August 2015 Principal's Newsletter

WLHS Principal’s

NEWSLETTER

OUR IX Y F YES E ON

S S JE U In This Issue . . .

2 3 4 4 5 5

6 FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL 7 PARENT INFORMATION MEETINGS 8 PARENT NIGHTS 9 NEW STUDENT/PARENT SYSTEM 11 PICTURE DAY 12 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

AUGUST 2015 GRANDPARENTS DAY VIKING CAFE NEWS WELCOME FACULTY NEW SCHOOL LOGO WHAT’S COMING UP? ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

ur d . o p fixe s. . e Ke yes esu e nJ o A tall, cold glass of lemonade is powerful incentive for the person mowing grass on a hot summer day.

Whether it’s a soft bed, a warm fire, or a friend’s soothing voice, most of us have focused upon some object, person, or experience to help us push through a difficult time. Call them psychological crutches, but they work.

They work because they give us something to fix upon so that present distractions like the sweat that burns our eyes, or the cold that stings, or the loneliness that aches doesn’t stop us from persevering.

And no course requires greater perseverance than the path called life. Among the most challenging stretches of that course are the teenage years. On the road that leads from childhood to adulthood, teens are in a confusing place. The simple joys and carefreeness of their early years would be a welcome retreat, except that the road they are on only goes forward and can’t go back.

Forward. Now there’s a scary thought. Bubbling up in their minds is the unsettling reality that they are on the irreversible path to adulthood. Many “what ifs” are popping up. What if I don’t find a suitable occupation?

What if I am not very good at living on my own? What if I don’t have any friends? What if I don’t find a person to love or one who will love me? What if all this stuff about God I’ve been taught turns out to be false?

Teens may often talk about the freedoms that come with being 18 and older, but in quiet, private moments “what ifs” can have a strong a voice.

If the future weren’t concerning enough, the present holds its own challenges: the pressure to perform academically, fitting in with a peer group, body image, classmates that are insensitive, classmates that are too sensitive…

No one can promise that your sons and daughters will be free from struggle, and WLHS is not a germ-free bubble. What we can do, however, is remind each other of the fix.

Our theme for this school year comes from Hebrews 12: 2,3: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

By God’s grace Wisconsin Lutheran High School is a faith-based ministry that is founded upon the chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ. That Jesus is “the author and perfecter of our faith.” We ask God to help us

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PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

nd ct a ar! a . . . expe at ye gre keep Jesus Christ, his saving work, and his wise, loving teachings in front of our students at every turn. As God gives us the strength to do so, we have the privilege of returning again and again to three steadying truths.

[

1. The Christian’s walk is never alone. When Christ entrusted his Great Commission to his disciples, his promise, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20), was no empty slogan. Note the words “surely,”

“always,” and “very end.” This is the Son of God speaking, and his promises are without loopholes. We and our teens may at times feel detached from him, but that is because we have failed to fix our eyes on him, not because he has abandoned us.

[

2. The Christian’s walk is never without purpose.

From the earliest times, philosophers claim that “Why am I here?” and “What is the meaning of life?” are the most distressing questions humans wrestle with. God’s children understand that they are here to serve a God who loved us enough to send his only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

Our status as “saved sinners” gives our lives meaning. We are here to serve our Savior with the gifts he has poured into us. Helping our teens understand their gifts, where they came from, and how they can apply them in God-pleasing ways is also our privilege.

[

3. The Christian’s walk is never without hope. Listen to Jesus: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am

going there to prepare a place for you”(John 14:2).

One of those rooms has our name on it. Eternal bliss in our Savior’s presence is where we are headed.

What God has not promised us anywhere in his Word is a trouble-free life. But no matter how thick the filth of this world becomes, no matter how deep our insecurities run, and no matter how complex problems of our own making entangle, Jesus Christ and his cross will always be in view. When we fix upon him, the comfort of sins forgiven and the certainty of his abiding love inspire perseverance. Join us in asking God to help each other keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. And expect a great year.

