Preparing Elementary Students for the Global Future

Project Lead The Way, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) curricular program already set in place at Mineral Point Middle and High School, is excited to announce the development of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) elementary, the newest addition to PLTW’s hands-on, project-based curricular offerings. Studies show that students decide as early as second… Continue Reading Preparing Elementary Students for the Global Future

Back to School

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

Second Grade: Japanese Influenced Fans

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.  

MS Foreign Language

%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

MS Science Classes

%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

Technology

%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

Social Studies

%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

Science Classes

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

Notable Mineral Point Alumni in the Music Field

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