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2002 – 2003
The material contained in this catalog is for information only. WLA reserves
the right to revise policies, amend rules, alter regulations and change
financial charges at any time in accordance with the best interests of the
institution.
Table of Contents FATHER - Who has created us and still preserves us; SON - Who has suffered and died for our sins and has risen again that we have the firm assurance of eternal life in heaven; HOLY SPIRIT - Who sanctifies us by bringing us to faith in Jesus Christ, our personal Savior, and Who keeps us in the true faith through the power of the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. WE ACCEPT the canonical books of the Bible as the divinely inspired and inerrant Word of God. WE SUBMIT to God's HOLY WORD as the only infallible Authority in all matters pertaining to doctrine, faith, and life. WE ADHERE to the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as contained in the Book of Concord of 1580 because they are a correct presentation and exposition of the pure doctrine of the Word of God. Winnebago Lutheran Academy is a four year high school established in 1925 to serve the parents and children of the Academy Association with a Christ‑centered curriculum designed to make disciples of all students from special to gifted, as they serve as dedicated members of God's kingdom, as well as useful and worthy citizens of their country. Since "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," (Proverbs 1:7), all teaching and training at Winnebago Lutheran Academy rests upon and is drawn from God's Word. Thus, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, God's Word is the vital force and determining standard of all instruction; its injunctions and principles permeate all activities; and, it is the basis for all discipline and counseling. Through such application of God's Word, the Lord works through His Word at WLA. 1. to strengthen each student in the confident assurance that he is a redeemed child of God by grace through faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, John 3:16, Matt. 28: 18‑20; 2. to assist parents in bringing up their children in the "training and instruction of the Lord," Ephesians 6:4; and, 3. to encourage each student to utilize his God‑given gifts and talents in a life of faithful service to his Lord and to his fellow man, whether that be in the full‑time service of the preaching and teaching ministry or the work force, our Lord says, "my sheep listen to my voice . . . and they follow me," John 10:27. STATEMENT OF GENERAL OBJECTIVES
In keeping with WLA's general purpose, the faculty and governing board are
intent that each graduate, through faith in Christ and by strength of the Holy
Spirit, be empowered to grow spiritually, academically, physically, and
socially throughout his years at WLA. Whether the graduate will enter the work
force or go on to further schooling, the Lord has given him the opportunity to
grow in: 2. a basic understanding of God's Plan of Salvation as it relates to all men and to each individual; 3. the desire and ability to be a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ; 4. the desire to support the message of the Gospel by the way he lives and acts; 5. the desire to serve his fellow men through the Gospel, no matter what his career choice might be; 6. the ability to function as a contributing, literate member of his community; 7. the ability to organize himself in Christian stewardship of time and talents for work and for recreation; 8. the ability to appreciate the beauty and blessings of God's creation and to apply them to his personal growth and satisfaction; 9. the ability to evaluate current life problems in view of the Law and the Gospel. WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN ACADEMY is owned and receives its main support from an association of thirty-seven congregations (17,000+ communicants) within a forty-mile radius of Fond du Lac. All the Association Church's pastors, male teachers, and lay representatives comprise the Plenary Board that meets quarterly to conduct Association business. From the Plenary Board, an Executive Board is elected which meets on a monthly basis. The Executive Board, together with its appointed committees and the principal, is responsible to the Plenary Board in carrying out school policies on a day‑to‑day basis. Although WLA exists primarily for the purpose of providing a Christ‑centered education to the members of the Association, all applications for admission will be considered from anyone who sincerely desires a Christian secondary education. An application for admission can be initiated by phone or by stopping at the school office. Transfer students must have an official transcript of their grades on file with WLA before their application for admission can be processed. Transfers are not accepted during the school year. Enrollments are closed after the first day of school. Exceptions to this policy are made through the Executive Board of WLA. Our school upholds the clear and evangelical fellowship principles of Scripture in all our instruction and practice. We enroll students from churches outside our fellowship only on the condition that they will receive our instruction in the Word with open hearts and will in no way seek to disseminate any doctrines or practices which are out of harmony with God's Word as it is taught among us. Furthermore, it is our expressed purpose to lead such students to share our confessional