News

This week School Counselors are delivering The Resilience Project (the sixth of six lessons) which teaches young adults about how to overcome setbacks and challenges in life. Module 6 focused on thought distortions and using the skill of seeing the world God created and his plan for salvation. 

The Resilience Project which is part of the WLHS School Wellness Plan is offered in partnership with Christian Family Solutions who has developed the six part series to assist WELS High Schools. If you would like to learn more, click here or reach out to your child's school counselor.

Seniors, your Academic and Career Planning journey—Know, Explore, Plan, and Go—has prepared you for this exciting new chapter in your life. As you take these next steps, Student Services wants to remind you of important details to ensure a smooth transition into college, career, or the workforce.

SAT registration is open for the 2025-26 testing year. Many colleges consider SAT scores as part of their holistic admission and placement decisions, and your score is a valid way to show what you've learned. Most juniors take their first SAT in the spring, and many take it again in the fall of their senior year to improve their score. It can help you keep your college options open, demonstrate your unique strengths, and even qualify for scholarships.

WLHS is grateful to partner with Christian Family Solutions (CFS) in their school-based counseling program. Licensed professional therapists are on campus to meet with students and provide mental health services. Students are also able to meet with therapists over the summer months either in person or telehealth. If you feel your child could benefit from counseling services, contact your child’s school counselor for a referral to the program.

College visits are an important experience all Wisco students are encouraged to complete by fall of their senior year. This spring we have several colleges coming to campus to meet with current juniors to talk about potential majors or careers. Visiting with our local and national college partners as they visit our campus provides students access to information and offerings available before physically visiting a campus. Please view our Career Pathways Catalog which helps students map out checkpoints like college visits to complete their Academic and Career Plan at WLHS. Information about what colleges will be on campus this spring will be sent to juniors in the coming weeks.

Mini-Courses ACT Preparation Class prepares 11th-12th graders for the official ACT test. Students gain direct instruction in the math, reading, English, and science reasoning as well as the writing section of the ACT test. Class instruction also covers test taking strategies so students become familiar with the types of questions they will encounter and learn a variety of strategies to answer those questions. Students participate in an unofficial pre- and post-test experience that familiarizes them with the ACT testing process. Click here to learn more and apply.

WELS Campus Ministry, a ministry of WELS Home Missions, provides resources, support, and encouragement to WELS congregations that serve college students around the United States and Canada. These congregations are vital in connecting college students with fellow Christians, strengthening their faith with the gospel message, and encouraging them to share that faith with other college students. Seniors, click here to register for WELS Campus Ministry.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School offers a post high school planning night each fall. This year the post high school planning night was on September 17, 2025. The state of Wisconsin also offers post high school planning fairs in the Milwaukee area throughout the year. For families interested in attending these fairs please click here to learn more. These events help students as they develop their Academic and Career Plan.

Several students interested in military service after high school met with Pastor Horn last school year. Pastor Horn serves as the WELS chaplain to the military. Those who are interested in military services can register here to connect with WELS Military Ministry. Weekly devotionals for military personnel can be found here. 

Click here to learn more about the work WELS does for current military members.

School Counselors Mrs. Chavez and Mr. Schumacher and representatives of the WLHS Hope Squad attended the Mental Wellness Student Leadership Summit in Madison, Wis. Students were able to collaborate with school leaders and students from 45 schools across the state on the topics of mental health awareness and prevention. Our students were able to express the Christian hope that we have in the face of worldly challenges.

Seniors, as you finalize your post-secondary plans, please notify WLHS of your college decision and submit your request for a final transcript through Xello no later than May 21. Timely submission is essential to ensure your transcript is sent to the institution you will be attending. Directions on how to do this are found here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Mrs. Tesch in Student Services.

The Annual Preparing for College Webinar Series for parents of college-bound students is coming up presented by SoFi. This informative series covers the information and insights needed to help navigate college financing. Below are the topics, dates and times of these webinars:

The Waukesha County Business Alliance partners with WLHS, colleges, and local businesses to offer career-based learning experiences in the Schools2Skills program. On April 10, students explored career pathways in manufacturing with visits to Wenthe Davidson Engineering and Dorner Conveyors. At Wenthe Davidson Engineering, students saw firsthand how precision engineering and manufacturing processes come together to create high-quality products. The experience continued at Dorner Conveyors, where they observed innovative conveyor systems in action and learned about career opportunities within the company. A huge thank you to the Waukesha County Business Alliance for their ongoing support in providing these invaluable career-based learning experiences!

The Fair Opportunity Project, a Wisconsin-based and Nationally recognized organization is offering free, one-on-one FAFSA help to students so they can easily navigate the application process and unlock financial resources. Please click here to learn more.