Phil Leyrer Principal

Welcome to the New School Year The entire Wisconsin Lutheran High School family welcomes all of our parents to the 2015-2016 school year. God has given you a precious trust in your child(ren) and that trust comes with a serious responsibility– to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School is here to assist you in that responsibility, and we count that a privilege. Even as you thank God for entrusting your child to you, we thank you for entrusting to us the Christ-centered high school education of your son or daughter.

My personal privilege is to serve as the next principal of WLHS. I am grateful to Ned Goede for his careful stewardship of this office for over 20 years. God has worked many blessings to

Freshman Orientation Day

many families through his faithful service which will continue to benefit students as he transitions to a different role.

I will be grateful for your prayers, and ask you to join us in keeping the WLHS ministry focused upon Jesus Christ and the Christian discipleship of the youth the Lord sends to us. Please do not hesitate to introduce yourself to me as you are able, and to be in touch as you have need. My cell phone and email are: 414-324-9880 phil.leyrer@wlhs.org.

We serve a big and gracious God. Principals may change, but our God does not. What joy and peace to know that we can count on the favor which he has poured out over this high school for over 100 years.

Phil Leyrer

First Full Day of School

Freshman Orientation Day will be held on Monday, August 24.

This is considered a school day for freshmen, so attendance is mandatory.

The day’s activities begin promptly at 7:45 A.M. and conclude at 1:00 P.M. Students are encouraged to arrive 10–15 minutes before the actual starting time.

Lunch (no cost) will be provided for all students.

Among the activities involving our new students will be the following: • working through an abbreviated school day schedule (15 minute classes); •

class meetings in the auditorium where important information will be shared by teachers and administrators;

• a visit to the cafeteria where lunch period and cafeteria procedures will be explained; • “icebreaker” activities; • lunch with the teachers.

It is the goal of the Orientation Planning Committee that the members of the Class of 2019 leave the building feeling comfortable with school routines and excited for “real school” to begin.

The first day of school for all students is

Tuesday, August 25.

It will be a full day of school,

7:45 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Lunch will be available for purchase.

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

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Parent Information Meetings August 17-18

These evenings have been set aside for parents to review important school policies and discuss mutual concerns about the new school year.

School administrators and counselors will be present at these meetings, ready to address your questions and concerns.

Parents will also have the opportunity to meet with members of the WLHS Board of Directors.

Students are not required to attend these meetings.

Parent Nights Parents are encouraged to attend the Parent Nights coming up in September.

The Guidance Department of WLHS makes a determined effort to provide programs that are of relevance for our parents.

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Parents are invited to join us for the following valuable information: MONDAY, AUGUST 17

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18

FRESHMAN AND TRANSFER PARENTS

SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR, AND SENIOR PARENTS

6:30–6:50 Information can be picked up and completed forms turned in at the appropriate tables in the auxiliary gym.

6:30–6:50 Information can be picked up and completed forms turned in at the appropriate tables in the auxiliary gym.

6:50–7:00 All parents move to the auditorium.

6:50–7:00 All parents move to the auditorium.

7:00–7:45 – Parent meeting with Principal Phil Leyrer in the auditorium.

– Guidance office presentation from Guidance Director Skip Bremer in the auditorium.

7:00–7:45 – Parent meeting with Principal Phil Leyrer in the auditorium.

– Guidance office presentation from Guidance Director Skip Bremer in the auditorium.

Please note the following dates: FRESHMAN PARENTS MEET-YOUR-TEACHER NIGHT Wednesday, September 9 – 7:00-9:00 P.M. SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR & SENIOR PARENTS MEET-YOUR-TEACHER NIGHT Wednesday, September 16 – 7:00-9:00 P.M.

Responses from parents in previous years have been highly positive, especially with our “walk through your child’s day” programs.

COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT Wednesday, September 23 – 7:00-9:00 P.M. “Post-Secondary Educational Planning and Preparation”

Make our Parent Night activities a priority item on your calendar.