beliefs. We will not discriminate against such students, but rather in love seek to win them to the truth of God's Word as we apply fellowship principles in all school activities. Their involvement will be limited to only those activities which do not involve the practice of church fellowship. Therefore non-WELS families desiring enrollment for their child, will need to take advantage of an adult information class offered at one of the WELS churches. This policy assumes that the family is willing to consider the seriousness of spiritual education, and is therefore willing to learn for themselves what will be taught to their child at WLA. It should also be noted that at times it may be academically advantageous to ask professional people from outside our church fellowship to lend their particular expertise in supplementing the work of our called instructors. We take it for granted that no one will misunderstand such action as though it in any way represented an endorsement of the individual's membership in a false church or as though it gave the impression of false ecumenism. Whenever the possibility for misunderstanding exists or arises, measures will be clearly taken to correct any false impressions. Finally, other matters that relate to fellowship practices may periodically arise in the life and work of our school. Such matters will be dealt with individually and evangelically in the spirit of Christian love for all concerned. Our purpose is always to give a clear testimony to the whole truth of God's Word, so that, "speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:15. In view of the fact that the Bible teaches that "God does not show favoritism" (Acts 10:34) and that "there is no Greek or Jew" (Col. 3:11) and in view of the fact that the purpose of Winnebago Lutheran Academy is to help students to realize their potential as responsible Christian citizens, this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, nor disability insofar as the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs, and other school‑administered programs are concerned. WLA offers a varied selection of courses in both required and elective subjects designed to fulfill the needs of all students desiring a Christian secondary education. WLA's Guidance Department begins scheduling students in early spring of each year with the intent of providing a sound Christian high school education in keeping with the student's ability, interests, and future needs. Due to the increasing demand with which the Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod has been blessed concerning the need for more pastors and for more teachers in elementary and secondary Christian schools, we pray that many students will continue to prepare themselves for the preaching and teaching ministry. Pre‑ministerial students will consider a solid college preparatory course in selecting their classes in addition to the Latin and German requirements. Pre‑teacher students also need a strong college preparatory program. The student and parent, in conjunction with the Guidance Department, can arrange a program that will satisfy the entrance requirements at Martin Luther College. It is generally accepted that many students will continue their education at colleges or universities after graduation. In order to be eligible for college and successful at such work, students should be advised that most colleges require a student to be ranked in the top half of his high school class, together with a satisfactory recommendation from the principal or guidance counselor. The student is also encouraged to take either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) following his junior year while making early contact with the college of his choice for specific instructions. TECHNICAL/TRADE SCHOOL COURSE PREPARATION Some students do not desire to attend college after graduation. They may have a certain course in mind at a technical or trade school or they may intend to enter the job market immediately after graduation from high school. Students may also elect a more career‑oriented program including the various elective courses offered. A work release program is also available to those seniors who fulfill the criteria established by the Guidance Department. WLA is committed to serving every graduate of an elementary or Christian day school with a Christ‑centered secondary education. To help students with academic difficulties, the Learning Coordinator utilizes a tutorial program, individualized scheduling, and both small group and individualized instruction. Close contact is also maintained with the home through report cards, progress reports, etc. to help every student to master the necessary requirements for graduation. A student is expected to finish the course he selects. Should a change be necessary, it must be made only with the consent of the guidance office and parents. Such changes will take place during the first three (3) weeks of the course and another course will normally be substituted. Should a student choose to drop a course for an invalid reason or because of academic failure, the withdrawal will be noted on his transcript as Withdraw Fail (WF). The above does not apply when a change is made, such as from one math course to another and upon an instructor's or advisor's recommendation. A withdrawal at semester time from a course regularly scheduled for the full year normally means that the student will receive credit for the semester. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Eligibility requirements will apply to all athletic activities covered by the athletic code, all musical groups that are not regularly scheduled classes, Viking staff, drama, forensics, student council, cheerleader squads, Spirit Dancers, THINK Team and any similar activity. Students involved in any of the above named activities should be using their God‑given talents faithfully. Students will be reviewed individually to see if they are working up to their potential in the classroom. Potential will be determined at the end of the freshman year. The student, parent, and guidance office will pick either an A range, B range, C range, or D range. This range, chosen by the student, parent, and guidance director will be the expected potential for the student. Should an adjustment need to be considered the student, parent, and guidance director and/or the homeroom instructor can re-evaluate the grade potential upon registering for the new year (usually early spring). The guidance department will review a student who is not working up to potential. It will check with the teacher of the course in which the student is having difficulty. If the faculty feels that the student is not working up to his potential, the student will be placed on academic probation. The student will be able to practice the activity but will not be able to perform the activity publicly. If the student does not improve, he may become ineligible for any form of participation. The WLA faculty will review the academic progress of the participants using the following eight grading periods:
Eligibility for the fall co-curricular season will be determined by the grades from the previous semester. If a student is removed from a class for disciplinary reasons a meeting to resolve the problem will be held with the parents, the student, and the teacher involved. The student is ineligible until resolved. Should the student be removed from the class for the second time, and should the removal be upheld by the administration after a meeting with the parents, student, and teacher; the student will be prohibited from attending that class for the duration of the term. The student may schedule that class again at the next opportunity when it is offered. A student expelled from two different classes will be ineligible for co‑curricular participation and his continued attendance at WLA will be in jeopardy. Grade reports are sent home four times during the school year. Progress reports are also sent home. Whenever necessary, these reports are sent home at intervals between the marking periods to keep parents better advised of any academic problems. Parents are reminded that they can initiate a progress report at any time by calling the Guidance Office, 921‑4930. Parents are invited to make an appointment with the guidance office if additional consultation is necessary. The learning coordinator and homeroom teachers also make contact with parents if significant difficulties arise. Again, the parents can initiate any of these contacts if they feel something needs to be discussed. A scheduled parent/teacher conference occurs in the fall for the purpose of providing a brief amount of time for the homeroom teacher to share the prepared progress report. If difficulties seem apparent, the parent and/or teacher may make an appointment when adequate and private time can be spent on fact-finding and problem-solving. WLA uses a 4.0 system with certain weighted grades (AP Senior English, Spanish III, Latin III‑IV, Anatomy & Physiology, Physics and Calculus) which receive an extra point.
Cumulative GPAs and class rank are updated each semester. All subjects are included in computing GPA, class rank, and honor roll (high honors = 3.5 and above: honors = 3.00-3.49) For the sake of consistency in nominating students for various scholarships (Byrd, Kohl, HEAB Academic Excellence), WLA will designate the senior class valedictorian based on a cumulative GPA after seven semesters using the weighted 4.0 scale. Homework outside the school day is not intended to be oppressive. It is understood that some subjects have more work involved than others; however, students are expected to discuss any possible heavy workloads with their instructors. Students, especially those involved in outside activities, should expect to do a regular amount of schoolwork at home. Students who stay on campus after school for evening activities also have the opportunity to do homework in the after school study hall prior to the planned activity. Parents, if there is one area in which you can offer your support, it is in the area of homework. Your child will have homework. Please help develop a time and place and an every school night habit, to teach the responsibility of accomplishing quality, accurate, and complete course assignments. Your first check can be found in the assignment notebook required of every freshman. Comprehensive semester tests in most courses will be given at the end of each semester. A special schedule will be followed for the days of testing. This schedule will be sent home or printed in one of the school publications before the end of the semester. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ‑ ACADEMIC Twenty‑two and one‑half units of credit are required for graduation from Winnebago Lutheran Academy. The responsibility of fulfilling the requirements rests with the student. A student completing the course requirements successfully will be eligible for admission to public and private universities in Wisconsin and throughout the United States.
ADDITIONAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS It is to be understood that in addition to all academic requirements being fulfilled, a student must also have satisfied all his financial obligations to the school and any impending disciplinary action must be resolved in order to participate in the graduation service and receive a diploma. All students will be requested to complete course requirements for every class that they take. Failure is unacceptable and no student will be allowed to choose an "F" in lieu of doing the work involved. Each student will be urged to do his best in every assignment. Students who resist all efforts designed to help them do their work properly will be referred to the Assistant Principal for disciplinary action. Students who refuse to do their assignments or work up to their God-given potential may be considered for possible removal from WLA. An incomplete in any subject is normally to be made up within one week; however, in special cases more time may be given upon the approval of the instructor. TRANSFER OF CREDITS/TRANSCRIPT One transcript of credits is issued to any college or technical school free of charge. Subsequent transcripts will be issued at a charge of $5.00 each to the students. All financial obligations must be up-to-date before a transcript of credits is granted. The academic school day officially begins at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 3:05 P.M. The day includes seven class periods of 47 minutes each, one lunch period of 22 minutes, one activity or study hall period of 22 minutes, and a chapel period of 16 minutes. Students are expected to remain in the building or on the school grounds throughout the school day. No one may leave the school premises unless an acceptable excuse is received from home and a permission is secured from the Assistant Principal. Students should not come to school before 7:30 A.M. unless they are bus students or they are involved in some planned school activity. If others find it necessary to come before 7:30 A.M. on a regular basis, they must clear this matter with the office. Students should also leave at the end of the school day by 3:30 PM. Please have alternate transportation plans so the child does not need to spend countless hours wandering the halls at school.
Perfect attendance is a God-pleasing desire for all students. Having said this, absences will occur. A student is expected to be in class at least 90% of the time in order to receive credit for that class. Students who fail to meet the 90% requirement will be reviewed on an individual basis and arrangements will be made whereby the 90% requirement can be attained. When sickness or emergencies occur, please observe the following: Call the office number (921‑4930) in the morning before 9:00 A.M. and give the nature and possible duration of the absence. If an emergency arises during the day, a phone call to the office can replace a written excuse and the student will be excused to go home. Even though you have called the office, a written excuse from home is required after each absence. A two-day period of grace is allowed for those students who forget to bring a note from home. The student should turn the excuse into the office and receive a "re‑admit" slip that is to be signed by each teacher whose class was missed. All this communication is necessary to discourage the "Old Adam" from conveniently missing school. All absences will be checked in the morning during first hour. The attendance office will regularly call the homes of those students who are missing the first hour attendance check, but who have not been excused. Unexcused absences will be made up with a detention. Each instructor and study hall supervisor will also check attendance at each class period. An absence from class means that all missed work must be made up. Prolonged illness could be an exception and would be handled separately. All students absent more than three consecutive days due to illness must forward a doctor's excuse to the office indicating the nature of illness and the projected time of additional absence. Excused absences normally include illness, doctor and dental examinations (please attempt to schedule such examinations not of a critical nature outside of school hours), or emergencies. Planned absences and family vacations should be cleared with the assistant principal before the event occurs so that make‑up work or other arrangements can be made in advance. Family permission does not guarantee excused absences. Daily Chapel services are held in the Chapel/Auditorium. This is a worship service and, as such, we would do well to heed the admonition from Habakkuk 2:20, "The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him." Paul also reminds us that "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way" in I Cor. 14:40. Let us worship Him with the respect, honor, and reverence due Him as our Maker, Redeemer, and Sanctifier! Students furnish their own hymnals and Bibles. Students must arrange for organizational meetings through their respective advisors. The meeting date and time (noon A or B), and place must be approved by the Guidance Office. This should be done by Monday of the week prior to the meeting. The purpose for homeroom is to provide additional time for study and guidance. Freshmen homerooms meet every day except Wednesday. Sophomore, Junior, and Senior homerooms meet on Friday or the last day of the week. Students should bring some academic work to homeroom. The student has ample time during the eating part of the noon hour to make phone calls, meet with an instructor, or visit the bathroom. Written announcements to be posted on one of the bulletin boards must