2016 Fall Advantage

WLHS

ADVANTAGE FALL 2016 | GRADE SCHOOL PARENT PUBLICATION

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We’re Eager to Meet Your Child

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Tuition Assistance Available

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Tours and Shadow Days

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Talents Uncovered

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Christian Values & Vision

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Student Success

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

We’re Eager to Meet Your Child

This school year, your children will get to know Mark Ricke and Brad Wetzel from WLHS since they’ll be spending their days at area WELS grade schools.

“I love giving chapels, going into the classrooms and getting to know the students,” says Ricke, director of enrollment for WLHS. “Every child should be told daily that they are loved . . . especially by Jesus. No one does that better than WLHS.”

Admissions Calendar WLHS Admissions Opens – October 1 Future Freshman Exam at WLHS $20 testing fee, register at wlhs.org – October 15 WLHS Open House for 7th-8th grade parents and students – October 16 Future Freshman Exam at WLHS $20 testing fee, register at wlhs.org – November 12

Mark Ricke, Director of Enrollment (left), Brad Wetzel, Director of Admissions (right) In addition to worshipping with the students, Ricke will help 5th graders make their very own Viking t-shirt.

Wetzel, director of admissions, will talk to 8th graders to answer questions about WLHS and help students who are interested in enrolling. In December, the men will conduct special Christmas visits with every kindergarten to 8th grade classroom.

“First and foremost, I tell parents and students that we’ll work with them to figure out a way to make our Christ-centered education affordable,” says Wetzel.

“We don’t want the cost of tuition to be an obstacle for any child to attend WLHS.” For more information about WLHS, call Brad Wetzel or Mark Ricke at 414-453-4567 or email brad.wetzel@wlhs.org or mark.ricke@wlhs.org.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

Tuition Assistance & Scholarship Applications available at wlhs.org – February 1-28, 2017

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

(Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)

For families who received tuition assistance this school year, the amount ranged from $500 to $6,000 per student and was based on financial need and timing of the application.

Tuition Assistance Available

WLHS provides thousands of dollars in tuition assistance and scholarships to make its Christ-centered education affordable for students and their families.

The application process begins February 1 but Brad Wetzel, WLHS director of admissions, says there a few things parents can do ahead of time.

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Gather your 2016 paystubs and W-2 forms.

Secure a copy of your 2016 tax return— 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ—with all the schedules.

• Collect copies of your supplemental income documentation—social security, welfare,

food stamps, child support, worker’s

compensation, unemployment, veterans’

benefits, housing allowance, etc.

• Don’t miss the February 28 deadline.

Funds are allocated based on the

number of requests and circumstances

of each family.

On February 1, tuition assistance and scholarship applications will be available at wlhs.org.

We encourage families to apply as soon as possible.

New Scholarships, New Blessings WLHS now has more than 60 annual scholarships. Many are designated for students who have the desire, but not the financial resources, to attend WLHS. Others recognize Christian leadership, musical talent, academic achievement, a specific career interest or a ministerial calling. n Frank Stuebs Memorial Scholarship Awards a $1,000 scholarship to a junior or senior who plans to pursue a career in the skilled trades. n James Kleist Endowed Scholarship Delivers a $1,500 scholarship based on financial need. n Waldschmidt Family Legacy Fund Provides a $2,000 scholarship to a student who plans to pursue the pastoral or teaching ministry at Martin Luther College or Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Please contact Brad Wetzel with any questions, 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Tours and Shadow Days

For some families, the path to WLHS includes twists and turns.

Regardless of the direction or timeframe, a parent tour and student shadow day provide a valuable, first-hand experience of daily life at WLHS.

An April Decision

A Sophomore Transition

Kristine (Jackson) Laufer (’88) is an alum but her husband attended public schools so sending their son, Jackson, to WLHS wasn’t a forgone conclusion.

While Garrett Pomeroy spent his freshman year at Nathan Hale High School, this August he’s coming to WLHS.

“The tour we took with Brad Wetzel and Jackson’s shadow day made our decision,” says Kristine.

“Before that, Jackson wasn’t really interested in Wisco. We had attended the recruitment events but the tour was personalized to our areas of interest and addressed our questions and concerns.”