Congratulations to seniors Aicha Keita and Giselle Garnica who were selected to participate in the All-In Milwaukee (AIM) scholars program. AIM is a college completion program that provides financial aid, advising, and program and career support to complete college, build meaningful careers, and transform the Milwaukee community. Many of the students who finish this program after college graduate debt free, complete an internship, and secure a job within the Milwaukee community.

All current students will have completed the course request portion of the scheduling process by the end of the third week in February. Course requests are final at 1 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025. After this date, students will need to complete the courses they have requested for the entire 2025-26 school year. If students have a conflict with their course request(s) or do not pass a required course, their alternate course request will be selected. 

Please note: Juniors interested in Youth Apprenticeship, Dual Enrollment Academy, or any other Dual Credit Opportunities must submit their application and notify your School Counselor by March 1, 2025. Students who miss this deadline will not be able to register for these capstone experiences after March 1.

College Possible is now accepting applications for rising juniors and seniors! This pre-college program provides valuable support with ACT preparation, essay writing, college and scholarship applications, and financial aid guidance. Participants will meet once or twice a week during their free period or after school. To be eligible, students must meet specific GPA, academic, and financial requirements. Don't miss this opportunity to set yourself up for college success! Click here to complete an application to be in the College Possible program.

WLHS will participate in the second year of the University of Wisconsin's Direct Admissions program which will begin in the summer of 2025. School Counselors will meet with juniors in January and April to explain the program in detail as more information is shared with WLHS from the state. Parents of current juniors have received an email to fill out the opt in or opt out form in onCampus (top banner) by March 21, 2025. If you would like to learn more about the program please click here. If you have further questions please reach out to Mr. Davis, Director of Student Services.

Please click here and here to learn more about these Navy events in the Milwaukee area.

• The difference between student aptitudes and interests in career pathways
• The importance of career exposure in solving workforce challenges
• How educators and businesses can guide students toward high-demand careers
• Opportunities to build sustainable talent pipelines for the future

Please click here to view the entire report.

As we honor National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, WLHS is highlighting two of its most innovative and impactful programs—the Trade, Technology, and Engineering Pathway and the Information Technology Pathway. With the theme “Building and Moving,” these pathways empower students to develop the skills and knowledge needed to drive progress in the rapidly evolving fields of construction, advanced manufacturing, engineering, technology, and IT. Through hands-on experiences, collaboration, and problem-solving, students are actively shaping the future of industry and innovation.

As we honor National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, WLHS is highlighting its Family, Consumer Sciences, and Fine Arts Pathway, a program that fosters creativity, skill-building, and hands-on learning. With the theme “Creating and Experiencing,” the pathway empowers students to explore their passions in fields like culinary arts, interior design, fashion, child development, and visual and performing arts. Through practical learning and artistic expression, students are discovering the power of creating and experiencing the world God has created around them.

A group of students recently attended an Actuarial Science Career Day hosted by Northwestern Mutual and Milliman, two major firms in the financial and insurance industries. The event provided an in-depth look at the actuarial profession, offering students valuable insights into career paths that blend mathematics, statistics, and business. During the visit, students had the opportunity to engage with professional actuaries, learn about risk management, and participate in interactive workshops that demonstrated real-world applications of actuarial science. Industry experts shared their experiences, discussed the importance of analytical skills in decision-making, and provided guidance on college programs and certifications needed to become an actuary.

In honor of National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, WLHS is spotlighting the impact of its Education, Training, Public Ministry, and Service Pathway and Health Science Pathway which plays a pivotal role in preparing students for careers that prioritize community service, education, and support for others. The program’s focus on compassion, leadership, and service underscores the school's commitment to fostering the next generation of Christian professionals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities.

Students interested in healthcare careers now have more opportunities than ever to gain hands-on experience through career-based learning programs. With the growing demand for medical professionals, schools and industry partners are working together to offer students a head start in the field. Please click here to learn more!

Juniors: Please consider utilizing Method Learning for ACT and SAT Test Prep and Financial Literacy and save your careers of interest in your Xello account. Start Your Career Adventure and Understanding Your Career Matches.

Parents: Please consider helping your child work through the ongoing activities in Xello or by inputting their information from their Xello account using these tools - plans, goals, resumes, and portfolios. Parents who have not yet set up their family account recently received an email invitation (2/3/25) to complete the setup.  

The first week of February is recognized as National School Counseling Week, a time to observe the crucial role school counselors play in shaping the academic, emotional, and social growth of students. This year’s theme, “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive,” underscores the impact counselors have on students’ academic journeys and personal development. From providing guidance on career choices to helping students navigate personal challenges, school counselors are integral to a well-rounded educational experience.

February marks National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, celebrating high school programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. CTE offers hands-on training in fields like business, education, entertainment, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and skilled trades, providing students with technical skills and industry certifications that make them job-ready after graduation, and helps bridge the gap between education and workforce needs.

