PoDs School Events

At the beginning of each school year, our 7th and 8th graders head out on an overnight tent camping trip, designed to help students quickly bond with their peers and build trust within their community. The trip provides a unique opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and engage in team-building activities while enjoying the outdoors. Camping destinations include scenic locations such as Wildcat Mountain and Devils Lake State Park. Students participate in fun and educational activities, such as learning how to cook over a campfire, canoeing, hiking, and playing yard games. This adventure helps set the tone for a successful year of collaboration and friendship.

Each fall, our 9th and 10th graders embark on an exciting camping trip to Trees for Tomorrow, an environmental education center. During their time there, students have fun while exploring topics like wildlife, forestry, and climate science. With a variety of activities to choose from, they never repeat the same lessons. Some of the experiences they may have include visiting a bog, archery, canoeing, catching and releasing small animals, practicing human survival skills, testing water and soil, hiking, and many other engaging outdoor activities.

Each spring, our class of juniors embarks on an unforgettable backpacking trip to the Porcupine Mountains in Upper Michigan. This rigorous adventure challenges students to push their physical limits as they hike 20 miles over 4 days and 3 nights. The breathtaking Porcupine Mountains State Park offers stunning views of cliffs, waterfalls, and the pristine beaches of Lake Superior. Carrying all necessary supplies—food, shelter, clothing, and even toilet paper—students must navigate the rugged terrain, testing both their endurance and resourcefulness in the wild. It's a transformative experience that builds resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Each year, students in grades 7 through 12 have the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day on a skiing field trip to Standing Rocks County Park. Students can choose from a variety of activities, including sledding, snowboarding, skiing, or snowshoeing, making it a day of adventure for all. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, the lodge offers a warm fire, board games, and delicious hot chocolate. Occasionally, the trip includes a special viewing of birds of prey, where students learn fascinating details about these majestic creatures. Beyond the excitement, this field trip serves as a great way to build a sense of community, fostering teamwork and compassion as students support and help each other throughout the day.

Each year, students in grades 7th-10th embark on an exciting field trip to Boston School Forest, where they gain hands-on experience in wildlife and forestry education. During their visit, students explore the forest through hikes, learning about local ecosystems and the vital role of plants, animals, and water in maintaining environmental balance. Activities include water testing, where students examine key factors such as dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and the impact of water temperature on aquatic life. This field trip provides an invaluable opportunity for students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world environmental science, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Every two years, our 9th and 10th-grade students have the opportunity to visit the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. This immersive field trip aligns with their civics curriculum, providing a firsthand look at state and local government in action.

During their visit, students explore the Capitol building, gaining insights into Wisconsin’s legislative process and history. Beyond the Capitol, they experience the vibrant atmosphere of State Street, where they enjoy lunch at local restaurants and browse unique small businesses.

This educational experience brings classroom learning to life, helping students connect with the state's history, government, and culture in an engaging and memorable way.

In October, the senior class challenged the school to collect the most and widest variety of candy for the annual "Trunk-or-Treat" Halloween event hosted by the Woodlands Church. Students of all grade levels participated, gathering treats to donate for the event, which offers a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. The event featured over 75 cars with decorated trunks, providing plenty of candy for children to collect. It also served as a great opportunity for families and the local community to come together and enjoy the Halloween festivities. The seniors led the charge by organizing the candy drive and encouraging their peers to get involved!

In November, the students of PoDs faced a creative writing challenge for their monthly Community Crew activity. Each crew was tasked with writing the best radio script to be recorded and aired on local radio stations. The goal was to promote the school and encourage new students to tour and enroll at Point of Discovery.

The result was a wide mix of serious and silly commercials, ranging from heartfelt messages to lighthearted, humorous ads, all showcasing the diverse talents and ideas of our students. The winning script, written by the senior class, was selected to be aired on local stations. Three students volunteered to be the voices for the final radio ads, proudly representing PoDs on HOT 96.7, Y106.7, and WIFC 95.5. Hearing their own voices on the airwaves was an exciting and rewarding experience, making this project even more meaningful.

In the month of December, the students participated in an exciting Community Crew challenge organized by the Junior class. The challenge was a school-wide scavenger hunt, where crews worked together to track down clues hidden around the school while completing a series of optical courses. To add an extra level of fun and teamwork, participants were tethered together with a streamer as they navigated through the tasks. The event not only encouraged friendly competition between the crews, but also fostered a strong sense of community as everyone collaborated to solve puzzles and complete the obstacles. The students had a blast taking part in the fun!