“We wanted an environment that was more challenging for Garrett,” says his dad Rick.

“Once we decided he was going to transfer, I toured three different private schools and felt WLHS was the right choice.

The Laufer Family, Members of Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin

For Jackson, the trade and technology program impressed him the most.

“Jackson is an inventor and builder. He went to the engineering class and was excited to see all the resources they had. He came home telling me all about the CNC machines he could use.

“Based on our experience, I encourage parents to call, ask questions and schedule a tour right away in the fall. I know that’s what made the difference for us.”

WLHS offers more than 40 different co-curriculars, including cross country, concert band, robotics and forensics.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

The Pomeroy Family, Members of Forest Park Presbyterian, New Berlin

“WLHS had the most to offer because Garrett has a wide range of interests. He’s a trumpet player so a strong music program was a must. He likes shop and metal classes and he also wants to explore the culinary world. WLHS has all those things.”

The Pomeroys did their due diligence to find the right school. They attended the WLHS Open House as a family. Rick met with admissions director Brad Wetzel, took a tour and asked questions.

“I also checked with my network to get feedback and everything I heard about WLHS was positive,” adds Rick. “Garrett is excited about the opportunities at WLHS and we’re happy to have him attend a Christian school.”

Tours and shadow days can be arranged at wlhs.org.

Select the Admissions tab.

Talents Uncovered

To help students explore and develop their interests, WLHS offers everything from accounting and choir to hospitality foods and technical drafting.

To get real-world experience, WLHS students work with:

n CNC

Machines

n Robotics Tool Kits

n 3D

CAD Software

n 3D

Printer

n Welding Equipment – GMAW, GTAW, SMAW & OFW

Over the years, the high school has developed a reputation for its outstanding Trade and Technology program. WLHS now has a wide range of courses and a complement of industryleading, high-tech equipment so students can get hands-on experience.

“I’ve seen the dedication and passion WLHS teachers have for their students,” says Clement.

“When I attended the senior projects presentation, I heard amazing stories from parents about how their kids blossomed and found their way in the Trade and Tech program.”

“Once Matt got to Wisco, he flourished. He took classes that engaged his creativity and curiosity like metals, woods and small engines,” says Kim Kioski.

“The teachers made all the difference because they truly cared. They helped Matt realize there was a place in this world for his gifts.”

According to Clement, those with two-year degrees are in high demand.

Greg Clement is president and owner of Argon Industries in Milwaukee and a supporter of the school’s Trade and Technology curriculum.

“Due to misperceptions about manufacturing and trade careers, we’ve lost an entire generation of kids coming into the industry. At Argon, we’re always looking to hire technical school graduates who are creative problem solvers, have hands-on skills and are adept at math.”

As his senior project, Matt Kioski (’16) built an impressive smoker grill (pictured right) that sold for $1,750 at the WLHS Auction. Kioski is attending Waukesha County Technical College this fall to earn his degree as an industrial maintenance technician.

“Matt got one-on-one attention from his teachers.

They were able to connect with him and steer him in the right direction,” parents Bill and Kim Kioski, Christ, Pewaukee.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Christian Values & Vision

Kevin Llanas (’16) is a remarkable young man who has a deeply rooted faith that doesn’t waver.

He also has a vision for his life. In fact, it’s a vision that he’s been preparing for since age five when he began reading about and studying military battles.

Llanas spent his freshman and sophomore years at a public high school where his faith was challenged daily.

Not afraid to speak up, he was often called out in class and faced ridicule for his beliefs.

Originally, the Llanas family thought a Christian education at WLHS was out of reach. Greg is a Milwaukee police officer and Laurel teaches Spanish at area WELS grade schools. However, they qualified for the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program and were able to send both Kevin and Star to WLHS.

Kevin Llanas

According to Llanas, who is currently in San Diego at the United States Marine Corps’ Boot Camp, the situation simply made him a stronger Christian since he knew God was by his side every day.

Llanas comes from a family of five and planned to transfer to WLHS when his younger sister, Star, began her freshman year.