Students in grades 6-12 were invited to the WLHS Trades Fair on January 23, where a wide range of skilled trade and tech colleges were in attendance for questions, discovery, and demonstrations. Students were invited to explore hands-on activities such as welding and electrical circuit projects. Discussions with industry professionals provided valuable insights into the recommended career paths for students' specific area of interest. We thank our local businesses who took part in the trades fair, including:

WLHS partners with many colleges or universities throughout the area or region. Providing student's many dual credit opportunities allows a tailored fit for every Academic and Career Plan. The variety of institutions and programs available to our students is strategic providing access to the right courses and experiences that align with our Career Pathways. This month we are highlighting UW-Milwaukee offerings through WLHS. If you would like to learn more about UW-Milwaukee please click here.

There is big news for Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, professionals and the learners they serve! Advance CTE has just released a modernized National Career Clusters® Framework that is intended to be an industry-driven, learner centered, and inclusive roadmap for learners to explore and prepare for good jobs across the entire world of work. The Framework has served as the foundation of CTE programs across the nation for more than two decades, but to meet the rapidly changing world of work and the skills and knowledge learners need to navigate and enter that world required a more modern and dynamic Framework. Below are the new categories that will provide a vision for our future workplace and the counsel we provide students. Please click here for more details including an interactive graphic about each individual career cluster. 

Caring for Communities
- Education
- Health Care and Human Services
- Public Service and Safety 

Building and Moving
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Construction
- Supply Chain and Transportation

Cross Cutting Clusters
- Digital Technology
- Management & Entrepreneurship
- Marketing & Sales

Creating Experiences
- Arts, Entertainment & Design
- Hospitality, Events & Tourism

Cultivating Resources
- Agriculture 
- Energy & Natural Resources

Investing in the Future
- Financial Services

WLHS has partnered with CESA 6 for Youth Apprenticeship (YA) to help support Academic and Career Plans (ACPs) for our students. Students who sign up for this program will be assigned a career coach to help onboard, counsel, and support them throughout the program. If you are interested in attending a virtual information session about YA with CESA 6, click here to register.

In addition, for juniors, a recruitment and informational session about YA will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, during flex period, with YA Coordinator Ms. Amy Richter. If you have any questions, E-mail Ms. Richter at arichter@cesa6.org or make plans to sign up in your flex account as the date approaches.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is curriculum designed to improve completion of school and to prepare students for potential careers in a diverse world. The needed skills and experiences that a CTE area-focused curriculum has cover gaps that the traditional educational model can’t provide. CTE includes a program of study that involves a multi-year sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide a pathway to post-secondary careers. In addition to preparing students for college and careers, CTE focuses on life readiness including the soft skills needed to be successful after high school. Wisco partners with students to be to be college, career, and life ready.

Seniors interested in a program that will help them secure a job after high school or help support their future career path can click here to learn more about Wisconsin Registered Apprenticeships. Below are the various career paths available outside of school hours or when you graduate through the Department of Workforce Development. 

- Agriculture
- Construction
- Finance
- Health Care
- Industrial & Manufacturing
- Information Technology (IT)
- Service
- Transportation
- Utilities

The WLHS Trades Fair will be held on Thursday, January 23, in the school's atrium and upper lobby. Individuals from local companies will meet with students to help them learn and explore potential career pathways. Any student in grades 6-12 is invited to attend and meet with WLHS staff in Student Services and our Trade, Technology, and Engineering Departments.

Find My Future Summer Camp at WCTC is an exciting hands-on summer camp is open to all students entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Explore your interests, and discover new and exciting careers in areas like culinary, health, manufacturing, emergency medical services and more. Please click here to learn more.

Waukesha County Technical College offers Dual Enrollment Academies for the pathways below to support student ACP's and WLHS Career Pathways. Please click here to learn more. 


WCTC will be running open houses in the coming months. Please click here to register and attend!

A representative will be on campus to meet with Juniors during flex on Thursday, January 16th. Please click here to register to attend. If you have questions please reach out to DEA Coordinator, Becky Kurter. 

Boys in grades 10-12 who are interested in ministry are encouraged to register and attend an event at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in February. Click here for information and registration.

Career-based learning experiences (CBLEs) are transforming education by connecting students with real-world job experiences. Through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships, students gain hands-on skills that complement their academic knowledge and boost their employability. Employers benefit too, as CBL programs provide access to a skilled talent pool and offer valuable insights into potential hires. 

College Goal Wisconsin provides free information and assistance to families completing the FAFSA. College Goal Wisconsin is offering both in-person and virtual FAFSA Completion Events starting in January 2025.
 
To register for a FAFSA Completion Event or to request additional information, please refer to collegegoalwi.org.