Elementary
Digging into Nonfiction
After administering assessments with our students in the fall, we look for two things: areas to celebrate and areas in which to grow. Our celebrations are many, including and not limited to 84% of our students coming into school where they should be as readers, as well as over 90% of 5th grade students proficient… Continue Reading Digging into Nonfiction
Mineral Point Elementary Homecoming Parade Update
The Mineral Point Homecoming Parade will take place on Thursday, September 28 at 6:15 PM on High Street. To make this event a success WE NEED YOUR HELP. Thank you to those who have already volunteered. Lead Volunteers will report to Water Tower Park by 5:45 and be the point of contact for the grade level they are volunteering… Continue Reading Mineral Point Elementary Homecoming Parade Update
Raising an iGen
In an article for The Atlantic, professor of psychology Jean Twenge offers some stark information about the effects of smartphones on our youngest generation. Referring to this group as “iGen”, these teens and preteens have lived their lives largely with the inclusion of mobile devices available everywhere. Here are a few statistics Dr. Twenge shares… Continue Reading Raising an iGen
Homecoming 2017
Mineral Point School District is anxiously anticipating celebrating its 2017 Homecoming September 25-30. This year’s theme is Pointer Hair Band Nation (A Rock and Roll Flashback to the Big Hair ‘80s). Court members are, left to right, front row: Senior Representative Peyton Ross; Senior Queen Candidates Amanda Murphy, Malorie Johnson, and Madison Bowers; Senior Representative… Continue Reading Homecoming 2017
#PointerNation Welcomes Jane Barr
Sixth in the 2017-18 New Staff Series Jane Barr Administrative Assistant to the Elementary Principal Hometown: Sturgeon Bay High School: Sevastopol High School College: She earned her degree in Early Childhood and Business Management from Southwest Tech. Previous employment: I taught preschool for 14 years at a group child care center in Verona.… Continue Reading #PointerNation Welcomes Jane Barr
Quick Win: Creating a Environment for Readers and Writers
Before the students arrived, our faculty learned how to best prepare a classroom (and school) for students. Specifically, we looked at our classroom and common areas to promote reading and writing. Each teacher stated a personal goal that they would work toward regarding classroom libraries, bulletin boards, and relationship building. Next are some images of our first-week… Continue Reading Quick Win: Creating a Environment for Readers and Writers
Dropping Off and Picking Up: New Signage at the Elementary
We had a successful and smooth first week at Mineral Point Elementary School. The students were excited to be back in class with their peers, teachers, and staff. Last year, we sent out a visual explanation for how parking worked at the end of the day for the lower lot. Click here to review this… Continue Reading Dropping Off and Picking Up: New Signage at the Elementary
Renwick’s Latest Book Released
Elementary Principal Matt Renwick’s latest book was released this past week. This is his second book published through ASCD. Renwick’s “Digital Portfolios in the Classroom” is a guide to help teachers sort through, capture, and make sense of the messiness associated with assessment. By shining a spotlight on three types of student portfolios–performance, process, and… Continue Reading Renwick’s Latest Book Released
#PointerNation Welcomes Bridget Tippett
Fifth in the 2017-18 New Staff Series Bridget Tippett Instructional Assistant Hometown: Darlington High School: Darlington College: She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Loras College and her Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, as well as earn her Reading license. She also completed courses at Viterbo to… Continue Reading #PointerNation Welcomes Bridget Tippett
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)