#PointerNation News

Our #PointerNation High School Marching Band put in a lot of sweaty hours last week during their annual camp to prepare another stellar field show for this fall!

Tunes from the rock band Chicago take center stage. Thanks to all family and friends that came out to the preview show Friday.

(A special shout out to the Mineral Point Fire Department who was on site to do their annual cool down of the band when, unfortunately, they were called out.)

Check out more photos here.

Kudos to our #PointerNation Football Team for starting out the season as an Honorable Mention Team to Watch in the Division 6 State Rankings this week! Read more at this link.

Let's give a big #PointerNation welcome (home) to Tony Dahl, new Elementary School Principal!

Hometown: Mineral Point

High school graduated from: Mineral Point High School

College: Tony received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Language Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master of Arts in K-12 Education Administration from Edgewood College, and his Special Education Certification from California State University-Los Angeles.

Previous employment:

Administrator -

Most recently, Tony served as Director of Special Education and Pupil Services in the Shullsburg School District. He has also been a Director of Standards and Assessment in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District in California, Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the New Holstein School District, Elementary Principal in the Beloit School District, Elementary Principal in the Rhinelander School District, Elementary Principal and Reading Specialist in the Juda School District, and Elementary Principal at Holy Rosary Grade School in Darlington.

Teacher -

Additionally, he has been a 6-8 Grade Special Education Teacher at Next Steps Intervention Program in the Madison Metropolitan School District, 9-12 Grade Special Education Teacher in the Shullsburg School District, 6-8 Special Education Teacher at Van Nuys Middle School in the Los Angeles Unified School District, 5th Grade Teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and 4-6 Grade Teacher in the Pardeeville School District.

Family: Two brothers and one sister. Four nieces, five great nephews, and one great niece.

Hobbies/free time interests: Vegetable gardening, riding horses, reading, and traveling.

Quotable: “I believe the most valuable work experience I have had is being an administrator because it has taught me many valuable lessons on how to deal with students, staff, and families. Being involved with all aspects of education and creating a positive environment for staff, students, families, and community members has been most rewarding. As a leader, I like to provide staff time to celebrate the great things we do as a school. I have an open door policy where people feel free to come in and talk to me about whatever concerns them. I think being trustworthy and having open communication is the best way to develop positive relationships. When you lead with trust and open communication, people feel free to approach you and ask your opinion, knowing that you will be honest and open with your reply. I believe I am successful because staff, colleagues, and families have responded in a positive way to my leadership skills.”

Let's give a big #PointerNation welcome to Alycia Hathaway, new Elementary School Instructional Assistant!

Hometown: Dodgeville

High school graduated from: Dodgeville High School

College: Alycia earned her Associates of Arts from Upper Iowa University and her Bachelor of Science in Education Studies from Grand Canyon University.

Previous employment: Most recently, she has been a home visitor with SWCAP Early Head Start in Dodgeville and Lead Teacher with Little Buffalos Preschool in Barneveld. Alycia has previously been a paraprofessional and substitute teacher in the Barneveld School District, as well as an in-home daycare provider at Hathaway Daycare in Barneveld.

Family: My three amazing children, Evan (20 years old), Elliot (14 years old), and Emma (11 years old) and our dogs Otis and Zeus.

Hobbies/free time interests: Alycia volunteers with the Mineral Point and Barneveld EMS. She also enjoys attending her kids' sports and cattle shows, fishing, camping, and quality time with her family.

Quotable: “Having experience with students throughout their educational career as an assistant and substitute teacher, I thrive assisting students knowing that my help is making their day brighter, working with students in groups or individually, assisting in their curriculum, physical or behavioral situations, or just a smiling face to talk. I see myself as a new Pointer bringing support, strong communication, and a positive attitude and valuable asset to the team."

Let's give a big #PointerNation welcome to Fontana Soderstrom, new Elementary School Instructional Assistant!

Hometown: Dodgeville

High school graduated from: Dodgeville High School

College: Fontana earned her Associates Degree in Human Services from Southwest Technical College and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Previous employment: Most recently, Fontana has served as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Dodgeville Elementary, as well as a staff member with the Dodger Care summer program.

Family: Husband- Kyle, Son- Jayden, and two dogs- Cujo and Ace

Hobbies/free time interests: Spending time with my friends and family, and reading.

What attracted you to apply in #PointerNation?: My husband and I lived in the Mineral Point community for seven years and absolutely love it! Mineral Point is such a welcoming community and I am excited to have the opportunity to become part of the school district.

