Principals Newsletter - Feb-March 2016

WLHS Principal’s

NEWSLETTER

OUR IX Y F YES E ON

S S JE U In This Issue . . .

2 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE 3 WLHS RE-ENROLLMENT 3 MPCP & WPCP INFORMATION 4 SPRING SPORTS PARENT MEETING 4 WLHS MUSICAL PRODUCTION

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

5 SPRING SACRED CHORAL CONCERT 6 THRIVENT FINANCIAL 7 WLHS DINNER AUCTION 7 WHAT’S COMING UP? 8 2016–2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR

re d. . . a We nite u As we continue to reflect upon the WLHS culture, we come to the third of seven indicators which we have adopted and ask God to help us live.

l3 WE ARE UNITED IN CHRIST. When ancient kings had the official record of their reigns written, the scribes were told to cast the king’s administration in a favorable light. You know: Accent the positive; minimize (or ignore) the negative. Many glowing accounts were the result.

When the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures, he followed no such tack. We do read about heroes of faith, but they are not air-brushed. The lapses in faith and criminality of Abraham, Noah, Moses, David and others are well documented. And, perhaps the greatest missionary of all time, Paul, persecuted members of the Way before a really bright light cleared his vision.

in . . .

st i r Ch

Yet we can remain united in Christ. What that means is we share a belief u about the person of Jesus Christ–true God and

true man, u about his reason for coming to this earth–to seek

and to save those who are lost and to live perfectly,

die sacrificially, and rise triumphantly to redeem us

from our sins, u about his motivation for performing this saving

work–out of love for us and out of obedience to

his Heavenly Father, u about the only way this salvation becomes ours–

through Spirit-planted faith in Jesus Christ as our

personal Savior from sin, u about who this message is for–all people of all time, u about our personal mission–to live for him

motivated by his love.

Still, in Acts 15, we read that Paul and his fellow missionary Barnabas clashed about taking John Mark with them on their next trip. Author Luke puts it this way: “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company” (Acts 15:39).

About these truths we do not disagree. More important, around and in and upon these truths we unite.

And that unity remains even during the sharpest of disagreements. This is the unity that makes us a family of believers.

Their rift would not last, but this episode is instructive.

Simply put, Christians disagree…and sometimes sharply.

Does this mean that Paul and Barnabas were not united? On the contrary, they were brothers in Christ.

They shared a common, saving faith in the Lord whose name and message they were proclaiming.

And during the shameful times we don’t act like family, we have the assurance that this Jesus upon whom our school is built and upon whom our common faith rests forgives the ugly way we may have processed a disagreement. In his forgiveness we find the strength to forgive one another. Disagreements will come and go, and they may even leave scars. The bedrock of Jesus Christ is not shaken, however, and Christians, regardless of differences of opinion, preference, race, socio-economic status, and culture, can find unity in their Savior Jesus Christ.

Inside a Christian school, we will find plenty to disagree about. Sometimes the topics are, for the most part, benign. Not every faculty member roots for the Packers, and some students and adults may wish our school colors reflected their personal favorites.

Sometimes disagreement is encouraged. A poem may be interpreted in more than one way, and to hear another’s viewpoint and rationale can be enlightening.

And sometimes disagreement is shameful, and the way we disagree–with hot words and cold shoulders–is sinful.

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28, NIV).

Phil Leyrer, principal

WLHS Re-Enrollment, Scholarships, and Tuition Assistance

MPCP / WPCP Open Enrollment

Please note the following information regarding school re-enrollment and applying for scholarships and tuition assitance:

Please remember – you must first complete your MPCP or WPCP application online at: http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/choice-programs

• ALL students must re-enroll for the new school year.

• In the coming weeks, please watch your email and onCampus account for details regarding the re-enrollment process.

Schedule at WLHS

FEBRUARY 1-22, 2016 Monday – Friday • 8 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. (For WPCP, February 23 through April 20 is by appointment only!)

• February 8 – Scholarship applications and tuition assistance application instructions will be available on our website.

• March 31 – Deadline for submitting scholarship and tuition assistance applications.

Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) IMPORTANT: NEW ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS

New Tuition Processor

We are pleased to announce that we will be partnering with Smart Tuition for the processing and collection of tuition for the 2016-17 school year. Smart Tuition will replace TADS as our tuition processor.

Smart Tuition makes it easy for you to

• Current WLHS families in the MPCP must re-apply each year.

• All MPCP applications must be completed ONLINE February 1-22, 2016. You will need an email address to complete your application.

• Then, you must bring in your verifying documents, as noted in your online application, to WLHS during the posted hours of the Open Enrollment period and meet with an admissions staff member (applicants taken on first come, first served basis.)

• For additional information, please contact our director of admissions, Brad Wetzel, at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322, or at brad.wetzel@wlhs.org.

c Select a payment method that works best

for you. ~ Choose monthly invoices or set up automatic payments from your bank account or credit card.

c Access your account online.

