#PointerNation News

#PointerNation Homecoming is set for the week of October 7 - October 12 and this year's theme is "Always Putting on a Show!" Congratulations to the Court members left to right, front row: Freshman Representatives Cambrey Carey and Tenleigh Bockhop, Sophomore Representatives Bree Swenson and Ava Ingwell, Senior Queen Candidate Izzy Dannenberg, Senior King Candidate Roen Carey, Senior Queen Candidate Ella Kroll, Senior King Candidate Eli Lindsey, Senior Queen Candidate Laci Lindsey, Senior King Candidate Matthew Goninen, Senior Representatives Eliza Ingwell and Annie Robinson, and Junior Representatives Addie Burris and Maddie Nodolf. Back row, left to right, Senior boys: Nolen Fox, Ethan Hook, Cole Hentrich, Tucker Dannenberg, Reid Acherman, Brody Miller, Alan James, Jacob Phillips, Matthew Aurit, Colton Dochnahl, and Gavin Houtakker.

Read more about the week's activities here: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/09/homecoming-2024/

Homecoming is quickly approaching the week of October 7! We have three Seniors that have been chosen to be the emcees of many events that week -- congrats to Blue Crew members Atley Potterton, Raegan Galle, and Jaxson Wendhausen!

Thank you to Brad and Laura at Munchkey Apples for a fun Friday morning with our 1st graders! They loved all the apples and warm apple cider donuts!

3rd graders took on a cup stacking challenge where they had to work together to stack cups in different ways using a rubber band that had strings attached to it! The rubber band was the only thing that could touch the cups and students could only use their hands to hold their piece of string. It was a great event to work on communication and team building skills!

New friends! 6th graders teamed up with 2nd grade to read the "The Wild Robot" and have some fun coloring at Water Tower Park! The book is a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.

This week, 1st graders traveled to Yellowstone National Park! They talked about ways to observe and learn about animals through their tracks and scat.

Officer Neil Pilling of the Mineral Point Police Department came for his first visit to Kindergarten for the school year! He reads to the students and forms a friendly relationship with them to avoid fear in a potential emergency situation. Thanks for coming, Officer Pilling!

Mr. Adam Haas spoke to all 4th Graders about growing sorghum on his family's farm! Students learned about planting and harvesting, as well as sampled molasses and molasses cookies! Great presentation. Thank you, Mr. Haas!

Apples and dip taste testing! 4K tried caramel, chocolate, marshmallow fluff, and peanut butter. What's your favorite?!

Curl up with a good book! Just ask these 4th graders!

A sincere thank you to UW-Platteville Office of Admission for bringing Boss Cow Coffee to school Friday as a special treat for our staff! This was a token of appreciation for partnering with UWP throughout the year.

A big thanks to Mr. Todd Schmitz, Transportation Director, from the First Student Bus Barn who came to talk about bus safety last week! Even if a child doesn't ride the bus every day, they should always know the rules and what to do in case of an emergency as they will be on the bus for field trips and other special events. Thanks again!

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?!" Kindergarten has been busy working on their acting skills!

Kindergarten read “Little Red Riding Hood” and had some fun acting out the story for their friends. They are already asking to do it again!

Kindergarten read “A Color of His Own” by Leo Lionni. In the book, the chameleon changed colors with his surroundings. They painted their own chameleons!

Our 7th and 8th Graders had the opportunity to visit the beautiful American Players Theatre in Spring Green to see William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing!"

USA Wrestling, FloWrestling, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum announced its preseason rankings for high school girl wrestlers for the 2024-25 season. Kudos to Dealya Collins who is ranked 23rd in the nation at 125 lbs!

"There are shortcuts to happiness and dance is one of them." The Halftime Entertainment dance team put on great performances at recent football games for the lucky fans in attendance! More photos: https://www.facebook.com/MineralPointSchoolDistrict/posts/pfbid02HHfWkcJnYPhPw1YaPVqEUM6HFAiYXcs3d1KAuU6acvLrDo1LdTWYZHVp5aAqat3Wl

We made it to Round Two! 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!

-- Second Round voting will take place September 26 – October 1. In Round 2, the Mineral Point Pointers are battling the Pecatonica-Argyle Vikings. You can vote here: https://www.wglr.com/win/mascot-challenge/

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.

Get your parade entries ready! This year’s Homecoming Parade will be Thursday, October 10 at 6:15 pm. Anyone may enter a unit in the parade by signing up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0949A9AA23AAFC1-51454070-mphs#/

Entries should be in no later than Thursday, October 3 to allow enough time to distribute the parade line-up to all involved. The parade order will be made public on the parade day, as last-minute changes occur.

