Principal’s Post
Are We Talking About That Tree? (The Importance of Clarity)
Two members of the maintenance team stopped me in the high school hallway. “Are you good with us taking down the cedar tree in the front of your building?” When asked, I was 98% sure which tree they were referring to. Steve, our building custodian, and I had discussed last year about removing the tree.… Continue Reading Are We Talking About That Tree? (The Importance of Clarity)
5th Grade Band Moved to Summer
Starting in the 2017-2018 school year, 5th grade band will be offered to students during the summer before they begin 6th grade. Click here to read the letter from Mr. Nevers. Below is a quick summary of this decision, along with a link to the board presentation that explains this decision and the process involved. —… Continue Reading 5th Grade Band Moved to Summer
Don Hawkins Day – April 24, 2017
As you may know, Don Hawkins passed away this spring. Mr. Hawkins was a long time educator in Mineral Point. He led the development of multiple oak savannahs on district grounds. These savannahs have become teaching tools for our students. Mr. Hawkins continued to teach students after his retirement, coming into classrooms and leading students… Continue Reading Don Hawkins Day – April 24, 2017
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
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
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
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