FRESHMAN PARENTS GUIDANCE ORIENTATION SESSION Wednesday, October 14 – 7:00 P.M.

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

New Student/Parent Information System & Scheduling In response to a recent requirement from the Wisconsin Department of Instruction, Wisconsin Lutheran High School is making the transition to a new student information system called onCampus. (We will no longer use NetClassroom.)

This program will again allow parents to stay current on their student’s academic progress, attendance records, and other information.

Unfortunately, some delays in making this transition have become inevitable, and our timeline for entering and adjusting student schedules is running behind our normal pace this summer.

We ask for your patience and apologize in advance for any delays that may occur in student scheduling information directed to you during the summer months as a result of this transition. The Guidance Department will continue to update parents and students on individual student issues as they have done in the past.

More information about onCampus will be made available at the Parent Information meetings on August 17 and 18.

Questions or concerns regarding onCampus should be directed to the technology department: Denyse Schumacher (ext. 2314) or Kurt Seeger (ext. 2302).

Picture Day School pictures will be taken on: Tuesday, September 1 for all freshmen, sophomores, & juniors; Wednesday, September 2 for all seniors, faculty, & staff.

ALL students will have their pictures taken as these pictures are used for ID’s and the school yearbook.

Students will have their pictures taken during their free period, such as study hall or Commons or before school. They may order picture packets for personal use. Order forms will be given to students in their homerooms.

Bus Information 67

Wisconsin Lutheran High School does not provide yellow school bus service.

Students have to arrange their own way to school via city bus, automobiles, carpooling, etc.

Milwaukee County Transit has a city bus stop directly in front of our high school for our students to use during the school year.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School does not provide city bus tickets. For information on purchasing bus tickets or bus passes, please contact the Milwaukee County Transit System at (414)344-4550.

Student Parking Parents, please note the parking options that are available to our students.

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There are approximately 80 parking spaces available in our main lot for our students. They are marked with large yellow circles. Students may use these spaces on a first- come, first-served basis.

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In addition to the main parking lot, there are approximately 40 parking spaces available in the south lot located directly behind the water tower. This lot has security cameras viewing it.

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When these spaces are filled, students will need to park on the street. If students park on the street, they should park on east 84th Street or Honey Creek Parkway. They should not park in Pick ‘n Save’s lot or in the Ravenswood neighborhood.

Please note: Students who park in faculty, visitor, fire lane, or other non-designated areas are subject to disciplinary action (Saturday detentions).

The school will not assume liability or responsibility for damages to an auto or theft of an automobile or its contents parked in the school lots or streets around school. Students speeding or driving recklessly on school grounds will be subject to disciplinary action and the loss of parking privileges. Vehicles are not to be entered or sat on during the school day, including lunch.

All vehicles that are brought to school should be registered with us each year. Forms for that purpose can be filled out at the Parent Information Meetings in August, or you can get a form from the receptionist.

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

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WLHS Clothing For Sale WLHS clothing is available at all home athletic contests and daily through the Athletic Office, Room 200.

Much more Wisco Wear is available on-line at the Sideline School Store. We are teaming with Lids, a national company with local reps, to make this store accessible.

Each individual is received and person who

order is processed as it shipped directly to the orders.

As you explore see kids items, parents & as well. Other for choir, band, council, and on and on.

the shop, you will alumni items, and grandparents items items are clothing AP classes, student

You can access the store through our website: www.wlhs.org then go to athletics. You can also access it by going directly to this link off the internet: http:// www.sidelinestores.com/schools/wisconsin/milwaukee/ wisconsin-lutheran-high-school.

Support Your Vikings!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Starting at 7:45 A.M. with a light breakfast.

See the enclosed flier for registration and information.

Please RSVP by September 14.

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The Math Department requires all junior and senior level math students, as well as freshman and sophomore students in “A” sections, to have a graphing calculator.

