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Like most people the beginning of my school year has been a bit hectic. I am adjusting to having my own son in school, and the balancing act that goes along with that. I do apologize for not posting sooner. We have been up to some fun things already this year, so let’s take a… Continue Reading Back to School

To help decorate the gymnasium for the Grandparent’s Day Program last week, we decided to make some Japanese fans. We looked at the landscape and traditions of Japan and talked about how this influenced the themes in their artwork. We then used these themes to decorate our own work.  

To practice making concentric circles, our first grade friends made these lovely flowers. After drawing our circles, we used black paint to trace our lines. By the next class period our paint was dry and we were able to add oil pastel for color. Students with additional time were given the option of tracing a… Continue Reading First Grade: Paint & Oil Pastel Flowers

%3Ch3%3E%3Cstrong%3EStaff%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDan+Van+Galen%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3EMiddle+School+Science+and+Foreign+Language+Teacher%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3Cem%3Edan.vangalen%40mp.k12.wi.us%3Ca+href%3D%22mailto%3Avickie.dahl%40mp.k12.wi.us%22%3E%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fa%3E608-987-0730%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Ch3%3E%3Cstrong%3Eclasses%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESpanish+1%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3ESpanish+1+is+a+one+year+elective+which+lays+the+groundwork+for+communicative+competency+in+Spanish.+Students+learn+vocabulary%2C+basic+sentence+construction%2C+and+pronunciation+in+order+to+begin+to+speak+and+write+in+Spanish.+Students+also+study+some+aspects+of+culture+in+Hispanic+countries.+Students+should+speak+Spanish+in+class%2C+and+much+of+the+course+is+conducted+in+Spanish.+Activities+include+dialogues%2C+classroom+conversations%2C+reading%2C+working+with+recordings+or+native+speakers%2C+writing+sentences%2C+lists%2C+and+paragraphs%2C+viewing+videos+and+DVDs%2C+vocabulary+games%2C+and+individual+projects.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EForeign+Language+Exploratory+%28Spanish%29%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EForeign+Language+Exploratory+is+open+to+seventh+grade+students.+This+class+will+emphasize+oral+communication%2C+speaking+and+listening+skills%2C+in+Spanish.+Basic+words%2C+phrases+and+simple+communication+will+be+taught.+Activities+will+also+be+presented+to+create+a+cultural+awareness+of+Spanish+speaking+countries.+This+exploratory+class+will+meet+for+a+semester.%3C%2Fp%3E

%3Ch3%3E%3Cstrong%3Estaff%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Cstrong%3EHelen+Klaas%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3EMiddle+School+Science%2C+Language+Arts%2C+Reading%2C+Health+and+Social+Studies+Teacher%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3Cem%3Ehelen.klaas%40mp.k12.wi.us%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3Cem%3E608-987-0720%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Cem%3E%3C%2Fem%3EMr.+Van+Galen%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3EMiddle+School+Science+and+Spanish+Teacher%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3Cem%3Ehelen.klaas%40mp.k12.wi.us%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3Cem%3E608-987-0720%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Ch3%3E%3Cstrong%3Eclasses%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEarth+Science%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EThis+course+is+Earth+Science+with+some+emphasis+on+lab+techniques.+After+review+of+the+metric+system+and+experimentation%2C+the+course+focuses+on+changes+above+and+below+the+earth%27s+surface.+Other+topics+are+plants%2C+Science+World+magazine%2C+and+mineral+and+rock+identification.+Requirements+include+labs%2C+assignment+notebook%2C+rocket+construction%2C+use+of+a+calculator%2C+PowerPoint+presentations+on+planets%2C+Wisconsin+rivers+and+national+parks.+Extra+credit+can+be+earned+by+participating+in+the+Science+fair.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELife+Science%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EThis+is+a+Life+Science+course+with+an+emphasis+on+the+relationships+between+all+living+things.+After+an+introduction+to+the+basic+structure+and+classification+of+living+things%2C+this+course+stresses+the+basic+life+processes+and+how+plants+and+animals+carry+them+out.+Requirements+include+an+assignment+notebook%2C+leaf+collection%2C+insect+collection+and+a+research+paper.+Extra+credit+can+be+earned+by+participation+in+the+Science+fair.%3C%2Fp%3E