“God blessed Kevin with

“WLHS was great from day one and Kevin truly appreciated the Christian environment. He talked more about chapel than any other class,” says Laurel. “He’d tell me how special it was to take a break from the day and hear God’s word.”

Kevin graduated from WLHS in May and shortly thereafter left for Boot Camp. And, although his test scores qualified him for officer training, he felt it was important to work his way up through the ranks.

Kevin’s long-term plan includes a number of steps that will prepare him for a leadership position in either the military, law enforcement or politics.

As he explained to his mother, by starting as an enlisted soldier, he’ll earn the respect of his peers and will also be able to travel the world and spread God’s word more quickly.

an approachable demeanor and keen intellect that causes others to willingly follow his lead. He was always eager to learn God’s word and apply it to his life,” Keith Bowe, WLHS religion teacher.

“As a mother, it was tough to hear how he was treated by teachers and other students,” says Laurel Llanas. “When he came to WLHS his junior year, he literally thanked my husband, Greg, and I every day.”

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

To determine if your family qualifies for the Milwaukee or Wisconsin Parental Choice Programs, please contact Brad Wetzel at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or email brad.wetzel@wlhs.org.

Student Success

To ensure students develop the knowledge and skills they need to be effective communicators, WLHS requires four English credits for graduation.

“We’ve created a comprehensive curriculum that meets the needs of all of our students,” says Dr. Carol Krause, English department coordinator at WLHS. “Our classes prepare graduates for a range of scenarios from workplace communication to college writing.”

One of the pinnacle classes at WLHS is Advanced Composition taught by Gil Tatge. The course has a well-earned reputation for its rigorous standards but Tatge regularly receives notes of thanks from former students.

Based on their entrance exam, freshmen are placed in a class that matches their mastery of the subject.

“I love guiding young writers through a class that I know will make their college experience easier,” says Tatge. “From the first day, I’m a stickler about grammar and punctuation because those are mistakes you don’t ever want to make in a college paper.”

Freshman Classes n

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Foundations of English A dual-period course designed to accelerate the learning process and help students acquire necessary reading, writing, research and study skills.

English Language Learners For domestic and foreign students who do not speak English in the home. The class focuses on obtaining and improving reading, writing and composition skills.

English 9 Focuses on the writing process, literary analysis and oral language.

Honors English 9 Utilizes formal and creative works to master advanced writing concepts and techniques.

Speech Covers the basics of oral communication and includes four classroom presentations.

After freshman year, there are a variety of choices, including Composition, Business Communication and AP English. Creative Writing and Introduction to College Writing will join the offerings as of fall 2017.

Notes to Mr. Tatg e

Jon Sch roeder (’ 14) atte Milwauk nds the ee and Universit is pursuin y of Wis g a deg consinI’ ll b e h ree in c o n e s t. W riminal ju h e n I to stice. h a te d e ok your v e ry p a c la s s , I a rt o f it . B happy. b s o lu te ly ut now S in c e y o I’ m g ra te u made c u rr e n t fu l a n d y o u r c la c la s s I’ m ss so ch ta k in g is to s a y th a ll e n g in 1 0 ti m e s ank you g , th e e a s ie r. I fo r te a c ju s t w a n h in g A d te d vanced Compo s it io n .

Jacob M aurer (’1 5) atten Eau Cla ds the U ire and niversity is pursuin of Wisco g a degre nsin“The cla e in fina ss I feel nce. m o st confid geology ent in a , philoso t Eau Cla phy or e class an ire is not conomic d I would my s c lass. It’s li ke to th I grew a m y writing ink it’s b s a write e c r a d u uring Ad se of ho opinion, vanced w much your cla Compo ss was o during h sition. In n e of the igh scho my most im ol.” portant I took

97 percent of WLHS graduates enroll in a post-secondary institution or enter the military to serve our country.

Stay connected to WLHS! GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379

With a WLHS Passport, 1st-8th graders can come to any WLHS event for free.

Plus, students can enter to win an iPad or $1,000 WLHS scholarship—just by using their Passport 10 times.

For a complete list of upcoming WLHS events, visit www.wlhs.org.

Grace Frey from Zion, South Milwaukee earned the $1,000 WLHS scholarship.