The WISCO School Store operates a calculator rental program. Students can rent a TI-84 calculator for a yearly rental fee of $30. New TI-84 calculators will also be available for purchase at a discounted rate. This calculator can also be used for taking ACT and SAT tests.

Calculators will be available at the parent information meetings in August as well as during the school year from the School Store. Questions about the program should be directed to Jason Goede, School Store Coordinator, at jason.goede@wlhs.org.

Student Handbook & Planner

Grandparents Day

Calculator Rental Program

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

This year’s school calendar and handbook are once again included in the Student Planner.

Planners will be distributed to students when they pick up their textbooks.

In addition, one planner is available for each family unit. This “home copy” of the Student Planner is included in this summer mailing package.

Parents, I encourage you to spend time reading through the policy section of the Planner, acquainting yourself with our school’s policies and procedures.

Your cooperation in knowing and supporting the policies and procedures of our high school, as printed in the Student Planner, will be greatly appreciated.

Viking Cafe Updates

WLHS has once again signed on with Taher Food Service Management Company for the 2015-2016 school year. Taher offers chef-based meals for breakfast and lunch.

Taher cooks from scratch with fresh, quality ingredients, partnering with local farmers and growers. Their licensed dietitians stay current on advancements in nutritional knowledge, and they continuously weave these into their school breakfast and lunch programs, such as the addition of more whole grains, and the complete phasing out of all trans fats.

Taher’s food service director at WLHS is Sarah Derouin, who also happens to be a WLHS alumni and current parent.

2015-2016 PRICES Breakfast $2.00 Lunch*(see below) $3.75 or $4.25 Reduced Breakfast $ .30 Reduced Lunch $ .40 Adult Breakfast $2.25 Adult Lunch $4.80 Ala Carte choices also available at individual prices. *$3.75 lunch=Diner Station-Pizza Meal

$4.25 lunch=Main Entree Station or Sub, Salad, Wrap Choices Both lunch meals include up to one cup of fruit and one cup of vegetable from the fruit and vegetable bar, as well as choice of milk.

Important Note: A student who qualifies for free or reduced lunch may choose either lunch meal.

HEALTHY BREAKFAST Breakfast is served 7:00 –7:40 A.M. Important Note: A student who qualifies for free or reduced lunch automatically qualifies for free or reduced breakfast.

PAYMENT INFORMATION No cash is accepted in the serving lines. Money must be deposited into the student’s account ahead of time.

Students then enter their ID number on a keypad to access their funds and pay for their lunch.

Payment (cash or checks) can be put in one of the Viking Cafe’ Drop Boxes which are located throughout the school. Deposits must be made before 2nd period if it is to be used that same day. Deposits made after 2nd period begins will not be available for the student to use until the next day.

Money may also be deposited online with a minimum of $25 at: www.taherfood4life.org/schools/ wlhs/payments.

Parents may set up a notification email indicating low funds in their student’s account.

ONLINE LINKS

APPLYING FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH Enclosed is an application form which must be filled out (front and back) to determine eligibility for free or reduced lunch.

Please return the completed application by Monday, August 17, for eligibility determination prior to the first lunch of the school year.

Applications may be accepted anytime during the school year; however, you will pay the full price lunch for your student until it is determined if you qualify for free or reduced lunch pricing.

BRING OR SEND TO:

Wisconsin Lutheran High School

C/O Lisa Meyer

330 N Glenview Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53213

Create a student account or sign-in: www.mymealtime.com Make deposits or check account balance: www.taherfood4life.org/schools/wlhs/ payments View menu (beginning August 17): www.taherfood4life.org/schools/wlhs/menu CONTACT INFORMATION Taher Food Service Director (for questions regarding meals or account information): Sarah Derouin – 414-453-4567, ext. 1561 chef@wlhs.org Free/Reduced Lunch Applications/Eligiblility: Lisa Meyer – 414-453-4567, ext. 2032 lisa.meyer@wlhs.org

Complete information on Taher Food Service, menus, and the lunch procedure will be available at the Parent Information Nights on August 17 -18, beginning at 6:30 P.M. Be sure to visit the Taher lunch table on one of those nights.

