WLHS
ADVANTAGE WINTER 2018 | GRADE SCHOOL PARENT PUBLICATION
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What is the WLHS Advantage?
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God Provides a Way
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College & Career Success
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Music Dept. Expands Course Offerings
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Teachers Make a Difference
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5th Grade Extravaganza
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
What is the WLHS Advantage? Visit Us and Find Out!
A parent tour and student shadow day are the best ways to experience our culture and focus on student success.
“We firmly believe WLHS provides a superior education that equips students with all of the elements necessary for true success in high school, college, career and life,” says Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions. “We empower teens with knowledge, confidence, emotional intelligence and moral courage so they can successfully navigate life beyond our campus.” Meet Brad Wetzel Throughout the year, Wetzel works with families to answer their questions, match them with tuition assistance and scholarships and guide them through the admissions process. You’ll regularly see him at WELS grade schools Brad Wetzel, Director of Admissions but you’ll also find him in the classroom teaching trigonometry, along the sideline helping coach varsity football or in the dugout giving batting advice to his players on the Jr. Vikings baseball team. Wetzel is currently enrolled in the MSOE Rader School of Business, pursing an MBA in Education Leadership.
Meet Mark Ricke Ricke is a familiar face to many children. To spot him at an event or activity, simply keep your eyes open for the 6’4” guy who likes to smile and tell jokes. Most importantly, Ricke loves to share God’s word and the message of his Mark Ricke, love during school visits Director of Enrollment and chapel services. He’s also the creative genius behind the hands-on t-shirt project the 5th graders tackle. Ricke has served at WLHS in various teaching and coaching roles for nearly 20 years. His three oldest children graduated from WLHS and his youngest son is currently a junior.
Admissions Calendar Scholarship applications available at wlhs.org/scholarships – January 1-31 Tuition assistance applications available at wlhs.org/ tuitionassistance – January 1-February 28 Milwaukee Parental Choice Program enrollment period, apply at dpi.wi.gov – February 1-20 Wisconsin Parental Choice Program enrollment period, apply at dpi.wi.gov – February 1–April 20 2
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Winter 2018
Schedule a Custom School Visit If your child has a specific area of interest in math, engineering, Spanish, religion, music or something else, we can arrange a special student-parent visit. You’ll get to see our teachers in action, attend relevant classes and learn more about related co-curricular opportunities. Contact Brad Wetzel, 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org.
On average, students receive $3,100 in tuition assistance.
God Provides a Way
Each school year, WLHS awards scholarship and tuition assistance packages to approximately 200 students.
“We work individually with families to meet their needs. I tell every parent to call me right away, don’t wait. I want to talk with you about your child and your situation. It’s my job to help find a potential path to get all interested students into WLHS,” says Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions.
Freshman Chazidy Carson, Siloah Lutheran Grade School, Milwaukee Fleck Foundation-Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship “The scholarship made all the difference for my family. It meant so much to me because I really wanted to go to Wisco. When I visited, I loved the atmosphere. I saw how the teachers bonded with the students. Now that I’m here, I’ve made a lot of new friends and found that the teachers are ready to help you with anything.” Carson (‘21)
“Our entire family prayed to God to open a door for us to get Chazidy to Wisco. Chazidy was devastated when she thought she wouldn’t be able to attend. When we were notified about the scholarship, we both started crying. It meant so much to us,” says mom Deanna Carson.
Students are eligible for tuition assistance all four years they attend WLHS. Senior Nathan Wranovsky, St. Paul Lutheran Grade School, Muskego WLHS Alumni Academic Scholarship “My parents have four boys so they’ve been paying for college, high school and grade school simultaneously. By God’s grace, my brothers and I received academic scholarships. That support helped my family and gave me the privilege and honor of attending WLHS. During my four years, I’ve grown as a Christian, learning from the teachers who have encouraged me to do personal Bible studies, lead group devotions and pray at the beginning of class. It’s because of these teachers that I want to be a pastor.” Wranovsky (‘18)
As a junior, Wranovsky earned a perfect score (36) on the ACT and has applied to Martin Luther College to pursue the pastoral ministry.
