2024 Fall Advantage

WLHS Advantage

Welcome to WLHS!

WLHS Admissions Team: Admissions Counselors Mr. Brian Gottschalk (‘96) and Mrs. Meg (Raddant) Schuessler (‘97), and Director of Admissions Mr. Brad Wetzel (‘98)

This school year, WLHS has a lot of news to share –a new principal (see page 2), new daily schedule (read the next issue) and more career and college offerings through the expanded Student Services department (see page 7).

While the high school has implemented a number of changes, two pillars remain constant – its commitment to God’s word and its focus on student success.

“Our confessional Lutheran principals are the foundation of everything we do at Wisco. God’s word is embedded in our school culture. It’s part of our classes and co-curriculars,” says Mr. Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions. “We work in partnership to serve the students and families of our 49 WELS congregations and 28 grade schools to prepare young men and women for productive, Christcentered lives in a diverse world.”

84% of this year’s freshman class are from WELS grade schools

Carpool Assistance

To help parents with driving to and from school, WLHS offers the GoKid carpool app.

Parents can connect with other families who are nearby to set up and manage carpools. The app integrates with calendars and sends helpful pick up or drop off reminders.

To schedule a visit to WLHS, contact Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions, at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org

Admissions Calendar

Admission applications available at wlhs.org/admissions –October 15

Scholarship applications available at wlhs.org/scholarships –December 1-31

Tuition assistance applications available at wlhs.org/tuitionassistance –December 1-31

Milwaukee Parental Choice Program enrollment period, apply at dpi.wi.gov –February 3-20

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program enrollment period, apply at dpi.wi.gov –February 3 – April 17

Meet Principal Landon Zacharyasz

This July, Mr. Landon Zacharyasz joined WLHS as the school’s sixth principal.

The Zacharyasz Family

Mr. Zacharyasz, along with his wife and four children, moved from Appleton and together the family has been getting to know the area and Wisco

Since arriving at WLHS, Mr. Zacharyasz, who is energetic and loves establishing relationships, has been impressed.

“One of the things I immediately noticed was the passion that WLHS teachers have for the ministry. Their dedication to teaching students and helping them grow in their academic and spiritual lives is abundantly clear,” says Zacharyasz.

Prior to WLHS, Zacharyasz served and led at Mount Olive Lutheran School in Appleton for thirteen years and also served as the Fox Valley Lutheran Schools president for six years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Martin Luther College (MLC)

and is currently working on his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Educational Leadership from the Milwaukee School of Engineering – Rader School of Business.

“The students, parents, and supporters I have met absolutely love Wisco. The enthusiasm so many have for this ministry is impressive, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

— Mr. Landon Zacharyasz, principal of WLHS

Principal Zacharyasz Primer

• Pronounced Za-kuh-rye -is (“s” sound, not “z”)

• Students have quickly starte d coming up with their own titles, including Mr. Z and Mr. Zach

• The Zacharyasz family worships at Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Berlin, and the children attend the grade school

• Zacharyasz enjoys family time, road trips, and grilling

• One of his favorite Bible verses is Romans 5:8 “ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Wisconsin Lutheran High School

113 14

113 14 students on mission trips mission trips in 2024

WLHS’ best scores, as reported to colleges, show the top 75 percent of seniors averaged 23.5 (74th percentile) on the ACT. Achieving at the 74th percentile means a student scored in the top third of all students nationwide.

6 8

means a student scored in the top third of all students nationwide.

Advanced Placement Success

40% WLHS students scored 3 or higher

of seniors participated in at least one AP class

students on mission trips mission trips in 2024 40% WLHS students scored 3 or higher (on a scale of 1-5) on 325 AP exams for a total of 975 college credit savings

Wisco Witnesses in the World Wisco Witnesses in the World is a service-minded group. Students have the opportunity to practice the lessons they learn every day in school, including sharing the love of Jesus through outreach and community service activities. 299 students participated in this group throughout the year.

100% Pass rate by WLHS students on (with a score of 3 or higher)

7 AP exams Milwaukee All In

7 AP exams

Milwaukee All In Scholarship

WLHS students who received this prestigious scholarship for

$633,750

3 WLHS students who received this prestigious scholarship for high potential, limited income, diverse students in Milwaukee Academic Achievements of seniors participated in at least one AP class

$633,750 potential savings

Supporting All Students

Students entering WLHS below grade level in math and language arts doubled their projected yearly academic growth, based on their initial score.

From Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) standardized testing.

Fine Arts Excellence

Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a leader in challenging youth to achieve music excellence

Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a leader in challenging youth to achieve music

101 18 5 Jerry Awards recognizes excellence in high school musical theater Nominations Wins WSMA Medals

8 Exemplary nominations 4 Exemplary awards

18 5 Jerry Awards recognizes excellence in high school musical theater

1 Sectional Championship 5

1

College Acceptance Highlights

Embracing the Great Commission

In 2023-24 WLHS had the largest ever international graduating class of 29 students, with two of these students in the Academic Top 10. As our international graduates move on to universities and colleges, they will be our ambassadors in five countries outside the U.S. and fourteen different states within the U.S.