first be cleared by an advisor or one of the administrators who will initial his acceptance. A school lunch is provided for those who wish to participate. The weekly cost is determined at the beginning of each school year. Procedures concerning the lunch hour include the following: a) Teachers will lead the students in mealtime prayers at the close of fourth hour; b) After the student is finished eating and has returned his dishes to the proper area, he may stay in the lunch room or relax in the halls until the period ends; c) School lunch tickets are available on a weekly or daily basis. Tickets can be purchased in the ticket booth before school. d) Students are urged to remember our Lord's own example at the feeding of the 5000. Please don't waste food which God has richly supplied for us. e) And finally, parents, please discuss your child's eating habits with him. It is surprising how many students do not eat at noon, or "survive" on a can of soda. Even our eating habits are to be done to God's glory alone. f) Food and drink are not allowed on a regular basis in the classroom setting. Students are neat and careful with their dress in school since their attire reflects their station as redeemed children of God. In keeping with the scriptural injunctions to be moderate in all things (Philippians 4:5), the Christian student will avoid extremes in his person and dress, regardless of what fashion may dictate. Trousers and slacks will be neat and clean, not ripped, patched, or frayed. Shoelaces are to be tied and shirts tucked in. Tank and midriff tops are samples of types of blouses or shirts that are not acceptable. T‑shirts with suggestive insignia, alcohol related messages or non‑school related musical groups are to be avoided. Any tattoos need to be covered. Extremes in hairstyles are discouraged. Since many questions arise concerning male jewelry, it should be noted that earrings on boys are considered extreme. Due to the fact that not all of the building is air‑conditioned, students are allowed to wear modest shorts at the beginning and end of the school year as determined by the administration. All teachers are involved with implementing the dress code. Students who persist in violating the dress code will be referred to the Assistant Principal. WLA offers a variety of opportunities for the student to participate in school activities. We encourage all our students to be active in at least one school-related co-curricular. It is advisable to be involved and enjoy the companionship of fellow believers, but care should be taken that one does not get involved in too many activities and thereby cause the school work to suffer. Two dramatic productions are planned each year. A non-musical drama is performed every year. On alternating years musicals and children’s theater are produced. THINK TEAMThe T.H.I.N.K. team (Teens Helping Individuals Need Kare) organizes presentations to area Lutheran elementary schools concentrating on tobacco, drug and alcohol abuse. Students develop, revise, and practice these presentations before they visit the schools. The forensics team is open to all students. Tryouts are held each winter and competition with other schools takes place in spring. A number of students each year have qualified for state competition. Various members also perform on the recruiting team in November. Students with abilities in writing, art work, and photography can find ample opportunity for their talents by serving on the staff of the student yearbook, The Viking. Students may apply in the spring. Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Mat. 9:37-38) What is it like to serve the Lord as a pastor or teacher? WLA seeks to give students a glimpse of this kind of service through various activities. Students may participate in Pastor/Teacher for-a-day, visits to Martin Luther College, early foreign-language experience and visits with pastors and teachers on staff. Separate Varsity and Junior Varsity squads are chosen for football and basketball. Regular practices are held in preparation for fall and winter seasons. Tryouts are held in the spring. The squad performs at home basketball and football games. Any girl may try out for this sport. Students who have more interest in sports than phy‑ed satisfies have the opportunity to play on teams with other students of similar skills and interest. Basketball and volleyball are included; other sports as time and interest dictates. Band students play in the Pep Band, and may audition for the Jazz Ensemble for additional band exposure. The Brass Choir plays for area churches or for special chapel services. Special choral groups (i.e. The Academy Kids) are available to those who qualify. The major purpose of all these groups is to represent the school by invitation at various social functions. The Student Council is involved with student government and plans various events throughout the year, both of a social and service nature. It helps to operate the school canteen and underwrites the cost of spectator buses. This competition, sponsored by MLC, is open to all students. It consists of four testing sessions held throughout the school year. Two levels of competition are available. Level one is open to all students, and level two is for sophomores and freshmen. Quiz Bowl is an academic competition held among area high schools. A three-member team is selected by the quiz bowl advisor. Matches are on two nights in late February and March. As a member of the Rivers Division of the East Central Flyway Conference,WLA offers Varsity and Junior Varsity competition for both boys and girls. There are also separate freshman teams for football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball.
