by Superintendent Mitch Wainwright
There are two things that come to mind as I begin to write this article. The first is the release of our state report card. Mineral Point Unified School District has earned the rating of “Significantly Exceeds State Expectations” for the fourth year in a row. The students and staff have been working hard to ensure that quality learning is taking place. It is nice to see that all of that hard work is paying off. I feel deeply grateful to all of the staff and students in the classrooms and appreciate the level of dedication and pride they all show in being Pointers!
The second thing that comes to mind is the sense of “family” that is Mineral Point. I know I have mentioned this unique trait before, but here is an example of that family. The last thing anyone ever wants to hear from their doctor is that they have cancer. Recently, one of the staff members in the school district has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The staff at Mineral Point jumped in immediately offering whatever help they could, such as money for gas cards, or making meals for the family.
The most impressive support came from the community at large. On Tuesday, November 26th, the girl’s basketball team held a “Pink Night” for the staff member. The community donated baskets for a silent auction, t-shirts were ordered with any proceeds going to the family, and a “Miracle Minute” was held with any spare change donated directly to the staff member. People attended the girl’s basketball game that would not normally come out to a non-conference game, especially on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
A special thank you should also go to the school district, team, and fans from River Valley. They were the opponent that night, and yet, they donated to support a Mineral Point teacher. Together, with all of the fundraisers held just that evening, the total was approximately $4000. Again, when someone is in need as a community member, #PointerNation steps up with a level of support that cannot be outdone.
We are in a season that makes us all take time and reflect on what we can be thankful for, and being a Pointer has never been more rewarding. The support for someone in their biggest time of need proves that this is a very special place.