Pride Update

We wish all our students and families a warm and restorative Thanksgiving break next week!

Just a reminder that school will be closed Wednesday–Friday, November 26th–28th!

HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

When we return from Thanksgiving Break, our students will begin creating pine wreaths and holiday centerpieces to sell to our PoDS community. It’s a fun way for crews to work together, learn new design skills, and spread some holiday cheer!

We’re also looking for a few family helpers!
Assembly will take place Tuesday–Thursday, December 2–4, from 3–4pm. We’re hoping for two volunteers each day to supervise students in the greenhouse (or the art room if it’s too cold). Volunteers help monitor behavior and offer gentle design guidance for students who may need support with color, balance, or wreath “fullness.” Families willing to help can sign up using the link below.

Supply Note:
We already have many materials, but we are still searching for a business to donate pine boughs. If you have a lead or contact who may be able to help, please call the office at 715-345-5566.

SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER!

SEROOGY'S CHOCOLATES

Sweeten your holiday season and support our seniors! After Thanksgiving break, Seroogy's Chocolate Bars will be available for $2 each. Every bar purchased helps fund the Class of 2026’s trip to Italy next summer.

Choose from delicious flavors like Chocolate Meltaway, Chocolate Crisp, Mocha, Peanut Butter Crisp, Almond, Shock Rock, and Mint. Treat yourself—or grab a few for gift-giving—and help our seniors make their Italian adventure a reality!

The Stevens Point Area Public School District now partners with Cartwheel, an evidence-based teletherapy service offering rapid access to mental health care for students and families.

Services include 1:1 teletherapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, family therapy, and parent guidance. Cartwheel is free for families with Medicaid or no insurance and in-network for most private insurance plans.

Telehealth appointments are available Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., year-round, with no waitlist. Services are offered in over 10 languages.

This partnership provides students in grades 3 and up and their families with timely, professional mental health support.

Cartwheel Health Services

If your biological parents did not complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree, you are eligible for a

FREE college-prep program called Upward Bound through UW-Stevens Point! UWSP has

hosted the Upward Bound Program for over 55 years.

1. You may apply as soon as 8 th grade, but before 12 th grade

2. You can visit up to 9 colleges/universities/tech schools per year. We help you get to any

college you are interested in; it is NOT a recruitment program for UWSP.

3. Students are eligible for a live-in summer academic program on UWSP’s campus and

stay in the residence halls and eat in the dining facilities.

4. We take reward trips for those who participate in our activities throughout the school year

and summer.

5. Students get help with financial aid and college applications during their senior year.

6. Check out our video: https://youtu.be/0WPmg17M0qY

Requirements

Be a first-generation student (i.e., parents do not have a 4-year degree) OR income
Eligible if parents’ have a 4-year bachelor’s degree
Be in 8th-11th grade
Have a desire to go to college, a 2- or 4-year degree.

APPLY NOW!

Many families in our school community are facing challenges with food insecurity right now. To help, we’re inviting those who are able and willing to donate items or gift cards to support families from Point of Discovery School (PoDS) and the Charles Fernandez Center (CFC).

About 50% of PoDS students and 80% of CFC students come from economically disadvantaged households. Any amount of support can make a real difference for these families. We welcome gift cards (so families can choose what they need most) and non-perishable food items with a longer shelf life. Please avoid perishable items, anything with a longer shelf life is much appreciated.

Donations can be dropped off at either the PoDS or CFC office, and all items will be stored in CFC’s newly remodeled office until they are distributed. Families who qualify for assistance programs will be contacted directly to see if they would like to receive donations.