WLHS
ADVANTAGE SPRING 2017 | GRADE SCHOOL PARENT PUBLICATION
Students demonstrate their robotic creations at the 2017 WLHS Dinner Auction
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Meet Peter Iles—Director of Instructional Technology
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Students Aim High
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Caring in the Classroom
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Multiples at WLHS
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Living Their Faith
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Robotics Success
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
Meet Peter Iles—Director of Instructional Technology
Peter Iles’ passion for education was planted during his years attending St. Paul Lutheran School and Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills. “I had teachers who inspired and challenged me every day,” recalls Iles. “From early on, I knew I wanted to do the same thing—motivate children to embrace learning.”
Peter Iles, Director of Instructional Technology
He pursued his teaching dream at Martin Luther College and began to delve into educational technology as a tool to maximize learning and drive student engagement.
That interest in technology led to a nationwide first. In 2011, while principal of Grace Lutheran School in Oshkosh, Iles was the first instructor in the country to incorporate Google Chromebooks into the curriculum. “Grace became a showcase school for Google. We’d have weekly visitors who wanted to see how we were using the devices as part of our teaching,” says Iles. After six years at Grace Lutheran, he moved his family to Milwaukee to take a teaching and technology position with the Milwaukee Academy of Science. From there, he joined the Wauwatosa Public School District as the district-wide technology teacher leader but missed sharing Christ’s love with young people.
Accolades for Iles n
Based on Iles’ early use of Google Chromebooks for classroom learning, he was asked to share his experiences, insights and discoveries with national education technology leaders at Google offices in Chicago and Austin.
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In 2012, Iles was invited to give the keynote presentation at the Google Education Summit where he addressed adoption and implementation of Chromebooks and 21 st century learning skills in a web 2.0 classroom.
In August 2016, he eagerly accepted the call to lead WLHS’ one-to-one learning initiative that utilizes Google Chromebooks. “As part of my position, I work with each department to investigate and identify ways to continue to integrate technology into their subject matter. We’re particularly focused on developing students’ problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills, which are key to success in today’s world,” says Iles.
“My faith and belief in God are important to my daily life so I was looking to return to Christian education,” says Iles.
For more information about
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In addition to his position as Director of Instructional Technology, Iles remains active in the classroom teaching two history classes. Using virtual reality tools, his students recently traveled the globe to visit WISCONSIN LUTHERAN SCHOOL || Spring 2017Mount theHIGH Egyptian pyramids, scale Everest and explore the ocean depths.
WLHS and how to apply, please contact Brad Wetzel at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org.
Jenna Frey, Zion Lutheran School, South Milwaukee With a 4.0 GPA and an ACT score that puts her in the 95th percentile nationally, Jenna Frey earned her #1 rank in this year’s senior class. Frey (‘17)
“I’m always looking to push myself and use the talents God has given me,” says Frey.
During grade school, math was a subject that didn’t come easily to Frey. At WLHS, she continued to work on it and began to truly understand the subject to the point where she now enjoys it.
“I’m confident WLHS has prepared me to move on to my next challenge.” —Jenna Frey Sierra Jones, St. John Lutheran School, Wauwatosa Sierra Jones, a driven and disciplined junior, is laser focused on achieving her dream of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon and practicing at St. Jude Children’s Research Jones (‘18) Hospital. And, while Jones knows it won’t be easy, she has her next steps all mapped out. In addition to maintaining a high GPA and balancing school work with numerous co-curricular activities, she’s currently volunteering at Luther Manor to gain experience in the healthcare field. Next year, even though she’s taking several AP classes, she plans to secure another volunteer position—this time with Aurora St. Luke’s. John Lin, Qizheng Middle School, HangZou, China Senior John Lin discovered his future career—actuarial science—during a Calculus field trip to Northwestern Mutual freshman year. “In China, I actually hated math but Mr. Gottschalk is such a good teacher that he made the subject interesting,” says Lin. “During my four years at Wisco, the teachers were always ready to challenge me and help me load up on the classes I needed.” Lin (‘17)
In fact, Lin has taken full advantage of WLHS’ advanced academics and will graduate this May with 15 college credits. His schedule has included AP classes, Calculus 3 at Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) and the dual credit WLC Advanced Accounting course taught at Wisco by Jason Goede who has a Master’s Degree in business and marketing education.
Students Aim High
A mastery of advanced mathematics is critical to her future since she plans to major in biomedical or chemical engineering. For Frey, her area of study is personal.