Quotable: “I have had the opportunity to gain experience working with multiple students with diverse learning needs. I am able to collaborate with teachers to implement classroom management strategies, enhance student engagement, adapt learning materials, and make the classroom an inclusive place to learn.

Along with my experience, my education in psychology and human services has put my role as a paraprofessional in a great perspective for me. Working alongside students that have these diverse needs (physical, sensory, intellectual/developmental, and mental/behavioral), I have a wide range of techniques and tools to better understand human behavior, mental health, development and how to be more effective while supporting students.

I have a passion for working with students and helping them live up to their best potential.”

Let's give a big #PointerNation welcome (back) to Jenny Wahlin, new Middle School Instructional Assistant!

Hometown: Stoughton

High school graduated from: Stoughton High School

College: Jenny attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Spanish.

Previous employment: Jenny has taught Spanish for over 20 years (Pre-K through 12th grades) in Sun Prairie, Stoughton, and most recently at MPHS. She has also worked as a certified medical interpreter in Darlington and Dodgeville, helping medical staff to communicate with Spanish speaking patients.

Family: I currently reside outside of Dodgeville with my husband, Mike. We have three adult children - Kelli, Rachel, and Sean.

Hobbies/free time interests: Reading and traveling.

What attracted you to return to #PointerNation?: I retired two years ago from Mineral Point High School and have been keeping busy volunteering at St. Padre Pio Pastorate, helping out the Belmont ambulance service as a Spanish interpreter at their community events, and aiding the elderly navigate through medical recovery as they get back on their feet. During my years as a teacher, my most rewarding work has been working with students in one on one and small group settings. I feel that small group work and individual support is very beneficial to students. When I saw the opportunity to work as an instructional assistant back in MP, I knew that's where I wanted to be! I am very excited to start this next chapter in education!

Each year, through the Member Recognition Program, the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) honors school board members who participate in activities that strengthen their skills as local educational leaders. Board members are awarded points for participating in WASB and national activities such as attending conventions, workshops, seminars, and webinars or serving on special committees. Congratulations to the following #PointerNation School Board members for earning recognition this year!

- Aaron Dunn, President, Level 2

- Joni Heisner, Member, Level 2

- Christie Johnston, Member, Level 1

Thank you to our two #PointerNation staff members who are serving on committees with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA)!

Superintendent Mitch Wainwright is a member of the Conference Realignment Committee and Communications Director Joëlle Doye is a member of the Media Advisory Committee.

Thank you so much to the Platteville United Methodist Church for generously donating snacks to our school Care Cupboard, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students! Access to these snacks ensures that students who may face food insecurity can stay nourished and focused throughout the school day.

A sincere thank you to Capital Security for your donation to Pointer Media for our video board in the gym!

Thank you to our other donors so far as well including: Peoples Company, MP Wrestling Club, AB Electric, Tupper Family, Mound City Bank, and WCC Brands.

If you're interested in donating to this project, please reach out to High School Principal Matt Austin at matt.austin@mp.k12.wi.us -- thank you!

A sincere thank you to the non-profit Do Good Wisconsin for selecting #PointerNation High School Special Education Teacher Callie Gundlach as a recipient of your school supply grant!

This organization was able to support 300 teachers in Wisconsin this year with school supplies that they typically purchase out of their own pocket! Callie looks forward to sharing the supplies with students and staff at school.

Article and video from Monday's School Board meeting is now available at this link.

6th Grade Orientation will take place Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 pm! We look forward to seeing everyone -- welcome to this exciting chapter called middle school! Any questions, please reach out to brooke.mcgraw@mp.k12.wi.us or carrie.brinkman@mp.k12.wi.us

Hello Pointer Families -- Students and families are welcome to stop by for Back to School Nights to drop off supplies and meet teachers and staff. We are excited to see everyone and are ready for another fantastic year!

Tuesday, August 26

-- K-5 Elementary: 4 - 6 pm

-- 6-12 Middle/High: 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Wednesday, August 27

-- EC & 4K: 4:30 - 6 pm (Optional Parent/Guardian Meeting 5:30 pm)

Please join us at Back to School Night for an exciting conversation and a night of learning!

- What: "The Anxious Generation: Promoting Digital Health & Well-Being" -- book talk and speaker

- When: Tuesday, August 26

- Time: Book Talk 6:15 - 6:40 pm

- Speaker 6:45 - 7:30 pm

- Where: MP High School Library

- Who: Jake Boll from CESA 5 will share his expertise and passion on student technology use and supporting the development of healthy digital habits. This session will discuss the current digital landscape and share resources to support student online health and safety.