%3Ch3%3Estaff%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EKyle+Carey%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3ETechnology+Teacher%2C+Skills+USA+coordinator%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3Ekyle.carey%40mp.k12.wi.us%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3E%28608%29+987-0730+x270%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Ch3%3ECLASSES%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIntroduction+to+Technology%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EIntroduction+to+Technology+is+a+course+designed+to+introduce+the+student+to+the+four+technological+systems+of%3A+Communications%3B+Manufacturing%3B+Power%2C+Energy+and+Transportation%3B+and+Construction.+Units+in+this+course+include%3A+Rocketry%2C+Engineering%2C+Audio%2FVideo%2C+Drafting%2C+CAD%2C+Aerospace%2C+Silk+Screening%2C+Notepad+and+Business+Card%2C+Design+and+production+of+a+mass+production+project.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECommunications%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3ECommunications+is+a+semester+course+designed+to+cover+the+areas+of+the+audio%2C+visual%2C+and+graphic+communications.+The+course+presents+a+wide+spectrum+of+activities%2C+processes%2C+materials%2C+and+methods+used+in+the+communications+industry.+These+include%3A+mechanical+drawing%2C+CAD%2C+VCR+presentations%2C+camcorder+techniques+and+silk+screening.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower+Technology%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EPower+Technology+is+a+course+designed+to+cover+existing+and+%22new%22+energy+sources+and+devices+that+can+produce+power+to+help+meet+the+increasing+demand+for+energy.+Units+include%3A+Aerospace+Technology+-+design+rocketry%2C+space+exploration%2C+flight+simulator%3B+Research+%26amp%3B+Development+-+designing+a+CO2+racer%3B+Small+gas+Engines+-+disassemble+%26amp%3B+reassemble%2C+testing+of+small+engines%3B+Applied+Physics+-+force%2C+work+in+mechanical+systems%3B+Pneumatics+-+fluid+power+experiments%3B+Hydraulics+-+theory+%26amp%3B+application+of+hydraulic+power%3B+Exploring+electronics+-+experiments+with+circuits%2C+transistors%2C+magnets%2C+%26amp%3B+Ohm%27s+Law.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFurniture+Construction+Technology%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EFurniture+Construction+Technology+is+a+two-semester+course+which+deals+with+aspects+of+woodworking+which+are+important+for+industry.+The+course+includes+the+tools%2C+materials%2C+processes%2C+and+the+%22why%22+as+well+as+the+%22how%22+of+machine+woodworking%2C+cabinetmaking%2C+and+furniture+design.+In+Furniture+Construction+Technology%2C+the+student+will+learn+about+skills+necessary+to+work+with+wood+and+also+study+the+materials+and+major+developments+that+have+taken+place+in+the+furniture+and+cabinet+making+industry.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApplied+Communications%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EApplied+Communications+is+a+one-semester+course+which+deals+with+use+of+audio+equipment%2C+video-taping+school+activities%2C+and+putting+together+videos+of+student+activities+for+video+yearbook.+Students+will+learn+use+of+video+software+and+editing.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConstruction%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EConstruction+is+a+one-semester+course+which+provides+students+with+experience+in%3A+masonry%2C+rough+framing%2C+sheathing%2C+insulation%2C+wiring%2C+plumbing%2C+design%2C+site+preparation%2C+and+site+layout.+the+emphasis+is+to+provide+the+basic+residential+construction+and+efficient+level+carpentry+skills.+Current+trends+in+today%27s+energy+homes+are+discussed.+Students+will+develop+floor+plans+and+build+model+houses.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAdvance+Studies+in+Technology%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdvanced+Studies+is+a+one-semester+course+which+may+be+repeated+using+different+subject+materials.+As+a+pre-requisite%2C+the+student+must+have+had+at+least+one+of+the+cluster+area+courses.+This+course+is+designed+to+further+develop+a+high+interest+area+for+the+individual+student.+This+allow+the+student+to+have+a+challenging+experience+which+may+lead+to+a+decision+about+a+career+goal+or+help+to+develop+more+aptitude+and+broader+body+of+knowledge+about+an+occupation.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECar+Care+and+Home+Maintenance%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3ECar+Care+and+Home+Maintenance+is+a+course+designed+for+the+student+that+feels+the+need+to+know+more+about+the+care+and+maintenance+of+today%27s+automobile.+The+course+will+also+include+units+on+selecting+a+competent+service+facility+to+help+in+maintaining+a+car%2C+and+practical+home+maintenance+procedures+such+as%3A+basic+plumbing+and+electrical+procedures%2C+and+the+use+of+basic+power+and+hand+tools.+at+the+completion+of+this+course%2C+the+student+will+be+more+aware+of+the+value+of+a+good+maintenance+program+for+his%2Fher+own+car+and+know+how+to+perform+basic+maintenance+tasks+around+his%2Fher+home.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIntro+to+Computer+Aided+Drafting+and+Design%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EIntroduction+to+CADD+is+a+course+that+will+take+the+lessons+learned+from+mechanical+drawing+%28INTRO%29+and+apply+them+to+CADD%2C+and+other+software+typically+used+in+industry+such+as+%28REVIT%29.+Students+will+be+able+to+draw%2C+dimension%2C+design+and+engineer+projects%2C+blueprints%2C+etc.+Some+projects+may+require+pre-engineering+problem+solving.+This+class+is+designed+to+teach+the+basis+of+CADD+for+engineering+purposes%2C+problem+solving%2C+as+well+as+industrial+application.%3C%2Fp%3E