68 International students in 2022-23 17

68 International students in 2022-23

29

17 Different countries in the residential program 29 International students in the 2023 graduating class

ACT Perfection

WLHS student junior Tommy Doerr achieved a perfect ACT score on the first try of taking the test.

Of the 1.67 million students who took the exam nationally in 2023, only 5,579 achieved a perfect score (.5 percent).

36 = Perfect ACT Score

students in 2023-2024 from

in 2023-2024

5,686 35 $45,621

Congregational Giving $1.12M

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) to bridge the gap between tuition & vouchers and the cost to educate

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) to bridge the gap between tuition & vouchers and the cost to educate Athletic Accomplishments 10 Conference Championships

National Merit Scholarships

Of the 1.3 million entrants, less than 2 percent earned this prestigious recognition

7 total WLHS students who achieved a perfect ACT score in the past seven years

2 WLHS finalists

2 WLHS finalists Including boys basketball State championship

46%

10

Meet Our New Teachers

This year, we’ve added eight talented professionals to our faculty and staff.

Art Department

Ms. Candace Greupink

Ms. Candace Greupink is teaching Drawing, Introduction to 2-D Art and Design, Graphic Arts, and Video Production and overseeing the student yearbook. Greupink previously taught art in the Pewaukee School District for 12 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

World Languages Department

Mrs. Kaitlin Hernandez

Mrs. Kaitlin Hernandez, who has been serving as a part-time teacher at WLHS since 2020, is teaching Spanish full time this year. Hernandez previously spent a year working as a first-grade teacher at Saint David School in the Dominican Republic and is married to Mr. Micah Hernandez, who is also a WLHS Spanish teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and social work from Minnesota State University - Mankato.

World Languages and Science Departments

Mr. Jason Zweifel

Mr. Jason Zweifel is teaching Spanish and biology. Zweifel previously taught at Christ the King Academy, Palm Coast, Fla., for five years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Spanish from MLC.

Mathematics Department

Mrs. Morgan Lautz

Mrs. Morgan Lautz joined WLHS in 2021 as a part-time teacher and is now teaching Algebra 1 and Honors Algebra 1 full time. Lautz previously taught seventh and eighth grade math, as well as math intervention, at Mt. Lebanon Lutheran School for four years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC), has a certificate in urban leadership from Harvard University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from WLC.

English Department

Ms. Claire Leverence (‘19)

Ms. Claire Leverence (’19) is teaching composition and joined the faculty last January. Leverence earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education broadfield language arts in English and communication from WLC.

Fine Arts Department

Ms. Alicia Mengel (‘19)

Ms. Alicia Mengel (’19) is the new grade school band director. Mengel earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and instrumental music education from MLC.

Candace Greupink

Kaitlin Hernandez

Claire Leverence

Morgan Lautz

Jason Zweifel

Alicia Mengel

Meet Our New Staff Student Services Department

Mrs. Rachel (Kohn ) Rebholz (‘04)

Mrs. Rachel (Kohn) Rebholz (’04) is WLHS’ first-ever school nurse. Rebholz previously worked at the LUMIN schools as manager of health services and school nurse. She earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Milwaukee Area Technical College.

PK-8 Curriculum Coordinator

Mr. Christopher Bartsch

Mr. Christopher Bartsch is serving in the role as PK-8 Curriculum Coordinator for the WLHS Conference. This position is funded by the conference schools and WLHS. Bartsch previously served in various roles at Atonement Lutheran School for eight years and was most recently principal. He earned his bachelor’s degree from MLC, a master’s degree from WLC, and is currently enrolled in a curriculum and instruction licensure program at WLC.

Expanded Offerings from Student Services

During the past few years, the WLHS Student Services department has expanded and updated the services it provides. The department has faculty and staff, personal counseling, career-based learning experiences, and new digital tools to support students’ post-secondary readiness and success.

Academic and Career Plan

Each WLHS student is paired with a school counselor who guides them through an Academic and Career Planning process. The goal is for students to complete the planning independently so they take ownership in preparing for their future. Throughout their four years at WLHS, they engage in a variety of assignments and learning activities to gain knowledge, explore options, and create a “next steps” plan they can implement after graduating.

New Academic and Career Planning Platform

As of this school year, WLHS is using Xello, a robust academic and career planning system that helps students create a roadmap for their future. Based on their post-high school plans, Xello assigns students interactive lessons and activities that help them develop the knowledge and skills they’ll need once they graduate.

College and Career Readiness

New Career and Work-based Learning Platform

InspireWI is a digital platform that shares career and work-based learning experiences. It’s a valuable resource for students and families to access as they consider components for their Academic and Career Plan. WLHS has also developed a Career Pathways Catalog that can help families who are looking to narrow down career-based learning experiences outside of the school day or during the summer.

Christopher Bartsch

Rachel Rebholz

Where Success Means More 330

WLHS awards more than $800,000 in tuition assistance and scholarships.

The amount of tuition assistance provided ranges from $500 to nearly $6,000 per student, based on financial need and timing of the student’s application.

Visit wlhs.org/tuitionassistance or wlhs.org/scholarships for more information

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