Acclimating to High School
While it may seem daunting at first, Wisco has created a caring, Christian environment and has elements in place to ease the transition.
• To help freshmen navigate the building, students arrive on campus a day early so they can learn where their classrooms are, meet their teachers, and start to develop new friend groups.
• Wisco offers several fall sports that don’t require tryouts. The boys and girls cross country teams meet weekly for runs during the summer and welcome eager and energetic freshmen. Incoming boys football players are invited to summer workouts and captains’ practices before the season begins in August.
• For those who have a special interest, there are clubs and groups that meet before, during, or after school.
“With Jesus at the center of the Wisco family, we have developed a culture that’s welcoming, kind, and supportive,” says Mr. Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions. “Our teachers, coaches, and staff are role models as they demonstrate Christ’s love and concern for all.”
There are more than 40 different organizations and activities that freshmen can join to meet others and begin to establish friendships.
Book Challenge
Chess Club
Critical Thinkers
Food Club
Kindness Crew
Rock Climbing Club
Sign Language Club
Tech Team
Wrestling Auxiliary
New Class Schedule Benefits Students
This school year, WLHS implemented a new class schedule that’s designed to improve academic achievement and co-curricular participation.
The changes include:
• Six, 55-minute class periods (instead of eight, 44-minute class periods)
• Individual classes that typically meet four times a week
• A 30-minute, flex period four days a week
For students, the changes mean:
• Less juggling of homework assignments since there are just six classes each day
• More class time to ask questions and comprehend the lessons
• 30 minutes four days a week to get assistance from teachers outside of class time
• Groups and clubs can meet during flex period so students don’t have to miss a class or stay late after school, which isn’t feasible for all students
Student Groups
A number of student groups now meet during the school’s flex period.
• Student Council
• National Honor Society
• Culture Club
• Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy
• Pageturners Book Club
“In just the first two quarters, we’re already seeing changes in teacher instruction and student performance,” says WLHS Academic Dean Mr. Jim Brandt. “With longer classes, teachers can engage students in collaborative learning activities that require high-level thinking. The addition of the daily flex period has cut the amount of late work nearly in half and more than 90% of students are utilizing the flex period to obtain academic assistance.”
What Stays the Same
• Chapel takes place every morning for 20 minutes
• Students are still scheduled for eight periods (seven courses and one study hall)
• Graduation requirements have not changed
• Wednesdays remain a late start at 8:45 a.m. to allow for teacher prep, planning, and professional development
Arts Flourish
WLHS has a long tradition of offering its students a broad array of artistic opportunities.
WLHS Sweeps State
The Wisco team of seven – five cast members and two tech crew – took home top honors in nine out of nine categories at WISDAA. The group was directed by alumna Ms. Abby Bloomquist (‘18) and took on the challenging one-act play 100 Things I Never Said to You by Adam Szymkowicz.
Tryouts were held during the summer and the team immediately started working on their one-act performance. Four months later, they participated in WISDAA’s district competition and advanced to sectionals and then state.
“I choose a very tough piece that required the students to create their characters and utilize advanced acting techniques to connect with the audience. I saw their acting, as well as their soft skills, improve immensely,” says Bloomquist. “They learned how to collaborate as a group, speak up for themselves, effectively contribute ideas, solve problems, and support cast mates.”
This school year, for the first time ever, Wisco Theatre participated in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) Theatre Festival for one-act plays.
Jenesis Wesley (’25), who attended Garden Homes Lutheran School in Milwaukee, has immersed herself in theater and music at WLHS and is interested in pursuing a career in the fine arts.
“I’ve always loved music and right away freshman year I tried out for the play and musical and then became part of A Cappella choir and Wisco Kids,” says Wesley. “Preparing for the one act was intense, but I know I’ve grown because I’m more confident in myself and my abilities and am now willing to step up and be a leader.”
Wesley
Jenesis Wesley (‘25)
(pictured far left) also performed in the fall play Peter Pan & Wendy
Mark your calendars for February 26 – March 2 when WLHS will present its spring musical — “Singin’ in the Rain”
Peter Pan & Wendy
This fall, more than 50 WLHS students participated in a successful production of Peter Pan & Wendy by Lauren Gunderson.
The play was directed by Ms. Bloomquist (‘18) and required special lighting and staffing to reproduce the magical world of Neverland. More than 2,000 parents, grandparents, friends, family members, and grade school students took in the production.
Career Learning Beyond the Classroom
Megan Geibl (’25) and Cam’Ron Swan (’25) are just two of many Wisco students who are broadening their career horizons while they’re still in high school.
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Geibl, who attended Bethlehem Lutheran School in Menomonee Falls, is part of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) youth apprenticeship.
With assistance from WLHS Student Services, the senior works at the Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa one day a week and every other weekend.
“I was nervous at first, but I’m getting the routine down now,” says Geibl. “I have compassion for others, and it’s a way for me to live my faith. When I’m working with the residents, I’m helping them physically and mentally and I feel that’s my calling.”
After graduating from WLHS in May, Geibl plans to attend Wisconsin Lutheran College to pursue a degree in nursing.
WLHS Trades Fair
Thursday, January 23
6:00-7:30 p.m. open to Wisco students and 6th, 7th & 8th graders
Includes these areas of interest:
Dual Enrollment Academies (DEA)
Swan, who attended Milwaukee College Prep in Milwaukee, is part of the Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) Pathways Tool and Die/CNC program.
This fall and spring, Swan is spending his mornings at WCTC taking CNC machining, machine tool theory, industrial blueprint reading, and a variety of other classes that will earn him a 20-credit technical diploma.
In the afternoon, he’s back at WLHS to finish his high school degree. Then, once the school day is done, he shifts to a part-time job at Trace-A-Matic, a precision machining company in Brookfield.
Swan was introduced to WCTC and Trace-A-Matic during a field trip that was part of the Exploratory: Wood/Metal Shop class he took with Mr. Joel Radue in partnership with Student Services. From there, he learned about Dual Enrollment Academies. In order to be accepted into WCTC’s program, Swan completed an application, wrote an essay, and secured a recommendation from his Wisco counselor Mr. Pete Schumacher.
“Freshman year I was worried about what I was going to do after high school,” says Swan. “Now I have something I’m dedicated to and working towards. I like to keep learning and challenging myself because it keeps my brain thinking and that drives me.”
Once Swan graduates, he plans to spend another year at WCTC and hopes to secure an apprenticeship with Trace-A-Matic.
Megan Geibl (‘25)
Cam’Ron Swan (‘25)
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.
UNITY LOVE
Christ the Lord Lutheran Grade School, Brookfield
Unity = When I live in Unity, I act with Teamwork, Fraternity, Harmony, Relatability, Encouragement, Collaboration, and Cooperation
“Living in unity means bringing others together, and being united in faith to make a change,” says Harris.
Harris plans to attend college for a degree in Counseling.
St. Jacobi Lutheran School, Greenfield
Love = When I live in Love, I act with Forgiveness, Compassion, Empathy, Sympathy, Obedience, Respect, Kindness, Patience, and Self-sacrifice
“Being a Christian leader, I want to live in love and compassion towards others, making sure everyone feels included and appreciated every single day,” says Jaeger.
Jaeger plans to attend Martin Luther College for Elementary Education and Secondary English.
Isaiah Harris (‘25)
Maddy Jaeger (‘25)