%3Ch3%3E%3Cstrong%3EStaff%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDan+Burreson%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3ESocial+Studies+Teacher%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3Edan.burreson.mp.k12.wi.us%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3E608-987-0730%3C%2Fem%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETerry+Cool%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3ESocial+Studies+Teacher%2C+Mock+Trial+Coordinator%2C+Senior+Class+Advisor%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3Eterry.cool.mp.k12.wi.us%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3E608-987-0730%3C%2Fem%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cdiv%3E%3Cem%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0A%3Ch3%3E%3Cstrong%3ERequired+Classes%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWorld+Today%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EThis+course+provides+a+chance+to+discuss+the+%22current+events%22+with+an+emphasis+on+how+to+get+more+out+of+the+news.+We+will+take+a+broad+look+at+the+major+news+stories+of+the+day+and+in-depth+study+of+the+most+interesting+story.+World+Today+does+not+count+towards+your+Social+Studies+requirement.+%281%2F2+credit%29%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAmerican+History%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EThis+is+required+survey+course+for+freshmen.+The+course+will+cover+US+History+from+the+causes+of+the+civil+war+through+World+War+I.+The+course+will+explain+the+industrial+revolution+and+westward+expansion.+Futher%2C+the+course+will+trace+the+growth+of+the+nation+isolationism+to+world+power.+the+course+should+provide+students+with+insights+into+how+our+nation+has+developed+and+better+understand+our+position+in+the+world+today.+%281+credit%29%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EModern+American+History%2FEconomics%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EThis+is+a+required+course+for+sophomores.+The+first+semester+of+this+course+would+begin+with+American+History+from+end+of+World+War+I+and+the+roaring+twenties+and+cover+in+detail+the+emergence+of+our+nation+through+World+War+II%2C+the+Cold+War+and+the+modern+war+on+terror.+The+course+will+discuss+the+social%2C+political+and+economic+changes+that+have+occured+in+the+last+80+years+that+has+made+our+country+a+global+superpower.+During+the+second+semester+the+students+will+cover+the+basic+principals+of+Macro+and+Micro+Economics.+The+students+will+discuss+the+fundamentals+of+American+capitalism%2C+government+spending%2C+taxation%2C+personal+finance+and+the+stock+market.+%281+credit%29%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJunior+World+History%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EOne+year+required+course+for+Juniors.+The+first+semester+of+the+course+will+focus+on+non-western+world+cultures+emphasizing+the+Middle+East%2C+China%2C+India%2C+and+Africa.+Students+will+discuss+the+historical+influence+and+modern+position+of+these+global+areas.+The+second+semester+will+focus+on+Economics.+Students+will+cover+the+principals+of+both+Macro+and+Micro+Economics+and+investigate+American+capitalism%2C+government+spending%2C+taxation%2C+the+stock+market%2C+and+other+key+financial+principals.+This+component+will+allow+the+students+to+be+fully+aware+of+the+economics+of+life+as+an+American+citizen.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESocial+Issues+and+Government%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3ESocial+Issues+and+Government+is+a+required+course+of+study+for+Seniors.+It+is+designated+to+promote+the+creation+of+a+stable+self-image+within+each+individual+along+with+the+development+of+satisfying+relations+with+others+built+on+trust%2C+respect%2C+cooperation%2C+and+caring.+Special+emphasis+will+be+placed+on+the+problems+and+challenges+facing+both+the+individual+and+the+family+within+the+American+society+today.+A+second+purpose+will+be+to+examine+how+government+on+the+local+and+state+levels+may+address+these+social+issues+and+how+the+individual+may+participate+in+the+solution+to+these+problems.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Ch3%3EElectives%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAdvanced+Placement+U.S.+History%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EThis+advanced+placement+program+is+designed+to+provide+students+with+analytical+skills+and+factual+knowledge+necessary+to+deal+critically+with+problems+and+materials+in+U.S.+History.+The+course+prepares+students+for+intermediate+and+advanced+college+courses+by+making+demands+on+them+equivalent+to+those+made+in+full-year+introductory+college+courses.+%28Open+to+Juniors+and+Seniors.+Prerequisite%3A+Modern+American+and+either+World+History+or+Area+Studies.%29%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWorld+Geography%3A%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3EThis+course+is+designed+to+acquaint+the+student+with+the+physical+and+political+geography+of+an+ever+shrinking+world.+The+physical+and+political+make-up+of+the+world+will+be+studied%2C+with+special+emphasis+on+how+the+United+States+is+affected.+As+potential+foreign+travelers%2C+every+student+should+have+a+working+knowledge+of+the+geographical+aspects+of+the+world.+%281%2F2+credit%29%3C%2Fp%3E