~ Review account history, edit contact information and payment method.

c Receive payment and follow up reminders.

~ Via email for recurring payments and via email and phone for missed payments.

c Speak with a customer service representative.

~ Live agents are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Watch for more information in the next Principal’s Newsletter.

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) • Current WLHS families in the WPCP must re-apply each year.

• All WPCP applications must be completed ONLINE February 1-April 20, 2016. You will need an email address to complete your application.

• Then, you must bring in your verifying documents, as noted in your online application, to WLHS during the posted hours of the Open Enrollment period and meet with an admissions staff member (applicants taken on first come, first served basis.)

• For additional information, please contact our director of admissions, Brad Wetzel, at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org.

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER February/March 2016

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Spring Sports Parent Info Meeting WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016, 5:30 P.M. Spring sports will begin soon and, as a reminder, proper forms must be on file in our athletic office for each participating student.

If you and your student have never seen and heard the risk video and code of conduct presentation, you MUST attend the above-mentioned meeting on March 2. Parents and their students must attend and then sign forms which will stay on file in the athletic office for those students.

Upon completion of the proper forms, a participation card will then be issued to the student, who will then give it to his/her coach. All forms are available on the school’s website. You can also register your student on-line at wlhs.org ~athletics~register for athletics~registration~activity registration.

A student may not begin practice or any try-out session until this is completed. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please talk to Mr. Jeff Sitz, our athletic director.

WLHS Musical Production This musical is an enchanting mixture of engaging story and unforgettable songs.

Using a combination of magic and common sense, nanny Mary Poppins must teach the troubled Banks family how to value each other. Mary has a profound effect upon the children, and even the grown-ups learn a lesson or two from this nanny who advises that “anything can happen if you let it.”

Ticket sales begin Monday, February 8.

Friday, March 4 7:30 P.M.

Saturday, March 5 7:30 P.M.

Choir Associates Spaghetti Dinner Proceeds benefit the choir department.

Sunday, March 6 1:30 P.M.

Friday, March 4 4:30–7:00 P.M. Provided by Marty’s Pizza Restaurant

Tickets sold at the cafeteria doors: Adults–$8.00 (Age 13 and older) Children–$6.00 (age 4 to 12) Perfomances by Inspiration and the Wisco Kids from 4:45 to 7:00 P.M.

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PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER February/March 2016

Civil Rights Tour 2016 The following students were selected through an application process to take part in the Civil Rights Tour the week after Easter.

This tour will visit key civil rights movement sites in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.

The students will be involved in many group discussions and training sessions, and will be required to keep a daily journal of the trip to give them a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the civil rights leaders and how God used them to make changes in this country.

Jayla Anderson Damion Ashford, Jr. Jonathon Bailey Jala Brazil Armani Buckley Carrington Cunningham Jaden Ellis German Fitzgerald Damia Fulsom Christopher Garrett Faith Goede Brianna Heikkinen Alyssa King Zachary Kopplin Skylar Krutz Kailey Luehring Philip Maio Clara Martinez Quincy Minor Michael Radue Brennen Rice Ethan Rindfleisch Gabrielle Steidl Cierra Teague

The most powerful truths are expressed in the simplest words:

“It is finished.”

And so Jesus Christ declared that his payment for our sins was complete.

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

And so the Easter morning angel declared that Jesus Christ is the victor over death.

The faculty and staff of Wisconsin Lutheran High School wish you a meditative time of repentance during your Lenten journey to the cross and a JOYOUS victory celebration at the empty tomb Easter morning.

Spring Sacred Choral Concert The WLHS choirs will present their

School Closed A reminder that our Easter break will be from Friday, March 25 through Sunday, April 3.

Classes resume on Monday, April 4.

Spring Sacred Choral Concert on Saturday, March 19, at 7:00 P.M. Please consider enhancing your Easter celebration by attending this concert.

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER February/March 2016

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WLHS Accreditation

The Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation (WELSSA) is pleased to announce the exemplary accreditation of Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, WI.

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WLHS has proven compliance with WELSSA’s educational standards and is a member in good standing. “We are pleased to congratulate Wisconsin Lutheran High School for its dedication and efforts during the selfstudy process, and its commitment to continuous school improvement,” remarked Tom Plitzuweit, WELSSA’s executive director.

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Schools working toward accreditation must complete a comprehensive self-study, host a site visit team of educators outside the school every five years, and develop and implement a school improvement plan to maintain accreditation. The school files an annual report detailing their progress in meeting their goals and staying in compliance with the WELSSA standards.

WELSSA is a member in good standing of the National Council on Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).

Accreditation has also been renewed for the 2015-2016 school year with the Wisconsin Council for Religious and Independent School Association (WRISA). Having accreditation with these highly respected professional organizations again reinforces that WLHS is a school of excellence.

SM The Thrivent Choice program allows members to direct where some of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ charitable outreach funds are distributed by directing Choice SM Dollars to WLHS. To determine whether you have “Dollars” available, contact Thrivent at 1-800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice.”

