#PointerNation News

The childhood wonder of your first ever performance for family and friends -- our 4K students were SO excited for their Winter Concert Thursday and did a fantastic job! Check out more photos: https://www.facebook.com/MineralPointSchoolDistrict/posts/pfbid02qYi7FuHRfwzNzdRmKZyrbhGd7JFVbXu8AJYBkf7NsqjcxH4bYrvWuMNTvzy48WWPl

Enjoy these snapshots from an outstanding Winter Concert by our middle and high school musicians: https://www.facebook.com/MineralPointSchoolDistrict/posts/pfbid0gkhVbRvyn6gwf4WHZmcWqQTbgFkpRDUGhKnHwfziFcMysgiBqDxpzoDMYQbVaNaul

If you couldn't make it, or would like to watch again, you can view the video here: https://youtu.be/-Qt-haPOUD0?si=X2rgQfsKPJ0DEC-Z

Grinch Day is always one of the best days at Mineral Point Elementary!

Even though the holiday season can be hectic, we hope you're able to find some moments of peace.

Great job by our Middle School Student Council which held a hot chocolate sale, raising $65 for Pointer Pantry -- thank you for thinking of others!

Abby Webb, Libby Dunn, and Morgan Palzkill performed a variety of festive tunes at the Mineral Point Kiwanis holiday party Tuesday night. Thanks for sharing your talents with this community service organization!

The holidays are a perfect time to curl up with a good book!

1st grade's read aloud from their countdown was a fun one! They loved hearing different towns in Wisconsin they have traveled to in this book. Santa is coming to Wisconsin, ready or not!

We've had a lot of sunny days lately, so these festive tree suncatchers will be put to good use!

Sources of Strength Peer Leaders and Adult Advisors went through an all day training recently. The focus of the training was to explore the mission of Sources of Strength and learn how to be connectors to help when we see a classmate, friend, or colleague who needs to lean into a strength during difficult times.

Kindergarten painted with some holiday magic! When they painted the lights, letters magically showed up!

Thanks to our student vocalists who helped provide sounds of the season by caroling through downtown during Candlelight Shopping!

(Pointer Media photo)

#PointerNation took down #1 in convincing fashion Friday night 75-58! Mineral Point Boys Basketball (ranked 3rd in Division 4) defeated Darlington (the state's top ranked team in D4). Great job, Blue! The two teams will meet again at Darlington Friday, February 2.

Article and video from Monday's School Board meeting is now available: https://mineralpointschools.org/2023/12/december-school-board-notes-votes/

Mineral Point Schools have a few current job openings. Come join the great place that is #PointerNation!
-- Elementary School Instructional Assistant (full time): https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/191775
-- Middle School Instructional Assistant (part time): https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/194389
-- Elementary Head Cook (search for MP): https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1171051&d=ExternalCareerSite

BE PREPARED

As weather events occur, it is sometimes necessary to close our schools. We’ve compiled this information for you and your family to help prepare and plan.

WE TAKE THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS VERY SERIOUSLY

Student and staff safety is always our number one priority. The bus transportation director, and our school superintendent, jointly monitor weather, specifically when an event is approaching our area. Every effort is made to make and communicate a decision regarding possible school closure before 6:00 am based on the safety and timing of bus travel and the status of the weather events. Each weather event is unique, and the response may be different for different events.

GRADES EC-12

Students/Staff will not have virtual learning days on the first 32 inclement weather hours during the 2023-24 school year. Any additional hours beyond 32 may turn into virtual learning to ensure compliance with state instructional minute mandates. There may be some days when a 2 hour delay, or early dismissal, is necessary instead of a full day off.

* No buses will run on inclement weather days. They will run on 2 hour late starts and early dismissals.

* Pointer Kids Club will not operate on inclement weather days or weather early dismissals. It will open at 9 am on 2 hour late starts.

HOW WE WILL COMMUNICATE

We will communicate, as technology allows, through the following channels:

• District Website

• Facebook

• Family/Staff phone, email, and text (if enabled)

• Local media outlets

* Please check your Skyward Family Access account to ensure your contact information is accurate and that you are signed up for phone, text and/or email notifications.

