineral Point Excellence in Education Foundation! Her "Wonder in Nature" project received $200 from the The Don Hawkins Community Oak Savanna Endowment Fund.

"Goals include increased reading, writing, listening, and speaking fluency. Also, experiencing nature first hand, learning about native plants and animals from Wisconsin, and learning across age groups will also be important goals. The outcomes will include those increased academic proficiencies as well as a heightened interest and enthusiasm for our local oak savanna and Wisconsin's great natural resources!," said Radtke.

Grants from the Mineral Point EIE support educational programming outside of the boundaries of the school district budget. Thank you to all donors! To learn more about the EIE, visit https://cfsw.org/eie/mineral-point/

A big congrats to Erin Sincox, High School Science Teacher and Key Club Advisor, who is one of this year's grant recipients from the Mineral Point Excellence in Education Foundation! Her "Community Service Day" project received $500 from the The Don Hawkins Community Oak Savanna Endowment Fund.

"Community Service Day not only helps those most vulnerable stay in their homes by helping them with yard work and other projects, it also helps keep local green spaces, including the Don Hawkins Community Oak Savanna, places where people can get 'Vitamin N' and enjoy nature. I always feel this is a successful and worthwhile endeavor when I receive feedback from the community that our students were helpful, kind, and willing to do whatever is asked of them. Many community members are so thankful that we continue to do this project year after year," said Sincox.

Grants from the Mineral Point EIE support educational programming outside of the boundaries of the school district budget. Thank you to all donors! To learn more about the EIE, visit https://cfsw.org/eie/mineral-point/

A big congrats to Penny Wiegel, 1st Grade Teacher, who is one of this year's grant recipients from the Mineral Point Excellence in Education Foundation! Her "Smiles and Creativity" project received $500 from the Roger & Mary Ivey Excellence in Education Endowment Fund.

"Implementing 'Morning Tubs' is a 'play-based' idea I began during the 2023-24 school year. As I reflected on the way each day started, I came to the conclusion beginning students' days in a calmer, slower way would get each student set up for a great day. These tubs contain materials such as jigsaw puzzles, building materials, and problem solving challenges. These types of activities help students develop self-regulation skills, improve emotional intelligence, enhance communication and collaboration, and cultivate a positive mindset. By starting the days with these activities, students are better equipped to handle challenges, manage their emotions, and engage in meaningful interactions with peers and teachers. They play a crucial role in setting the tone for the day, creating a calm and focused atmosphere, allowing students to transition from home to school and prepare their minds for learning. These activities help establish a sense of belonging and connectedness, which is essential for creating a positive climate," said Wiegel.

Grants from the Mineral Point EIE support educational programming outside of the boundaries of the school district budget. Thank you to all donors! To learn more about the EIE, visit https://cfsw.org/eie/mineral-point/

It wouldn't be the Wisconsin State Fair without some Pointer success and appearances in the Governor's Blue Ribbon Auction! Congrats to Jaycee Tibbits and Regan Suddeth! Read more: https://www.jsonline.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/events/2024/08/08/2024-governors-blue-ribbon-livestock-auction/74715659007/

Two familiar Pointer faces have been selected to be Iowa County 4-H Ambassadors for 2024-25! Congrats to Jadyn Swinehart and Madelyn Steffes! They join Quentin Koss (Montfort), Olivia Koss (Montfort), and Kolton Wehler (Avoca) earning this honor from the county.

Run to order your Dodge-Point Cross Country apparel! Deadline is August 21. There are also some non-sport specific Dodge-Point items available: https://sportsworld.chipply.com/dpcrosscounrty24/

School supplies are starting to hit store shelves! Lists are available for the 2024-25 school year here: https://mineralpointschools.org/mpsd/supply-lists/

Please remember that if your family needs help with supplies, we have many community partners that have generously provided donations to the district. Regardless of the grades of your children, please reach out to Jane Barr at jane.barr@mp.k12.wi.us or 608-987-0710 if you need help obtaining supplies.

The Mineral Point Unified School District is hiring for the 2024-25 school year. Come join the great place that is #PointerNation where our mission is educating and inspiring our students for a bright future in a big world!