You may designate Wisconsin Lutheran High School as the recipient. “2015 Dollars” must be designated by March 31, 2016. Thank you!

Wisconsin Lutheran High School ANNUAL ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION – 2015-2016 School Year Under the AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) rule, all primary and secondary schools are required to develop and implement a plan for managing all building materials which contain asbestos. Included in the AHERA Act is the requirement to annually notify all workers and building occupants (or their guardians) of asbestos-related activities. Beginning in 1988, all buildings owned, leased, or “under the control of” Wisconsin Lutheran (WLHS) were inspected by EPA accredited inspectors, with building material samples analyzed by an independent laboratory. Based on the inspection, WLHS prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for managing the asbestos. Where the asbestos-containing materials are found, WLHS has in place an Operations and Maintenance program. The school has accomplished the following compliance mandates regarding the administration of asbestos in school buildings: • Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC) was contracted to be the school’s consultant for asbestos for the school year.

• WLHS continues with the Operations and Maintenance Program as designed. This ensures that all asbestos materials are kept in good condition.

• Periodic “surveillance” in each area containing asbestos has been completed every six months by our consultant. Also, the buildings are re-inspected by an accredited inspector every three years.

• In the past year, WLHS conducted two asbestos removal activities.

• All outside contractors shall contact the lead maintenance person before commencing any work that may disturb building materials.

Our goal at WLHS is to be in full compliance with asbestos regulations. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review by contacting the WLHS Designated Asbestos Coordinator, Director of Operations–Randy Fink at (414) 453-4567. Questions related to this plan or any other asbestos concerns may be directed to him as well.

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PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER February/March 2016

Share the Mission Each summer 30–45 WLHS students travel to various countries and parts of the United States on mission trips through the Share the Mission program. These teams assist in spreading the gospel throughout the world while experiencing mission work firsthand.

c U.S. trips are open to sophomores and juniors. c International trips are open to sophomores, juniors,

and seniors.

These trips and dates will be announced soon along with details for applying. Students should listen for these announcements. Contact teacher Karen Kilchenmann for more information at (414) 453-4567, ext. 1104, or at karen.kilchenmann@wlhs.org.

Coming

What’s UP? –ACT at WLHS February 6: 8:00 A.M. –Ash Wednesday February 10

WLHS Dinner Auction Saturday, April 9, 2016, at 5:00 P.M. held at Wisconsin Lutheran High School Atrium The annual Dinner Auction is the top fund-raising event for the high school. Our goal this year is to raise $300,000.

Individual ticket sales will be available in February at www.wlhs.org/auction.

Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are available. Please contact Heidi Witz at planner@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567, ext. 2004.

m o r r P de

a nio squer

Setery Ma / r io ys

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Oak Creek Community Center

8580 S. Howell Avenue Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Doors open – 5:45 PM. Dinner – 6:15 P.M. Dancing – 7:30-11:30 P.M. Tickets: $55 (April 18-26) $75 (April 27-29)

Grand March at WLHS

–Kids Carnival February 21: 1:00-3:30 P.M. –Parent Athletic Information Meeting March 2: 5:30 P.M. –NO SCHOOL/Winter Break March 3 & 4 –Spaghetti Dinner March 4: 4:30-7:00 P.M. –Musical March 4: 7:30 P.M. March 5: 7:30 P.M. March 6: 1:30 P.M. –LATE START/Faculty Meeting March 14: 8:29 A.M. start –Spring Sacred Choral Concert March 19: 7:00 P.M. –Palm Sunday March 20

Jun me: M The

–Midterm Grading Day February 16

–Begin Quarter 4 March 21 –Easter Break March 25-April 3 –School Resumes April 4: 7:45 A.M. –ACT at WLHS April 9: 8:00 A.M. –WLHS Dinner Auction April 9: 5:00 P.M.

Doors open–4:00 P.M. • Grand March begins–4:30 P.M. PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER February/March 2016

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WLHS 2016-2017 CALENDAR AUGUST

15-16

17

18 SEPTEMBER 5

30 OCTOBER

14

17

27-28 NOVEMBER

23

24-25 DECEMBER

21

22-23

26-30 JANUARY 2-6 9

16 MARCH

2-3

10

13

27-31 APRIL

14

17 MAY

24

25-26

28

Parent Information Meetings Freshmen Orientation Day (Half Day) Opening Day for All Students Labor Day (No School) Homecoming Game End Quarter 1 Begin Quarter 2 Teachers Conference (No School) Thanksgiving Break (Half Day) Thanksgiving Break (No School) End Quarter 2/End Semester 1 Exams (Half Days) Christmas Break (No School) Christmas Break (No School) School Resumes/Begin Quarter 3 Professional Day (No School) Winter Break (No School) End Quarter 3 Begin Quarter 4 Spring Break (No School) Good Friday (No School) Easter Monday (No School) End Quarter 4/End Semester 2 Exams (Half Days) Graduation Total days:

174

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

PNL-03-0116-1000

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