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

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We

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Jean Curtis accepted a part-time role to teach in the Family and Consumer Education classroom. She previously taught in this department several years ago before leaving to pursue other interests. Her three children are WLHS alumni. We are happy to have her back in our family here at Wisconsin Lutheran High School.

This school year we welcome the following faculty and staff members who are new or beginning new roles here at Wisconsin Lutheran High School.

Anna Kolander will teach biology and other courses in the science department.

She previously taught at Risen Savior and Fox Valley Lutheran High School, and did some substitute teaching here at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Two of her four children are WLHS alumni, with the other two graduating from Fox Valley.

Brent Bloomquist has been hired to help this year in the math department. He had served last year as our Commons supervisor and textbook coordinator. He previously taught and was athletic director at St. Jacobi Lutheran School. His oldest two children currently attend WLHS.

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PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

Joel Radue will begin his teaching career here at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in the practical arts department with classes in woods and metals. He will also take over the role of head varsity football coach. He comes to us from Mt. Calvary Lutheran School. He has one child currently attending WLHS and three who are alumni.

Darrell Roecker begins his new role as an assistant principal this year. He has served here at Wisconsin Lutheran in our math department since 2004. He will continue to teach several math classes and will also continue as head wrestling coach.

New School Logo

School Theme & Worship Outline

Walk through our building and you will see posters bearing this year’s theme: “Fix your eyes on Jesus.”

The lightning strike in the background can represent all those events and conditions in life that arrest our attention.

But notice that the cross of Jesus Christ is visible in the foreground and shines past, over, and through the lightning.

Enclosed with this mailing is a copy of this year’s school theme and worship outline booklet. Weekly themes are highlighted in Monday morning announcements and chapel. Further reinforcement of the weekly theme is done in classrooms and daily chapels throughout the week.

We pray the posters will remind all viewers to fix their eyes upon Jesus in all circumstances. He’s always there.

Consider reinforcing the week’s theme in your homes.

Teacher/Staff Installation & Anniversary Service SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 7:00 P.M. Installation of Called Workers: Mrs. Anna Kolander Mr. Philip Leyrer Mr. Quinten Petersen Mr. Joel Radue Mr. Micah Ricke Mr. Darrell Roecker

Trinity Lutheran Church 1052 White Rock Avenue Waukesha, WI 53186 Installation of Staff: Mr. Brent Bloomquist Mrs. Jean Curtis Mrs. Ela Simon

25-Year Anniversary: Mr. Darrell Roecker Mrs. Leanne Ross 40-Year Anniversary: Ms. Karen Kilchenmann Mr. Steven Zellmer

Reception following the service.

YOU ARE INVITED!

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

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A simple way to think about a student’s emotional security in and out of school is pictured in the diagram below.

SCHOOL

HOME

bottom of an inverted triangle, right between the home (parent{s}) and the school.

q The home and the school are two

significant sources of authority from

which the student takes direction,

seeks guidance, sees values modeled,

and learns about how authority is applied.

q When the school and the home model the same values and stand behind each other’s authority, the student is secure and learns proper respect for authority in accord with God’s fourth commandment even though he may not always agree with the expectations.

q The student is at the

q The home and the school are at an

equal level with the student looking up at both.

ENT

M MIT

STUDENT

q When the school and the home are at

odds or challenge one another’s authority, the student is placed in the uncomfortable, confusing position of having to choose allegiance to one or the other. This can and does lead to a student’s challenging all authority no matter the setting.

T

r UES to d Q e d ou ns E . y tt n R i i t i h r o m R e o d b ctati com uth OU OU S is ental a that stan d expe about H o L t s r ent nts s, an ains ct at W pa pare ndard compl taff behind ur stud s respey with s k s e a ta Th ding ach o arent happ We icies, s ur child l f yo stan will te their p are un o p ni We y owe n they ns. eve m. the n whe ecisio e th eve ental d r a p EASY? Not always. But this is a biblical value, and plenty of history shows that when authority figures are on the same page, children and young adults are more emotionally secure. God help us stand together to God’s glory and for the sake of our students.