-- Part-time (4-5 hrs) Elementary Night Custodian

-- Part-time (3 hrs) Elementary Kitchen

-- Part-time (3 hrs) MS/HS Kitchen

-- Substitutes for Food Service

-- Substitutes for Custodians

-- Substitutes for Teachers & Instructional Assistants

-- Substitutes for Office Administrative Assistants

To inquire about the above positions, contact Angie Schubert at 608-987-0740 or angie.schubert@mp.k12.wi.us

-- The Musical Theatre Club is still searching for a Master Builder! The Master Builder is responsible for the procuring and/or building of backdrops, furniture, and other large set pieces during the majority of the fall musical season. Two weeks before the show opens, they help to move these pieces into the venue, and are in charge of managing the backstage crew of students. At the end of the show season, they help to strike the pieces and move out of the venue. Because of these duties, the Master Builder should have their own power tools, have access to a space to build prior to move-in, be willing to collaborate creatively with the other directors as needed, and keep student safety a priority. For the Fall 2024 season, we are producing "Big Fish: School Edition" at the Mineral Point Opera House. Move-in takes place on Sunday 11/10, shows will take place on Friday 11/22 7pm, Saturday 11/23 7pm, and Sunday 11/24 1:30pm, and move-out takes place directly after the final show. Contracted amount: $1,197.13. For inquiries, please contact Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh at ashley.mchugh@mp.k12.wi.us

Hello Pointer Families,

Mineral Point Unified School District Online Registration is open for the 2024-25 School Year! We are asking that you complete all info online by the end of the day Sunday, August 4.

Please read more important registration details here: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/07/registration-2024-25/

Some highlights:

1. Student demographic information must be filled out online in Skyward Family Access.

2. There will be no in-person registration day to pay for students’ school fees. All fees can be paid through Fee Management, or you can still drop payment off at school if you prefer to not pay online.

3. Any Parent/Guardian with a student who is NEW to the district and has not yet enrolled can follow this link or contact Shelby Sporle at 608-987-0710 to set up an in-person appointment: https://skyward.iscorp.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsedumineralpointwi/skyenroll

4. All students will complete a transportation form within online registration. If you have any questions regarding busing, contact First Student at 608-987-3911.

5. Please consider applying for free & reduced meals. To read more about income guidelines and apply, visit: https://mineralpointschools.org/mpsd/free-reduced-lunch-program-application/

6. K-5th grade families with full-time enrolled students may also complete the Pointer Kids Club Registration form within online registration for before and after school care, if interested.

If you have any registration questions, or need assistance with the process, please contact the District Office at 608-987-0740.

We look forward to another great year and are glad to have you joining us -- #PointerNation is a great place to be!

The #PointerNation Class of 1960 gathered at Cow Tippers Pub & Eatery for its 64th reunion and had a fantastic time! Front row: Jan Bolan, Bob Bisarek, Joyce Laverty. Middle row: Doris Freymiller, Mary Lynn Duncan, Mary Schweitzer. Back row: Bob Ivey, Bill Dobson, Charles Seymour. (Send your class reunion photos to joelle.doye@mp.k12.wi.us)

Football Community Night, presented by the Gridiron Club, is just around the corner, scheduled for Thursday, August 15 at 5 pm! There will be:

- Youth games under the lights

- Punt, pass & kick contest

- Raffle

- Silent auction

- Face painting

- Poster signing by the 2024 Football Team

- Food will be available for purchase

Plan for 6th Grade Orientation Tuesday, August 20 at 6:30 pm. We look forward to seeing everyone -- welcome to middle school! Any questions, please reach out to brooke.mcgraw@mp.k12.wi.us or carrie.brinkman@mp.k12.wi.us

Students and families are welcome to stop by for Back to School Nights to drop off supplies and meet teachers. We are excited to see everyone!

Monday, August 26

-- EC & 4K: 4-6 pm (Parent/Guardian Meeting 5 pm)

Tuesday, August 27

-- K-5 Elementary: 4-6 pm

-- 6-12 Middle/High: 5-7 pm

Wedding bells were ringing for Middle/High School Phy Ed Teacher and Activities Director Chris Carr and wife Sara July 27! Congratulations from #PointerNation -- wishing you a lifetime of happiness! (Graphic uses a photo taken by Jennifer Raye Photography)

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

Monday, August 12

-- Regular School Board meeting 6 pm (note: this meeting will be held in the elementary school library): https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2067

Thursday, August 15

-- Football Community Night 5 pm at MPHS

Friday, August 16

-- JV & Varsity Football Scrimmage vs. Cambridge, Dodgeville, Riverdale 5:30 pm. Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@mptvpointers

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.

"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