Student speaker Nathan Wranovsky (center) with his parents at the WLHS Scholarship Luncheon.
Quint Music Scholarship “We’ve been WLHS supporters for about 15 years and our respect for the quality education and caring, professional faculty grows every year. We consider our scholarship an investment in the future leaders of our church and community. The school’s focus on Christ provides the foundation for students to develop into productive, faithful Christians,” Yvonne and Jeff Quint.
Families are encouraged to apply for scholarships and tuition assistance right away in January since the award amounts are based on timing of the completed application and financial need.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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College and Career Success
We’re proud of our graduates and eager to share news of their accomplishments. Top Engineering Student Ally Lunow (’16) found her passion her junior year at WLHS. “I went to the Career Fair and talked to a female industrial engineer. I knew right then that’s what I wanted to do,” says Lunow. She is now studying at the University of WisconsinPlatteville where she was a direct admit into the nationally regarded College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Since she’s in a male-dominated field, Lunow is often one of just a few females in class but that doesn’t bother her.
Mason LaMarche (‘15)
College Fast Track Mason LaMarche (’15) has made the most of the talents he’s been given and is on his way to medical school in record time.
“I quickly realized how well the Project Lead the Way® classes and hands-on curriculum at WLHS prepared me. Some of my peers had never been exposed to the labs, projects and tests I did in high school. It’s clear I had caring, committed teachers who were always pushing me to stretch and succeed. My faith and academic foundation heading into college have made a difference,” says Lunow.
Thanks to Advanced Placement (AP) classes and academic gifts from God, LaMarche graduated from WLHS with 24 AP credits and entered the University of Iowa as a sophomore. This December, he completed his college studies in just 2 ½ years, earning a bachelor’s of arts degree in Health Sciences and Multidisciplinary Sciences and a 4.03 GPA. In addition, he scored in the top 5% nationally on his Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and will be attending medical school in the fall. “The environment at Wisco was beneficial for me in so many ways. My teachers modeled Christian values. They taught me how to approach collegelevel courses and emphasized the importance of understanding concepts instead of just memorizing information. And, since it’s multicultural, when I got to a large university I already had the skills to meet new people and work collaboratively with others. Everything came together and made Wisco a really positive experience for me,” says LaMarche.
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Winter 2018
Ally Lunow (‘16)
A Career in the Arts During her time at WLHS, Katie Lynne Krueger (’11) immersed herself in the arts and academics. Not only was she in Wisco Kids, Chamber Choir and musicals, she was also a talented student who scored an impressive 35 on the ACT, was class valedictorian and earned several college scholarships. “I took a lot of AP courses and was definitely prepared for college. The speech and composition classes I had at Wisco really made a difference when I was writing college research papers and giving presentations,” says Krueger. Krueger graduated from the University of Wisconsin– Whitewater with dual degrees—a bachelor of fine arts in Theater Management/Promotions and a bachelor of business administration in Marketing. Her first job after college was with the prestigious Goodman Theatre in Chicago. “I appreciate Wisco’s dedication to the arts. I know that my high school years laid the foundation for my artistic endeavors and career,” says Krueger.
Katie Krueger (‘11)
Krueger, who now works at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, returned to WLHS this fall to volunteer in the Guidance Department to help students with their college applications.
Stayed tuned for our next issue of Advantage which will profile students who are experiencing success in trade and technology careers.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Music Department Expands with New Offering WLHS has another option for those who are interested in exploring music—the Viking Steel Drum Band.
In November, members of the Viking Steel Drum Band traveled to Northern Illinois University (NIU) for a concert and master class with renowned performer Liam Teague (pictured right), head of steelpan studies and professor of music at NIU. The steelpan is an instrument that’s original to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago where it is now the national instrument. The steelpan can be heard around the world in various settings but is most at home in the style of Calypso or Soca. “I describe the steelpan sound as infectious and energetic,” says Quinten Petersen, director of bands at WLHS. “Once you hear the music, it lingers in your ear and you’re hooked.” And, according to Petersen, it’s an easy instrument to learn. In fact, a handful of pannists in the band are first-time percussionists. “The pans are a great way to get kids, who normally wouldn’t join a traditional band, involved in instrumental music,” explains Petersen. WLHS currently has three steel pan ensembles and is looking to add more drums to accommodate additional pannists.