M R CO

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PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

Whom Do I Contact If. . .

I have concerns regarding a teacher?

First the teacher*

then either the assistant principal

or the principal I have concerns regarding a coach?

First the coach*

then the head coach*

then the athletic director*

then the principal I have concerns about my student’s academic performance?

First the teacher(s)*

then the guidance director*

then the principal

Coming

What’s UP? –Parent Information Meetings August 17–18: 7:00 P.M. –Freshmen Orientation Day August 24: 7:45 A.M.–1:00 P.M. –Opening Day August 25: 7:45 A.M.–3:00 P.M.

I have concerns about incidents at school?

First the assistant principal*

then the principal

–Picture Days September 1: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors September 2: Seniors, Faculty, Staff

I have concerns about finances or financial aid?

First the director of operations*

then the president

–NO SCHOOL / Labor Day September 7

I need to express praise or vent general frustrations?

Talk with the principal

–Freshman Parent Night September 9: 7:00 P.M.

*If you feel the concern has not been resolved.

–Teacher Installation & Anniversary Service September 13: 7:00 P.M. –Sophomore, Junior, & Senior Parent Night September 16: 7:00 P.M.

The Basics for Success

–School Jacket Orders September 17 & 18: Lunch time

1. Students need to attend school. They need to

be in class from the start. Absenteeism and

tardiness are key contributing factors to student failure.

–LATE START / Faculty Meeting September 21: 8:29 A.M.

2.

Students need to participate in class and do the work. All the excellent teaching provided a student does little good if the student does not cooperate in the learning process.

3.

Students need to prioritize. Students who balance schoolwork with fun activities simply have a major edge on achieving success. When having fun is the priority, failure often results.

4.

Students’ excuses for failing to do their “job” of getting educated are not accepted. How many people regret that they did not use the opportunities afforded them to gain success through education? They now realize they have no excuse for wasting these opportunities and the resulting consequences in their adult lives.

Please enforce these basics at home! Count on the teachers to be stressing them here at school.

–NHS Induction September 21: 7:00 P.M. –Mid-term Grading Day September 22 –Grandparents Day September 23: 7:45 A.M. –College Planning Night September 23: 7:00 P.M. –Homecoming Game at WLC October 2: 7:00 P.M. –Homecoming Dance October 3: 7:00–11:00 P.M.

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER August 2015

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Athletic Department Information

ATHLETIC START DATES 2015–2016

PARTICIPATION CARD All athletes must complete four forms each year in order to pick up their participation card.

Monday, August 3 Football

The participation card needs to be handed to the coach before beginning any tryout session or practice.

Tuesday, August 4 Cheerleading Dance Team

Our athletic registration for the participation card is found online.

Follow the link on our website (www.wlhs.org then go to athletics) to view and complete the registration process. Only parents are to fill out the online registration. *One note: All physical forms must be handed in and not sent electronically.

Participation cards are available from the athletic director in Central Office or the receptionist after the online registration has been submitted.

Monday, August 17 Cross Country Boys Soccer Volleyball Monday, November 9 Girls Basketball Monday, November 16 Boys Basketball Wrestling

PARENT INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES The WLHS Athletic Department provides a variety of ways in which parents may become more actively involved in our support programs.

This fall the athletic department needs adults for freshman and sophomore football games to help with the chains. Also, concession workers and ticket takers are needed for football, volleyball, and soccer games.

If interested, please call WLHS at 414-453-4567.

Monday, March 7 Track Monday, March 14 Softball Monday, March 21 Baseball Girls Soccer Monday, March 28 Golf

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE. PNL-03-0714-975

330 N Glenview Avenue F Milwaukee, WI 53213-3379 F 414-453-4567 F Fax: 414-453-3001 F www.wlhs.org