Floats may be pulled by car or truck, and the driver must have a valid WI driver’s license. No three or four-wheelers will be allowed in the parade and we ask that you refrain from throwing candy as it creates a hazardous situation for youngsters. Class floats can have 6-8 students riding and drivers of floats must have a valid regular driver's license (19 years old and older). Written permission from the vehicle owner must be registered with the High School Office a week before the parade. Driver's proof of insurance must be turned into the high school office a week before the parade or your entry will not be allowed to participate in the parade.

Line-up will begin between 5:30 and 6:00 pm in front of the Mineral Point Care Center. Please look for the person in the bright fluorescent vest to help you. At 6:15 pm the parade will proceed down High Street.

The theme this year is “Always Putting on a Show!” and the Benton/Scales Mound/Shullsburg Knights will be the opposing team. The Spirit Rally, and crowning of the King & Queen, will begin immediately following the parade at the football field. The Homecoming Football Game will be Friday, October 11 at 7:00 pm with the Dance Saturday, October 12.

If you have questions about the parade, please email Mr. Matt Nevers at matt.nevers@mp.k12.wi.us.

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 Thursday, October 3 for principal awards and Tuesday, November 12 for teacher awards. Read more: https://mineralpointschools.org/2024/09/kohl-nominations-sought-7/

Please plan to support our Mineral Point FFA Chapter Donation Auction at the fairgrounds Sunday, October 6! The auction will begin at 9:30 am. Many wonderful products have been donated by generous businesses and individuals. Thanks for your support!

Our 5th graders are selling Bucky Books to fundraise for their spring teambuilding field trip!

Bucky Book coupons are valid up to October next year and make great holiday gifts with something for everyone, up to 50% off at 300 businesses.

At the end of the school year, 5th graders go to Four Mounds in Dubuque for their ropes courses and is a great way to work on teambuilding and camaraderie.

If you are interesting in ordering, the cost is $35 per book. Please reach out to any 5th grade teacher by October 10:

- Laurie Heimsoth at laurie.heimsoth@mp.k12.wi.us

- Chloe Muhlstein at chloe.muhlstein@mp.k12.wi.us

- Jessie Sigg at jessie.sigg@mp.k12.wi.us

Thank you for your support!

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:

• -- Fill in the participation form in Science Google Classroom by Tuesday, October 1: https://forms.gle/AdyvyTGsm6wW73zR8

• -- Check-in with Mrs. Uppena, Mrs. McCoy, and Mrs. Brown on how the project is going by Friday, October 4

• -- 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.

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!

This week's Throwback Thursday #TBT is dedicated to Mrs. Dorothy Palzkill. #PointerNation is forever grateful for her impact on generations of students. Deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Obituary: https://www.gorgenfh.com/obituaries/Dorothy-Palzkill/#!/Obituary

Alumni Alert! Will Straka's leadership skills are turning heads as the UW-Platteville Junior was voted one of two captains for the Pioneer Football team this fall. Congrats, Will!

The #PointerNation Class of 1984 gathered at the Fairgrounds to celebrate 40 years and had a fantastic time! Two photos were taken due to some late arrivals and early departures. (Send your class reunion photos to joelle.doye@mp.k12.wi.us)

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

Monday, September 30
-- Boys Soccer vs. Columbus (Varsity 5 pm, JV to follow). Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@DodgevilleSchoolDistrict
-- JV Football at Lena/Winslow, IL 5:30 pm
-- MS Cross Country at Lancaster 4:15 pm

Tuesday, October 1
-- Volleyball vs. Southwestern (JV & Freshmen 5:30 pm, Varsity to follow). Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@mptvpointers
-- Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Prairie du Chien 5 pm. Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@DodgevilleSchoolDistrict
-- MS Volleyball vs. Darlington 4 pm

Wednesday, October 2
-- Early Release 2 pm (every Wednesday)

Thursday, October 3
-- Varsity Boys Soccer at Mount Horeb 7 pm
-- MS Volleyball vs. Platteville 4 pm
-- MS Cross Country at Monroe 4:15 pm

Friday, October 4
-- Varsity Football at Southwestern/East Dubuque, IL 7 pm (Game is in ED). Livestream: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/east-dubuque/organization/124078/east-dubuquesc-high-school

Saturday, October 5
-- Varsity Cross Country at Hartland Arrowhead 10 am
-- JV Cross Country at UW-Platteville 10:20 am
-- MS Cross Country at UW-Platteville 8 am

Sunday, October 6
-- FFA Donation Auction at Fairgrounds 9:30 am

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