WLHS Advantage Winter 2024 | Grade School Parent Publication
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Tuition Assistance & Choice Enrollment Information Highlights from our Lutheran grade schools: • Star of Bethlehem, Trinity - Waukesha, Siloah, St. John’s - Milwaukee
Broadening Students’ Horizons
With an enrollment of more than 900, WLHS is truly a gathering of young men and women from a wide variety of backgrounds. Admissions Calendar Tuition Assistance Applications available at wlhs.org/tuitionassistance 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 18 Viking Steel is one of the many co-curricular fine arts offerings at WLHS. Members of Viking Steel will perform at the 2024 WELS International Youth Rally in Colorado.
WLHS students come from cities, suburbs, and different countries. They have different cultures, family structures, and academic needs. And, while the majority are Christian, some are hearing about God and learning his word for the first time. “The diversity we have is one of the greatest blessings at WLHS,” says Mr. Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions. “During their four years here, students learn how to connect with other kids who aren’t just like them. They develop emotional intelligence and exercise an important soft skill that will benefit them their entire life as they navigate the world personally and professionally.” Students connect with each other through a variety of co-curriculars. Opportunities to join clubs, groups, ensembles, choirs, and academic and athletic teams abound. In fact, WLHS has more than 60 co-curriculars.
Contact Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions, at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org 2
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Winter 2024
Future Freshmen Placement Testing at WLHS – March 9 & 16 Make a Splash! for 4th & 6th grade parents and students. Advance registration is required at wlhs.org/splash – Thursday, March 14 Co-curricular Sampling
• Art Club • Canoe Club • Civil Rights Tour • Cooking Club • esports • Forensics • International Mentor Program • Kindness Crew • Mission Trips • Robotics Team • Tech Team • Pilot Newspaper • Viking Clay Breakers
“I tell parents that whatever area of interest their son or daughter might have we probably offer a group or organization that will appeal to them,” says Wetzel. “If not, we encourage students to share their ideas so we can offer something new that others might also be interested in.”
80+ Scholarships Available
Tuition assistance and scholarships are two of the resources WLHS offers to help make tuition affordable for families.
The Buschopf Family Micah (pictured second from left) attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Milwaukee and is now a junior at WLHS. His sister, Ingrid, graduated in 2022. Megan (Schumann, ‘00) and her husband Ben (’01) Buschkopf both attended WLHS and wanted the same thing for their children – Ingrid (’22) and Micah (‘25). “Wisco was what we had always planned on because Christian education is important to us,” says Megan. While WLHS was the plan for the children, the family also had a plan for Ben to complete his degree at MSOE. “We know God always provides but we were still nervous because we had two tuition payments to make,” explains Megan. Working with admissions director Mr. Brad Wetzel (’98), both Ingrid and Micah received a package of scholarships and tuition assistance. In addition, while at WLHS, Ingrid was able to earn college credits from Advanced Placement classes and through courses she took at Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC). She is now a sophomore, majoring in violin performance, at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and received a $200,000 academic/performance scholarship to attend the prestigious institution.
For his part, Micah was busy trying out all sorts of activities freshman year – football, basketball, baseball, Inspiration, Student Council, the musical, and Viking Steel. Now, as a junior, he’s settled into the fine arts. “When you’re a teen, other adults, besides your mom and dad, start to influence you. Knowing that every teacher, director, and coach who Micah comes in contact with at Wisco is reflecting the love of Jesus is really comforting to us,” says Megan.
Let’s Talk It’s never too early to start a conversation about WLHS. Contact Mr. Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions, at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org.
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Resources for All Students
WLHS offers a broad range of classes, co-curricular activities, and support services to ensure students have a positive high school experience that creates a solid foundation for future success. New Student Success Center WLHS has expanded its student support services with the addition of the Student Success Center (SCC). Located in the library, the SCC is designed to serve all students, including those who have individual learning needs. The center is staffed by two special education teachers, Mr. Randall Strutz and Mrs. Liz Koester, and two additional support staff, Mr. Kenton Fabian (‘17) and Mrs. Stephanie Lamas.
“I’m in honors geometry and it goes fast, so I meet with Mr. Fabian two to three days a week to make sure I’m understanding everything,” says Brown. “Some kids think you’re going because you’re not smart, but I know I’m smart by using it to help me stay on top of my schoolwork.”
Career Pathways This fall, the Student Services department introduced Career Pathways. The program pairs each student with a school counselor who guides them through an academic and career plan. Each year, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors have certain milestones to complete. For example, juniors must:
Mr. Strutz is the director of the Student Success Center
“Some students are assigned to the SCC and others visit us on an ‘as-needed’ basis,” says Strutz, who is currently working on his master’s degree in special education from WLC. “We’re in a bigger space now so we can accommodate more students to ensure they’re completing their daily work, which is a key component to academic success.” Kelly Greer is a freshman who attended Siloah Lutheran School in Milwaukee and uses the SCC regularly. “I mostly go for help with tests, quizzes, and projects,” says Greer. “When I had a presentation for religion class, Mrs. Lamas gave me really good feedback. I thought freshman year would be extra hard, but it’s been manageable.” Anthony Brown is a sophomore who attended LaFollette Elementary School in Milwaukee and thinks the SCC is a valuable resource for everyone.