WLHS is the only high school in the area with a steel drum band.
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Winter 2018
Fine Arts Opportunities Abound
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A Capella Concert Choir Advanced Ceramics R Band R Brass Ensemble R Cantorei Choir R Colorguard R Drama R Exploratory Ceramics/Mixed Media R Exploratory Drawing & Sketching R Freshman Choir R Jazz Ensemble R Jubilation Handbell Choir R Marching Band R Musical R Music Spectrum R Musicianship Through Handbells R Painting & Advanced Painting R Pep Band R Percussion Ensemble R Pit Orchestra R Private Music & Voice Lessons R Viking Steel Drum Band R Woodwind Ensemble R
Teachers Make a Difference
Research has shown that teachers have a significant impact on student achievement. We’d like you to meet some of our outstanding instructors who are helping students grow academically, emotionally and socially.
Any Time, Day or Night Katie Luebke, who is currently working on her doctorate in educational leadership, joined WLHS in fall 2016 as a math instructor.
Katie Luebke, Math Instructor
And, even though she’s only been at the school a short time, she’s already made an impression on her students.
Mrs. Luebke will do everything in her power to help you and will make herself available at any time,” says Jalynn Tolbert-Jones, a sophomore who attended St. Marcus Lutheran School, Milwaukee.
we have honest conversations and apply God’s perspective to the situations they’re facing,” says Gosch.
Freshman Ellie Seelund admits she was nervous her first week of school. “When I walked into Mr. Gosch’s class, he put me at ease right away. He gave us really good advice about how to keep up with our classes, get involved and make friends,” says Seelund who attended Good Shepherd Lutheran School, West Allis.
The student/teacher ratio at WLHS is 12:1. An Extra Resource
CL Whiteside (’06) is at WLHS all hours. During the day, he’s director of the Extended Learning Center. After school and at night, he helps implement the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy™ and coaches football and basketball.
Since students know they can text or call her with math problems or other questions, Luebke uses each interaction as a teaching opportunity. “I start by tapping into their critical thinking skills and then work with them to implement problem solving techniques,” says Luebke. “I believe every student is capable of learning and succeeding. I help them see their success, believe in their success and work for their success.”
51% of instructors hold a master’s degree or higher. Freshman Direction
Andre Gosch, Christian Health & Wellness
CL Whiteside, Extended Learning Center
“I’m with the kids a lot so I get to know their personalities and what they’re dealing with. I’m direct and honest with them and will push them when they need to work on things,” says Whiteside.
Since Andre Gosch teaches Christian Health & Wellness, he interacts with every single freshman student.
Whiteside is also a role model for many of his students. Senior James Ringo lost his mother to cancer four years ago and appreciates the life lessons and advice Whiteside delivers.
The required course covers important teen topics, including friendships, dating, faith, bullying, depression, drugs, alcohol and more.
“Even though I’ve dealt with some tough situations, Mr. Whiteside always reminds me ‘Don’t give up on life and don’t give up on God,’” says Ringo who attended Garden Homes Lutheran School, Milwaukee. “He’s taught me to think about who I’m surrounding myself with and my future. I know what I want for my future. I want to be like him.”
“Since I address sensitive issues, the kids and I have a very real relationship. They know I truly care about them and their questions. In and out of class,
Stay connected to WLHS!
37% of students are on the Honor Roll (3.4 or higher GPA).
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379
Y O U A r e IATHLETICS nvited
5TH Grade
EXTRAVAGANZA GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
Sunday, January 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the WLHS Cafeteria RSVP by January 19, at www.wlhs.org/5thGrade
Upcoming events you don’t want to miss! Kids Carnival at WLHS February 18 1:00-3:30 p.m.
4th Grade “Make a Splash” at Country Springs Hotel, Pewaukee March 5, 5:30 p.m.
6th Grade “Make a Splash” at Country Springs Hotel, Pewaukee March 12, 5:30 p.m.