“My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago and I’ve seen how it affects someone you love,” says Frey. “My dream is to help create a drug that slows down the progression or a test that can identify it earlier so it can be treated more effectively.” Frey has been accepted to Purdue University, Iowa State, University of Wisconsin – Madison and University of Minnesota and will decide soon which institution she’ll attend. “I’ve grown a lot during high school. Through sports I learned how to take on leadership roles and through mission trips I learned the importance giving back,” says Frey. (Jenna Frey is the niece of Brian and Teri Fey on page 5.) “I’d rather be busy and over prepared instead of regretting something I didn’t do,” explains Jones. “I’m so happy to be at Wisco because I know it’s a school with high standards that will help me achieve my future goals.” After graduating from WLHS, Jones has her sights set on attending Marquette University and securing a four-year Burke Scholarship, which is awarded to students who have a passion for social justice and a commitment to serve others. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to be a doctor and take care of children. I’m approaching this like everything else in my life. I’m using organization and determination to succeed,” says Jones.
“I learned a lot from Mr. Goede’s class because he incorporates the business experience he had prior to becoming a teacher,” says Lin. The college credits Lin earned at WLHS will be helpful since he’s hoping to complete his degree in actuarial science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in just three years. And, as you’d expect from a future actuary, Lin’s choice to attend Madison is a calculated one since the Society of Actuaries has designated the University as a Center for Actuarial Excellence. “Madison is a top actuarial school and their program was specifically mentioned when we visited Northwestern Mutual,” says Lin.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Caring in the Classroom
“I love, love, love my dear, sweet, fun, teenagers! That’s why I’m here.” —Bev Braun, freshman English teacher
“I’m always trying to make a connection with my students. During the NCAA tournament, I’ll wear my Butler T-shirt and we’ll joke back and forth. If I know the wrestling team went to State, I’ll ask about that. Or, we’ll talk about current
Teacher Bev Braun with students on a dress-up day during Spirit Week.
events. Establishing relationships and showing interest in my students and their lives positively impacts our work together,” says Braun. Bev Braun has taught at WLHS for 25 years and considers each day a blessing and part of God’s wonderful plan. “My students energize me. They fill my life with love and give me a chance to learn from them, as well as teach them and share the truth of Jesus’ love,” says Braun. To bring out the best in her students, Braun is guided by a philosophy from Harry and Rosemary Wong, two national education thought leaders—The heart of education is the education of the heart. She’s used that principle to shape her own approach to teaching. “Mrs. Braun was a great teacher to have freshman year. She connected with us and knew how to encourage us in our work,” says junior Kristin Uher from Mount Calvary Lutheran School. “She was also a great example of how to show Christian love to everyone.”
Braun's Basics n
It’s All about Relationships
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They’re My Favorite
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2017
Each day, I greet my students at the door. I shake their hand, call them by name and connect with them. Because I love them and cherish them, they feel special and return the love in their behavior and work.
I want them to know they are the most important thing to me at that moment and time in my class. Whoever is in front of me is my “favorite.”
I’m a Cheerleader
I take that role very seriously. My attitude is mirrored by the students. I want every day to be productive and happy for them.
Students are a Gift from God
I view each of my students as able, valuable and possessing potential.
Multiples at WLHS
Finding the best high school for your child isn’t always easy—especially if you have several children.
Four at Once
Six Altogether
“For anyone who’s trying to make a decision about Wisco, I suggest they sit in on a chapel service, experience the Christian atmosphere and talk to some of the teachers,” says Dee Ann Techlin. “The finances were a consideration for us but we’ve juggled things around and made some changes. We view Wisco as a blessing to our daughters that’s worth it.”
“My older sister went to WLHS and had a great experience. It was evident her faith was strengthened and she made lifelong friends who are an important part of her life to this day,” says Brian. “Knowing what my wife and I experienced in high school and what my sister experienced at WLHS, played a major role in our decision to send our children to Wisco.”
The Techlins are a family of six with two daughters currently attending WLHS and twins who will join them next year.
To help with the cost of tuition, the two oldest Techlin girls received scholarships from WLHS. Carley, a junior who is in Jubilation Handbell Choir, Inspiration, Concert Band and several other music groups, was awarded the Quint Music Scholarship. Her younger sister, Emily, received the Eagle’s Wings Freshman Scholarship. “The tuition assistance has helped us tremendously,” says Dee Ann. “Our twins have also applied for scholarships and we’ve had conversations with Wisco about how to make things work. In the end, we have faith in God to provide because we know Wisco is where he wants our daughters to go.”
This school year, WLHS awarded $700,000 in tuition assistance and scholarships to nearly 200 students. Contact Brad Wetzel, director of admissions, at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org for more information.
Brian and Teri Frey both attended public high school but were determined to give their six children a K-12 Lutheran education.
