Blogs
Getting to Know Each Other (Again)
This is a digital version of a print newsletter I sent home to families recently. It may sound like a cliché, but I am truly amazed at how fast the 2016-2017 school year has gone. It has been an enjoyable first year for our family and for me at Mineral Point Elementary. The staff, students,… Continue Reading Getting to Know Each Other (Again)
Pointer Podcast: Adventures in Bad Luck by Jadyn
Several 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders entered a writing contest recently. This extracurricular experience was facilitated by 5th grade teacher Lifka Bennett. One student, Jadyn, received multiple recognitions for her original story, Adventures in Bad Luck. You can read her award-winning story by clicking here. In addition, listen to Jadyn read aloud Adventures in Bad… Continue Reading Pointer Podcast: Adventures in Bad Luck by Jadyn
A Life That Touches Others Goes On Forever
by Superintendent Luke Francois Once and again you meet a person that profoundly changes one at the core. Such a person for me was Mr. Don Hawkins. I met Mr. Hawkins six years ago while interviewing for the Superintendent’s position. Mr. Hawkins was a representative on the community panel making the selection to replace outgoing… Continue Reading A Life That Touches Others Goes On Forever
To Raise a Reader
If parents want to raise a reader, someone who engages in reading regularly and voluntarily, they should read aloud to their children. Put away the flashcards and take down the sticker charts for number of books read. Make reading aloud every day a priority. As a parent myself, I realize that this task can be… Continue Reading To Raise a Reader
Learn About the Candidates
by Superintendent Luke Francois The February Primary is over, and the candidates for State Superintendent are now known. Challenger Lowell Holtz, former Beloit and Whitnall Superintendent, faces incumbent Tony Evers in the April 4th general election. Evers is seeking a third term as State Superintendent. Local Dodgeville School District Administrator John Humphries was eliminated as… Continue Reading Learn About the Candidates
Leading From the Middle
I had the pleasure of representing Mineral Point Schools at the Wisconsin State Reading Association convention two weeks ago. I led a session on the connection between literacy and tinkering, making and innovating. My goal was to create a conversation around what’s possible with regard to the hands-on experiences kids naturally engage in and how… Continue Reading Leading From the Middle
Pointer Podcast: I Like to Play Football by Levi
Levi wrote about playing football with his dad. You can listen to Levi read aloud his own writing below.
5th Graders Collaborate Globally with Peers
One of the district’s initiatives is to integrate technology within classroom instruction. 5th graders and teachers at Mineral Point Elementary School have taken this to a new level. In a previous post, it was shared that students and teachers are using Google Classroom, a learning management system, to communicate and collaborate with peers in Italy… Continue Reading 5th Graders Collaborate Globally with Peers
Peace of Mind
by Superintendent Luke Francois A summer pastime for our family is camping. My wife and I started as tent campers in 1997. Through the years, a tent turned into a pop-up, and a pop-up into a travel trailer, as our family grew to include four children and a golden retriever. This past summer our camping… Continue Reading Peace of Mind
Students Recognize Martin Luther King, Jr Day
In recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. day, 5th graders along with Mrs. Bennett and Mr. David performed four songs for the school, families and community. It took place on Monday, January 23, 2017. (Inclement weather prevented this performance from occurring on the civil rights leader’s nationally recognized day.) This event tied in with our 3rd… Continue Reading Students Recognize Martin Luther King, Jr Day