Varsity competition on the state level is also available as WLA is a member of Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association. Parents and students are reminded that, as a member of WISAA, interscholastic competition at WLA is governed by certain eligibility standards which include the following: 1. "The student shall not be eligible for participation after eight semesters...the last two and three must be consecutive...attendance and participation must fall within four consecutive years unless there are documented extenuating circumstances and Board of Control approval is granted." 2. "A student shall be ineligible for interscholastic competition if he/she reaches his/her 19th birthday before August 1 of any given year." STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR FOR CO‑CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The standards of behavior listed are intended to aid in the proper administration of the co‑curricular program within a framework of mutual Christian love and respect for the well‑being of all concerned. 1. The participants understand that drinking, smoking, and the use of narcotic or hallucinatory drugs are harmful to the body and hinder maximum effort and performance. Any violation by drinking, smoking, or the use of narcotic or hallucinatory drugs, no matter how seemingly insignificant, means removal from the activity for the season. 2. The participants understand that rest and sleep are essential to proper training, and they must get enough of both to function effectively. 3. The participants understand that as representatives of their parents, school, community, and, above all, their God, they should conduct themselves properly at all times. 4. The participants understand that they must obey specific training and practice rules established by the coach or advisor of each sport or activity. 5. The participants recognize that drinking, smoking, and the use of narcotic or hallucintory drugs are not only harmful to the body, but also hinder maximum effort and performance. 6. The rules of conduct for co-curricular activities apply continuously for the entire time a student is enrolled at WLA. This includes vacation periods and summer. (WIAA mandate) 7. The participants understand that the administrators, advisors, and coaches have the best interests of the participants in mind as they plan and conduct the program. Further details of the co‑curricular policy can be secured by contacting the office. NOTE: These guidelines apply to all students who represent the school on an organized basis such as cheerleading, spirit dancers, Academy Kids, forensics, athletic teams, student council, band, choir, and so forth. All incoming freshmen are required to have the results of a physical examination completed and handed in to the office prior to enrollment. Students participating in interscholastic sports must have a physical every two years. WISAA physical exam cards from the Athletic Department should be used to give evidence of a complete examination. Free physicals are given at the City‑County Building in spring for boys and girls in sports. These dates are published in the Fond du Lac Reporter and announced at school and on KFIZ and WFDL radio stations. OVERNIGHT TRIPS/SCHOOL FUNCTIONS1. Student spectators who stay off‑campus overnight for school-sponsored activities must have a signed parental permission slip on file in the office. Such forms can be secured from the school office. 2. If a family decides to stay in a motel/hotel for a school sponsored-event, a friend or two can be included if the parents and students are in the same room. Special requests may be submitted for consideration. This policy is for spectators. 3. Each chaperon must sign for the students in his charge, accepting responsibility for the duration of the stay. Such forms can be secured from the school office. 4. Students who do not comply with the above will be subject to disciplinary action. 5. Teams or organizations wishing to stay overnight at clinics, tournaments, or other events must secure permission from the administration. 6. Student fans staying overnight for the Lutheran Invitational Tournament (LIT) must stay with their parents. 7. All school organizations (teams, cheerleaders, spirit dancers, band) should return to WLA each evening after the LIT's unless special permission has been granted to the group. Sexual harassment or exploitation is not condoned in scripture and therefore will not be condoned at WLA. The administration of WLA will act to investigate all complaints and take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who is found to have violated God's will in this matter. (The complete policy is available in the WLA office.) The following represents the procedures whereby letters are awarded for participation in academic and co‑curricular activities. For more information on the letter in particular, please contact the person in charge.
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