It's time to be thinking of 2024 School Board candidates. Please read more details here on the April election and filing deadlines: https://mineralpointschools.org/2023/11/2024-school-board-election-information/

Fans of #PointerNation! Coming soon -- the Mineral Point Unified School District is pleased to announce that we will be offering GoFan for mobile ticketing for athletic events. Fans can purchase tickets online through our school’s GoFan page, the GoFan App, or by presenting a card or mobile payment option at the game. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple Pay. TICKETS WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE FOR CASH PURCHASE AT THE GATE, and previously purchased adult/student/senior passes will still be accepted. Please read more information here so you are ready when we implement digital ticketing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z7TR2q9ajIlv11K0LjxGl4blRQtFRNJt6YDWnU7KQzU/edit?usp=sharing

If you have any questions, please reach out to Athletic Director Chris Carr at chris.carr@mp.k12.wi.us

Our Sources of Strength and National Honor Society students are hosting a Penny War this week to benefit Pointer Pantry! The winning school will win ice cream. Coins are positive points and bills are negative to hurt opposing schools, so let's have fun supporting your favorite building!

Bridging Brighter Smiles is holding their next dental clinic at school this week. It is not too late to enroll if you are not already enrolled! Sign up online at:

http://enrollment.bbsmiles.org/

Professional Dental Services Provided Right at School Include:

• Oral Screening
• Dental Cleaning
• Fluoride Varnish Application
• Dental Sealant Placement
• Silver Diamine Fluoride Application
• Oral Health Education
• Referral Assistance

Forward Health (BadgerCare) Accepted!

(Other Private Dental Insurance Not Accepted)

Not sure if your child is enrolled, or due for care? Call Bridging Brighter Smiles at 262-896-9891, or email coordinator@bbsmiles.org.

Feel free to contact School Nurse Jayne Lindsey with questions at jayne.lindsey@mp.k12.wi.us

The Mineral Point Excellence in Education Endowment Fund is 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 may be dropped off at the winter concerts or at either school office. Thank you!

Elementary K-5 students are getting excited to share their musical talents with you at their Winter Concert Wednesday, December 20 in the high school gym beginning at 1 pm! If you can't make it a livestream is planned: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkK8qbOedyJlHnN89x527nw

There will be no classes in #PointerNation from Saturday, December 23 through Monday, January 1 due to Winter Break. School will resume Tuesday, January 2. Enjoy the time off!

Mark your calendar for the fifth annual Mineral Point Basketball Hall of Fame induction Saturday, January 6, 2024! Kudos to our inductees -- Raeann Bennett, Janet James, Liz Lawinger, Bret McGraw, Jim Pluemer, and John Schmit. Read more here: https://mineralpointschools.org/2023/04/fifth-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-selected/

#PointerNation Girls Basketball will be holding its annual Alumni Night Friday, January 12 during the game vs. Fennimore! The teams of 1974-75, 1977-78, 1987-88, 1997-98, 2007-08, and 2017-18 will be honored. Order shirts by 12/26: https://sportsworld.chipply.com/mpgbbalumni23/store.aspx

Band Alumni and Friends! Join us for Pep Band Friday, January 12 at the home girls basketball game vs. Fennimore. Everyone welcome! If you're needing to borrow an instrument, please contact Mr. Nevers at matt.nevers@mp.k12.wi.us and we'll see what can be arranged!

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

Monday, December 18

-- Boys Basketball vs. Deerfield (JV 6 pm, Varsity to follow). Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkK8qbOedyJlHnN89x527nw

-- Girls Basketball at New Glarus (JV 6 pm, Varsity to follow). Radio: 93.7 fm. Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@newglarusathletics and https://www.youtube.com/@w7productions

Tuesday, December 19

-- Gymnastics vs. River Valley/Barneveld & Sauk Prairie 6 pm. Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@DodgevilleSchoolDistrict

Wednesday, December 20

-- K-5 Elementary Winter Concert 1 pm in high school gym. (Care Cupboard drive for snacks, personal hygiene items). Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkK8qbOedyJlHnN89x527nw

-- Early release 2 pm (every Wednesday)

Thursday, December 21

-- Boys Basketball at Cuba City (JV 6 pm, Varsity to follow). Radio: 106.1 fm. Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@ccsdstreaming2119

Friday, December 22

-- Last day of classes before Winter Break (school resumes Tuesday 1/2/24)

-- Girls Basketball at Boscobel (JV 6 pm, Varsity to follow). Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreBoscobel

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.

Please see some updates from School Nurse Jayne Lindsey and contact her at jayne.lindsey@mp.k12.wi.us with any questions.

Quaker Recalls Granola Bars and Granola Cereals Due to Possible Health Risk: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/quaker-recalls-granola-bars-and-granola-cereals-due-possible-health-risk

"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