Biology: This course is designed to acquaint the student with the fundamental concepts of biology. Once these concepts are mastered, a study of the five major kingdoms and how they interrelate follows. One year of high school science is a prerequisite. Biology 2 – Anatomy and Physiology: This course will completely study the systems of the human… Continue Reading Science Classes

John Paynter: Director of Bands – Northwestern University; Instrumental in development of school concert bands; Founder and Director of the Northshore Concert Band Carol Stephenson: Assistant Principal Oboe – National Symphony Orchestra, Washington, D.C. Dr. Richard Grunow: Professor of Music Education; Eastman School of Music If you know of someone to add to this list, please let me… Continue Reading Notable Mineral Point Alumni in the Music Field

%3Ch3%3EStaff%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVickie+Dahl%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3EMiddle+School+Principal%2C+Athletic+Director%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3Evickie.dahl%40mp.k12.wi.us%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3E%3Cem%3E608-987-3677%3B%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fem%3E608-987-0720%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EScott+Schmitz%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3EHigh+School+Physical+Education+Teacher%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3Escott.schmitz%40mp.k12.wi.us%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3E608-987-0730+x492%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuinn+Schultz%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3EMiddle+School+Physical+Education+Teacher%2C+Driver+Education%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3Equinn.schultz%40mp.k12.wi.us%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3E608-987-0730+x480%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Cem%3E%3C%2Fem%3EBethany+Riechers%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cem%3EElementary+School+Physical+Education+Teacher%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3Ebethany.riechers%40mp.k12.wi.us%3Cbr+%2F%3E%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cem%3E608-987-0739+x420%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EHealth+and+Physical+Education+is+a+vital+part+of+our+education+system+at+Mineral+Point+Schools.+It+is+the+key+to+improving+a+child%27s+confidence%2C+brainpower+and+long-term+health.+One+of+the+major+goals+of+health+and+physical+education+is+to+prepare+students+to+be+active+and+healthy+for+a+lifetime.+Mineral+Point+Schools+makes+this+an+integral+part+of+the+total+education+of+every+child+in+Kindergarten+through+Grade+12.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERecognizing+the+importance+of+physical+education+at+a+young+age+promotes+healthy+habits+throughout+life.+As+modern+life+becomes+more+sedentary+and+specialized%2C+particularly+for+those+who+live+in+cities%2C+the+importance+of+good+health+and+physical+education+increases.+It+is+important+that+children+understand+the+importance+of+physical+education+and+good+health+in+their+lifestyle.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETeaching+physical+education+and+health+are+as+crucial+to+a+child%27s+development+as+any+academic+endeavor.+Our+aim+of+health+and+physical+education+is+to+establish+a+culture+of+health+and+fitness%2C+which+is+for+the+benefit+of+society.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cdiv%3E%3Cem%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E