Four of the Frey’s children have already graduated from WLHS, one is currently a sophomore and their youngest will be a freshman next year. In addition to hearing God’s word daily and being surrounded by Christian friends and faculty, the couple say the breadth of offerings and experiences are significant. “Wisco shaped our kids in so many ways. One daughter decided to become a teacher after going on a Share the Mission trip. Our oldest son, who is mechanically talented, took advantage of the trade classes and is now working at Argon Industries as a metal fabricator,” says Teri. “Our youngest son, who’s a sophomore, has embraced the diversity and went on the Civil Rights Tour this spring.” The Freys encourage those who are thinking about WLHS to contact the high school to talk about scholarships and tuition assistance. “We look at it as an investment with an infinite return,” says Brian. “WLHS is a great school that provides a great education but, most importantly, it helps build character and faith into children’s lives.” GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Living Their Faith
Each day, WLHS students are immersed in God’s Word. But, once they leave the halls of high school, what happens? Three recent grads share their faith experiences at college. Lauren Strommen (’10)
Forest Wu (’15)
Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree, UW-La Crosse
At Wisco, I learned you can witness in small and big ways. During college, I lived my faith through my actions. I didn’t swear. I wore Camp Phillip t-shirts with Bible passages on them at the gym. I walked to Bible studies. I drove others to church. I told people about my plans so that I could witness and invite them to come to church with me. Lauren Strommen
Sometimes your actions don’t generate an immediate response but they do get noticed. A few years ago, a college friend told me she recently began reading her Bible and it was due in part to the example I set. You never know when the Holy Spirit is going to ignite a spark!
Brandon Wirtz (’13)
Accounting & Finance Degree, UW-Whitewater
Brandon Wirtz
At the beginning of freshman year, I struggled being away from home. I found the Campus Ministry House and that really helped me get acclimated. I could be with others who shared my beliefs and values.
By sophomore year, there was a group of us who would go to Bible study together. It started with my roommate who was non-denominational. Another roommate decided to join us and he liked it. Then a neighbor from down the hall came along. It honestly didn’t seem that hard to share my faith. Wisco prepared me really well for that and I felt comfortable with who I was. I didn’t have a problem inviting friends to a Bible study or some other activity at Campus Ministry.
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2017
Actuarial Science and Finance Degree with a Certificate in Computer Science, UW-Madison Initially, Madison was overwhelming. At times, I felt like I didn’t belong because a lot of people didn’t Forest Wu share the same faith as me. That changed when I found the Chapel. It was a safe haven and place for me to develop friendships. Now I’m fully engaged with the Chapel. I sing in the choir, play in the worship band and teach Sunday school. Last semester when I sang a solo, I used it as an opportunity to bring some of my friends who don’t go to church. It’s interesting because at least a quarter of the people who are active at the Chapel are from Wisco. But I’ve also gotten to know lots of other students who went to Christian schools around the state and several of them are now my close friends. The religion classes I took at Wisco have helped me a lot to explain my faith to others. I learned so much from Foundations of Christianity and Living Christianity.
Seniors choose four, quarter-long religion classes that help inform and guide their Christian lives outside of high school and beyond.
• Biblical Archaeology • Christian Life Planning • Church Art & Architecture • Church Music • Comparison of Christian Churches • Evangelism • From Friendship to Marriage • Gospel Outreach in Spanish • Life Issues & Corinthians • Luther • Non-Christian religions • Religion & Science • Revelation • Sunday School Teachers
Robotics Success
CAD software, a 3D printer, PVC pipe, computers, wrenches and wire strippers. Those are just some of the equipment and tools the robotics team uses to design and build their competition robots.
Being a robotics team member can pay off with college scholarships. This year, $50 million was available for those who participated in high school FIRST competitions. “It’s a lot of fun because you get to compete with electronics and meet new people while you’re working together as a team,” says junior Elisha Doerr of St. James Church, Milwaukee, who is co-captain. Each season begins with a team meeting to develop a mission statement, set goals and identify outcomes. “Early on, we discuss the different roles and determine who has an interest in hardware, software, outreach and other areas,” says Doerr. “We’re always looking for freshmen to join us and encourage anyone who’s interested to come to our meetings.” This year, WLHS fielded two teams. Both placed in the top 10 at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Qualifying Tournament and earned bids to the State Championship. The competition at State was tough but the lead robotics team won second for programming and finished sixth overall. (The team who beat WLHS in programming was ranked 16th in the world.) “They’re really ambitious. In fact, they approached me about scouting Worlds in St. Louis this April so we’re going down to check out the competition,”
says Tim Thierfelder, math and computer science engineering instructor and robotics team advisor. However, unlike many other robotics teams in the state, region and world, the WLHS group has a priority that’s not about winning “at all costs” and is reflected in the team’s mission statement. Our team will strive to work to the best of our Godgiven abilities by drawing our motivation from Christ’s love for us. We will work to use our talents to glorify our Savior, not for our own personal glory. “Really, our record is not the focus. What is important is that the students are working as hard as they can with a selfless spirit,” says Thierfelder. “If we are learning technology and teamwork, then, after that, success is in the Lord’s hands.”
WLHS is hosting three hands-on “Introduction to Robotics” camps for boys and girls entering grades 5-9 as part of its Viking Explorers summer program. Participants will learn how to build and program a robot for competition. Camps run: June 19-23 & 26-30; July 10-14.
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
What are you doing this summer?
Sign up for camps that include: sports, robotics, theater,and more! Information and registration available at www.wlhs.org/explorers.