Haven't read the book? No worries! All you need to show up with is an interest in children's digital health and wellness.

We look forward to a night of learning more with you on how to best support the digital wellness of our youth.

RSVP: Not required for attendance, but will be useful for planning purposes at this link.

(Thank you to the Mineral Point Excellence in Education Foundation for your financial support of this event)

Mark your calendar for this year's #PointerNation Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony!

Join us Friday, August 29 at halftime of the home game vs. Platteville as we recognize the accomplishments of the following outstanding Pointers:

- Mike Gratz (Class of 1966)

- Kraig Wasley (Class of 1985)

- Jamie Palzkill (Class of 2003)

- Rob Goldthorpe (Class of 2008)

Congratulations to all! Read more about the inductees at this link.

60 years -- where does the time go?! The #PointerNation Class of 1965 enjoyed its 60th Class Reunion recently.

Front row: Karen Helms Fisher, Marilyn Wang Ottum, Teresa Doyle Rosenberger, Bonnie Lancaster Laverty, Joan Moseley Mundth, Diann Eckels Wenger.

Second row: Jon Cox, Dennis Hanson, Dan Reger, Jim Laverty, Larry Noble, Barry Weinbrenner, Bob Lancaster, Larry Springer, Rick Alton.

Back row: Dave Ross, Mick Kneeland, Larry McNeill, Bob Salmon, Bill Baker, Tom Gevelinger, Bill Fisher. (Missing: Ted Marr)

(Graphic uses a photo taken by Robin Wiegman)

(Send your class reunion photos to joelle.doye@mp.k12.wi.us)

Join in on a #PointerNation Homecoming tradition! Any graduates from 50 years ago or more are welcome.

The annual Fabulous 50s pasty luncheon will be held Friday, September 26 at Noon at the United Church of Christ (300 Maiden St).

Cost is $15 per person. Payment due by September 10. Checks can be made out to MP Alumni and sent to Sandy Weitzel, 217 Mineral St., Mineral Point, WI 53565

(In the memo section, please put what class you are a member of)

Let's have a fun afternoon of reminiscing!

Did you know our first graduating class was in 1879? Our Alumni Directory from the past to the present is updated online. You can find the latest version at this link.

If you have any questions, please reach out to High School Administrative Assistant Janet Lawinger at janet.lawinger@mp.k12.wi.us or 608-987-0730.

The annual MP clothing store that supports our high school Future Business Leaders of America chapter has arrived!

Check it out for infant, toddler, youth, ladies, and adult apparel options, as well as accessories such as hats and more! (Note: the upside down backward spelling on the hats is intentional)

Deadline to order is August 27. Orders will be delivered prior to Homecoming. Link: https://wccbrands.chipply.com/mineralpointfbla25

School supplies are starting to hit store shelves! Lists are available for the 2025-26 school year at this link.

Please remember that if your family needs help with supplies, we have many community partners that have generously provided donations to the district. Regardless of the grades of your children, please reach out to Jane Barr at jane.barr@mp.k12.wi.us or 608-987-0710 if you need help obtaining supplies.

This week's Throwback Thursday #TBT is dedicated to another caring educator, Mr. Marvin Hanson. #PointerNation is forever grateful for his impact on countless students over the decades. Marv, a MP graduate himself, served our school district in many capacities including teacher, principal, business manager, and board member.

Deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Obituary can be found at this link.

#PointerNation events coming up this week -- join us! (Please note these schedules are always subject to change)

Tuesday, August 19

- 6th Grade Orientation 6:30 pm

Thursday, August 21
- School Board meeting 4:30 pm: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2067

Friday, August 22

- Varsity Football at Dodgeville 7 pm.

Video Livestream: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/wi/dodgeville/organization/20161/dodgeville-high-school

Saturday, August 23

- JV & Varsity Volleyball Scrimmage at Lancaster 9 am

Please be aware of other companies claiming to livestream our games, especially if there are links different than posted above and ask for credit card and personal information -- these are scams. We will update this pinned post as available livestream information is relayed to us.

"Grounded by our history as one of the oldest publicly supported schools in Wisconsin, Mineral Point Unified School District is the heart of a small community that educates and inspires our students for a bright future in a big world."

Email: joelle.doye@mp.k12.wi.us
Website: mineralpointschools.org
Location: 705 Ross Street, Mineral Point, WI, USA
Phone: (608) 987-0740
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MineralPointSchoolDistrict