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Winter 2024
• Update their four-year course planner • Attend the national college fair, post high school planning night at WLHS, and Viking-2-Viking seminars • Research post-secondary opportunities • Review their personality traits assessment results and analyze how their traits align with their post-secondary interests • Complete at least one job shadow in a career interest area The goal is for every student to have a post high school plan that aligns with their gifts, interests, and Christian values. “The Career Pathways catalog can be tailored and built around each student’s needs so that they find success in life here and Mr. Grey Davis beyond the walls of Wisco,” Director of Student says Grey Davis, director Services of student services. “Our prayer is that families use this resource and ongoing counsel from staff to plan and prepare the next generation of Christian citizens in the world.”
Viking-2-Viking Viking-2-Viking brings together young alumni professionals with juniors and seniors to talk about life after graduation, career paths, and how to be productive, Christ-centered professionals. First semester, students learned first-hand about careers in the military, law, and writing. Upcoming sessions will focus on real estate, healthcare, and business/ financial.
Resources for All Students
Trades Career Fair This January, approximately a dozen trade professionals from local companies, including Argon Industries, Toshiba America Energy Systems, and Glenn Rieder, will meet with students to share their experience and insight about potential careers. As part of the event, staff from Student Services will be on hand, along with teachers from the school’s Trade and Technology Department, to answer questions and help guide students with information on career-relevant classes.
Students have the opportunity to speak to alumni professionals in law (pictured) through the Viking-2-Viking program
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). The WLHS Trades Fair is open to Wisco students and 6th, 7th & 8th graders!
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Living Their Faith
Every year more than 100 WLHS students, chaperoned by teachers, pastors, and staff, fan out to become “salt of the earth” through mission trips that span the globe. “We went there to impact the kids, but I think they impacted us way more. It inspires you to volunteer and find opportunities in your own community.” Avery Knoll (pictured front row far left) participated in the WWW mission trip to Grenada
The trips are part of WWW (Wisco Witnesses in the World) and are an opportunity for young men and women to let their light shine.
— Avery Knoll (‘24)
“The mission trip program is one of the most important things we do at Wisco. It is a real and tangible way for students to live and share their faith, carry out the Great Commission, and gain an understanding of the worldwide Kingdom of God,” says Dr. Phil Huebner (‘99), campus pastor. “In addition, traveling on these trips provides priceless experiences and memories that they will cherish and utilize their entire lives.” Throughout the second semester and during the summer, students visit churches, schools, and community groups to help conduct music and sports camps, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and canvassing. In some instances, they also provide elbow grease to paint classrooms, clean up church grounds, and are tapped for additional assistance wherever it’s needed. Avery Knoll is a senior who attended Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School in New Berlin and was part of the mission trip to Grenada, led by science teacher Mr. Josh Nelson (‘99). “We worked with special needs kids, and they brought so much joy to us. Seeing them sing the songs we taught them as part of the Bible lessons was so wonderful,” says Knoll. 6
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Winter 2024
Students on the mission trip to Grenada assisted WELS mission church Grace Lutheran with an outreach swimming camp
Viking Christian Leaders
Each month, a male and female student whose actions exemplify a Wisco Way word, are recognized with a Viking Christian Leaders Award.
LOVE
TRUTH
Daniel Reinke (‘24)
Ana Sofija Veljkovic (‘24)
Love = When I live in Love, I act with Forgiveness, Compassion, Empathy, Sympathy, Obedience, Respect, Kindness, Patience, and Self-sacrifice
Truth = When I live in Truth, I act with Trust, Boldness, Confidence, Perseverance, Discernment, Rooting in Christ, and Guidance in Christ
“Being a Christian leader and living in love, I try to show others that they are valuable through sacrifice, encouragement, and patience.”
“Truth in Christian leadership means being honest about your faith, speaking to others with love and patience, and telling the truth even when it is hard in order to help others and glorify our Savior.”
Trinity Lutheran Grade School, Waukesha
Reinke is attending Martin Luther College after high school and intends to become a pastor.
International student from Kragujevac, Serbia
Veljkovic plans to attend college on the East coast, in Italy, or Spain, where she will pursue a major in applied mathematics and minor in economics.
For a list of Viking Christian Leaders, visit wlhs.org/vcl Stay connected to WLHS! WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE
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Where Success Means More 330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379
For students in 4 th & 6 th grade!
Are YOU ready?
Make a SPLASH! Thursday March 14, 2024 held at Springs Water Park, Pewaukee • RSVP at wlhs.org/splash swimming from 4:30-9:00 p.m. • parent presentation at 6:00 p.m.